The ancient pueblos blancos (white towns) of the Serranía de Ronda, clamber up hillsides to create some of Europe’s most dramatic mountain scenery. You only need to walk a few minutes beyond the steep laneways of these towns to find yourself alone in the Andalucian countryside, with only the occasional ibex or griffon vulture for company. The region's wildlife and fascinating history are reasons enough to visit, but now Hipcamp has found another; a brand new, off-the-grid hideaway, with chestnut forest views that will knock your socks off. And it can be all yours…
“It’s a bit like landing on the moon!” says Eco Camel’s creator and welcoming host, Roger. And as you take in that remote, untouched landscape from your private decked terrace, you can’t help but agree. The site's 5-meter bell tent sleeps two, and comes furnished with a cosy king-size bed, soft white cotton sheets and plenty of creature comforts. This homely abode is clearly well-loved, maintained and spacious, with ample storage room to tuck away those walking boots after a day's rambling in the mountains. Just outside your bell tent you will find a cosy wigwam for the kids, an en suite wetroom, with hot and cold running spring water, a flushing toilet and sink. This private bathroom is lit by LED energy-efficient lighting and fresh towels are provided daily.
Offsite, a visit to nearby Ronda is simply a must. The ancient city – suspended on a spectacular narrow plateau – overlooks several white villages dotting the region's rich valley slopes. Past and present blends seamlessly here, with its Arab city gates, palace, convent and busy Sunday market, overflowing with fine food, local ceramics, flowers... you get the picture. Birdwatchers should look out for the lesser kestrels nesting in the cliffs beneath the Alameda, while lower down, crag martins can be spotted. A favourite with the Romantics of the late 19th century, Ronda has a number of museums and, thankfully, has sacrificed little of its charm to the flow of Costa del Sol day-trippers.
There’s glamping, and then there’s off-the-grid glamping. Eco Camel is most definitely the latter. All this was only made possible by Roger’s hard work and desire to create a truly eco-friendly experience. Energy is provided by wind-turbines and fresh water is harvested from a spring located 700 meters up the mountain. Despite these impressive eco credentials, the site doesn’t lack in the comfort stakes either, with onsite facilities that you would expect from a boutique hotel. So why not switch off your phone and start roaming this wonderfully unspoilt corner of southern Spain?
Separating the old and new towns, Puente Nuevo is Ronda’s most recognisable sight. Straddling the dramatic gorge and the Río Guadalevín, it's best viewed from the bottom of the gorge. It’s not our cup of sangria, but the Plaza de Toros is a mecca for bullfighting aficionados. Admired for its galleried arches the arena has been in existence for more than 200 years and is one of the most revered bullrings in Spain, having witnessed some of the 'sport's’ most important events. Museo Lara (0034 952 871 263) is a lovely private museum. Lara Jurado has been a collector since the age of 10. Now in his 70s, Lara still lives above the museum and has acquired a priceless collection of gramophones, clocks, weapons, radios, sewing machines, opera glasses, Spanish fans, scales and plenty more. Eco Camel is also well positioned to visit the many beaches of the Costa del Sol, the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia and Granada, with its magnificent Albrahama Palace.
