Montejaque

Why visit Montejaque

Montejaque sits at the foot of bare limestone mountains in the Serranía de Ronda, about 20 minutes from Ronda but a world away from its crowds. With around a thousand inhabitants, a central square and lanes of white houses, it is a classic mountain village, and it lies on the edge of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. The karst landscape around it is riddled with caves, gorges and sinkholes. Montejaque suits walkers, cavers and travellers looking for a quiet rural base within easy reach of Ronda and the white villages.

What to see and do in Montejaque

Walking is the main draw. Trails climb into the Sierra de Líbar, and guided walking holidays in the area include routes from here or from Benaocaz. Just outside the village, the Hundidero-Gato cave system, where the river Gaduares disappears into the mountain, is a famous caving route for experienced groups with guides, and a disused dam stands near the entrance to the Hundidero. Nearby Benaoján is home to the Cueva de la Pileta, with prehistoric paintings visited on small guided tours, and the riverside path along the Guadiaro between Benaoján and Jimera de Líbar is one of the most pleasant walks in the area. Ronda's gorge and bridge are a short drive away.

A day in Montejaque

Take a morning walk into the Sierra de Líbar from the village, then have lunch in a local bar. In the afternoon, visit the Cueva de la Pileta in nearby Benaoján (book ahead) or walk the Guadiaro river path towards Jimera de Líbar. In the evening, drive 20 minutes into Ronda for dinner by the gorge.

Food and local life

Expect hearty mountain cooking: chacinas, the local cured pork, from the Benaoján area, game stews, migas and sopa de tomate. Ronda's wineries are within easy reach, and village bars serve tapas to a mostly local crowd.

Around Montejaque

Montejaque is in the Serranía de Ronda comarca, on the edge of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Benaoján, Jimera de Líbar and Cortes de la Frontera follow the Guadiaro valley, and Grazalema and Ronda are both within half an hour.

See every town and village on the Serranía de Ronda page.

Getting there and around

Montejaque is in the Serranía de Ronda comarca, about 20 minutes from Ronda and 1 hour 45 minutes from Málaga airport by car. Benaoján-Montejaque station, on the Ronda to Algeciras line, is a short drive away. Caving is only possible with licensed guides. Walking is best in spring and autumn.