Ronda’s breathtaking countryside is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. With three local natural parks – Sierra de las Nieves, Los Alcornocales, and the Sierra de Grazalema – the region has become increasingly popular. However, you can still escape the crowds and experience the unspoiled beauty of Western Andalusia while breathing in the fresh air. Booking guided walking trips from Ronda is simple and convenient with many options available online.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Looking to experience all that Ronda has to offer on a budget? There are plenty of things like our Guided Audio tour, museums, and other activities that have to be paid for in Ronda. But, there are still many things that you can do on a limited budget! Here is our list for 10 things to do in Ronda for free!
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
The Hundidero and Gato Cave mouths are an intriguing geological wonder close to Ronda well worth a visit if you are in the area. The cave system features two remarkable areas with unique characteristics. Being home to a large colony of cavernicolous bats, remarkable cave paintings and a 4 KM subteranean (ie proffessional caving) route. The cave system itself is not open to the general public. You can, however visit both cave entrances to with the Cueva del Gato being the easiest as it has convenient parking and just a short walk of 500 metres or so.
The Cueva del Gato
The recently(2023) constructed new footbridge across the river on the path to the Cueva del Gato.
The pool with freezing water, waterfall and cave mouth. Cueva del Gato.
Nestled within the depths of the Andalusian countryside, the Cueva del Gato, or the cat’s cave, is a remarkable river pool. However, as with many beautiful and accessible destinations, it can get quite crowded during the summer months, particularly on weekends. Despite the crowds, the allure of the crystal-clear, pristine waters remains irresistible.
The water is exceptionally cold, but this only adds to the refreshing and invigorating experience of taking a dip. It’s the perfect spot to cool off after a morning’s sightseeing or to enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the natural beauty of the Andalusian countryside. There are also plenty of nearby bars and restaurants within a short driving distance.
Getting to the Cueva del Gato from Ronda
The Cueva del Gato is located just 2 kilometers from the village of Benaoján. To get there from Ronda, follow the signs for Jerez/Seville. After approximately 1 kilometer, look for the signpost indicating Benaoján/Montejaque and Cortes de la Frontera and take a left turn (MA7041). After 6 kilometers or so, keep your eyes peeled for a parking area on the right-hand side.
The cost of parking close to the Cueva del Gato is 1 Euro.
In the spring of 2023, the Benaojan town hall installed a pay car park for visitors to park closer to the Cueva del Gato. The parking fee is just 1 euro. From there, you can follow a short trail that leads to the cave. However, please note that access to the cave mouth itself is currently prohibited due to safety concerns, but you can still enjoy the stunning scenery and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the spring that flows from the cave.
The Hundidero cave.
As you can see by the people in the image the cave mouth of Hundidero towers above us at more than 60 metres.
The cave mouth at Hundidero is where the water you saw flowing out of the Cueva del Gato enters the cave system. The two cave mouths are seperated by about 4 KM
To access the Hundidero Cave mouth there is a hike along a 2.5-kilometer trail which is very steep in places. The trail leads past the Caballeros Dam built at the beginning of the 20th century, which was never put into operation due to water leakage caused by the Karstic terrain.
Caballeros Dam built at the beginning of the 20th century never created a functioning reservoir and the project had to be abandoned.
The path and steps down to the Hundidero cave mouth are very steep in places.
Whilst entering the Hundidero-Gato cave system is prohibited, you can still explore the Hundidero Cave entrance. The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours and is accessible to the general public along a signposted footpath. REMEMBER: If you get down to the bottom and the cave entrance, you do have to come back the same way!
The Hundidero cave boasts an enormous mouth located at the base of a gorge That stands at an impressive height of approximately 60 meters. It receives water from nearby streams and rain drainage from the northeastern part of the Caíllo-Endrinal mountain range where it flows the
Getting to the Hindidero cave from Ronda
Take the A374 road towards Seville for 8 KM and look out for the left turn onto the MA8403 signposted for Benaojan, Montecorto and Cortes de la Frontera. Follow the MA8403 for 3.5 KM and the car park for the Hundidero footpath is on your right. (Parking here is free)
From the car park the path slopes downwards towards the Caballero dam before the steep descent to the Hundidero cave mouth.
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
Wildside Holidays – Spain
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum!
Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
You are discovering the white town and “City of Dreams” that is Ronda and will be amazed by the beautiful Puente Nuevo, the architecture and history, the Plaza de Toros. However, what about guided excursions and the white villages of the Sierra de Grazalema?
Nature Plus – Grazalema
Sue from Nature Plus – Grazalema will be very happy to pick you up from your hotel in Ronda and take you on a journey of discovery with guided excursions and white villages of the Sierra de Grazalema. Click the image of the above link to find out more.
Take a moment to enjoy the stunning views from the balcony behind the Parador and the Paseo de los Ingleses. The mountains in the near distance are known as the Sierra de Grazalema. One of Spain’s most famous natural parks. A fabulous location to spend time be it resting, walking, bird watching or photography.
The park status envelopes several beautiful towns and villages; Grazalema, El Bosque, Ubrique, Zahara de la Sierra, Benaocaz, Benamahoma, Prado del Rey, and Villaluenga del Rosario are within the Cadiz side of the park. Ronda, Benaojan, Cortes de la Frontera and Montejaque, are in Malaga province
A day trip through the white villages of the Sierra or if your prefer, a wonderful nature walking experience in the Sierra de Grazalema…
The Grazalema Guide
The best way to see all our web projects in one place is over at the Grazalema Guide.
The Grazalema Guide – Tourist Information Portal for the Sierra de Grazalema, Wildside Holidays, The town of Ronda and the Caminito del Rey.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
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Take a look at some of the exclusive private tours in Spain from the pages of Viator
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Wildside Holidays – Spain
The top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies in Spain. Small family companies living and working in Spain. Local guides are the best!
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
