Ardales, Setenil de las Bodegas and Olvera

Ardales is a village that had its beginnings in prehistory and its moment of splendor during the Arab period. It is located surrounded by incredible landscapes between the regions of Ronda, Antequera and the Guadalhorce valley.
Leave the car in the parking for motorhomes (only 200 meters from the Prehistoric Interpretation Center of Ardales) and start to walk between the narrow streets.

If you are interested in history, it´s a good idea to visit the Prehistoric Interpretation Center of Ardales to learn about the origin of the village and what you will see in the caves. In this center start the guide tours to the cave. ✅ Open Hours Tuesday - Sunday: 9:30 -14:00 On Mondays, it is closed.

The Cave of Ardales is one of the three oldest caves in the world and its interior preserves wonders of rupestrian art. ✅ Open Hours Cultural guides tours are available: Tuesday to Sunday at 10:00. Friday and Saturdays at 10:00 and 16:00. Monday is closed (except on holidays and long weekends). The price is 5 euros for children between 8 and 12 years old. And 15 euros for everyone from 12 years old.
The appointment with the guide is at Prehistoric Center of Ardales where the visit begins, then with own vehicle follows the guide for 4 km to the cave.
The visit inside the cave has a duration of approximately 2 hours. Keep in mind these to organize the rest of the day. The tickets can be purchased through this web For more information you can write to this email: [email protected]

The Castillo de la Peña is the symbol of Ardales. It was built in the ninth century and is located on a hilltop almost 500 meters. ✅ Open Hours: Saturday - Sunday - Holiday: 11:00 - 14:00. Also on Saturdays at 17:00 there is a guided tour only for 15 persons.
Reservations can be made by phone +34 952458046 or by email [email protected] The entrance fee is 3 euros (cash only) and you have to climb 130 steps during the visit.
If you don´t visit the castle, you can go there and look at the 15th century Mudejar Church next to the castle. Also, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the village.

Now it´s time lunch! (I guess you have finished your snacks). You can stop at Bar Millan for some tapas with beer. Ask for the el combinado option which brings two tapas of each type. ✅ Open Hours Every day 7:00 - 18:00. Sunday closed.

If you have already recharged your energy, it´s time to continue to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the area: the Conde del Guadalhorce reservoir.
You can park the car in one of the recreational areas (there are signs) or wherever you see a place to admire the scenery. Have your camera ready! If it is summer, you can do some of the water sports offered, such as kayaking or paddle surf. The companies that offer them are located along the reservoir so it will be easy to find them if they are there.
NOTE: It is possible to make a detour from this itinerary and visit the Caminito del Rey. For that, you need to buy the ticket several weeks or months in advance (in the official website ) and choose one of the last times to visit it. If you have a ticket, leave the car at Parking Caminito del Rey north access and follow the trail. When the trail ends, take the shuttle bus that leaves you back in the area where you left the car.
Keep in mind that if you do this tour in this 4-days itinerary, you will arrive late at the hotel and you will not able to do everything proposed.

Setenil de las Bodegas is a small town famous for its rock-roofed streets. Leave the car on one of the farthest streets or one of the two official parking and walk along Calle Cueva del Sol and Calle Cueva de la Sombra: two of the most photogenic places in town.
While walking, find a place for a coffee.

One of the places you can choose for a coffee is Cafetería Sol y Sombra. If is no place there, you will surely find another cafe or bar in the tourist streets. ✅ Open Hours: Monday - Thursday 12:00-19:00 Friday is closed. Saturdays - Sundays 12:00-20:00

While you walk through the streets of the town look for this corner to take a souvenir photo. And of course you can also kiss someone.

Olvera is the last stop of this day and another of the beautiful white villages that dot the Andalusian mountains.
The Olvera Castle and the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Church stand out in the landscape of the village.
Have your camera ready to take beautiful pictures of them and surroundings.
The most photographed street in the town is Calle Calzada, which ends at the church.
It may already be late to visit the castle, but if it is summer it´s still daylight so you can get close to the door to admire the scenery. If you arrive earlier in Olvera (because you did not do all the activities proposed in the morning) you can visit the castle. ✅ Open Hours: Monday - Friday: 10:00 - 18:30 Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00
June, July and August: Every day: 10:00 - 20:30 For more information you can call this phone number +34 956120816
The price is 2 euros and you can buy it at the castle.

One of the options for dinner in Olvera is this restaurant with handmade and abundant food. You can order fresh fish or meatballs among other options.
✅ Open Hours: Thursday - Monday: 13:00 - 17:00, 20:00 - 24:00 Tuesday 13:00 - 17:00 Wednesday is closed.

In Olvera you will find accommodation in the village as well as in the surrounding area. As it is only one night and you have an early start the next day you can choose one in the village.