Grazalema

Why visit Grazalema

Grazalema sits beneath the limestone peaks of the natural park that bears its name, the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Spain. Moist Atlantic winds make it one of the rainiest places in the country, which explains its green slopes and the survival of the rare pinsapo, a Spanish fir left over from the last Ice Age. The village itself is one of the prettiest in the Sierra de Cádiz, with red-tiled roofs, flower-filled balconies and a square that comes alive in the evening. It suits walkers, nature lovers and anyone on the White Villages Route.

What to see and do in Grazalema

Grazalema is the base for the park's best walks, several of which need a free permit from the visitor centre: the Pinsapar trail through the fir forest, the ascent of El Torreón, the highest peak in Cádiz province, and the Garganta Verde gorge near Zahara. The Río Majaceite trail follows a river through woodland between Benamahoma and El Bosque. In the village, the traditional woollen blanket workshop still uses old looms, and viewpoints look down over the valley. The mountain road over the Puerto de las Palomas to Zahara de la Sierra is one of the most spectacular in Andalucía. Coach tours from Seville stop here for lunch on the way to Ronda.

A day in Grazalema

Start with a guided walk through the Pinsapar or up El Torreón (permit required). After lunch, visit the blanket workshop and stroll the village. In the late afternoon, drive the Puerto de las Palomas road to Zahara de la Sierra for sunset over the reservoir.

Food and local life

Try sopa de Grazalema, a hearty bread and vegetable soup, lamb stews and game, and the payoyo cheese made in nearby Villaluenga del Rosario. Woollen blankets and shawls from the village make good souvenirs.

Around Grazalema

Grazalema is in the Sierra de Cádiz comarca, at the heart of its natural park. Zahara de la Sierra, Benaocaz, Villaluenga del Rosario and Benamahoma are all close, and Ronda is 30 minutes away across the provincial border. Benamahoma sits at the source of the river El Bosque, and Villaluenga is the place to buy payoyo cheese straight from the dairy.

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Getting there and around

Grazalema is in the Sierra de Cádiz comarca, about 30 minutes from Ronda and 1 hour 30 minutes from Seville, Jerez or Málaga by car. Buses link with Ronda and Ubrique. Book walking permits in advance for the Pinsapar, El Torreón and Garganta Verde. Spring and autumn are ideal; winter can bring rain, fog and occasionally snow.