Free walking tours in Cortes de la Frontera and what to see

Must-sees

Cortes de la Frontera is in western Málaga province, between the Serranía de Ronda and the Los Alcornocales Nature Park, which covers much of its municipality. Cork was for a long time the basis of its economy, and its town hall, parish church and some grand houses you'll see as you stroll the centre date from the 18th century. It's a quiet village, not very touristy, with views of the surrounding hills.

The main draws are in the countryside. The Cañón de las Buitreras, carved by the Guadiaro river, is a spectacular gorge famous among canyoning enthusiasts. In the west of the municipality are the ruins of La Sauceda, an abandoned hamlet deep in the hills, from where the climb up the Pico del Aljibe, the highest point of Los Alcornocales, begins. For something gentler, the cork oak forests have waymarked trails.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Cortes de la Frontera. The village is easy to explore on your own, and the interest lies in heading into the countryside. In the Cañón de las Buitreras and Los Alcornocales, outdoor companies organise canyoning and guided hikes, though these aren't visits to the village itself. From Ronda you can come on a day trip through the Guadiaro valley.

How long to spend

The village takes an hour or two. The route to La Sauceda or the climb up the Aljibe takes a whole day, and canyoning in Las Buitreras a long half day. With two or three days you can combine nature, the centre of Cortes and other villages in the Guadiaro valley, such as Benaoján or Jimera de Líbar.

Where to stay

Staying in the village itself is convenient if you want services and bars nearby. If you're coming for Las Buitreras, the hamlet of El Colmenar puts you next to the canyon access. To be surrounded by nature, there are rural houses and farmhouses scattered through the hills. Accommodation is limited, so it's best to book ahead. Ronda, about forty minutes away, is the alternative with more beds.