In troubled times, some tree appreciation
At a time when the world is focused upon climate change, and during the month our trees hang with their annual bounty of fruits and nuts, we felt inspired to write a blog in appreciation of trees. Trees don’t only provide health benefits by producing oxygen. Scientists have demonstrated a link between trees and reduced instances of cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, stroke, and diabetes. Looking at trees calms us and has a positive effect on mood, self-esteem, stress, and depression. So take a break from your screen and look out of the window or go for a walk, and truly admire the trees around you. Or to thoroughly immerse yourself, book a stay at our luxury villa rental in Ronda and relax in our secluded country home, surrounded by sunshine and trees.
Marvellous May in Andalucía
With an average temperature of 17°C/63°F, 10 hours of sunshine a day, and the last of the glorious spring flowers splashing colours across the meadows, May has always been one of our favourite months in Ronda. It’s the perfect temperature for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and yoga, and during the evenings, it’s warm enough to dine outside on the jasmine-fragranced terrace. It’s just heavenly.
Additionally, there’s just so much going on in and around Ronda in May. There’s the MotoGP in Jerez, the Battle of the Flowers in Córdoba, the 101km endurance race, and the Ronda Romántica festival, to name just a few of May’s annual events.
Cycling holidays in Andalucía
This summer we had a self-described ‘serious’ road cyclist stay with us during one of our summer of love celebrations and he couldn’t praise the local cycling highly enough, declaring it ‘a cycling gem’. In fact he felt that La Cazalla would be an ideal base for a holiday with his own cycling club, which led us to thinking about what kinds of experience we could provide for groups of cyclists. We are always responsive to new ideas from our guests and love bringing like-minded people to the region so that they too can enjoy everything the amazing Serranía de Ronda has to offer.
A One Day Trip to Granada
The beauty and intricacy of the Alhambra Palace, glowing warmly in front of its backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains; the winding cobbled streets and colourful bazaars of Albaicín; the humbling magnificence of the Cathedral; and the dazzling glory of the Basilica of St John of God. These delights and more are why you simply must visit Granada. Wake up with the valley’s birdsong and take the easy two-hour drive from La Cazalla and spend your day soaking in the multicultural ambience of the city.
Jerez: city of horses, flamenco and wine
What more could you want?! The ancient port city of Jerez in neighbouring province Cádiz is well worth a visit during your stay at La Cazalla de Ronda. Just under 2 hours drive from our luxury villa rental in Ronda, Andalusia is a city famous for its Carthusian horses (considered to be the purest strain of Andalusian), flamenco and, most of all, its sherry wine.
Five of the Most Picturesque Towns to Visit from Ronda, Andalusia
What’s the first image that comes to mind when you think of Spain? Blue skies? Beaches? Flamenco? Bullfighting? Paella? If you Google ‘Spain’ in images, actually the photos are predominantly of fantastic architecture and little white houses cascading down mountainsides. These are the pueblos blancos (white villages) and their strategically-defensive hill-top positions, narrow cobbled streets and brilliantly-white casas reflecting back the bright Andalusian sunshine make for interesting and picturesque places to visit. Here are five of our favourites within a short drive from your base at La Cazalla, our secluded luxury villa rental in Ronda: