Camino de Santiago from Ronda | Vía Serrana & Vía Verde de la Sierra

By White Village Tours — exploring Ronda, the Pueblos Blancos, and the heart of Andalucía.

Explore the southern Camino de Santiago starting from Ronda through Andalucía’s white villages. Discover the Vía Serrana and cycle the famous Vía Verde de la Sierra with White Village Tours.

When most people imagine the Camino de Santiago, they think of misty forests and stone villages in northern Spain. But far to the south, in the rugged heart of Andalucía, another Camino begins; a route of sunshine, mountains, and whitewashed towns.

From the cliffs of Ronda, pilgrims can follow the ancient Vía Serrana, a southern branch of the Camino de Santiago that winds through the Serranía de Ronda, crosses the Vía Verde de la Sierra, and eventually meets the Vía de la Plata in Seville, continuing north all the way to Santiago de Compostela.

The Vía Serrana: A Southern Path to Santiago

The Vía Serrana is one of the most scenic and least-known pilgrim routes in Spain. It begins near Gibraltar and passes through the white villages (pueblos blancos) of Cádiz and Málaga — places like Jimena de la Frontera, Ronda, Olvera and Utrera — before reaching Seville.

From Ronda, walkers and cyclists experience some of Andalucía’s most beautiful landscapes: limestone hills, olive groves, and winding tracks through cork forests. The journey north blends natural beauty with centuries of history — Roman roads, medieval bridges, and churches that have welcomed pilgrims for generations.

For Hikers: Slow Travel through Andalucía’s White Villages

Hiking the Vía Serrana is a chance to explore Andalucía at a walking pace. Each day reveals something new: a mountain pass, a quiet village square, or the sound of church bells echoing across the valley.

The stages between Ronda and Olvera are especially rewarding, connecting some of the region’s most picturesque white villages. From there, the route continues along the Vía Verde de la Sierra, a 36-km greenway built on an old railway line. With its tunnels, viaducts, and vulture-filled cliffs, it’s one of the most spectacular walking paths in southern Spain.

For Cyclists: The Vía Verde de la Sierra Experience

For cyclists, the Vía Verde de la Sierra offers a perfect introduction to the Camino spirit — and it’s one of the most popular day trips we offer at White Village Tours.

Starting from Olvera, the route follows a gentle, traffic-free trail through stunning countryside. You’ll pass through 30 tunnels, ride over soaring viaducts, and enjoy panoramic views of the Garganta del Hierro nature reserve. It’s a wonderful way to experience the freedom and rhythm of the Camino, even if just for a day.

Our cycling tours on the Vía Verde de la Sierra are ideal for travellers based in Ronda who want to explore the countryside in comfort and at their own pace.

The Spirit of the Southern Camino

What makes this southern route special is its authenticity. Unlike the busy northern Caminos, the Vía Serrana remains quiet and deeply personal. You’ll share the trail with farmers, locals, and the occasional pilgrim, surrounded by olive groves and birdsong instead of crowds.

Even if you don’t walk all the way to Santiago, walking or cycling a section of this route offers a glimpse of something timeless — the spirit of discovery, simplicity, and connection that has always defined the Camino.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

At White Village Tours, we specialise in day trips and cycling adventures from Ronda and the surrounding white villages.

Our most popular activity, the Vía Verde de la Sierra Cycling Tour, allows you to experience a beautiful section of the Vía Serrana and the landscapes that pilgrims have traversed for centuries. It’s perfect for couples, families, or anyone who wants a taste of the Camino de Santiago, Andalucía-style.

Discover more on our Via Verde experience:

Via Verde de la Sierra Cycling Experience