SEE AND DO
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Ronda and Further Afield
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The beautifully conserved and ancient Moorish town of Ronda with its world famous gorge, oldest bullring in Spain, and delightfully winding cobbled streets is just on your doorstep… as are the charming white Andalucian villages (Pueblos Blancos) typical of the region and where a slower, more traditional way of life still pervades.
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The city of Ronda with a population of just 40,000 is just the right size to enjoy it's history, yet small enough that everywhere is within walking distance of the town centre. In Roman times Arunda as it was known, was a small village while the nearby city of Acinipo dominated the main trade route. By the time of the Moorish conquest Ronda had overtaken other villages for dominance and Acinipo had fallen into ruin. The impregnable fortress that arose above the 'El Tajo' gorge survived hundreds of years of war between Christian Spain and the Moorish Caliphate but finally fell in 1485.
This history and subsequent years have left their mark and today Ronda is one of Spain's most visited cities, and the largest of Andalucia's famed white towns. While you're in Ronda be sure to walk across the Puente Nuevo into the old town and see the many churches and museums, followed by a stroll down to the old bridge and Arab baths. A few hours is more than enough to see the sights in Ronda, although you could easily return another day for a more detailed look.
The white villages and surrounding Natural Parks make excellent and easy half day trips and offer the discerning lover of Spain a taste of the original Andalucia that has hardly changed over the centuries. Three natural parks surround Ronda and so, not surprisingly, those looking for an action holiday will not be disappointed. Whether it’s caves to explore, swimming in clear rivers, horses to ride, a long cycling trip out into the hills or along the nearest Via Verde or rock climbing in the highly-rated ‘El Chorro’ mountains or simply a gentle stroll around Finca Retama’s ample grounds followed by the rest of the day lazing by the pool…there’s something here for all energy levels.
It should also be noted that bird watchers and painters favour the area. Apart from hundreds of endemic species of flora and fauna, Andalucia is also a popular migration stopover point for a lot of bird species.
The area surrounding Finca Retama has a wealth of both bird and plant species. Set amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole of Spain, why not spend at least a day visiting sites of importance for wildflowers and birds with Spanish Nature? Their local knowledge will ensure you find those 'impossible to find' sites in our area and will guarantee you see some of the area's specialities. For further details see their website www.spanishnature.com the site is also a useful reference to wildlife here.
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The nearest beach, which is just under an hour’s drive along one of the most scenic routes in Andalucia, is Marbella’s San Pedro. This happens to be one of the best the Costa del Sol has to offer as the sandy beach is wide and well shaded by trees, the water clean and the immediate area uncluttered by the usual assortment of Costa over development. The unspoilt sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz are only 2 hours drive away – a favourite day trip for those seeking a more tranquil seaside trip. If however you prefer swimming in a clear, clean river-fed lake, drive about 20 minutes through scenic countryside where you'll find the unspoilt and well shaded fresh water lagoon with its grassed beach and great value restaurant.Also there are some other fantastic bucolic settings in which to indulge in clear river swimming. For detailed information on our favourite river swims nearby click on the link: best river sites
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GALLERY
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Leisure Activities
Abundant local hikes in dramatic scenery; horse riding and lessons; rock climbing and river swimming; beaches (one hour); fresh-water beach (25 mins); charming white-washed villages; Golf (45 mins) and much much more...
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Wineries Tour
There are many bodegas on your doorstep. The Ronda 'red' is particularly well rated: arrange a local wine tasting excursion.
Cultural Sites
Andalusia’s six most visited cities are all within a 1 ½ - 2 hour drive from the farm. Aristocratic Jerez famed for its sherry, fine horses and flamenco; Cordoba’s breathtaking Mesquita, arab baths and teahouses; Granada’s world famous Alhambra: a vast Moorish fortress-palace complex; Seville for its pervading perfume of orange blossom, its Moorish Alcazar and superb cathedral; Cadiz with its naval history, fresh seafood delicacies and annual carnival and finally Malaga famed for its Moorish Alcazaba fortress, newly opened Picasso museum and vibrant old town…all a short stroll from the beach.
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Birds Safari
You are in bird-watching country. This part of Andalucia is well known for its abundant and diverse bird-life. To arrange a birding safari speak to local expert Peter Jones
Horse Riding
Arrange a local riding stable to take you on tour through the serrania. One hour or full day with all experience levels catered for.
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Markets
Ronda's big Sunday market packed with fresh fruit and veg, great value clothes and shoes and bags of local colour. Most local villages also have a market day...and much, much more. Come and explore!
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Mystery Trail
New to Ronda is this fun trail around the historic parts of the old town collecting word and number clues from landmarks to eliminate them from the downloaded list leaving just one key and one treasure box. It's an entertaining way to amuse and educate children (and adults!) whilst seeing the sites of this ancient Moorish town. For full details see www.riddleramble.com
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