Two spectacular routes to take in a day through the Serranía de Ronda: nature, charming villages, and autumn landscapes

The Serranía de Ronda, one of the most beautiful and unique regions in the interior of the province of Málaga, displays its natural splendor in autumn. Its mountains are painted in ochres, golds, and intense greens, offering a unique setting for hiking enthusiasts. Among forests of chestnut trees, karst formations, and white villages that seem suspended in time, this area invites you to explore paths filled with history and unforgettable landscapes. Two routes stand out especially for their beauty, easy access, and proximity to each other: the Sendero de las Eras, near Júzcar, and the Ruta del Tajo del Abanico, very close to Ronda. Both allow for a full day of nature, culture, and heritage in the heart of the Serranía of Málaga.

Just half an hour from Ronda is Júzcar, internationally known as the blue village of the Smurfs. Beyond its colorful appearance, this small municipality retains the authenticity of mountain villages, with cobblestone streets, a privileged natural environment, and a cuisine that reflects the traditions of the Serranía de Ronda. Very close to the urban center begins the Sendero de las Eras (SL-A-176), a circular route of just over two kilometers that takes approximately one hour to complete.

The itinerary runs through the Los Riscos area, a geological formation of karst origin that reminds, on a smaller scale, of the famous Torcal de Antequera. The whimsical shapes of the rock, sculpted by erosion over millennia, create a landscape of great geological and visual interest. Although the path is not long, its uneven terrain requires attention in some sections, making it of medium-low difficulty.

During the route, you can appreciate typical species of the Mediterranean forest and panoramic views over the nearby valleys. The silence of the surroundings, only broken by the song of birds or the whisper of the wind among the crags, makes this route a very special experience for those seeking a connection with nature. At the end of the path, visitors can delve into the streets of Júzcar and discover its Arabic layout, its corners decorated with murals, and its hospitable character.

From the blue village to Cartajima: a transition between mountains

From Júzcar, the road winds through mountains covered with chestnut and holm oak trees until reaching Cartajima, another of the most picturesque white villages in the area. The distance between them is just over ten minutes by car. This journey allows you to enjoy some of the most representative landscapes of the so-called Copper Forest, which during autumn transforms the fields of the Serranía into a mosaic of warm hues.

Cartajima, situated at over 800 meters altitude, offers privileged views of the Genal valley, one of the most photogenic areas of the region. From here, it is possible to continue towards Ronda, the starting point for the second major route of the day.

Ruta del Tajo del Abanico, a journey among unique natural formations

About 25 minutes from Cartajima, or half an hour from Júzcar, is the city of Ronda, a monumental gem of the province and a reference point for lovers of nature and history. Very close to its urban center is located the Ruta del Tajo del Abanico (SL-A-40), a trail of about eight kilometers (round trip) that allows you to discover another of the most singular geological enclaves of the area.

The route starts from the San Francisco neighborhood, where it is possible to leave the vehicle, and enters an environment marked by the Sijuela stream. The route runs between olive groves, holm oak forests, and rock walls that lead to the spectacular formation of the Tajo del Abanico, whose name refers to the semicircular shape that time has sculpted in the stone.

The elevation gain of the path is moderate—around 100 meters in the ascent sections—and its approximate duration is three hours. The trail is well-marked and allows for direct contact with the natural landscape of the Serranía de Ronda, with its mix of native vegetation, local fauna, and panoramas that open towards the mountains.