Mountain Village in the Sun

Activities:
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Visitors to Montejaque usually come to relax and enjoy a peaceful time away from the pressures of modern life; however, for those who like to be fairly active during their holiday there is no shortage of sports and leisure activities.

Walking is one of the most popular activities. Numerous tracks wind away from Montejaque through mountains, cork forests and farmland where you can enjoy spectacular scenery undisturbed by traffic and everyday noise. The countryside is part of the Grazalema Natural Park and is a paradise for botanists and ornithologists.

The Los Arqueros golf course, on the road to San Pedro is about an hour's drive away. Other activities in the area include:

• Horse riding • Mountain biking
• Climbing • Caving • Gorge descents

There is also a marvellous railway - one of the great little railways of the world - through gorges, canyons, mountains or Andalucian countryside. From Ronda to Algeciras or Malaga, you can stop somewhere in between and soak up the local atmosphere.

Out and about:
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Andalucia is the second largest of Spain's seventeen autonomous communities, with an area of 87,300 square kilometres spreading across the south of the country. It covers just over 17 per cent of Spain's land mass, is larger than Austria, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium and is only marginally smaller than Portugal.

The region is often portrayed as a land which has been both scorched and shaped by an implacable sun. Whilst it is true that during the summer the mercury often climbs above 40 degrees, it is equally true that an abundance of rivers and streams ensures that lush greenery is never far away. From the profusion of wild flowers to announce the arrival of springtime in the mountains, to the majestic flight of a black vulture soaring over the peaks of the Sierra Morena, nature lovers should never find themselves too far away from a spectacular sight.
All the stereotypical images of Spain are here:

• Bullfights • Gypsies
• Flamenco • Fiestas and ferias

Andalucia also has a rich gastronomic and cultural heritage.
It is home to poetry and literature, wonderful ancient and modern architecture and the art of such painters as Velázquez, Zurbarán, and not least Picasso.

Much of the territory is National Parkland and the region is divided into unique provinces, each with its own character and charm, offering the visitor numerous reasons to explore and, of course, to return.

• Cadiz, the most southerly of Andalucia's provinces, bordered by the river Gualalquivir and Huelva province to the west.
• Seville province to the north.
• Malaga province to the east, with the Atlantic ocean and Mediterranean sea to the south.

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Activities:

Horse Riding:

Montejaque and the surrounding area is excellent horse riding country. Numerous tracks and paths, which for years were in everyday use as mountain roads, wind throughout the area - some of the routes were even used for smuggling in years gone by!
Spanish horses are famous world-wide. Horses are hired from a local company in Ronda (Picadero La Granja, Plaza España,3. Ronda
Tel 952 875 956-666 56 78 11) and you are provided with a guide who is completely familiar with these surroundings and the many paths. You can ride safe in the knowledge that your mount is of good stock, sure-footed and entirely at home in this rough terrain. This leaves you free to enjoy the scenery and take in all that is happening around you.
A few days riding allows you to discover a part of Spain only normally seen by the locals, as you can explore wild countryside far removed from the mass tourism areas.

Several tours and trecks range from a few hours to a few days in the area. Here is a sample of the range available:

• Bandolero tour -3 hours
• Contrabandistas tour - 5 hours

• Cave of the Pileta tour -1 day
• Grazalema tour - 2 days
• Ubrique tour - 3 days

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Hiking & Walking:

Walking at all levels through the mountains, using trails and tracks that have been in existence in some cases for hundreds of years, you really capture the feeling that you have stepped back in time.
Nature seemingly left to its own devices, a treasure trove for those interested in flora and fauna, set against an azure sky with Griffon Vultures soaring, the warm air rising from the steep mountain slopes - a photographer's dream.
A myriad of trails and tracks greet the serious walker who will undoubtedly find the longer distance trails both a challenge and pleasure, in surroundings that have a unique quality.
Routes start at the top of the village and the limestone provides good grip but can be very sharp so good footwear is essential.

Here are a few examples of excellent hiking trails available - please click on the name for further information on each route.

• Canchuelo
• El Castillo/Mirador - a great 10 minutes' walk
• Hacho Mountain
• Sierra Circuit
• Tavizna Circuit

We recommend the Sunflower Landscape guidebook to accompany your trip.
Please click here for further information on Sunflower guidebooks.

