Villa near Ronda within Grazalema National Park

The Area

Most guests who stay at El Tejar and Dar Hajra villas don’t move that far. It can be hard to drag yourself away from the houses and those views. And with so many books, CDs and DVDs you may just want to stay at home and abandon yourself to the peace and beauty.

Ronda

Ronda is just a quarter of an hour from the village and is famous for the extraordinary gorge that cuts between the old and new quarters. A visit is a must and there are several museums, art galleries and mansion houses that should not be missed. There is good shopping here, too: best buys include excellent shoes, leather belts and bags, and locally made pottery.

There are masses of excellent restaurants close by including the Michelin-starred 'Tragabuches' in Ronda. And all of the local villages have friendly tapas bars where you can try the local wine, best drunk young as mosto.

Montecorto is a quiet village with two restaurants, a number of bars, several small shops and very friendly locals. Wander down from El Tejar or Dar Hajra through narrow streets to buy fresh bread, fish and vegetables then stop at Pepe’s huerta (vegetable garden) on the way back up to buy fresh, seasonal organic fruit and veggies.

Acinipo

Acinipo is a spectacular Roman theatre, hewn out of solid limestone standing on a high plateau just above the village. The Grazalema Park begins, literally, on El Tejar or Dar Hajra doorstep. This is one of the most beautiful tracks of mountain in Europe, with an astonishingly diverse flora and fauna. There are deep gorges, high peaks and some of Spain’s most attractive rural architecture. Most villages in the Park date back to the Moorish period and their names reflect their Berber origins: Zahara, Benamahoma, Torre Alháquime…

La Cueva de la Pileta

A visit to the Pileta cave to see its 25000 year old troglodyte paintings is a must.

Los Pueblos Blancos

The pretty white villages of Grazalema, Zahara and Setenil are all close by.

Vineyard Visits

Ronda has now fewer than a dozen vineyards all within easy driving distance of El Tejar. The area is now producing some of southern Spain’s best wines. Tours and tastings can be arranged.

Sevilla (Seville)

Just an hour and a half drive to the west you reach the capitol of Andalucia. Sevilla (Seville) makes a good day excursion with many tourists favourites.

Granada

Can be visited as a day trip. There is a good train service which dovetails perfectly with a visit to the Alhambra.

Jerez

The centre of Sherry making is just an hour drive away. There there are numerous sherry bodegas which can be visited and the Royal School of Equestrian Art.

Beaches

The beaches of the Costa del Sol are an hours drive to the south. The lesser-known Atlantic coast beaches are a couple of hours to the west.