Cycling - Acinipo & Setenil Circular - 52km - Challenging Level Activity - Andalucia Travel Guide

Overview

This ride takes us on an undulating mountain loop, via two of the oldest sites in the area, riding through rural farmland and past woodland, hillside vineyards and acres of olive groves.

From Ronda, we drop down into a green valley and then tackle our first major climb, a 12km steady ascent up to the Roman ruins of Acinipo. The town was built on a high escarpment more than 2,000 years ago to house retired soldiers. The remains of the large Roman theatre are well preserved and impressive. Just behind the rear seats of the theatre is the edge of the escarpment, with amazing views across to the Grazalema mountains.

We then descend into a river valley and the white village of Setenil de la Bodegas, where large overhanging limestone cliffs create shelter from the prevailing elements. To this day, “cavehouse” dwellings built into the rock form the basis of many houses, shops and cafes. We enjoy a short refreshment stop in one of these cafes before heading back up the hill to Ronda.