Free walking tours in Júzcar and what to see

Must-sees

Júzcar is a small village in the Genal valley, in the Serranía de Ronda, known as the blue village. In 2011 its houses were painted blue for the launch of the Smurfs film, and the residents later decided to keep the colour. The result is curious: a blue village among chestnut trees, with the 16th-century church of Santa Catalina in the middle. Strolling its streets and looking for the film's murals and figures is the most popular visit, especially with children.

There's more history than meets the eye. The Real Fábrica de Hojalata de San Miguel, considered the first tinplate factory in Spain, was built in the municipality, and its remains were restored a few years ago. There's also the abandoned village of Moclón, linked to a pilgrimage, and the village has a mycological museum, as autumn brings mushrooms to the whole valley.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Júzcar. The most common organised activity is canyoning, with a guide and equipment, in the local gorges, ideal if you fancy some adventure. The village is easy to explore on your own in a short time. From Ronda or the Costa del Sol there are white-village excursions that sometimes include Júzcar.

How long to spend

The village takes an hour or two. If you go canyoning, allow another half day. With a full day you can add the tinplate factory and a walk in the valley. In autumn, when the chestnuts turn gold, it's worth staying a couple of days and touring other Genal villages such as Cartajima, Faraján or Igualeja.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Júzcar is very limited, with a few rural houses in the village and the nearby countryside, perfect if you want silence and scenery. For more options, the neighbouring villages of the Genal valley have rural accommodation. Ronda, about half an hour away on a winding road, is the most convenient alternative, with much more choice and restaurants.