Great Things to Do Near Hacienda Los Olivos
Pueblos Blancos
Ronda provides a very good base for the white villages of the Serranía de Ronda. The first visit could be to the nearby town of Arriate, famous for its pork products. The local ham, cured in this ideal mountain climate, is exported throughout Spain.
Setenil
From Arriate, drive towards Setenil de las Bodegas. This is a spectacular village with houses built inside the mountain.
Explore Granada Further
But Granada is not just the Alhambra, the city itself offers further delights: the ancient Albaicín quarter, the Royal Chapel adjoining the cathedral and many lively little squares, pulsating with energy.
Go for a stroll
Ronda retains its Spanish flavour in the evenings which is the best time for a walk along the gorge and famous Alameda Park. The sunsets are beautiful.
Sunday Market
Every Sunday morning there is a busy market, not far from Hacienda Los Olivos. Go early for the best choice - you can find a good array of fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheeses and excellent olives!
Serranitos
Another area with lots of bars and off the tourist area is Plaza de San Francisco, in the old part of the town, by the old town walls. There are many bars there,try serranitos, a delicious small sandwich with pork, serrano ham, pepper and tomato.
Go to the Foot of the Gorge
You cannot leave Ronda without going down to the bottom of the gorge. Cross the gorge and drive along the narrow road until you come to the old walls of the town. Turn right, then right again at the bar called Bodega San Francisco. Now simply go downhill.
The Most Relaxing Way to Keep in Shape
Have a game of tennis in the evening and work up an appetite for a delicious supper on the terrace overlooking the pool.
Visit a bodega
Some excellent wines are produced by 'bodegas' in the Ronda area and some bodegas offer guided tours and wine tastings. Ronda also has a wine museum where you can sip a glass as you wander around the beautiful old building and discover the history of wine production in the region.
Explore the area on two wheels!
A local company offers cycling day trips with fully qualified British Cycling guides. There are a variety of different trips, from easy country rides to more difficult mountain climbs for more experienced cyclists. Contact Hike and Bike before your holiday to arrange dates with them. http://www.hikeandbikeholidays.com/cycling-spain/day-trips
Enjoy the beautiful countryside
Surrounding Hacienda Los Olivos is a network of small lanes to stroll along and take in the views over to the Sierra de Grazalema. Enjoy an evening walk and watch the sunset over the vineyards nearby or hire mountain bikes and adventure further towards the mountains.
Feria de Pedro Romero
Ronda celebrates its fair and festival in honour of Pedro Romero, the only fair in the world dedicated to a bullfighter, in late August/early September each year “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. 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. Check the local tourist office website for dates.
Ronda Romantica
A date not to be missed in Ronda, 'Ronda Romantica', celebrated in May each year. 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 travelers, horsemen and Bandits of the Serrania de Ronda. For the old and the young it’s a great Festival in Ronda.
Buy some typical dulces, cakes from the nuns
The sisters in the convent at Ronda, are famous for baking special biscuits and cakes for Navidad, Christmas, which the enclosed order sells through a ‘turno’, or revolving hatch, in the door. There are pastries and cakes made all year too.
Enjoy an evening cocktail
The newly opened Catalonia Hotel Ronda has a wonderful roof top terrace bar, you can enjoy pre dinner drinks and watch the sunset overlooking the bullring, old town and the Grazalema Mountains beyond.
Have a Spa day
This spa in Ronda is designed in the style of the traditional Moroccan hammam. A great way to treat yourselves, this wonderful little spa and wellness with 5 saltwater pools, sauna, hot and cold baths plus massages to balance your body and your mind. Located just next to the Arab baths in Ronda, the most well preserved in Spain. www.hammamaguasderonda.com
