— Ronda journal · Day trips

The white villages
near Ronda.

Four stops within an hour of Doble-R. Whitewashed lanes, viewpoints and real food.

If you come to Doble-R for a few days and only see Ronda, you're missing half of it. Around us are a handful of white villages that feel out of another time. You can see them all in one or two days, no rush, and each has its own character.

01

Setenil de las Bodegas

White houses inside the rock

20 min by car Visit: 2–3 h 17 km northeast

The most photogenic, hands down. White houses literally built inside the rock — a townscape that looks impossible until you see it for yourself.

Cuevas del Sol and Cuevas de la Sombra streets in Setenil

Cuevas del Sol and Cuevas de la Sombra, the most photographed streets in the village.

Practical tip: park at the upper part of the village and walk down. The streets Cuevas del Sol and Cuevas de la Sombra are the famous ones — they still surprise you, however many Instagram shots you've already seen.

Some mornings Setenil wakes up without tourists and the village feels yours. Get up early — it's worth it. — Adrián's tip
02

Grazalema

Mountain village, silence and cheese

45 min by car Half a day Natural Park
View of Grazalema from a viewpoint with the sierra behind

Grazalema, tucked into the sierra. One of the rainiest villages in Spain — paradoxically.

45 minutes along mountain road, already inside the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. More of a mountain village: steep lanes, iron fountains and tremendous silence. There are a couple of artisan cheese makers and a market on Mondays that's worth catching.

If you like walking, some of the Serranía's best routes start here, such as the Pinsapar (requires booking in advance) or the Salto del Cabrero. It's the ideal base for hiking.

03

Júzcar

The Smurf village (yes, still blue)

40 min by car Visit: 1 h Genal Valley

Yes, it's still painted blue. In 2011 Sony painted it for the Smurfs movie promotion and, when the campaign ended, the locals voted to keep it that way. It's curious, photogenic and can be seen in half an hour.

40 minutes along narrow mountain roads, but the views make the drive itself worth it. You cross the Genal Valley, one of the greenest and least-known corners of the province.

Entrance to the village of Júzcar Smurf dad figure
04

Gaucín

Our secret favourite

1 h by car Half a day Towards the coast
View from Gaucín lookout towards the Rock of Gibraltar

From the Castillo del Águila lookout you can see the Rock of Gibraltar and, on clear days, the African coast.

This one is our favourite, and we'd almost rather not share it. It's on "the other side", facing the coast, and from its lookout you can see the Rock of Gibraltar and, on clear days, the African coast. Much less touristy than the others.

— If you only have a few days

A suggested route

— Day 1

Setenil + Ronda

Morning in Setenil walking the streets under the rock. Lunch at Bar Domingo. Afternoon exploring Ronda: New Bridge, bullring, Arab Baths.

— Day 2

Grazalema

Full day in Grazalema. If you like walking, the Pinsapar route or Salto del Cabrero. If you prefer quiet, a stroll, the cheese maker, and back home.

— Day 3

Júzcar + Gaucín

Morning photos in Júzcar. Lunch with a view at Platero (Gaucín). Sunset at the Castillo del Águila lookout. Back to Doble-R, into the pool.

And of course, back to Doble-R every night. After so many white villages, the pool is most welcome.

— Feeling it already?

Explore the Serranía
from Doble-R.

Three bedrooms, a private pool and the white villages within easy reach. Book directly and we'll welcome you like family.

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