Spain – Ronda
South of Malaga we leave the coastal region at about the height of Marbella and travel further inland towards Ronda.
We are happy to leave Marbella behind us and drive north into the Spanish interior towards Ronda. The route takes us through the Sierra de Ronda mountains. The surrounding peaks are 1500 to 2000 meters high. In slight serpentines it goes steadily uphill. Small mountain villages pass us by, which are laid out like swallows’ nests on the crests of the surrounding mountain ranges. The route is a pleasant alternative to the concreted coastal route that we have completed so far.
The mountainous landscape is characterized by bushy green plants, olive groves, grain fields and flowering meadows. The day is coming to an end and in search of accommodation we drive on a dirt road to a small country estate off the path (picture below right). We are unlucky again, everything is fully booked. The search for overnight accommodation continues. Since we have not pre-booked as usual on our trips, we need several hours again until we find the “right accommodation”.
Actually, we wanted to spend the night outside of Ronda so as not to strain the travel budget too much, but all requested hotels and guesthouses were occupied. Obviously, we have caught an unfavorable time. Then we are lucky and after a long search we find a small country hotel just outside Ronda, which is run by two sympathetic Dutchmen. The ambience is typical of the country and has a certain charm of Provence.
The next morning we pack our seven things. We don’t want to stay here another night, because that would tear too big a hole in our travel budget. So we decide to pay a visit to Ronda and then continue our journey. Already the journey to the city of Ronda leads us through winding small streets in the typical Andalusian architectural style.
Old Town of RondaChurch in Ronda
The medieval city walls give an idea of the fortifications of this city.
You immediately feel the history of this city, but at the same time it is filled with lively and pulsating life that you feel physically everywhere.
