DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR TOURISM IN THE SERRANIA DE

The Serranía de Ronda in Málaga province has been designated as a “Pilot Tourist Destination”, as provided for in the overall Collaboration RONDA AND THE THE GUADIARO VALLEY THE GENAL VALLEY THE RONDA MASSIF AND Agreement which incorporates this Tourism Plan. The “actions” are co-financed by the State Tourism Secretariat, the Regional Government SERRANÍA DE RONDA AND THE LÍBAR MASSIF THE SIERRA DE LAS NIEVES of Andalucía and Málaga Provincial Council (who are administering the plan through their Tourism Department), with the Centro de Iniciativas Turísticas de la Serranía de Ronda and the Consortium Serranía de Ronda taking an active role as part of the above-mentioned agreement. l Situated in the north-west of the province of Málaga, the Serranía de l Benaoján, , Jimera de Líbar and are l Algatocín, Alpandeire, , , Benalauría, Benarrabá, l , and Ronda make up this area where on one side are the The ultimate aim of this plan is to promote the resources, the services Ronda covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometres. The region the municipalities which make up this area bordering the River Guadiaro , Faraján, Gaucín, , , , Júzcar, highest peaks of the entire region, with el Torrecilla (1,919 metres) in the and the tourism “offer” of a specific area as a structured project, adding is characterised by its rural terrain in which two large valleys stand out, and overlapping into the Malaga part of the Sierra de Grazalema and Los Parauta and make up one of the nature reserves of the whole Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, and the most populated areas of the extra value to the area. Quality and environmental issues are paramount the Valley of the Guadiaro River and the Valley of the Genal River. These Alcornocales natural parks. Serranía de Ronda with the most natural eco-systems, geological diversity, Ronda massif. in its design and realisation. contrast with the plains of the Ronda massif and the mountains of the variety of wildlife and endemic botanical species. Sierra de las Nieves. l A part of the Sierra de las Nieves Bio-sphere Reserve is framed by the This is the fourth plan of this kind aimed at an inland area to be l Such bio-diversity has led to the area being under consideration by municipal districts of Parauta and Ronda, which gives you a feel of the undertaken in the province of Málaga. It lasts for four years and has a l The main attractions of the area are its culture and its natural the European Union as an SCI (Site of Community Importance). It is also natural heritage of the area. budget of 4,530,000 Euros. The first two annual payments will be used in features, which together with the rich ethnographic heritage maintained part of the first Mediterranean Intercontinental Bio-sphere Reserve to be the period 2009-2010 with several actions already agreed and others at by its inhabitants through many generations, offer the visitor countless declared by UNESCO, which, with other areas of Andalucía and the north of l As well as being the urban centre Ronda has several districts and sub- the completion or development stage. opportunities for visits and excursions. Morocco, has an impact on the whole of the Serranía de Ronda. districts, two of which, and , have more inhabitants than some of the designated pueblos (villages) of the region. The actions are: l In terms of culture there are remains which confirm that the different l The 60 km of the River Genal and its tributaries are marked out by peoples who occupied the south of the Iberian Peninsula passed through various mills and family-owned huertas (vegetable gardens). In the higher l More and more grapevines are being planted on the existing traditional st nd the Serranía de Ronda. Prominent amongst these remains are the cave l Upgrading of the Regional Tourism Office, located in Ronda (1 and 2 parts of the valley the huge chestnut groves provide a natural spectacle arable land; the grapes grown there supply the 20 or so wineries established paintings in the Cueva de la Pileta near Benaoján, the Roman theatre and phases) every autumn when the leaves, before falling, change their green colour in the area. l Upgrading of Tourist Information Points in hotels and other premises Roman city of Acinipo, the Arab castles in Benadalid and Gaucín and the for all kinds of ochres, reds and yellows, offering a different landscape historic quarter of Ronda. l Provision of bird-watching sites (ongoing) every day which passes. l Apart from the number of monuments in the historic quarter of Ronda l Provision of recreational facilities and upgrading of the Eucalyptus l and the beauty of the villages and districts, the visitor should not miss: Arboretum in El Colmenar (Cortes de la Frontera) A detail which illustrates the significance of the natural features of the area is the fact that