If you're searching for sunshine this summer, look no further than Ronda in southern Spain. With an average of 11 hours of sunshine a day during June, 12 hours a day during July, and a predicted rainfall of only 9 mm over both of those months, plenty of sunshine is pretty much guaranteed.
Yes, it gets hot in the summer here, preventing anything but the earliest of morning walks within the stunning valley location of La Cazalla de Ronda. But close your eyes, breathe, and just imagine yourself lying in the shade on a comfortable sun lounger beside our beautiful Roman-inspired pool, enjoying the spectacular view and the smells of lavender and lemon mint while the children play on our inflatables. The perfect place to relax and let the rest of the busy world drift away. What more do you need?
If you feel like exploring the grounds a little, whilst staying close to the coolness of the house and swimming pool, why not grab some paper and a pencil or paints and wander beneath the shade of the oak trees on our nature trail? There are superb views of the gorge to be enjoyed from our look-out points, where you are surrounded by the sounds of the birds.
When you are ready to venture out you can drive into Ronda across the impressive 18th century bridge and perhaps do a little sight-seeing, wandering under the cooling shade of the tree-lined parks above the cliffs of the town, and then enjoy a lazy lunch at any of the hundreds of restaurants, cafés and bars. For our personal recommendations, take a peek at other articles in our blog.
Alternatively, take a drive through the stunning Serrania de Ronda mountain range to visit the pueblos blancos (white villages) that have natural swimming holes, rivers or public pools. There's the fairy-tale-like Zahara de la Sierra perched on its rocky outcrop, its houses, bars and restaurants cascading down the mountainside to the water reservoir. Arrive early to avoid the heat and we highly recommend having lunch at Meson Oñate. They have a shaded terrace with spectacular view of the reservoir and quality food to match. It's such a good restaurant, it's best to make a reservation in advance by calling them on +34 653 368 108.
After lunch, you and the family can enjoy a refreshing dip in the cooling waters of the spring-fed miniature lake and spend the afternoon relaxing on the little beach (la playita) at the Arroyomolinos Recreational Area. It's also a great place to keep the kids entertained, as there are lifeguards, six hectares of lush gardens with barbecue pits and a cafe-bar/restaurant, and a treetop adventure park with ziplines, swinging bridges and a climbing wall. The recreational area is only open from mid-June until mid-September and costs between 3.00-4.50 €, depending on the day of the week (weekends are very popular). Check their website before you go, as sometimes the area is closed all day for cleaning.
Alternatively, head to the source of the River Genal in Igualeja - a 35 minute drive from La Cazalla. Before entering the village by a small bridge almost without a parapet opposite the municipal swimming pool, a small road leads down to the Nacimento Genal (source of the River Genal). The clear waters flow from a small cave and into a number of pools, before finally running into a stream.
Then, if the children would like to see the famous blue village where the Smurfs Movie was filmed, it's just another 20 minutes in the car to Júzcar, where all the buildings are, naturally, painted blue!
For a chilly swimming hole closer to home, drive for 30 minutes in the direction of Benaoján and you'll see the parking area for the Cueva del Gato (Cat's Cave) - so-called because the entrance to the cave is said to resemble a cat's head. The cave and swimming hole are an easy short walk from the parking area and the water is crystal clear, very clean and exceptionally cold.
Then, for the height of leisureliness, why not have us cook you a paella in the evening or book our private chef to come and prepare a cordon bleu evening meal for you. Dining outside on the terrace under the ancient grape vine is de rigueur during the summer months.
Whatever the interests of your party, we're sure you'll find something to suit everyone during the summer in this wonderful region of Andalusia. For advice on how to get here, simply check out the dozens of airlines that fly to Málaga to discover which suits you best, and for any other enquiries of things to do during your stay, simply contact us and we will be happy to help.