The mountains surrounding Montejaque are:

• Tavizna 899m
• Hacho 1065m
• El Pico de la Ventana 1298m

The River Campobuche flows from near Grazalema to the dam at Tavizna, and then disappears into the mountain at the Hundidero Cave, appearing again near Benaojan at the Cueva del Gato or Cave of the Cat.

Montejaque is of Arabic origin, and the part of the town known as the Castillo was a mediaeval citadel, complete with minarets. It is said that during the Napoleonic wars the villagers managed to fend off the French army. The Church of Santiago el Mayor, built in the 16th century and restored in the18th, is built in a gothic style, with high arches. There is a small chapel on the hill opposite the town, where the town holds its Virgen for Romarias, a type of pilgrimage/party. You can see the path winding up from the Benaojan road, and it is an easy walk with wonderful views, known as Las Canchas. Above the town, accessed from near the Bar La Cabana lie the wonderful mountain meadows of the Llanos de Libar with various beautiful Cortijos and sinkholes for the cavers.

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Caving:

Caves abound in the limestone mountains around Montejaque and it is high on the activities agenda of many cavers and pot holing enthusiasts. Montejaque boasts its own caving centre and museum, which is also a centre for information on the Grazelema Natural Park.
The deepest potholes in Andalucia and two of the most famous caves are within 10 minutes' of the village.
Apart from La Pileta, the underground route from El Hundidero (cave of the blessed waters) to El Gato is a trip through caves of enormous proportions and takes approximately 7 hours. This cave is not for the faint-hearted or unfit!
Abseiling, jumping into dark waters and even boats are involved in this cave system, although the roof is approx 20m above your head. A guide and full equipment is supplied locally. It is worth noting that on occasions this cave is not passable due to water levels.
There is also the historic Cueva de la Pileta. Located in the mountains of Sierra de Libar, near Benoajan, it has several paintings from the Palaeolithic period, some of them believed to be 25,000 years old.
Open from 10.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 18.00, you can take a guided 1 hour visit. The entrance is at an altitude of 670m above sea level. Its formation is attributed to a subterranean river of pluvial water which begins in the mountains called Monteprieto and Pozuelo. Given the enormous size inside we may assume that the erosion caused by the river took hundreds of thousands of years. During such a long period of time the river had three different exits forming the different entries used today. There are now four entrances: in the south La Cueva de la Vaca (cave of the cow); another one in the east; another in the Sima de las Grajas (crow chasm) and finally the one used by visitors which was discovered in 1924 by the son of the original discoverer.
Please click here for more history on Cueva de la Pileta.

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Mountain Biking:

Montejaque is ideally situated for all those who enjoy (or would like to experience) the trials and tribulations of mountain bikes.
A ride through mountains using trails and tracks that follow rivers one moment and climb high into the surrounding mountains the next; the wind rushing through your hair on the downhill stretches, the sudden obstacles - this is mountain biking.
The less adventurous can always follow the more sedate pace of the quiet lanes around Montejaque.
Full information of all mountain biking routes is available from our representatives in resort.

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Swimming:

The Zahara Reservoir (Embalse de Zahara) is located a short drive from Montejaque on the main road between Ronda and Arcos in the direction of Sevilla and runs in an easterly to westerly direction.
It offers numerous spots in which take a leisurely half day basking and swimming in the sun with fantastic views of the nearby Grazalema mountains. Combine this with a visit to the nearby fortress town of Zahara and you have a splendid day out for all of the family.

The town of Zahara is located about 27km from Montejaque off the main Ronda to Arcos/Sevilla road (A376). It affords fantastic views of mountains, the reservoir and the town of Zahara. There are steep drop-offs on entering the water in some places so young children and non swimmers should be supervised at all times. Large underwater rocks are commonplace as are a few submerged trees lining the shor. As there is a lack of shade at the reservoir we strongly recommend you take umbrellas. Please ask about rentals at the Hotel Palacete reception, where beach towels, sun screen, umbrellas, chairs (or something soft to sit on) water, food, ice boxes and telescopic hiking poles are all readily available. There are no shops or vendors near the lake.