the whole of the Serranía de Ronda, together l Provision of recreational facilities in Montecorto - The Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park: The many public amenities, such l Restoration of sculptures in Genalguacil (open-air museum) with other parts of Andalucía and the northern part of Morocco, make up the Mediterranean Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve, the first as signposted paths, recreational areas, etc., are well used by visitors. l Design for the development of the network of view-points. Project l intercontinental area to be declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The Because of its depth and length the Guadiaro is the most important The biggest attraction in the Natural Park is the Pinsapar de la Nava and l Creation of a network of viewing points (ongoing) river of the Serranía de Ronda and in this area it flows parallel to the the Cañadas de las Ánimas and the Cañadas del Cuerno which make up a l huge biological diversity of the region is reinforced by the different areas Fray Leopoldo (Brother Leopold) viewing point in Alpandeire copy of the region which come under some sort of official protection: railway line which joins Bobadilla and Algeciras. As a result, in addition to part of the 3,000 hectares of Spanish fir woods in the Park. Prominent are l Monument to Fray Leopoldo in Alpandeire the main population centres, there are other settlements at Estación de the Pinsapo de las Escaleretas, which has been designated as a Natural l Wooden screens for rubbish containers - Three Natural Parks: the Sierra de Grazalema (comprising the villages Benaoján/Montejaque, Estación de Jimera de Líbar, Estación de Cortes de Monument. Also worthy of note is the Puerto de los Pilones high peak free l Illumination of Gaucín Castle of Benaoján, Cortes de la Frontera, Jimera de Líbar, Montejaque la Frontera (also known as La Cañada del Real Tesoro) and at El Colmenar gall-oak grove, halfway up the path to el Torrecilla from Quejigales. l Artistic lighting for the irrigation channels in Montecorto and Ronda), the Sierra de las Nieves (Parauta and Ronda) and Los (aka Estación de Gaucín). l Complete signposting of the region (ongoing) Alcornocales (Cortes de la Frontera) l Tourism infrastructure in Faraján l Young and old can enjoy this valley by combining a walk in one direction l Upgrading in the Casa de Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians - One Nature Reserve: the Sierra Bermeja (Genalguacil) with a train ride back, without it being too strenuous. Museum) in Benalauría - Two Natural Monuments: the Cañón de las Buitreras (Canyon of l Apart from the beauty of its villages the following features of the area l Conference and meeting room in Benalauría the Vultures) in Cortes de la Frontera and Gaucín; and the Pinsapo stand out: l The beauty of the white villages which dot the valley are enhanced by: l Fungi Information Centre in Júzcar (Spanish Fir) de las Escaleretas in Parauta l Railway Exhibition Centre at Arriate Railway Station - The Hundidero-Gato Underground System: A subterranean route, 4.5 km - The Igualeja Spring: Considered by many to be the source of the River - One Site of Community Importance (SCI): the Genal Valley (the villages l Equipping the Museum of Popular Arts and Brandy in Jubrique long, ideal for potholing under the supervision of a firm of specialists. Genal, it is a leafy enclave where the crystalline water bursts from within of Algatocín, Alpandeire, Atajate, Benadalid, Benalauría, Benarrabá, l Ethnography Museum in Benalauría Both the areas around the Hundidero and the Cueva del Gato (Cat Cave) the mountain and, after a winding journey, flows into the River Guadiaro Cartajima, Faraján, Gaucín, Genalguacil, Igualeja, Jubrique, Júzcar, l Cork Museum in Cortes de la Frontera are spots worth visiting. below Gaucín. l Chestnut Museum in Pujerra Parauta and Pujerra) - The Nature Reserve of the Reales de Sierra Bermeja: Located in the l Canyon Museum in Gaucín - Cueva de la Pileta: This cave is home to an important “collection” of l Whether from the natural or the cultural viewpoint the 21 villages that vicinity of Genalguacil and above , at 1,600 metres it provides l Embellishment of the irrigation channels in Montecorto cave paintings, significant among them the Yegua Preñada (Pregnant make up the Serranía de Ronda have something to offer the visitor. The an impressive panoramic view over the Costa del Sol and the Straits of l Improvements to the access to the Doce Pilares (Twelve Pillars) in Mare), which in the past symbolised woman’s fertility and which today is beauty of its streets and squares, strongly influenced by their Arab past, Gibraltar on one side; and over the whole of the Genal Valley on the Montecorto the symbol of the Serranía de Ronda. compare uniquely with the countryside. other. In addition it is home to a forest of Spanish firs 100 