Gaucín

The gateway to Serranía de Ronda and where birds of prey rule the air.

Prologue:

This tour is one of my favourites, I like to do it at any time of year. Note, that in the summer (July + Aug.) it gets very hot in Andalusian and there is less of a breeze inland. As soon as you turn off the motorway, the countryside opens up and you feel that you are in harmony with nature. Even the giant windmills are part of it. The mountain ranges greeting you on all sides, and grazing Andalusian cows or wandering goats seem to be the only signs of life, under the birds of prey.

       Directions:

• From Marbella on the Autopista A-7 it is about 80km/1h20min to the village of Gaucín including some stops at viewpoints.
• Take exit on toll road by Manilva direction Casares A-377. 
• You can see a big quarry on the right as the road leads above it. 
• As the road leads away from the coast you enter into a different world. In front on the left windmills stand their guard! 

On the right you can see a farm (cortijo) and the entry to the gorge   

     "Sierra de la Utrera". 

The quite bumpy  road leads straight ahead towards the mountains. 

After 10 minutes you reach the crossroad to the village of Casares on the right, but you carry on towards the village of Gaucín.

Sierra Crestellina

The road now twists and turns towards Gaucín.

Gaucín is unique. It is set on a mountain ridge with the castle at the highest point. One side of the village faces the coast and the other side Serranía de Ronda.

Viewpoint before Gaucín

Reaching the crossroad you take the right turn to enter the pueblo. 
It is best to park the car here as roads in the village get narrow and windy. 

There is a museum and a handicraft shop at this point. When taking the left turn at the crossroad  you will see a petrol station and it is a good idea to fill up now if you want to carry on to Ronda for example, as petrol stations in land became scarce. If you take the left turn at the roundabout this road (A-405) leads back to the coast and into Cadíz Province. You will reach the coast near Sotogrande.

What to see:

Gaucín streches like an amphitheatre from the foot of the castle of Del Águila to the slopes of Sierra del Hacho. Part of the region of Serranía de Ronda, the village is a sort of watchtower affording views of Sierra Crestellina, Genal valley and the Mediterranean Sea. It has kept its original Moorish layout: winding streets adapted to the rugged terrain and white-washed houses with wrought-iron balconies and grilles. The Church of San Sebastián, the Shrine of Santo Niño and the Six-Spout Fountain are the main sights in town.

Castle El Águila:

This castle is in fact a fort built by the Romans and reinforced by the Arabs. It lies 688m above sea level, to the west of Sierra Bermejas. It comprises three walled enclosures containing several towers, three water tanks, an escape tunnel and a shrine, Santo Niño. (check open hours)

 

Eagle (Águila)

    

     Griffon Vulture (Buitre Grifón)

Walking through the pueblo you will notice ornamental Lizards (Gecos) everywhere and  ornate letter boxes. And the bird iformation boards are very informative (in spanish and english).

Road to Ronda

Where to eat:
There is plenty of choice. On our last trip we chose La Taberna del Zorro in Plaza de Guzmán el Bueno. It was good and reasonable and it had a warm atmosphere.

La Taberna del Zorro

How to get to Gaucín