In the realm of the Bandoleros.

It was the home of notorious bandits in the hinterland of Málaga travelers had earlier feared for their lives, today it is primarily one of the most idyllic areas of Andalusia. And full of legends - about a famous robber, a mix of Robin Hood and Don Juan was.

 

Ronda - Normally, it is not advisable to follow in the footsteps of famous criminals appear to want. Sometimes, however, it is worthwhile - for example, in the mountainous hinterland of Málaga. Not far from the beaches of the Costa del Sol Spain drove here once famous highwayman, the Bandoleros, their outrages. A drive through the Andalusian "robber Mountain" in Ronda leads the visitor through deep ravines, oak forests, endless olive groves - and to some of the most beautiful white villages of southern Spain.

Today it is mainly the tight curves of mountain passes and the flocks of sheep on the street, the heart of the traveler can beat faster. Previously, on the other hand, was a journey through the hinterland of Málaga a dangerous adventure. One precaution should always be sufficient money with you in order to placate the predator, advised the U.S. travel writer Richard Ford's readers in the middle of the 19th Century.

He knew how dangerous the Bandoleros were wicked. On the other hand, fascinated him, as many writers and adventurers of his time the exciting life of the robbers in the inaccessible mountains of Ronda hidden.

Countless stories and legends transfigured the memory of the Bandoleros, which climbs and folk hero today after those places, hotels, restaurants and roads in the villages are named.

Freedom fighter or murderer?

The authorities, wealthy merchants and travelers were in the Bandoleros highwaymen and murderers. For the impoverished people of Andalusia were some of the Bandoleros but true freedom fighters, rebels against the social differences and benefactors who robbed the rich and their loot with the poor shared.

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL-QUIZ

AP, DDP, Antje Blinda