The Serrania de Ronda lies in the province of Malaga between the Campo de Gibraltar area (Cadiz), the Western Costa del Sol (Malaga), the Malaga Valley, the Antequera Basin (Malaga) and the Sierras de Ubrique (Cadiz).
The area consists of 21 municipalities: Algatocin, Alpandeire, Arriate, Atajate, Cartajima, Cortes de la Frontera, Benadalid, Benalauria, Benarraba, Benaojan, Farajan, Gaucin, Genalguacil, Igualeja, Jimera de Libar, Jubrique, Juzcar, Montejaque, Parauta, Pujerra and Ronda. It is also home to the rural communities of Montecorto, Serrato, Los Villalones, Puerto Sauco, Los Prados, Parchite, La Indiana, El Llano de la Cruz, La Cimada, Salitre, Siete Pilas, El Colmenar and Cañada del Real Tesoro.
It is characterised by a series of moderately-high limestone massifs that run from north east to south west, creating a natural barrier around the Ronda Basin and the valleys of the Rivers Genal and Guadiaro. The sierra consists of a succession of broad summits occupied by small high plateaus that provide a sharp contrast to the neighbouring hollows and basins.
A land of crossroads, the Serrania de Ronda is a development model typified by a series of factors that also serve to summarise the socio-economic characteristics of the area. These include rapid depopulation, the total lack of regeneration of said population, an eminently agricultural way of life (with the exception of Ronda), soaring unemployment rates, particularly among the female populace, a dearth of entrepreneurial initiative, a distinct lack of association mentality and the absence of any industrial fabric. All of these factors have combined to create a region that is deeply depressed in human terms and yet boasts an impressive natural heritage (countryside, folklore, cuisine, etc.) that augurs a future considerably brighter than the present.
As far as heritage is concerned, the area provides an uninterrupted historical account dating from the times of the original settlers (Cuenca de la Pileta) right through to the present day that also includes the Roman era (Acinipo), the Islamic occupation (the old town centre of Ronda and the villages of the Genal Valley) and the Christian reconquest (the multitude of Baroque churches to be found throughout the region).
The area is also blessed with immense scenic beauty, particularly in the Genal Valley, whose chestnut trees create a breathtaking landscape. As far as forestry is concerned, cork production and pasture exploitation are worthy of note, along with the continued presence of a number of endemic species such as the Spanish fir or the highland gall oak.
These natural riches combine with the multitude of local traditions such as open-air pilgrimage festivals or romerias, cuisine, popular customs and an endless list of other activities to make the Serrania de Ronda a privileged destination for the tourist.