hectares in l Maintenance of the El Chorrillo spring in Serrato size. l El Chorrillo Trail in Serrato l Camino Molino (Mill Trail) in Faraján - The Ethnographic Museum in Benalauría: This is a perfectly restored 18th l Los Riscos (Rocky Trail): Cartajima-Júzcar (ongoing) Century olive oil mill. Its main exhibit is the press, fashioned from a l Trail from El Concoste to La Portá, in Benarrabá single chestnut tree beam more than 12 metres long. The collection of l Improvements around access to Cueva del Gato, in Benaoján equipment and utensils, as well as the layout within the building, show l Model of Tourist Quality Approach (MACT): introduction and the way of life of our ancestors. - The Mozárab Church of the Virgen de la Cabeza: Located on the outskirts consolidation (ongoing) of Ronda it was one of the first Christian meeting places in the era of Arab l Training Course for the network of Tourist Advisers - Network of Viewing Points: A dozen viewing points with information

domination. Nowadays it is the chapel which shelters the statue of the TOURISM PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT DE RONDA THE SERRANIA IN l Training Course for employers in tourism industry: “Know Your Area” panels about the scenery have been created along the whole length of - The Líbar Plains: Situated in the Líbar Massif they are without doubt one the scenic route from Ronda to Gaucín (A-369). Each has a parking area Virgen de la Cabeza during the summer months. The trail from Ronda is l Development plan for La Gran Senda de la Serranía de Ronda (Serranía of the most important flat depressions poljes( ) in Andalucía. The 17 km a gentle one which provides memorable panoramic views of the valley de Ronda Grand Trail) and seating to allow for greater enjoyment of the views. Most impressive trail between Cortes de la Frontera and Montejaque is one of the main is the Mirador de Algatocín from where you can see seven villages. below the Ronda gorge and of the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). l Creation of La Gran Senda de la Serranía de Ronda (ongoing) trails through the Serranía de Ronda. A section of it forms part of the l Development plan for the Springs and Wash-house Heritage project route of the GR-7 which joins Tarifa, near Gibraltar, to Athens in Greece. - Arab Castles: Although it is documented that there were more castles, - Acinipo: Near to Montecorto, this archaeological site is proof of the (Patrimonio de fuentes y lavaderos) nowadays there are just two which have been preserved in good importance gained by Acinipo within the Roman Empire’s towns and cities - Nasrid Settlement: This interesting project is located on the outskirts l Development plan for the Almazara Complex (Museum-Restaurant, condition: the Castillo del Águila (Castle of the Eagle) in Gaucín, from system. In the 2nd Century BC it had as many as 3,000 inhabitants and of Estación de Cortes de la Frontera and involves the re-construction Information Centre and Tourist Information Points) in Jimera de Líbar”. where you can make out Gibraltar and North Africa; and the Castillo de even minted its own coins. The fact that there was a bunch of grapes of a rural settlement from the Nasrid era. Once it is completed it will Projects Benadalid where the festival of Moors and Christians is celebrated every on the reverse of its coins proves that viniculture was very important offer the visitor an insight into the rural way of life around the time the l Design of the Vías Ferratas project (Rock-climbing for Beginners) August. The village cemetery is also housed within the castle. more than 2000 years ago. Today the remains of the Roman theatre with Alhambra in Granada was built. l Publication of tourist maps-cum-leaflets and the Tourism Development the stage, orchestra pit and seating for the audience are relatively well - Bathing Areas: When the good weather arrives there are several places Plan in Spanish and various other languages - The Natural Monument of the Cañón de las Buitreras (Canyon of the preserved. l Printing of Tourism Development Plan folders for swimming along the River Genal and its tributaries. The most popular Vultures): This runs between the municipal districts of Cortes de la are at San Juan, between Algatocín and Jubrique, and at Virgen de l Leaflet about the olive oil industry in theSerranía de Ronda - Finca La Algaba: The outstanding part of this private project is the re- Frontera, Benarrabá and Benalauría and represents a huge attraction for Moclón between Júzcar and Faraján. More adventurous folk will find an l Information system, image bank. Website construction of a pre-historic settlement. By using the technique of lovers of adventure sports. Several activity tourism companies offer the ideal starting point for canyoning at the Sima del Diablo (Devil’s Chasm). experimental archaeology it shows visitors how our ancestors lived in the opportunity