NATURAL PARK

SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA

 

Signposted trails
Reception and information
Todos los equipamientos
DESCRIPTION

These mountains loom halfway between Cadiz and Malaga, showcasing rugged contrasting reliefs; a result of their convulsive geological history. The erosion caused by the water has created canyons of great beauty, such as the Garganta Verde, which with a depth of 400 metres, makes for a magnificent descent. An underground labyrinth of chasms and caves have also appeared, of which the Hundidero-Gato complex is particularly noteworthy. It is the longest cave in Andalusia and is known to be home to around 100,000 bats, the largest population in Spain.

The highest peaks are in the province of Cadiz, and ascents to peaks such as El Torreón and El Reloj are popular among mountaineers. In terms of climbing, there are rocks and walls in Peñón Grande, Aguja de las Palomas and Peñaloja, in Grazalema; and in Cortados de Montejaque and Beaoján and La Veredilla, La Diaclasa and Cintillo, in Benaocaz.

The most characteristic element of the park, in addition to the dense Mediterranean forest of holm oaks, cork oaks and Portuguese oaks, is the Spanish fir, mainly found in the Sierra del Pinar, given that it is the rainiest place in the Peninsula. This species is a descendant of the Central European firs that formed large forests here in the ice ages. Today these Spanish firs exist only in this area, in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park and in Sierra Bermeja (both in Malaga province). A visit to El Pinsapar, as well as to other enclaves of the protected area, can only be done at certain times of the year and with a limited number of visitors allowed to enter the park per day, so it is recommended that you check with the information office before going.

Another point of interest is the upper part of the Majaceite River, where you can see otters, and where elm trees, willows and poplars make up the forest. These, and up to 300 other species of tree, can be seen in the nearby El Castillejo botanical garden, next to the El Bosque visitor Centre.

The rich vegetation gives rise to an abundance of fauna, such as deer, roe deer, rabbit, partridge and mountain goat which feed off the seeds, autumn fruits and pastures. The area is notable for its variety of birds, 136 different species, including Bonelli´s eagle and the griffon vulture. The latter boasting the largest colonies in Europe in this area. Other emblematic carnivores, such as genets, weasels, peregrine falcons, booted and short-toed eagles, and Eurasian eagle owls complete the ecosystem.

You can experience the richness of the park on foot or on horseback via a number of signposted routes. Alternatively, viewing the park from the sky is possible; hang gliding and paragliding is available at Cerro Albarracín (El Bosque); and from the water, whilst canoeing in the Zahara-Gastor reservoir. One of the most traversed routes is the old Roman road which connects Benaocaz with Ubrique, a municipality famous for its traditional leather workshops and goods. The Cueva de la Pileta in Benaoján (internationally recognised for prehistoric remains discovered there), is a true natural museum. Visiting it is highly recommended. For lovers of cultural tourism, the route through the Pueblos Blancos (white villages) is a great way to learn more about the Arabic history of Andalusia.


There are a great number and variety of unmissable hiking trails, many of which pass through stunning landscapes.


OTHER PROTECTED AREAS

DATA SHEET
  • Provinces Cádiz, Málaga
  • Municipalities Algodonales, Benaocaz, Benaojan, Bosque (el), Cortes De La Frontera, Gastor (el), Grazalema, Jimera De Libar, Montejaque, Prado Del Rey, Ronda, Ubrique, Villaluenga Del Rosario, Zahara De La Sierra
  • Total area 53.411,27 ha.
  • Declaration Date 13 - February - 1985
  • Planning tools

MAP
 

NEWS AND NOTICES
ACTIVITIES

Without a doubt, one of the most popular activities in the Sierra de Grazalema is hiking. The natural park has about twenty routes, all of which show off the natural and cultural diversity of this protected area. Two particularly good routes are the signposted trail of Llanos de Líbar, which covers 19 kilometres of this striking landscape, and that of El Pinsapar, which traverses through amazingly preserved fir forests.

Water sports are available in the area: a canoe trip in the Zahara de la Sierra reservoir, for example, gliding under the watchful eye of an imposing rock face.

Another option is to explore the deepest depths of the earth, taking in the magnificent crevices formed by the action of water in this limestone landscape. Caving in the Cueva de Gato * or in the Hundidero * is also an unforgettable experience, where you will encounter stalactites, stalagmites and all kinds of underground formations. Canyoning too, is an excellent activity available here, involving thrilling descents down riverbeds. One of the best places to undertake this adventure is in the Garganta Verde *, where you will marvel at fascinating landscapes from an unbeatable perspective.

(*) Activities that require authorisation from the Natural Park.

This natural protected area is affiliated with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism , whose associated projects can be found by clicking here .


MAP
BRAND NATURAL PARK OF ANDALUCIA
CASA RURAL BOCALEONES-CASA RURAL ALTILLO

Alojamiento en casa rural categoría básica “Casa Bocaleones” Alojamiento en casa rural categoría básica "Casa Altillo"

H.R. Bocaleones, s/n. 11688 - Zahara de la Sierra, Cádiz.

