Photo essay: Between a rock and a hard place in Setenil, Spain

The Spanish town of Setenil de las Bodegas in Cádiz Province, Spain, or Setenil for short, is an unusual place to visit, with around 3,000 inhabitants living, quite literally, under an enormous rock.

This typical white Andalucían village (or pueblo) is located 157 kilometers (87 mile) northeast of the city of Cádiz and close to Ronda in Malaga province, and is a place of utter fascination....

Read more and see more photos at: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/350277

Escape to a rural bed & breakfast in Spain this spring

Holidays on the coast can often turn into a "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" kind of scenario. Yes, its great every now and then to visit the coastal resorts, but how about finding out more about the real-life Spain by venturing inland?

Just a few kilometers from said golden beaches are many quaint, unspoiled and beautiful villages, and surrounding these villages many treasures can to be found.

Here are a few featured examples of what is available, but there is, of course, so much more on offer for your Spanish vacation....

Read more at: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/348708

Spring is the time to visit the south of Spain!

After what feels like an endless winter, spring is finally creeping up on us, with some gorgeous warm, sunny days on the way!

As we know, southern Spain can be incredibly hot in the summer months, especially July and August, so springtime is probably the very best time for a relaxing holiday in the warm sunshine.

Had enough of the coastal towns, crowded beaches and English pubs?  Maybe take a different route this spring and visit the more rural areas.  Sheer beauty, incredible views, and yet still within easy reach of the major attractions.

The hillsides are gradually covering with their spring plumage, making it a pleasure to drive along, visiting the many small villages inland from the Costa del Sol.

All Spain Rural Accommodation has recently added some wonderful new charming and rural bed & breakfast options in the countryside:

1.  In Axarquia - mountainous land of white villages, olive and almond trees and wonderful country views, lies Casa Colina, a beautifully renovated farmhouse, run by Paul and Niki.


A great place to stay if you are looking to explore the sites of Andalucia or just relax by the pool in beautiful surroundings.

Lunches and dinners are prepared daily from locally sourced produce, including fresh eggs from their 12 hens and home-reared chickens. All meats used at Casa Colina are free range and where possible organic.

Guests can choose from 4 individually styled suites, all of which have a drinks fridge and tea/coffee making facilities.  And just look at the view!

2.  Near the historic and fascinating mountaintop town of Ronda, we can find Montejaque, an intriguing and typical Andalucian village in the mountains, surrounded by wonderful views.

If you would love to visit Ronda, but prefer to stay somewhere a little quieter, the perfect bed & breakfast option is Casa el Corchito:


Located in the village of Montejaque, near Ronda, Andalucia, Spain, enjoy a relaxing stay in a friendly and smokefree environment. Clean, comfortable and affordable.

Casa El Corchito is located in the Andalucian mountains on the edge of Grazalema Natural Park, only 15 km from the historic town Ronda.

The surrounding area will attract you to experience a mixture of a relaxing, a sportive and cultural holiday.  You can enjoy a good climate, all year round, many interesting sites (historical, cultural and natural, easy travelling distance to the beaches and cities and many sports opportunities, including climbing cycling and walking, especially with 3 natural parks close by.

Of Dutch origin, the owners, Rob and Coby will ensure a pleasant stay and will assist with all your touring, walking, and watersports needs.

So consider southern Spain for a warm break in springtime.  You will not regret it!

Review: Hotel Los Castaños — Boutique hotel in Andalucía, Spain

Nestled among the rolling hills of the Serranía de Ronda, this charming Moroccan themed hotel is the perfect place to relax.

Hotel Los Castaños is located in Cartajima, a traditional white village (or "pueblo blanco"), just a short drive from the historic town of Ronda. Cartajima is also convenient for visits to the romantic cities of Andalucía - Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, Cadiz and Jerez.

Located in the heart of the village next to the church and the Town Hall, the hotel is convenient to shops, restaurants and bars in the area.

The Moroccan theme of the hotel is charming and attractive, and all rooms are extremely comfortable. Owners Di and John are always unobtrusively on hand with tourism assistance... read full review.

Ronda, Spain - historic city perched on a mountain top

When visiting the Costa del Sol in sunny Spain, there's a magical place just waiting for you, just a short drive from Marbella and on top of a mountain.

OK, the drive up to Ronda can be a tad daunting as it winds around the hillside, but the views on the way (for passengers at least!) are astounding. And what you will find at the top makes the whole thing worthwhile.