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Out and about - Parks & Mountains:

Alcornocales Natural Park:
The Alcornocales Natural Park is undoubtedly one of the jewels of Spain's many protected nature reserves. Covering over 170,000 hectares (roughly the size of West Yorkshire) this park is unique in Europe not only for its size but for the fact that there is not a single town, village or hamlet within its boundaries.
Please click here for more information on Alcornocales Natural Park.

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Doñana Natural Park:
An area of extraordinary ecological wealth, classified by UNESCO as a Biospheric Reserve, the park of Doñana is situated in the provinces of Seville, Huelva and Cadiz and covers an area of over 50,000 hectares.
Please click here for more information on Doñana Natural Park.

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Grazalema and Grazalema Natural Park:
Grazalema is a little white town at the heart of two natural parks and is the natural centre of Andalucia, where narrow streets spread below craggy peaks on three sides to a green valley below.
Please click here for more information on Grazalema Natural Park.

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Sierra Nevada :
The Sierra nevada range of mountains, rising to 11,400 feet, is situated some 20 miles inland from the coast, a short drive from the city of Granada. The international ski resort of "Sol y Nieve" has an average snowfall of 8 feet, is the sunniest resort in Europe and skiing is usually available from early December to mid-May.
Please click here for more information on Sierra Nevada.

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Out and about - Towns & Villages:

Arcos de la Frontera:
To walk around the old town of Arcos, perched on a steep rock, with wonderful views of the Guadalete Valley, is to discover a new ancient building around every corner. The narrow streets twist like a Moorish maze, an inheritance from its Moorish past. Follow the long street up to the castle and youÕll be rewarded with views in all directions.
Please click here for more information on Arcos de la Frontera.

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Chiclana:
Chiclana is a busy working town, with a wide selection of shops and amenities. Our properties near Chiclana are surrounded by rolling countryside, yet conveniently located within a few minutes' drive of the town. The local golf courses of San Andres (9 holes), Novo Sancti Petri (18 & 9 holes) and Monte Medio (18 holes) are all within easy reach by car. Here you can also enjoy the fabulous beaches at La Barrossa, Roche and Conil.

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Conil de la Frontera:
Conil de la Frontera is a little white town which spills onto a long stretch of sandy beach. A thriving seaside town, it offers the visitor a wide selection of shops, bars and restaurants yet remains largely non-commercialised, and retains a traditional Spanish atmosphere. It is an ideal location for relaxation as, in addition to the many facilities in the town, it also has miles of unspoilt, golden sandy beaches stretching around the coast as far as the eye can see.
Please click here for more information on Conil

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El Puerto de Santa Maria:
Built on the Guadalete, the "river of forgetfulness," El Puerto came into its own after five centuries of Moorish occupation. Cristobal Colon (Columbus) lived here, and the "Santa Maria" was one of the ships that sailed with this expedition.
Please click here for more information on El Puerto de Santa Maria

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Guaro:
Guaro is a charming Andalucian village, set amongst the beautiful scenery of the hills behind the Costa del Sol Tucked away just off the road between Coin and Ronda, the village has a few local shops, a communal swimming pool and bars but it is only about 20 minutes' drive from the hustle and bustle of Marbella and the Costa del Sol.

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Ronda:
The ancient town of Ronda straddles the spectacular Tajo gorge and is the home of one of Spain's most famous bullrings. It is a town of stunning architectural styles with Moorish houses in much of the old town, interspersed with Renaissance mansions. One of the chief attractions of Ronda is the wonderful view of the surrounding countryside from the bridge over the gorge.
Please click here for more information on Ronda

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Sanlucar de Barrameda:
Sanlucar de Barrameda on the left bank of the River Guadalquivir is topped with the castle of San Diego and dotted with towers and bell gables.
Please click here for more information on Sanlucar de Barrameda.

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Vejer:
Tucked away between the sea and Sierra mountains, Vejer de la Frontera is one of the loveliest white towns you will find in Andalucia. This hill town is a perfectly preserved example of what many towns were like during the five centuries of Islamic occupation. Vejer is a labyrinth of whitewashed, winding cobbled streets. Set 600 feet above the surrounding countryside, the old town has a mass of very interesting historical monuments. The castle, turreted medieval walls, the minaret of the old mosque, churches and convents are a blend of Moorish, Visigoth and Mudejar styles. The town has a relaxing atmosphere where the locals welcome visitors and small bars and restaurants make wandering through the town a pleasure.

