If you’re into adventure sports, like staying active during your holiday, or want to do something exciting with the whole family, there’s plenty to do in and around Ronda, Andalusia. We’ve got mountains and caves, deep gorges, rivers and lakes, and the coast is just over an hour’s drive away, so there truly is an outdoor activity for everyone. Here are some fun ideas for things to do during your stay at La Cazalla, should you feel inclined to stray further than the swimming pool:
Canyoning, Caving, Climbing and Jumping off the Bridge!
The expert guides at local company Sport Mountain have a treasure trove of adventures to get your blood pumping. Along with hiking and climbing, thrill-seekers can view Ronda’s magnificent bridge from a different perspective: by bungee jumping off it. If you’ve a head for heights, they also offer ‘Via Ferrata’, where adventurers follow mountain routes equipped with fixed ladders, cables, and bridges.
If heights leave you dizzy, how about heading underground for a little speleology? Speleology is the exploration and study of caves, and the Sport Mountain team will guide you through an underground world of hidden labyrinths and narrow tunnels. Alternatively, stay topside and close to the ground (or water, at least) with one of their canyoning experiences: a type of walking tour that includes rappelling, swimming and climbing down ravines.
The professional guides at Sport Mountain will take great care of you and your loved ones, providing all of the technical safety equipment you need. If you need a second opinion, just check out all their five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. To make a reservation or enquiry, either send an email to info@sportmountain.es or complete the contact form on their website.
Hiking and Biking
British-owned Hike+Bike are a small, personal business specialising in mountain biking, cycling and walking tours throughout the Serranía de Ronda. They are wonderfully flexible, tailoring trips to suit your abilities and preferences. For strong and capable mountain bikers, cyclists and walkers there are routes which make the most of the high passes, technical singletrack and twisting mountain trails. For less confident or strong riders/walkers they offer “tours with pick ups”, so you get to see some of Spain’s loveliest countryside and characterful white villages whilst not having to worry about long distance rides or huge hill climbs at the end of the day. It’s true! We have to admit to being perhaps not the sportiest of people, but we had a brilliant time cycling to Setenil with them.
Of course, you don’t have to take our word for it – have a read of their wonderful reviews on TripAdvisor.
If you’d rather get out for a walk or on a bike by yourselves, Hike+Bike also rent bicycles to visitors. You just need to contact them at least 24 hours in advance.
El Caminito del Rey (The King’s Little Pathway)
Located in one of the most beautiful spots of the Málaga mountains, between the towns of Alora, Antequera and Ardales, is the highly popular Caminito del Rey. It was built between 1901 and 1905 to provide workers at the hydroelectric power plants at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls with a means to cross between them, provide for the transport of materials, and help facilitate inspection and maintenance of the channel. King Alfonso XIII crossed the walkway in 1921 for the inauguration of the dam Conde del Guadalhorce and forever after it became known by its present name.
The path is about 3 kilometers long and has just been refurbished to make it safer following a couple of accidents earlier this century. It goes along vertical walls and a footbridge over the gorge, through a breathtaking area of natural beauty.
As only 1,100 people per day are permitted to enjoy this extremely popular walk through nature, book your tickets well in advance on their website.
High Power Buggy & 4×4 Safaris
If you prefer a little more velocity and noise with your adrenaline rush, why not sign up for a fun-filled tour with TopBuggy.es. Staffed by experienced professionals to give you the best of times and ensure your peace of mind (they are 100% legal, licensed and insured), TopBuggy will take you off-road on ancient cattle tracks and trade routes. Drive through oak and chestnut forests, discover beautiful vineyards, olive and almond groves, and hidden natural ponds. And there are plenty of stops for you to take some astonishing shots and capture views of the real unspoiled Andalucia.
TopBuggy use Polaris RZR and CFMoto ZForce UTVs for their buggy tours and manual drive Suzuki Samurais for their 4×4 experiences. Their rates are great and they often have special offers on their website. Simply contact them in advance to organise your off-road adventure. 81 people who gave five-star reviews on TripAdvisor say “Do it!”.
Horse Riding
Alternatively, if you like your horsepower from a quieter, more natural source, why not take a peaceful tour on horseback with Caballos y Vino? (‘Horses and Wine’ – what’s not to love?!) Caballos y Vino is owned and run by Sandra Jochim, an experienced horsewoman who has excellent, first-hand knowledge of the local area. Ride on safe, reliable horses and discover the beautiful, natural countryside around Ronda. Sandra’s small groups of 2-4 persons guarantee a convivial atmosphere.
Ideally, you should have some riding experience and be able to keep your horse under control in all three basic gaits. This ensures that you will get the most from your ride. However, for beginners there is the possibility to book a ride tailored to your ability. Just give Sandra a call to discuss your needs.
As there are many local wineries in this area, you can incorporate a wine-tasting tour during or after your ride. Be assured of a warm Spanish welcome, fine local wines and tasty tapas!
Bookings can be made at short notice, so either give Sandra a call during your stay on +34 622 24 77 57, or make your booking in advance on their website. We enjoyed a fantastic ride with Sandra, and her five-star TripAdvisor reviews leave you in no doubt that you are in capable hands.
Hot Air Balloon Flights
What could be more peaceful and yet thrilling? Floating gently along, high above Ronda and the mountains in a hot air balloon. With Balloon Flights Spain you will soar over the 18th century bridge with its 100m chasm below, peer down onto the bullring, and enjoy unparalleled views of the town and the Serranía de Ronda. Flights last around one hour, with heights varying from skimming the treetops and bridge to flying high in the sky. Simply contact Balloon Flights Spain to make a booking or for more information.
Not found what you’re looking for? No worries! Simply drop us a line with your favourite adventure activity and we’ll do our best to advise you on what’s available during your stay. We’re always happy to help.