THERE EXISTS A PLACE OF PROFOUND GREEN, WHERE THE SOUND OF WATER FILLS EACH PLACE. AN ANCESTRAL UNIVERSE SPLASHED WITH THE CRIMSON OF THE CORK TREES STRPPED OF THEIR BARK; A LAND WHERE THE SWEET TASTE OF THE CHESTNUT, THE SMELL OF SMOKE AND WOOD PERFUSE AUTUMN. THE VALLEY OF GENAL IS NOT WELL KNOWN AND IS HIDDEN BETWEEN RONDA AND THE COSTA DEL SOL, IS A PLACE FAR FROM THE BEATEN TRACK.

There ar two possible ways to reach the villages that are scattered around this valley.
From the coast taking the road that leaves Estepona and crosses Sierra Bermeja or the way known as the "Ruta de los Castaños", (The Chestnut Route) that starts in Ronda itself, where after a tasty breakfast you can visit in just one unforgettable day the municipalities of Cartajima, Faraján, Igualeja, Júzcar, Parauta and Pujerra.
You will enjoy the tonaities and capricious landscapes that these places in the Sierra of Ronda offer: the chestnut trees lend the countryside, especially when autumn is drawing to a close and the light fades, quite a striking texture and colour.

The most recommended option is, however, to opt for small excursions by car or on foot along the different roads and tracks that criss-cross the area and that are well known to the neighbours, who, because of their unique hospitable nature, are always ready to guide the trabeller.
In Cartajima you can find the remains of an Arabic castle that can be seen even from the road. On the other hand Parauta is famous for its artisanal rugs and for recently having become the first ecological village of the province as well, it couldn't be otherwise, its delicious chestnut sweets.
Igualeja, which is the largest village of the Alto Genal, enjoys the source of the river that gives its name to the Valley. The spring is situated at the beginning of the village and this spot gives itself over as a resting place and one of necessary enjoyment for the trabeller.
The area furthest away from the Valley is quite unique: Genalguacil. It possesses the charm of a small white Andalusian village stuck in the midle of a pine forest and whose streets are scattered with the sculptures from its biennial artistic gathering. An event that unites periodically international artists for 3 weeks. The perfect place to sense and enjoy a valley still far from the hustle and bustle of modern life.