Every autumn, the chestnut groves of the Genal Valley gradually change colour, covering the hillsides in shades of brown, yellow, orange and ochre. This landscape is known as the Copper Forest, one of the most distinctive sights in the Serranía de Ronda and a great reason to plan a getaway between late October and November.
The Copper Forest is not an enclosed park or a single point on the map: it is a landscape that stretches across several municipalities and privately owned chestnut groves. To enjoy it while respecting the people who live and work there, it is important to follow marked trails, admire the trees from the paths and avoid entering private property.
What is the Copper Forest?
The name describes the seasonal change in the leaves of the chestnut trees, which turn the mountainsides copper-coloured as they fall. This natural phenomenon takes place in the Genal Valley, one of the areas that make up the Serranía de Ronda.
The chestnut groves are important not only for the landscape, but also for the local economy and culture of the valley’s villages. Chestnuts are an essential part of local agriculture and traditions. In November, once the harvest has finished, some villages celebrate traditional tostones, gatherings where chestnuts are roasted and local products are shared.
When to visit
The change of colour can usually be seen from late October and continues throughout November, although the most impressive period depends on the conditions each year. Falling leaves, rainfall and wind can bring the season forward or shorten the period when the autumn colours are at their best.
For this reason, it is best to check local tourist information before travelling rather than relying on a fixed date. If your main goal is to see the copper tones, consider keeping your dates flexible and make time to enjoy the villages, walking trails and local gastronomy as well. These make the visit worthwhile even if the colours are only beginning to appear or have already started to fade.
Villages to discover in the valley
The Copper Forest extends across several municipalities in the Genal Valley. There is no need to try to visit them all in a single day: it is better to choose one area and enjoy each stop without rushing.
Pujerra, Igualeja and Parauta
These villages are among those most closely associated with the chestnut groves of the valley. From the surrounding areas, you can admire hillsides covered with trees and access marked walking routes.
In Pujerra, for example, there are local trails and short-distance hiking routes. Before setting off, check the conditions and signage of your chosen route.
Cartajima and Júzcar
Cartajima and Júzcar are two other possible stops for visitors who want to combine rural scenery with a walk through mountain villages. Some routes connect different municipalities in the valley, but it is advisable to check their length, difficulty and current condition before planning your day.
Genalguacil and the villages of the valley
Genalguacil and other villages in the Lower Genal area allow you to round off your excursion with local heritage, art and gastronomy. The visit does not have to be limited to the chestnut groves: exploring the villages and supporting local businesses is also part of discovering the valley.
How to explore the area responsibly
The chestnut groves are privately owned properties and provide a livelihood for many families in the area. To enjoy the landscape, you can admire it from viewpoints and villages or explore it by following local paths and marked trails.
- Follow marked paths and respect local signs and instructions.
- Do not enter private properties or collect chestnuts without permission.
- Do not leave litter behind or block access to agricultural land or homes.
- Wear footwear with good grip: there may be mud, wet leaves and slippery sections.
- Check the condition of trails and roads before setting off.
Autumn gastronomy in the Genal Valley
Chestnuts are one of the stars of the season and can be found in local dishes and products. The end of the harvest marks the beginning of the traditional tostones, while some restaurants in the Serranía de Ronda also incorporate chestnuts into their recipes.
For a more relaxed day out, you can combine a walk along one of the trails with a stop in one of the villages for lunch or to buy local products. This way, your visit also contributes to the local economy.
Complete your getaway with a visit to Bodega Doña Felisa
The Copper Forest can be the main focus of your getaway, but Ronda offers plenty of other experiences to fill several days. If you would like to add wine tourism in Ronda to your trip, Bodega Doña Felisa welcomes visitors at both Finca Chinchilla and Viña Amaya, its new winery opened in September 2026.
At Viña Amaya, you can discover the vineyards and the winemaking and ageing facilities while enjoying a wine tasting. Check the available experiences, opening times and availability for each visit in advance.
You can dedicate one day to the Genal Valley and another to the town of Ronda and the winery. This helps you avoid fitting too many journeys into a single day and allows you to enjoy both the villages and chestnut groves, as well as the wine experience, at a more relaxed pace.
The Copper Forest is best enjoyed without rushing: walking along authorised trails, visiting its villages and respecting a landscape that is also a source of work and tradition. If you extend your getaway, Ronda and the Bodega Doña Felisa visits at Finca Chinchilla or Viña Amaya are the perfect way to complete the trip.