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Zahara:
Zahara de los Atunes, derived from the Arabic "flower of the tuna fish", is a small fishing village, located on the Costa de la Luz, situated about 10km east of Barbate, approximately 30km north of Tarifa. If you turn off the coast road (CN 340) at a little bar called Venta el Retin, you will discover Zahara. Zahara has a wonderful natural location alongside a 15km beach and lies in a fertile valley between the Sierra del Retin and the Sierra de la Plata. The surrounding countryside is a paradise for naturalists, birdwatchers and ramblers and the wide sandy beach, with its views of Africa and the Rif mountains, hardly ever gets crowded. In the height of summer the small hotels and apartments are popular with Spanish holidaymakers, this ensures there are many quality traditional fish restaurants in the area. With a stunning wilderness of unspoilt white sandy coastline stretching as far as Cape Gracia, you can drive south from Zahara, as far as the lighthouse on Cape Gracia and explore the beaches. This is a no through road, hence the area has remained unspoiled and largely undiscovered. In the village itself there are the historical ruins of the "Castillo de las Amadrabas". Initially a fortification built in the fifteenth century by the Dukes of Medina Sidonia for protection against pirates, it was later used by local fishermen to store their tuna fishing equipment. A few modern resort hotels sit alongside the traditional beach cabins and hostels and, in this part of town, you can enjoy a drink on the beachfront in the bar of the Hotel Gran Sol.

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Out and about - Cities:

Cadiz:
Founded by the Phoenicians as Gadir more than three thousand years ago, Cadiz is claimed to be western Europe's oldest city. Oldest city in western Europe 1587 - Sir Francis Drake carried out his 'singeing of the King of Spain's beard' here by burning ships in the harbour. Port with ferries to the Canary Islands. Boats cross the bay of Cadiz to Puerto de Santa Maria.Whether the claim is true or not, there can be little disputing its charm. Both city and province are characterised by the intensity of the light. Not surprisingly the coastline along the Atlantic south of the province from Cadiz down to Tarifa is known as the Costa de La Luz - the coast of light, where you can explore mile after mile of golden sandy beaches.
Please click here for more information on Cadiz

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Cordoba:
(160km from Ronda) Take the Seville road as far as Algodonales then turn eastwards towards Campillos and Antequera. Just north of Antequera you take the road to Cordoba (no motorway), passing near Lucena and Montilla where you can stop and buy wine in the Bodega de Avear.
Please click here for more information on Cordoba.

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Granada:
(200km from Ronda) The capital city of the province of Granada, with excellent shops, restaurants, cathedral, the famous Alhambra Palace and adjoining Generalife. This very cosmopolitan city warrants a thorough visit.
Please click here for more information on Granada.

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Jerez:
Jerez is the home of sherry and the continual sunshine throughout the area ensures that the world famous tipple is never in short supply.
Produced in the so-called Sherry triangle between the towns of Jerez, Sanlœcar and Puerto de Santa Maria, sherry is a generic term which includes numerous different flavours from intensely sweet to bone dry. Spaniards themselves rarely order a sherry, preferring to specify according to grape variety or style, ordering instead 'un fino' or 'un oloroso. At Jerez de la Frontera you can visit the world famous bodegas.

Not only famous for its sherry and Spanish brandy (Britain receives the largest quantity of its exports!) Jerez is also home to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Arterez and motor sport enthusiasts are also catered for as the Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix takes place 10km outside Jerez, at the International Circuito de Jerez.
Please click here for more information on Jerez

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Seville:
Seville is a wonderful city, where everyday is a joy, whether walking through ancient streets or by the river, sampling tapas, admiring monuments, climbing the Giralda tower or just relaxing under the orange trees.
Please click here for more information on Seville.

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Out and about - Provinces:

Huelva:
The province of Huelva has four very interesting areas:

• Coto Donana National Park
• Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park
• Minas de Riotinto
• Coast

Please

click here for more information on Huelva.

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Flights to Jerez Malaga

Flights to