to go down into the canyon with trained instructors using the A descent lasting two hours along the course of the river (abseiling and Copper Age. correct safety equipment. climbing, etc) will bring you to this bathing area. Festivals CULTURAL AND The customs and traditions of the Serranía de Ronda are a faithful ETHNOGRAPHIC TOURISM reflection of the way of life of local people. The celebration of different fairs and festivals throughout the year represent the significant cultural l The cultural heritage of the Serranía de Ronda represents its main and ethnographic heritage which attracts more and more visitors. resource for tourism. In this sense the offer is vast and varied and there The main festivals celebrated in the Serranía de Ronda are: are a great number of places to visit. Old towns, churches, palaces, bridges, fountains, museums, etc., are open in order to show visitors January the most varied examples of architectural styles, works of art, utensils - Virgen de la Paz in Ronda. used in daily life from times gone by or singular and deep-rooted - Performance of los Reyes Magos (three Wise Men) play in Benarrabá. phenomena in the area, such as banditry and wine production. - Feast of San Sebastián in Benarrabá, Faraján and Cortes de la Frontera. february l Arts and crafts are also a tourist attraction and there are many - Virgen de la Candelaria in Algatocín. workshops where craftsmen fashion their wares in front of the public. - Feast of San Valentín, Patron Saint of Arriate. Dried flowers, woodworking, cabinet-making, stonemasonry and KEY - Carnivals throughout the region. ironmongery are the craft trades most characteristic of the region. - Regional gastronomic fair in Benarrabá. Information Point march - april Campsite - Family picnic in Arriate. Picnic Area - Local festival in honour of San Pedro, martyr of Verona, in Genalguacil. - Local festival in honour of San Marcos in Benaoján. CONFERENCES Viewing Area - Festival of San Isidoro, Patron Saint of Benadalid. Petrol Station - Holy week throughout the region, in particular: AND TRAINING DAYS • Processions in Ronda. ATM l The opening of Ronda’s Palacio de Congresos (Conference Centre) and • Live Passion Play in Igualeja. Cave • Processions in Arriate. the choice of venues for training days and conferences available in many • Bullfight on Easter Sunday in Benarrabá. hotels make the Serranía de Ronda the ideal place for this type of event. Rambler Route • Las Cortesías procession on Easter Sunday in Cartajima. l Peak • Bullfight festival on Easter Sunday in Gaucín. The attraction of escaping from the conventional when planning a • “Christ on the Mount of Olives” on Easter Sunday in Algatocín, Atajate, conference or training day make the Serranía de Ronda the perfect place Castle for activities for up to 250 people. Igualeja, Júzcar and Pujerra. Hermitage may l Added to the outstanding facilities available is the quality of - May Fair in Ronda Archeological Site accommodation, restaurants, activities and commerce on offer; as well - Pilgrimage of San Isidro, Patron Saint of Salitre in Algatocín. as the professional approach of the available organising companies. Mountain Pass - Pilgrimage of la Virgen de Fátima in Jubrique. Everything is well thought-out so as to guarantee the success of any type Railway Station - Pilgrimage in Parauta. of convention. - Pilgrimage of El Niño del Huerto (Christ on the Mount of Olives) in Benaoján. Bathing Area - Pilgrimage of la Virgen de la Salud in Jimera de Líbar. - Fair of la Virgen de las Esparigüelas in Montejaque. Dual Carriageway - Procession of la Virgen de la Paz in Ronda. RURAL, NATURE AND Regional Main Road - Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses) throughout the Serranía. June ACTIVITY TOURISM Secondary Road - Pilgrimage of la Virgen de la Cabeza and Corpus Christi in Ronda. l The tranquillity of the tiny white villages that hang from the sides - Pilgrimage of San Juan in Algatocín. Forest Trail of the valleys offer the visitor the possibility of staying in a network - Festival of Fray Leopoldo in Alpandeire. Railway Line of high quality rural village houses or lodgings and provide for the - Pilgrimage of the Siete Pilas quarter in Benalauría. enjoyment of a stay close to nature and to the rural way of life. - Pilgrimage of Las Candelas in Gaucín. Footpath - Día de la Calleja (Day of the Streets) and Día de la Plaza (Day of the Municipality l La Gran Senda (Grand Trail) and the network of signposted paths are Squares) processions in Igualeja. the ideal setting for hiking, cycling or even horse-riding. District - Festival of San Juan in Jubrique. - Local festival in honour of San Antonio de Padua in Pujerra. Geographical Feature l The network of viewing points which mark the roads allow the - Pilgrimage of la Virgen del Rosario in Cortes de la Frontera visitor to gather information about the flora and fauna of the