On to Ronda today. An easy drive, the first 100 km through semi-industrial areas, clean, and km's of olive trees. The second part of the journey was quiet back road climbing through semi alpine hill country, really beautiful and a timeless feel to it. The country is all limestone, very very similar to that of Greece, perhaps a little greener in places. Ronda is a spectacular town, on the rim of a limestone ridge, with lots of history. We stayed in a village about 5 km out of town, called Arriate, lovely hotel on the hill, quiet, etc. With wifi, breakfast, parking etc, $AUD76. Pretty good value.
View looking down from our room to Arriate.
Our room is on the right, ground floor, behind the tree. It has lovely huge french windows opening onto a private terrace.
Probably the most known view of Ronda, it's very spectacular. It's called the New Bridge, and compared to most of the town, it probably is pretty new.
We had dinner on the balcony of one of these buildings. Nice to watch the sunset, but Basil Fawlty service. Entertaining.
Typical countryside. Reminded me of Tuscany, and in some ways I prefer it. Probably not quite so scenic in absolute terms, but more consistent, and less crowded. Certainly cheaper, and would be better cycling here. If you have the time, there are plenty of hikes available in the area, it's full of National Parks.
I'll finish up with our balcony, almost heaven sitting here listening to the birds and having a tinkle on the uke.
Tomorrow, our road takes us through a special village called Setenil, then mountain roads to Seville. Might get a haircut, and even have an orange. (I didn't mention, breakfast today in Grandada was freshly squeezed orange juice, two large bruscettas, and coffee, 3.50 euro, about $AUD4.40)
Asta pronto!!
The planking craze seems to have died out in Europe....
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