The day began with Mark and Réka arriving at La Nava Estate, a large private reserve tucked into the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, just a short drive from Ronda. The estate, known for its unspoiled natural beauty, offers visitors the chance to experience the rugged wilderness of Andalusia in its purest form.

Their guide for the day welcomed them with open arms and led them on a walking tour of the estate, which is home to a variety of wildlife including wild boar and fallow deer. As they strolled through the open landscape and oak forests, Mark and Réka were captivated by the raw beauty of the estate—the vibrant greens of the native trees, the soft rustling of leaves in the wind, and the dedication to preservation from the family.

After their tour of La Nava Estate, it was time for a feast that perfectly captured the essence of local, seasonal food. Mark and Réka were treated to a home cooked meal featuring wild boar and venison, both sourced directly from the estate. The meal was an authentic taste of Andalusia, where hunting and using local game meat are still cherished traditions.

Sitting at a rustic hand built log cabin in the forest, they enjoyed rich, flavourful dishes slow-cooked to perfection. The wild boar was tender and savoury, while the venison had a deep, earthy taste that brought out the flavours of the forest. Accompanied by local wine and fresh bread, the meal felt like a true celebration of Andalusian heritage and the natural abundance of the region.

As the sun began to set, the excitement for the next part of their adventure grew. Mark and Réka were about to embark on a night hike, a truly special experience. The main event? Listening to the mating calls of fallow deer, a natural phenomenon that occurs during the rutting season.

Guided by the team at Actividades en Sierra de las Nieves, they set off into the darkness. As they hiked through the estate under the starry sky, they began to hear the deep, resonant sounds of the fallow deer calling to one another—a haunting yet beautiful chorus that filled the night air. It was a magical moment, where they felt completely immersed in nature, witnessing a centuries-old ritual that few people get to experience firsthand.

To complete their adventure, Mark and Réka spent the night in a truly unique way: sleeping in hammocks under the stars. After the hike, they settled into their hammocks, which were set up in a peaceful spot within the estate, far from any light pollution. Wrapped in warm blankets, they fell asleep to the sounds of the forest, from the distant calls of the deer to the soft breeze rustling through the trees.

Sleeping under the open sky, with the twinkling stars above, was a fitting end to their day. It was an intimate connection to nature that left them feeling both peaceful and energised. By morning, they woke up refreshed, ready to continue their Andalusian journey with memories that would last a lifetime.

What made their trip even more special was combining La Ronca with a cycling tour offered by White Village Tours. Mark and Réka decided to start their adventure by cycling through the breathtaking landscapes of the white villages around Ronda, a perfect way to get a taste of the rugged beauty of Andalusia before their stay at La Nava Estate.

White Village Tours crafted a custom cycling route for them, winding through historic villages and olive groves, leading them closer to the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves. This cycling experience not only allowed them to stay active but also set the perfect tone for their immersive nature adventure. The blend of outdoor activity and wildlife exploration created a balanced, unforgettable Andalusian getaway.