area. - Corpus Christi throughout the Serranía, in particular: The bird-watching dens offer the chance to observe a feeding frenzy by birds • Double celebration of Corpus Christi in Arriate. of prey or the phenomenon of migration around the Straits of Gibraltar. • Carpets of flowers en Ronda. • Procession of the altars in Algatocín and Benadalid. l The energetic visitor can employ the services of an activity July tourism company to take part in rock-climbing, potholing, canyoning, (Verbena del Tren) - Festival of the Train in Estación de Benaoján. canoeing, off-roading, etc. - Local festival in honour of San Pedro in Arriate. Santiago Apóstol - Local festival in honour of in El Colmenar (Estación de l The Serranía de Ronda is the ideal setting for all kinds of rural Gaucín). tourism, from the most traditional to the most innovative, such as the Santiago Apóstol - Pilgrimage de in Montejaque. painting holidays which each year attract hundreds of tourists from august other parts of Europe. - Local festival in honour of San Roque in Alpandeire. - Local festival in honour of San Roque in Atajate. - Local festival in honour of San Isidoro, with re-enactment of the battle between Moors and Christians in Benadalid. GASTRONOMY AND - Local festival in honour of Santo Domingo de Guzmán with re-enactment VINICULTURE of the battle between Moors and Christians in Benalauría. - Local festival in honour of la Virgen del Rosario in Cartajima. l The variety of local products which the Serranía de Ronda has to offer, - Local festival in Faraján. and the care taken by growers and breeders in doing their work, form the - Local festival in honour of la Virgen de las Nieves in Gaucín. basis of the local cuisine. - Local festival in honour of Santa Rosa de Lima and San Gregorio in Igualeja. l The variety available in the bars, inns and restaurants of the area gives - Local festival in honour of Our Lady of Moclón in Júzcar. the visitor the chance to taste traditional dishes prepared with the finest - Local festival in honour of la Virgen del Rosario in Parauta. ingredients. - Fair in La Cañada del Real Tesoro (Estación de Cortes de la Frontera). - Local festival in honour of San Roque and San Sebastián. l Whether you want to enjoy a good meal or try out the typical - Local festival in honour of la Virgen de la Salud in Jimera de Líbar. tapas, there are establishments to suit all tastes and pockets, without - Local festival in honour of la Virgen de la Concepción in Montejaque. compromising on quality. - Pilgrimage of the Holy Christ Child in Gaucín. september l The wines of the Serranía de Ronda (Denomination of Origin Sierras de - Pedro Romero fair and fiestas in Ronda. Málaga) are an ideal accompaniment to the local cuisine. There are more - Local festival in Benarrabá. than 15 bodegas producing about 50 different wine styles. The red, rosé - Festival of the Holy Christ Child and St John the Divine in Gaucín. and white wines of the Serranía de Ronda are available on the wine lists OCTOVER of most restaurants. Another 10 bodegas are also in production and they - Local festival in honour of San Francisco and la Virgen del Rosario in will be releasing their wines to market over the next few years. Algatocín. l Each bodega has its own vineyard and the entire process from harvest - Local festival in honour of San Francisco in Jubrique. to bottling is carried out by traditional methods. The average 2.5 - Local festival in honour of la Virgen del Rosario in Benaoján. hectares each bodega has means that the vintner controls the whole - Livestock fair in the San Francisco quarter of Ronda. process directly. Although there are a great many grape varieties grown, november the ones best suited to the climate and terrain of the Serranía de Ronda - Festival of New Wine in Atajate. are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Tempranillo. - Festival of la Virgen de Fátima in Pujerra. - Tostones (fried vegetable cakes) throughout the Serranía, coinciding l This sector of the local economy is booming and the common with the festival of All Saints. Best examples: Arriate, Igualeja and characteristic of all the wine producers is their commitment to quality. Algatocin. Practically all of the bodegas are of the Chateau type and several offer december their premises for simple visits, tastings or as the setting for meals, - Serranía de Ronda Craft Fair in Benalauría. celebrations or other types of event. - Cold Meats Fair in Benaoján. - Christmas celebrations throughout the Serranía. l Wines and agricultural food products can be tasted in bars and restaurants or can be purchased in specialised shops or directly from the bodegas or factories.

OFICINA INFORMACIÓN TURÍSTICA SERRANÍA DE RONDA C/. ESPÍRITU SANTO, 37. 29400 RONDA TEL: 952870739. FAX: 952879033 WWW.SERRANIADERONDA.ORG / [email protected] DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR TOURISM IN THE SERRANIA DE RONDA