Quiet Hills & Dry Sherry.
Words by Co-Founder, George
February and March are a great time to get away. Let’s face it, the cosy appeal of the British winter has long worn off by then and it’s time to feel the warmth of the sun on your face again. The question, though, is where to go? The Alps have a timeless appeal and many migrate south to Cape Town but my wife and I decided to take a gamble on some early spring sunshine in Spain, which (mostly) paid off.
Stop One: Gaucín
Perched on the side of a hill and resplendent in white is the small town of Gaucín. Andalucia is broad and varied in its holiday options, perhaps most famous for the Costa del Sol. But if you want less beach club and more walking trail, I would highly recommend this sleepy nook.
The surrounding area is stunning, with miles of walking routes of varying difficulty. The town itself is charming; whitewashed buildings, a handful of rustic bars, and just enough going on to settle into a rhythm of walking, eating and sitting in the sun. There’s also a small but notable artist community, with a number of galleries dotted about. A large picture of a horse, in the window of one, caught my wife’s and my eye but the infrequent opening times of the gallery thwarted our chances of a spontaneous art purchase. Siesta to the rescue of our savings.
Stop Two: Ronda
Ronda has a dramatic setting, sitting on the edge of the El Tajo canyon, which plunges more than a hundred meters. It is a perfect day trip. The town is split in two by the gorge, connected by the Puente Nuevo, an impressive stone bridge that has become its defining image.
It is also home to one of the oldest and most famous bullrings in Spain. While bullfighting today sits under heavy scrutiny, stepping inside is less about spectacle and more about context. It offers a clear window into a tradition that has shaped the region’s identity for centuries - complex, contested, but impossible to ignore.
Beyond this, Ronda is an easy place to wander. The old town is full of narrow streets, quiet squares and viewpoints that look out across the surrounding countryside. It rewards a slower pace, best enjoyed with no real plan other than to take it in as you go.
Stop Three: Jerez
The home of sherry, Jerez oozes character. We spent two days exploring the town, stopping whenever thirsty at one of the many bars for a glass of Fino, Amontillado or both.
Three recommendations: Bar La Moderna for its local, pub-like feel; Tabanco El Pasaje for sherry served straight from the barrel alongside traditional flamenco; and Bar Juanito for lunch outside and exceptional local food.
I’d also recommend heading to the food market on a Saturday morning for locally caught tuna, fresh vegetables, followed by a late morning beer and churros. Salud.
George's Andalucia Picks