Ronda, whilst traditionally Spanish, incorporates a lot of history - from the Romans to the Moors, they have all left their mark in the well preserved ruins and buildings to be found in the town.

Pictured on the left is the "New Bridge", which spans a deep gorge, El Tajo. While it was built some years ago, the name New Bridge has somehow stuck.

When crossing the bridge the view down to the bottom of the gorge is astounding and on either side of the gorge, houses seem to just cling to the edges and look likely to fall at any moment... read full article.

Ronda, Spain - historic city perched on a mountain top

When visiting the Costa del Sol in sunny Spain, there's a magical place just waiting for you, just a short drive from Marbella and on top of a mountain.

OK, the drive up to Ronda can be a tad daunting as it winds around the hillside, but the views on the way (for passengers at least!) are astounding. And what you will find at the top makes the whole thing worthwhile.

Ronda, whilst traditionally Spanish, incorporates a lot of history - from the Romans to the Moors, they have all left their mark in the well preserved ruins and buildings to be found in the town.

Pictured on the left is the "New Bridge", which spans a deep gorge, El Tajo. While it was built some years ago, the name New Bridge has somehow stuck.

When crossing the bridge the view down to the bottom of the gorge is astounding and on either side of the gorge, houses seem to just cling to the edges and look likely to fall at any moment... read full article.

Ronda, Spain - Magical Mountain Top City in Andalucia, Southern Spain by Anne Sewell

When visiting Andalucia, I would highly recommend making the trip to Ronda. The winding roads up the mountainside can be a little daunting, but what a view all the way to the top!

Ronda is one of the oldest cities in Spain, having origins in the Neolithic age. Wonderful cave paintings were discovered, including the famous Pileta's Cave, depicting paintings from the Paleolithic age.

Its mountain top location made it an ideal location to build a city - very easy to defend. The first builders were the Romans, and many examples of their architecture can still be viewed in the city today.

The Moors then made their mark, and built the walls, gates and arches of the city, which are still very much intact. You can stroll alongside the walls, enjoying the fabulous views… or visit the Arab Baths, still in an excellent state of repair. State protected because of historic interest in 1931, these baths were built at the end of the 13th century or start of the 14th century.

Another fascinating building to visit is the Casa del Rey Moro - or House of the Moorish King - which appears to be from the 18th Century. The house itself is in a dilapidated condition, but the first floor has been restored, and contains the tourist office. Well worth a visit to the gardens of the house, which were constructed by the great French Landscaper Forestier in 1912. The house also has a mine which you can visit, which consists of a wide zigzagging staircase carved into the rock, covered by a fascinating system of stacked vaults. Visit the Sala del Manantial (Room of the Spring) from which slaves brought water to the King.

The hub of Ronda is the "New Bridge", that divides the city, over a deep gorge - El Tajo, with houses literally hanging on the edges of the cliffs. Right next door is the lovely Alameda del Tajo Park - perfect for a restful stroll after your busy sightseeing, and also the Blas Infante viewpoint where you can stand on a balcony over... a huge drop!

Famous people love this city - close to the Alameda del Tajo Park, you can visit the Paseo de Orson Wells - the famous actor loved Ronda and is, in fact, buried there. Ernest Hemingway was also very fond of the city and the Paseo de Hemingway has been named for him. He visited Spain during the Spanish Civil War, to report for the North American Newspaper Alliance.

The Plaza de Toros, or Bullring, of Ronda, is the oldest in Spain and was officially inaugurated in 1785 by the two bullfighters, Pedro Romero and Pepe Hillo. It is possible to visit the bullring, its museum and the surrounding buildings and paddocks. Outside the entrance to the bullring are statues to two famous bullfighters of Ronda, Cayetano Ordonez and Antonio Ordonez.

Strolling the streets of Ronda is like taking a step back in time - narrow streets with attractive buildings, tapas bars and restaurants - and wonderful shops. You will also come across interesting museums, like the Museo del Bandelero… lots of beautiful churches and lovely plazas and sidewalk cafes to rest and catch your breath.

It is difficult to mention all the wonderful attractions of this city in one article, but this is definitely a must-visit part of your Spanish tour! One little warning - try and stay a minimum of 3 days, otherwise you'll miss out on a lot of the attractions. Wear good comfortable walking shoes, and if visiting in summer, always carry a bottle of water.. it gets hot in Ronda!

About the author:

Anne Sewell is involved in internet tourism, and is also an enthusiastic amateur photographer. Photos and more details about Ronda can be viewed on All Spain Accommodation.