Zahara de la Sierra (Cádiz)

bocaleonesturismo@hotmail.com

https://www.escapadarural.com/casa-rural/cadiz/casa-bocaleones

CASA RURAL LA BODEGA

Alojamiento en casa rural, categoría básica, “La Bodega”

Finca La Bodega, Carretera CA-9123, Km. 2,95 , Polígono 6, Parcela 42

11610 - Grazalema (Cádiz)

casamaria2@hotmail.com

http://www.grazalemarural.com/

CHACINAS Y EMBUTIDOS EL BOSQUE

Sausages

Pol. Ind. Huerto Blanquillo, 11

11670 EL Bosque (Cádiz)

956716347

info@chacinaselbosque.com

http://www.chacinaselbosque.com

DISCOVERY AVENTURA

Circuito multiaventura; Rutas de piragüismo nocturnas y diurnas; Rutas de paddle surf nocturnas y diurnas; Alojamiento en albergue Al-Qutun .

C/ Zahara de la Sierra, nº13.

11680 Algodonales (Cádiz)

956 137072

info@discovery-8.com

http://www.discovery-8.com/

EL CERDITO ANDALUZ

Hams, shoulders, sausages (cured, cooked and fried), lard, salted and artisan and fresh products.

Barriada de la Estación, s/n

29370 Benaoján (Málaga)

952167375

info@cerditoandaluz.com

http://www.cerditoandaluz.com

HOTEL CORTIJO LAS PILETAS

Alojamiento en hotel, categoría 1 estrella, modalidad rural “Hotel Cortijo Las Piletas”

Carretera M-8403, Km. 0,5, (Partido Los Arenosos, 8)

29400-Ronda (Málaga)

605080295

info@cortijolaspiletas.com

https://www.cortijolaspiletas.com/es/inicio/

HOTEL RURAL ENRIQUE CALVILLO

Alojamiento en Hotel Enrique Calvillo y restauración en Restaurante Enrique Calvillo

C/ Diputación, n.º 18

11670 El Bosque (Cádiz)

info@hotelenriquecalvillo.com

http://www.hotelenriquecalvillo.com/

QUESERÍA EL BOSQUE

Goat's cheese (fresh, cured, semi-cured, in oil). Sheep's cheese (fresh, cured, semi-cured, in oil).

Polig. Ind. Huerto Blanquillo, 14

11670 El Bosque (Cádiz)

956716156

quesoselbosque@quesoselbosque.com

http://www.quesoselbosque.com

TAMBOR DEL LLANO

Rutas de senderismo, rutas a caballo, observaciones atronómicas. Servicio de restauración en comedor Tambor del Llano. Alojamiento en Hostal Tambor del Llano

Cañada Grande, Los Alamillos.

11610 Grazalema (Cádiz)

info@tambordelllano.es

https://www.tambordelllano.es/

TURISMO RURAL GENATUR S.C.A

Nature tourism: canoeing, hiking and cycling routes

Polígono Industrial Guadalquivir, 36

11408 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)

956316000

genatur@genatur.com

http://www.genatur.com

VIVIENDAS TURÍSTICAS LOS ARRAYANES

Accommodation

Plaza de la Oscuridad, 6-8

29400 Ronda (Málaga)

619559096

los_arrayanes@yahoo.es

http://www.los-arrayanes.com

AGENDA

Go to our visitor centres, information points and ecomuseums to get the most out of your visit.

Follow the recommendations and comply with the regulations at all times

Respect the facilities put at your disposal. We all pay for its maintenance.

Help prevent fires. Do not throw cigarettes or any other object that produces combustion.

Trash doesn't come back alone. Take it with you to the nearest container. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Noise is another form of pollution. In silence you will enjoy your experience more.

Live respectfully with the locals and other users. Respect private property.

Facilitate use for people with special needs.

By consuming local products and counting on local companies, you will contribute to rural development.

Practice responsible tourism and committed to the environment. Be a true ecotourist!

Never leave your pet in the wild. It would endanger the flora and fauna of the place.

Get around in a sustainable way: public transport, bicycle, on foot, electric or shared vehicle ... Park in the designated places

Do not leave a trace of your passage through nature. The best memory you can take with you is your own photograph.

Your safety is our concern, but it is your responsibility.

The conservation of natural spaces is also in your hands. Thank you for your collaboration!

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
BUENAS PRÁCTICAS

GUÍAS

MAPAS

OTRAS PUBLICACIONES

PUBLICACIONES DE SENDEROS

PUBLICACIONES DIDÁCTICAS

SEÑALES INTERPRETATIVAS

GOOD PRACTICES
PUBLICATIONS
ALGODONALES (CÁDIZ)

Romería Virgen de la Sierra Último domingo de mayo
BENAOCAZ (CÁDIZ)

Fiestas de San Blas 3 de febrero
Romería de San Esteban Primer fin de semana de junio
BOSQUE (EL) (CÁDIZ)

Romería de San Antonio Entorno al 13 de junio
GASTOR (EL) (CÁDIZ)

Corpus Christi Junio
GRAZALEMA (CÁDIZ)

Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos en Benamahoma Primer fin de semana de agosto
Toro de cuerda Mediados de julio
PRADO DEL REY (CÁDIZ)

Feria de ganado Primera quincena de septiembre
Velada Virgen del Carmen Del 15 al 18 de julio
RONDA (MÁLAGA)

Feria de Pedro Romero Primeros de septiembre
Goyescas Finales de agosto
UBRIQUE (CÁDIZ)

Feria y Fiestas Del 14 al 18 de septiembre
La quema de gamones 3 de mayo
VILLALUENGA DEL ROSARIO (CÁDIZ)

Romería de la Divina Pastora Mediados de junio

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