Great Things to Do Near Hacienda La Vina
Don't forget to bring your binoculars!
The views from Hacienda La Viña are amazing, but are even better if you have some binoculars. There are vistas all around the house, towards the white washed village of Zahara, the peaks of Lagarin and Las Grajas beside El Gastor and the National Park of Sierra de Grazalema. Bird watchers will not be disappointed, especially with large groups of Griffon Vultures riding the thermals above the villa.
Visit Ronda - the City of Dreams
The beautiful, historic town of Ronda, with its impressive gorge, is only 25 minutes drive away. Take refreshment at a café table in one of the lively squares, marvel at the views from the famous bridge, stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town, or sit back and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride round the many places of interest. Ronda has something for everyone and is one of Spain's most beautiful towns.
Costa de La Luz
Hacienda La Viña is just over an hour's easy drive from some of Europe's most stunning beaches, on the Costa de la Luz. This is the Atlantic coast, and here you will find hidden small coves and spectacular long stretches of golden sands. Never overcowded, and great fun for enjoying watersports.
Hire Cycles and ride along the Via Verde
The Via Verde or Green Way runs for 36 kilometres along the old railway line from Jerez to Almargen, between the provinces of Seville and Cadiz, linking the towns of Olvera and Puerto Serrano. This is an ecotourism route that can be done on foot, bicycle, horseback, and even donkey!
Take the metro into Sevilla
You can now catch the new Metro train into Sevilla from the outskirts of the city – the idea being saving the hassle of parking in this busy traffic jammed capital! Free parking at the station and trains run every 15 minutes.
Feria de Pedro Romero, Ronda
Ronda celebrates its fair and festival in honour of Pedro Romero, the only fair in the world dedicated to a bullfighter, the first weekend in September “Rondeños” (locals of Ronda) and visitors alike can enjoy a whole week of fun and festivities. There are celebrations in the main town centre nearest to the bullring during the day. The main attraction being the “Corrida Goyesca”, a bullfight with the “toreros” wearing a traditional Goyesca style costumes based on the Spanish artist Goya. The first bullfight of this style was celebrated in 1954, on the 200th anniversary of the birth of the famous bullfighter from Ronda, Pedro Romero. There is also the large fairground on the outskirts of the town, near the roundabout. Bullfighting is not the only thing to see, ladies dressed in traditional gypsy flamenco dresses and the beautiful horse and carriage parade on Sunday is unquestionably worth seeing.
Enjoy local walks, full of history too!
This area has been settled since prehistoric times and around El Gastor evidence has been found of dolmens, or Megalithic burial grounds. The most famous of these is El Charcón, commonly known as the ‘Tumba del Gigante’. This ‘Giant’s Tomb’ dating from the Bronze Age is formed by three-metre high stone pillars and a nine-metre long passageway. Just a short walk uphill from the village it makes a pleasant ramble with some great views too!
Enjoy arts and tastes in Malaga
A simple pleasure, after working up an appetite wondering around Malaga's Pablo Picasso and Thyssen art museums, is to sample the typical dish of Malaga. Espetos are sardines skewered on a bamboo stick and grilled over a fire and can be eaten along the many beachside bars.
Capture the colours of autumn
Autumn in Andalucia is a wonderful time. Around the countryside the colours change to rich reds and golden yellows. A wonderful show of nature that repeats itself year after year. The foliage is spectacular and as the chestnut harvest begins around the mountain villages of Ronda, the aromas of roasted chestnuts fill the streets.
Ronda Romantica
A date not to be missed in Ronda, “Ronda Romantica”, late May. The whole town centre comes alive with the Recreation of the Romantic Era. A genuine encounter with the legendary past of this land and its identity. There are parades, battles, markets and parties galore as everyone is dressed up as old age travellers, horsemen and Bandits of the Serrania de Ronda. For the old and the young, it’s a great Festival in Ronda.
La Alhambra - Granada
Granada can be reached in just over two hours’ drive from Ronda. Explore the old Muslim quarter of Granada city, the Albaicín, then wander around the mesmerising Alhambra Palace. Entrance tickets are timed, so you can book in advance and plan your day in this lovely city accordingly. Tickets must be booked well in advance, so book online before your holiday to avoid being disappointed! https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/
Shop for local crafts
Especially in nearby Ronda, Grazalema and Zahara, there are some charming small craft shops selling unique art objects, ceramics, rugs and baskets made from olive branches and grasses. You can also buy leather goods, glazed tiles and beautiful wool shawls hand-woven locally.
Take a day trip to Cadiz
Featured recently on many travel and cuisine TV programmes, Cadiz is just a 90-minute drive away. This small city known locally as "la Isla", the island, it is completely surrounded by the sea. Its majestic Cathedral sits along the shores of the Atlantic coast. Narrow streets full of charm and old-world character can easily be explored on foot. Visit the lively fish market and be amazed at the fresh tuna caught locally. Then spend the afternoon on the beach relaxing!
Corpus Christi
In Springtime in both El Gastor and Zahara de la Sierra, the villages are transformed from brilliant white to a rich green colour with grasses, eucalyptus branches and floral altars. Celebrating Corpus Christi is the most important festival of the year for some locals.
Fiestas in El Gastor
The Spanish love a party and know how to do it well! The first weekend of August is the Feria in El Gastor, with plenty of socialising, flamenco singing and dancing, horses, bulls and games to enjoy. In the first week of October the locals also pay homage to their Patron Saint, Virgen del Rosario, celebrating with colourful processions. It's a lovely experience and a chance to see the true Andalusian spirit.
