Benaocaz

Why visit Benaocaz

Benaocaz is one of the smallest and highest of the white villages of the Sierra de Cádiz, with a few hundred inhabitants and a setting of limestone crags, holm oaks and pastures inside the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. It is a village for walkers rather than shoppers: several classic trails start at its edge, and the views over the valley towards Ubrique are superb. Benaocaz suits hikers, birdwatchers and anyone wanting a quiet mountain base close to Grazalema and Villaluenga del Rosario.

What to see and do in Benaocaz

The best-known walk follows the old Roman road, a stone-paved track that drops from Benaocaz to Ubrique through rocky slopes and olive groves; walk it downhill and return by bus or taxi. Another route leads to the Salto del Cabrero, a dramatic split in the limestone with views across the natural park. In the village, the small municipal museum covers local history, and the lanes around the church of San Pedro have flowerpots and mountain views. Guided walking holidays in the area use Benaocaz as a base for routes in the Sierra de Grazalema. Nearby, Villaluenga del Rosario is known for its payoyo goat cheese, and Ubrique for its leather workshops.

A day in Benaocaz

Walk the Roman road down to Ubrique in the morning and visit its leather workshops. Return by taxi for lunch in Benaocaz, then take the afternoon walk to the Salto del Cabrero. In the evening, drive to Villaluenga del Rosario to buy payoyo cheese.

Food and local life

Mountain cooking is hearty: lamb and kid, game stews, chorizo and morcilla, and sopa de tomate. Try the area's payoyo cheese, made from the milk of local goats and sheep, and honey from the sierra.

Around Benaocaz

Benaocaz is in the Sierra de Cádiz comarca, in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Grazalema, Villaluenga del Rosario and Ubrique are all within 20 minutes. Nearby, the Llanos del Republicano plateau is popular with walkers and climbers. Jerez, Arcos and the sherry country are about an hour away by car.

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Getting there and around

Benaocaz is in the Sierra de Cádiz comarca, about 1 hour by car from Jerez and 1 hour 45 minutes from Málaga or Seville. Buses link with Ubrique and Jerez but are infrequent. A car is the practical way to arrive. Walking is best from October to May; winters can be cold and wet.