Road to Ronda Andalucia see also hotels Ronda

In the south of Andalucia I've just boarded the Andalucian Express at San Roque. I'm heading up towards Ronda and this train will take me up the heart of Andalucia.

Passing through endless delights in the landscapes with mountain scenery to marvel at. Departing from San Roque you can't miss the masses of Black Winged Stalks that nest on the line side pylons, giving close up views. The train slowly, peacefully passes through the spanish countryside, offering you a look at the way of life in the local communities.

Through the trees small outbuildings hide with their many secrets. Across flowery fields, Jimena de la Frontera appears with the Castle perched high on the horizon. The white washed villages, so much a feature of this region are joined on telephone wires by the brightly coloured Beeater birds that are common here.

Before too long we arrive at Benaojan. A good spot to jump off and have a wander around. About four kilometres above this peaceful village lies the La Pileta cave.This highly important sight offers both Paleolithic and Neolithic remains of great interest.The rock paintings are one of the many highlights of a guided tour around this site.

Further to the north, some 20 kms from Ronda lies one of Spain's most highly regarded Roman sites called Acinipo. The importance of this site can be noted by it's ability for coin minting.Today, this site offers atmospheric surroundings with the theatre ruins and dramatic views from the top of the hill. From here you get a real feel why the site was used. The mountain village of Grazalema in this region is another place not to be missed. Following the path above the village around the mountains gives you a real insight into the way of life here.

The train back at Benoajan takes you on the short trip into Ronda. Widely known as one of Andalucias best attractions has so much to see,and can be difficult to know where to start.The history that surrounds it is one thing but it is probably often noted today for it's dramatic gorge. Ronda,stands on a huge plateau and the gorge splits the 18th century part of the town from the medieval. Passing over the New bridge be brave enough to look down at the tremendous depth of the gorge. Certainly the houses overhanging the edge of the rock split here have a view to die for.

If the weather's not to hot take the path down into the surrounding fields. Olive groves are common place here but your reward for this steep walk is the view back to the gorge - truly spectacular! The views of the bridge change with every step in height you take. Climbing back up into the town and passing through the narrow, clean streets you can't help but eye the buildings. So much to see and image as the masses of tourists peer and the locals go about their everyday life.

Passing through the Arch of Felipe V. I'm now heading back across the New Bridge, passing many of the shops that line the main streets that still offer many traditional items. The Bullring here is the largest and oldest in Spain with a history to view at, if one desires. The Church of La Merced stands in front of you at the end of this road with pleasent seats in a shaded park area, often needed on the warm and sunny days of this area.

There is so much more to see and do in Rhonda and the surrounding areas. I've just outlined a few of my personnel experiences on what one can do. For those wishing on walking in the higher mountains the Sierra de Las Nieves lies to the south east of the City. The coast is just an hour's drive away but why not get away from it and explore some of the real secrets of Andalucia.

Clive Burrows, clive@cliveburrows.wanadoo.co.uk

Clive Burrows has given permission for this article to be published here, for which I thank him very much. The article is copyright to Clive Burrows, and his permission should be sought before it is reproduced elsewhere; this article is presented here in HTML format, and may either be read on-line or downloaded for later perusal

Places to visit in Andalusia Almeria, Benalmadena, Estepona, Cadiz, Fuengirola ,Jerez Huelva Mijas, Marbella, Nerja and Torremolinos.on your cheap holidays in Spain.