Andalucia's White Hill Towns

Jennifer, we were there about 3 weeks ago. We stayed in Arcos and Ronda, and also drove the "route of he white hill towns" through Zahara and Grazalema.

Our favorites were easy -- no contest: we thought that Arcos was far and away the best, most "special" of the bunch. Definitely stay there (in the old town) overnight -- like noplace else. We also liked Ronda, but Arcos was more special (less touristy, at least at night). If I had to pick one, it would certainly be Arcos.

We stated at Casa Grabde in Arcos and loved it. In Ronda, we stayed at Hotel San Gabriel, and loved it too (neither were exactly cheap, but we felt like both were well worth it). Both are in the book.

Of course, forget bringing the car into the old town of Arcos (really, don't even think about it). We parked in a lot down below the new town and took a cab, and we were very, very glad we did. Ronda wasn't all that bad to drive through (to my surprise). The streets in Ronda were just standard, narrow streets like in any old European city. The "streets" in Arcos were impossibly narrow in many places. Leave the car down below and explore them on foot.

Have fun - I'm sure you will love it.

As one who has driven to the top of old town Arcos and lived to tell about it, I can truly say it is doable but challenging...for me, I would spend one night in each town...you will be there overnight so you get the full flavor of the town...and you will have enough time to see the few sights worth visiting...

I LOVED Rhonda! If you take the train to Rhonda from Malaga, travelling thru their gorge is a once-in-alifetime experience.
The train station is a 10 min walk into "town" so be prepared....
I lived in Europe about 2 years and always used trains or buses....trains especially. I urge you to do the same. The trains in Spain are wonderful, always classical music on board and clean and tidy and on time.

Ddn't say I didn't like Ronda -- I did. You're right, Ronda's great. But I thought Arcos was by better, and far more interesting. I'd agree with Bill above, try to see both. One day and a night in each was enough for us. They're different, both worthwhile, but if I had to pick one, IMHO Arcos would get the nod, no contest.