Hotel Los Castaños
Cartajima
This small hotel is located in a white village just outside Ronda. Close enough for you to fully enjoy the sights of Ronda, and far enough away to enjoy some proper peace and quiet. The English lady (Diana) that owns this hotel has given it a homely feel, with only 5 rooms, which all have a reasonably spacious layout and are very well looked after. The lounge downstairs, which is like a living room, has a cosy fireplace for some heat on a cool day, as well as books you can read or just browse amidst the varied decoration. This is the only place in the hotel where you will find a telly, the hotel has a no-TV policy for the guest rooms. The lounge also has a large dining table for all guests, which is where dinner is served, offering a nice way of meeting other people. The hotel serves a day menu, and guests are required to let reception know, in the morning, whether they will be eating at the hotel or not.
On hot days you can head up to the large roof terrace for a dip in the plunge pool and a refreshing drink from the honesty bar. And then just kick back and enjoy the marvellous views!!
Well-maintained hotel in a small village, a great option if you are after a little peace and quiet.
Cons:
• On-street parking in the village
Pros:
• Well looked after
• Stunning surroundings
• Service-driven owner
Hotel Los Castaños
facilities
Hotel
- There is a restaurant where you can have dinner, upon request. A meal costs approx. € 30 pp.
- Large living area for common use, with TV.
- No safe in the rooms, but there is a large safe in the hotel that guests can use.
- Plunge pool on the roof terrace.
- Small patio and roof terrace.
- Hotel has an internet connection.
- Children are welcome.
- One room with wheelchair access.
- No lift.
- Pets are not welcome.
- Hotel does not have its own parking facilities. Parking in the street.
- Hotel is situated in centre of the village.
Rooms
Every room has air conditioning, heating, coffee/tea maker and a mini-bar. All rooms have their own small private terrace or balcony.
Fully-equipped bathrooms with hairdryer.
The hotel has 6 rooms, of which 1 single room and 5 double rooms.
Hotel Los Castaños
surrounding area
Cartajima
This small sleepy white village is an ideal place for people looking for some peace and quiet, or as a base for walks! This village is tucked away in the mountains between Ronda and San Pedro on the Costa del Sol. You can go for walks to small villages in the Alto General valley, such as Parauta, Igualeja, Juzcar and Pujerra.
Active
Cartajima is an excellent starting point for a range of different walks.
Nature
Trips through the Costa del Sol’s hinterland by car, past Pueblos Blancos (white villages), such as Zahara de la Sierra, which sits at the foot of the ruins of a castle, and which was recently proclaimed a national monument. Other splendid white villages are Grazalema, Setenil, Jimena de la Frontera, Gaucín. In these white villages you will be able to get a taste of Spanish country life as it has been for centuries.
The following villages/towns in the area are definitely worth a visit:
Ronda (18km; 20min):
Ronda has one of the most spectacular settings in all of Southern Spain. Due to this town’s unassailable location, it was one of the last standing Moorish bastions, which only fell in 1485, when it was conquered by the Christians. The town is split in two by a spectacular gorge, with the southern part being the classic Moorish pueblo blanco with cobblestone streets, small fences in front of the windows and whitewashed walls all around. The new town on the other side of the gorge contains the Plaza de Toros (bull ring), the cradle of bullfighting; it was built in 1785 and is one of Spain’s oldest. The bridge that connects the two parts of Ronda, the Puente Nuevo, spans the 100-metre-deep gorge and has become Ronda’s most famous feature, drawing in millions of visitors every year.
Apart from the Plaza de Toros, the Palacio Mondragón is another important sight; this is a palace decorated with original Moorish mosaics and plastering.
About 15 km outside Ronda you will find caves, the Cueva de la Pileta (near Benaoján), with prehistoric paintings.
Costa del Sol (43km; 50min):
A day at the beach is also an option. The Costa del Sol, with all its beaches, stretches out at only a 1 hour drive from Ronda. The finest beaches are the ones at Marbella, including Babaloo Beach (Puerto Banus) and Victor’s Beach (Marbella).
Marbella (57km; 1h):
Marbella’s old town is definitely worth a visit. One of the highlights of your visit will be having a nice outdoor dinner on the Plaza de los Naranjos, the main square, lined with orange trees. After dinner you can stroll through Marbella’s narrow streets and past its many squares.
Ardales (62km; 1h):
The Embalses de Guadalteba-Guadalhorce are known as Andalucía’s lake district. The embalses are 2 reservoirs, which are surrounded by stunning mountainous and wooded countryside. This is a popular recreation area, with picnic sites and plenty of places where you can go for a swim. And moreover, a great place for walks.
Nearby (in the direction of Alóra) you will also find the Garganta del Chorro, a breathtaking, narrow gorge carved out by the Río Guadalhorce. This gorge is famous for the spectacular path of concrete wire bridges clinging onto the rock face, but unfortunately the path has been closed because it is no longer entirely safe.
And you can, of course, head for one of these world famous cities for a day trip:
Seville (145km; 2h15min):
The capital of Andalucía is a compact city with a rich past. Most of its major sights are in or near the city centre on the Guadalquivir river’s left bank. And they also know how to party and have a good time in this city of flamenco and tapas.
As you wander through the old Jewish quarter, the Barrio Santa Cruz, through a maze of white streets and patios, you should not forget to take in the imposing cathedral, the Moorish bell tower, La Giralda, and the royal palace Real Alcázar.
You can unwind in the María Luisa park, where you can spend the hottest part of the day under orange trees and palm trees.
The museum Museo de Bellas Artes, one of Spain’s best museums of art, is a real must. And then there are its magnificent palaces and other sights, such as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza (bull ring); Casa de Pilatos and the Torre del Oro.
Granada (203km; 2h45min):
The Alhambra was the part of town where princes, nobility and court staff dwelled, on the hill right in the middle of Granada. The Alhambra is a huge complex, 720m in length and 220m wide. Clever use of space, light, water and decorative features are the Alhambra’s defining features.
On the hill opposite the Alhambra, the Albayzín quarter, is where Granada’s Moorish past is still most tangible. Stroll through its narrow streets, past villas with Moorish decoration and gardens, up to the Mirador de San Nicolás. This is where you will have the best views, of the roofs of Granada, with the Alhambra behind them, which makes for a stunning view, especially at sunset!
Córdoba (213km; 2h50min):
Visit the Mezquita, Córdoba's huge mosque, which has seen various different developments throughout the years to become a fascinating blend of styles and religions. And you can also go for a stroll through the districts of San Lorenzo, Judería and San Basilio, where you will encounter the most beautiful Moorish patios. Other sights include the palace/fortress Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with magnificent gardens and fountains; various museums, such as the Museo Arqueológico, Museo Taurino, Museo de Bellas Artes; a string of great squares, such as the Plaza de la Corredera, Plaza del Potro.