From Marbella to Los Pueblos Blancos.

From Marbella’s golden beaches to the charming whitewashed villages of Los Pueblos Blancos, this journey unveils Andalusia’s rich heritage. Winding mountain roads lead to timeless beauty, where Moorish architecture, serene plazas, and stunning vistas reflect Spain’s vibrant history and cultural soul.

Here are 3 scenic destinations to visit:

– Cortes de la Frontera

Cortes de la Frontera is situated at the boundary of the Alcornocales Natural Park, which hosts the largest cork-oak forest in Europe. Spanning more than 170 square kilometers, this municipality ranks among the largest in the province of Málaga.

A brief 25-minute drive from Benaoján along the MA-8041 road, which traces the path of the Guadiaro River and passes the Cueva de la Pileta on the right, will lead you to the town of Cortes de la Frontera. This town’s area extends almost completely into Los Alcornocales Natural Park, a biosphere reserve covering 1,677 km², renowned for being one of the largest and most diverse cork-oak forests in the world.

The natural park features a variety of trail networks suitable for all skill levels: from easy forest loops that highlight majestic oaks, to more challenging climbs up Pico del Aljibe (1,092 m). In the town, the 18th-century town hall stands as a remarkable architectural landmark and a significant example of neoclassical design, while the Church (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario) serves as the centerpiece of a tranquil plaza adorned with traditional family-owned restaurants, perfect for enjoying local game stews and wild mushroom dishes after a day spent on the trails.

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– Grazalema

Once only the realm of intrepid explorers, the mountainous regions beyond Ronda have been tamed in the past 2 years. Still spectacular and rugged, they are now accessible to 4 x 4’s. A weekend in the mountains is becoming an integral part of life for those Marbelli who don’t spend every spare minute on the golf course.

Accessible they may now be, but they retain their vast grandeur and awesome sense of wide open space which makes you marvel at the size and emptiness of Spain. The Junta de Andalucia is making a great effort to keep the local populations in their traditional homes, and is promoting “Rural Tourism” to create jobs in the villages. Walking holidays, cycling, bird watching, climbing and other energetic pursuits are enticing people to the new hotels and recreating village life

Nowhere is this more apparent than in Grazalema, 20km north west of Ronda. The Grazalema nature reserve of some 52,000 hectares encompasses eleven towns and villages, including Ronda. In many places the limestone rock has been cut out to create numerous chasms, caverns and caves, some famous for prehistoric remains. The Torreon is the highest peak in the park at 1,654m

The Rio Guadalete begins in these mountains creating 2 large reservoirs. The extraordinary abundance of water with rainfall on average of 2,500 litres per year and over 4,000 litres in rainy years produces a micro-climate and ecological richness unique in Andalucia, nowhere else is Andalucia so green. The village of Grazalema justifiably prides itself on being the cleanest in the province. With 5 hotels and a variety of restaurants, it is probably also the most enterprising. A cottage industry of fine wool blanket weaving, and a variety of local produce (the pickled garlics are to die for) adds to that reputation.

But it is it’s high location, tucked into a steep corner of a mountain, which creates the perfect environment for walkers. A variety of marked senderos (walks) exist for all levels of expertise. Some regions of the park are restricted and you need authorisation and possibly a guide, both available from the village tourist offices, or your hotel.

– Benaoján

Constructed in two separate sections on the northern slope of the Sierra de Libar, Benaoján features the original village, which clings to a steep mountainside, alongside a lower settlement that extends around the railway station in the Guadiaro valley.

Situated at the base of a stunning karst limestone terrain, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Marbella, Benaoján is truly a haven for hikers. The trails transition from striking stacked karst formations to expansive meadows adorned with tall grass, and to verdant olive groves nestled among hillsides vibrant with wildflowers and turquoise rivers. At times, you may feel as if you are in Switzerland, while at other moments, the surroundings may evoke a sense of being in outer space.

Just beneath the village lies a renowned railway, arguably the most famous feature of the region: The Algeciras–Ronda railway, affectionately referred to as “Mr Henderson’s Railway” in honor of the British engineer who advocated for its construction in the 1890s. This enchanting railway can be traversed via footpaths for a 7.5 km stretch that begins at the old station and extends to Jimera de Líbar—a moderately challenging walk that takes approximately three and a half hours. Equally fascinating is the trek to the Cueva de la Pileta from Benaoján station: a 7 km round-trip journey that leads to prehistoric cave paintings, underground chambers, and the striking karst formations of the valley.

A visit to Benaoján would be incomplete without experiencing the exceptional dining venue and hotel, Molino del Santo. This beautifully renovated 18th-century water mill serves innovative Andalusian cuisine in a scenic riverside location, where the powerful sounds of the rapids resonate in the atmosphere. Additionally, a delightful outdoor terrace adorned with flowers offers views of the groves, creating a remarkably picturesque backdrop for lunch or dinner.

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