Where is El Gastor?
Look on any map of southern Spain and you will find El Gastor just northwest of, and inland from, Malaga and Marbella, both of which lie on the country’s famous Costa del Sol.
What kind of place is El Gastor?
The ‘pueblo blanco’, or white village, of El Gastor is known as the ‘balcony of the white villages’ because of its location, jutting out from the base of the hill known as El Algarin. A typical Andalucian mountain village, the combination of its dazzling white buildings, narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled streets and gardens make it a pretty and tranquil place with plenty of rural charm
What is there to do and see in El Gastor?
Above all else, the village itself is a place to relax amongst gorgeous scenery, but it does have all the facilities than any holidaymaker could ask for. There are a number of traditional tapas bars and restaurants, butchers, fishmongers and a baker, as well as several general stores, a pharmacy, banks and a post office.
A wander around the village will lead you past the pretty village square with its obligatory parish church, a park and a welcome sight on those hot summer days, an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool.
Every week, the village holds its own market where you can buy from a range of local produce or pick up a memento of your stay in the region.
What is there to do and see in the area generally?
The area in which El Gastor is situated is a nature-lover’s dream. Just five minutes’ drive away, you will find the Zahara-El Gastor lake which the village overlooks, and here you can stroll around the shores and admire the beautiful scenery. Being right on the edge of the Grazalema Natural Park also provides easy access to its rugged landscapes, caves and gorges, as well as to the many other pretty little villages of the region. If you fancy seeing the spectacular views from even greater heights, you can even take a hot-air balloon flight at dawn.
Only three kilometres from the village, the avid bird-spotter can take a visit to the Lagarin Ridge which is home to a colony of griffin vultures, as well as short-toed and bonnelli eagles. There have even been sightings of a pair of golden eagles here.
As well as the wonderful walks in the area, you might also consider a spot of cycling or horse riding. There are a number of local stables which will take you on an organised trek in the area.
Should you decide that it is time for some slightly more ‘commercial’ activity, the town of Ronda is within easy reach by car and is the fastest-growing town in Andalucia. Here you can not only visit the spectacular Puento Nuevo bridge and La Casa del Rey Moro with its water mine and forestier’s gardens, but also indulge in a little retail therapy.