The Chestnut Forests of Serranía de Ronda

The Chestnut Forests of Serranía de Ronda (or Los Castaños de Serranía de Ronda) are a hidden gem located in the mountainous region in the province of Málaga, southern Spain. These forests are notable not just for their natural beauty but for their cultural and ecological significance.

In this post, we explore the Chestnut Forests of Serranía de Ronda and capture their beauty on film with vintage film cameras: a Mamiya M645 1000S, a Nikon F, and a Nikon FE.

The Chestnut Forests

The Chestnut Forests of Serranía de Ronda are a true gem. These extensive and well-preserved sweet chestnut woodlands in southern Spain create a cool, humid oasis at higher elevations, where chestnut trees thrive.

The main villages that define the Bosque de Cobre (Copper Forest) chestnut forest in the Serranía de Ronda are Alpandeire, Benalauría, Cartajima, Faraján, Genalguacil, Igualeja, Jubrique, Júzcar, Parauta, Pujerra, and Yunquera. These towns are the heart of the Genal Valley’s chestnut groves, with Parauta, Pujerra, and Igualeja forming a “magic triangle” that encompasses the most extensive chestnut hectares.

Centuries of cultivation by local communities have transformed these slopes into productive groves, preserving the forests’ natural character. This harmonious blend of human history and ecological richness evokes a sense of both lived-in and ancient charm.

Ecology

The forests support a diverse array of wildlife, including birds, insects, small mammals, and mushrooms. Autumn arrives, and the understory bursts with foraging animals and fungal growth. Meanwhile, the chestnut trees transform into an impressive palette of reds, oranges, and golds. This vivid seasonal transformation has earned the area a reputation as one of Andalusia’s most stunning autumn destinations.

Culture

The chestnut groves are deeply tied to the area’s identity. For generations, the local economy has depended on chestnut cultivation, and many family traditions, recipes, and celebrations revolve around the annual harvest. Chestnut harvesting is the cornerstone of the village’s economy. The “Fiesta de la Castaña,” a well-loved autumn festival, highlights how central these forests are to community life and heritage. These forests are living evidence of the enduring bond between the land and the people who have nurtured it.

Exploring the Chestnut Forests

The Chestnut Forests of Serranía de Ronda offer a profound sense of tranquillity and timelessness. Wandering their paths, visitors are immersed in a landscape that undergoes dramatic seasonal changes yet remains rooted in a long history of stewardship.

The forests are one of Andalusia’s most beautiful landscapes. In autumn, when the chestnut leaves turn shades of gold, orange, and red, the entire valley transforms into a colourful tapestry rarely seen in the south of Spain. This seasonal show attracts hikers, photographers, and travellers seeking a unique natural experience.

Film Photo Details

The photos were taken using a Nikon F (Ilford HP5 film rated @ 200 ISO), Nikon FE2 (Kentmere 100) or a Mamiya M645 1000s (Bergger 400 Pancro rated @ 200 ISO). The camera and lens information is provided under each photograph.

Unfortunately, the Mamiya developed a focusing issue, and many of the photos were unusable. Photos taken with the macro lens were not seriously affected and are included.

All films were developed in Spur Acurol-N.

The photos were digitised using a Nikon Zf mirrorless digital camera with a Tokina AT-X Pro Macro 100mm f2.8 D lens and processed using DXO Photolab 8 software.

Film roll Nos. 461, 463 and 464.

Chestnut Forest Photo Gallery

Click on any photo for a larger version.

A Majestic Three-Centenary Chestnut Tree

According to information given by the residents of Cartajima, the chestnut tree in the photograph above, known as Castaño Arenas, is about 300 years old. It is 17 metres tall and over seven metres in circumference. The chestnut tree is next to a dirt track known as the Camino del Molino Real, which leads to Igualeja. This enormous tree has become a landmark and meeting place for both locals and travellers.

An interesting fact: The tree takes its name from its former owner. Curiously, it’s the custom in Cartajima to bequeath or sell the trees separately from the ground in which they’ve grown.