Hotels in the Genal valley
Fifteen white villages among chestnut trees in the Serranía de Ronda, known for the “copper forest” of autumn.
Destinations in the Genal valley
Each photo shows the best-rated hotel in that place.
Where to stay in the Genal valley
What the Genal valley is like
It’s the valley of the Genal river, in the Serranía de Ronda, between Ronda and the western Costa del Sol. It has fifteen white villages of Morisco origin surrounded by chestnut woods. In autumn the leaves turn gold and red, which is why it’s called the “copper forest”.
Which village to choose
Gaucín, with its castle and views of the Strait of Gibraltar, has the most charming hotels. Genalguacil is a museum village, with contemporary art in its streets. Júzcar is the “Smurf village”, painted blue. Jubrique, Benarrabá, Algatocín and Igualeja have rural houses and farmhouses.
When to go
October and November are the best time for the colour of the chestnut woods and the chestnut harvest. In spring the valley is green and it’s a good time for walking. In summer it’s hot, but you can swim in the river.
Getting around
You need a car: the roads between villages are narrow and winding. Ronda is 30 to 45 minutes away and Estepona and Marbella an hour. The nearest airport is Málaga.
Hotels in the Genal valley in numbers
Worked out every day from the data of the hotels in its 7 destinations.
- places to stay
- 134
- destinations with their own page
- 7
- average score of 104 rated properties
- 9.2
- guest reviews
- 3,536
- four- and five-star hotels
- 50
Destinations in the Genal valley compared
Airport: the nearest one as the crow flies.
Best-rated hotels in the Genal valley
Ranked by guest score and number of reviews.
La Posada del Recovero★★★8.6 FabulousSee prices
Hotel Almejí★★8.9 FabulousSee prices
Casas Rurales Juzcar Centro★★★8.7 FabulousSee prices
La Fructuosa★★9.1 ExceptionalSee prices
Hotel Los Castaños★★9.8 ExceptionalSee prices
Hotel Rural La Fuentecilla8.8 FabulousSee prices
La casa de mis padres★★★★9.7 ExceptionalSee prices
Casa Carmen9.2 ExceptionalSee prices
Hotel Restaurante Bandolero★★8.7 FabulousSee prices
Apartamentos Rurales Jardines del Visir★★★★8.7 FabulousSee prices
El Gallinero de Rita★★★★9.1 ExceptionalSee prices
Benarrabá Hostel8.1 Very goodSee prices
Frequently asked questions about hotels in the Genal valley
How many hotels are there in the Genal valley?
We list 134 places to stay in 7 destinations in the Genal valley. The ones with the most are Gaucín (52), Júzcar (21) and Algatocín (20).
What is the best-rated hotel in the Genal valley?
La Posada del Recovero, in Genalguacil, with a score of 8.6 out of 10 from 635 guest reviews.
Which destination in the Genal valley has the best-rated hotels?
Algatocín: its 14 rated properties have an average score of 9.2 out of 10. Next comes Júzcar, with 9.2.