Shopping in Ronda
Shopping in Ronda is fun. Most of the shops are concentrated around the long pedestrianised street, Calle La Bola, and the minor streets off it, which together make up Ronda´s main shopping area.
Villa Alaju
El Gastor, Andalucia
- 5
- 3
- 2
Accommodation
At a glance
- Sleeps 5
- 1 Double Bedroom
- 1 Single Bedroom
- 1 Twin Bedroom
- 2 Bathrooms
- Air Conditioning
- WiFi
- Ground Floor: Open plan living/dining room (TV, DVD, CD) with lovely views. Kitchen (dishwasher, oven, microwave, washing machine). Double bedroom with en suite shower room. Twin bedroom. Single bedroom. Bathroom. A/C and heating throughout the house. WiFi (limited usage).
- Outside: Extensive grounds of almost 10 acres. Barbecue* with adjacent covered and open dining terraces. Wonderful lakeside views. Private parking.
- Private swimming pool (7m x 5m).
Privileged to one of the most spectacular locations of any house in our Andaluz collection, Villa Alaju sits amidst spacious grounds with wonderful views across the valley and hills that surround the hilltop ‘pueblo blanco’ of Zahara de la Sierra.
The landscape in which the house is located is famed for its outstanding natural beauty and there are breathtaking views to be savoured in all directions. Immediately across the valley lies the National Park of Grazalema while to the right the hilltop Arabic castle at Zahara is a stirring sight particularly at sunset. Nature lovers will appreciate the rich diversity of wildlife that populates the surrounding countryside where birds of prey can regularly be seen soaring overhead.
Much thought and care has been put into the interior decoration. Tastefully chosen local fabrics and tiles blend in sympathetically with the beamed ceilings and practical, attractive furnishings. Outside, the well equipped barbecue area with its adjacent terrace overlooking the private swimming pool is quite simply a superb place in which to relax and enjoy a meal.
The nearby village of El Gastor, 5km away, has all amenities including a local bakery, grocery stores and a lively square with a welcoming local atmosphere and some friendly cafes and restaurants. A visit to Ronda, which is an easy 30 minute drive, should not be missed and several very pretty villages including the picturesque 'pueblo blanco' of Setenil are dotted throughout the surrounding area.
- *As this is a protected area of natural beauty, barbecue bans will be enforced from early June and an electric 'plancha' will be provided for outdoor catering.
- Internet provision is via a satellite connection.
Pricing & Availability
All Prices are per property, not per person.
Location of Villa Alaju
Locality
Great Things to Do Near Villa Alaju
Zahara de la Sierra
Alaju is a good base for touring the white towns. An excellent example is opposite, the town of Zahara de la Sierra, set in a magnificient landscape and crowned by a Moorish castle.
Nature Park of Grazalema
When you leave Zahara, aim for Grazalema, in the heart of the Nature Park of Grazalema. Although the road from Zahara to Grazalema is very narrow and has lots of bends, the views are incredible.
Serrania de Ronda
Grazalema is perhaps the most perfectly preserved of all the white villages dotted around the Serrania de Ronda. Try the tapas bar and restaurants there too - it also has a reputation for producing excellent blankets and rugs.
Arcos de la Frontera
is often described as a smaller, prettier version of Ronda due to its setting between two gorges. Arcos is a town not to be missed. Superbly situated on the edge of a precarious cliff, it has the most expansive views of the surrounding countryside
Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Arts
Try to time your visit to Jerez for the Thursday show of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Arts. Book your tickets in advance.
Ronda is a must
divided by its famous ravine, and adorned with impressive palaces, Moorish baths, and the bullring. Built in 1784, it is one of the oldest in Spain and is the second most important monument of the town. For a small admission charge you can visit the bullring and its museum. Whilst in Ronda, also visit the city centre and the old town, still very charming
Be King of the Castle!
Visit the pretty village of Zahara de la Sierra, as seen from the villa. It's a steep walk up to the medieval castle perched high above on the rock - but well worth the effort to enjoy fabulous views over the lake, the terracota roof tops below and the mountains far beyond. This small but lively village has a welcoming square, perfect to sit in one of its many terraces and sip a cool drink and just watch the world go by.
Visit the beaches of the Costa de la Luz
Alaju 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.
Discover local walks in the village of El Gastor
El Dolmen del Gigante (The Giant’s Dolmen) is a megalithic passage tomb chamber on the hill of Algarin, behind Villa Alaju. It is the largest dolmen in the province of Cádiz, with large vertical megaliths and covered with stone slabs. From here you can enjoy impressive views too.
Ronda Romantica
'Ronda Romantica', is celebrated in May in 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 travellers, horsemen and Bandits of the Serrania de Ronda. For the old and the young it’s a great Festival in Ronda.
Mix with the locals
A five minute drive from Villa Alaju is the pretty village of El Gastor. Its white washed houses adorned with geraniums are sure to enchant you. There is a wonderful local bakery for fresh bread or pastries, and small supermarkets for any provisions you may need. Locals are very friendly and welcoming, making sure you soon feel at ease.
Relax, read a book and take in the views.
Alaju has to be one of the most spectacularly placed villas. The front terrace enjoys the most absorbing view of the surrounding valley and hills. It’s the perfect spot, to just sit back, relax and unwind.
La Pileta Cave
This impressive cave, with its even more impressive wall paintings, is just beyond the village of Benaoján. The cave is open every day of the week and is best to book in advance. The telephone number is 0034 687 13 33 38, calls only. www.cuevadelapileta.org Two guides take candlelit tours of up to 25 people in each group.
Cycle the Green Way
The Via Verde runs for 36 kilometers along the old railway line, from the nearby village of Olvera. This is an ecotourism route that can be done on foot, bicycle, horseback, and even donkey! This permits hikers to contemplate exuberant nature, valuable plant and animal species and the most beautiful landscape.http://www.fundacionviaverdedelasierra.com/
Caminito del Rey
Once considered the most dangerous path in the world, the Caminito de Rey near Ardales is an 8km hike. Today the entire route has been carefully restored and although it's now much safer, one thing hasn't changed - the unique experience of strolling along walkways hanging over 100 metres up on a sheer cliff face. It is spectacular all way long: from the Count of Guadalhorce Reservoir to its end at El Chorro Dam. Placed in unique natural surroundings, the path stretches between two gorges, canyons and a large valley, along pathways or boardwalks. For more information and to book your visit in advance, visit: www.caminitodelrey.info/en
Nearby
Towns/Villages
| El Gastor | 10 mins | |
| Zahara de la Sierra | 25 mins | |
| Grazalema | 25 mins | |
| Ronda | 30 mins | |
| Arcos de la Frontera | 45 mins | |
| Cadiz | 1 Hr 25 mins | |
| Granada | 2 Hrs 20 mins |
Beaches
| San Pedro de Alcantara | 1 Hr 15 mins | |
| Puerto Banus | 1 Hr 15 mins | |
| El Puerto de Santa Maria | 1 Hr 25 mins | |
| Conil | 1 Hr 40 mins |
Airports
| Jerez | 1 Hr 25 mins | |
| Sevilla | 1 Hr 30 mins | |
| Malaga | 2 Hrs | |
| Gibraltar | 2 Hrs 15 mins |
