It appears that November in the Iberian Peninsula is
changing when it relates to weather. Last Saturday saw a group of Blands
Travel clients and staff members visit a truly iconic town of Benaojan,
situated within the mountainous region of Ronda, Benaojan is famously known for
its oaks, pastures rainfed by the Mediterranean and sheep industry. Its cuisine
is highlighted by the sausages and other pork products and dried fruits.
For this same reason we decided to visit this wonderful town in Spain. We
left Gibraltar at early day and made our way up in our cosy 26 seater bus which
comfortably accommodated our group, stopping on the way in Estepona for a
well-deserved early breakfast. As you would expect from any Spanish
traditional bar, local produce made our breakfast that extra special, toasted
fresh bread from the day and “Manteca Colorada” traditional Red butter from the
pigs most juicy parts!
After breakfast we made the way up to town, one important
fact you may ought to know is the fact that there are 192 bends along the road
to Ronda! That is astonishing, the views are spectacular and if you are
into orienteering and birdwatching, this is truly a haven for these
practices. After an hour, we finally arrived into what seemed a ghost
town, very picturesque and beautiful, however, none else to be seen. The name
of Benaojan is of Arab origin.
Some believe it means children of Oján, from the Berber tribe,
and others think "home of the baker."
It is precisely to do with baking that we were enlightened to visit. Our
trip had a 11:45 visit to Charcuteria el Cerdito Andaluz, here you can buy the
best cuts of meats. We were amazed to see the sheer amount of meats at
affordable prices on display, Christmas is round the corner, and for this same
reason the group started to invest heavily in buying the best cuts of
meat. Just on a side note, Gibraltarians love their meat when it comes to
Christmas!
A short while later, the group finished buying
their traditional Spanish Ham and other meats and decided it was time for a
stop at one of the bars if not the only bar in the town of Benaojan. A
nice glass of wine from Ronda was just lovely as we sat in the bars terrace,
the sunshine gazing through along with a bunch of nice mates made midday the
best time of day. Soon after and with no time to spare, Lunch was booked
in for 14:00 at The Muelle Restaurant, a lovely old building transformed into a
exquisite restaurant. I will just comment that the group entered the
restaurant at 14:00…. And left at 17:30… that only shows that the food along
with its wine were spectacular. We were greeted with entrees of Bellota Ham and
Payoyo cheese followed by sirloin steaks and other cuts of beef which were
devoured by the group in a matter of 15 silent minutes! I hardly ever see
service and food at this level in more touristic hotspots along the Costa del
Sol. El Muelle restaurant is a must in town and I would guarantee you
will leave with a huge smile on your face and a button unloosed on your
trousers.
A long day was experienced in such a short space of time,
time actually flew by as we enjoyed very second of this town near Ronda.
If you would like to experience this excursion do let us know as we are
planning a trip in the next few weeks.
Safe Travels.
The Weekly Traveller
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