Grazalema - Grazalema Natural Park

Grazalema-Benamahoma is a beautiful white village in Cadiz Province –and great base to visit much of Andalucia. Fly in to Jerez (closest), Sevilla or Malaga. Cadiz, Sevilla, Algeciras, the Costa del Sol and Atlantic coast are within a 2hr drive; Granada and Cordoba within 3hrs.

Fabulous natural environment

Ideal for exploring by walking, cycling or driving. Lying in Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of 207 square miles), this unspoiled and spectacular limestone mountain area boasts great biodiversity, gorges, caves and bubbling clear rivers , hillsides clad with forests of cork oak and rare Pinsapo pines… Adjacent and stretching to coastal Tarifa, Alcornales Natural Park provides the ecotype most similar to the primeval Iberian forests.

Great area for bird watching

See an extensive and exciting variety: including Egyptian Vultures, Golden Eagles and Europe’s largest nesting colonies of Griffon Vultures. The Grazalema region is also an important staging area in spring and autumn for the huge number of migrant birds moving between Africa and Europe. To see Vultures, visit the beautiful Garganta Verde, a spectacular walk with Vultures soaring above you.

Many Other Activities…

Within 20km you’ll find: bathing, canoeing, pot-holing, forest and coastal paths, rock climbing, hang-gliding, paragliding, micro lights, flying and gliding clubs, paintball, horse trekking and a riding school. Lively, atmospheric Prado del Rey, is easily reached, and has discos, pubs and 3 public swimming pools. More laid back activities are catered for in Benamahoma by the bar/pubs, restaurant, nature reserve, museum, local craft store and wine tasting. Cycles and cars can be rented locally. Get walking permits (free) required for special routes from the Park's Visitor centre in nearby El Bosque (you can walk there via riverbank, ~5 miles).

Nearby towns

• El Bosque: Considered a gateway to the Park. Several 18th Century buildings
• Arcos: Suspended above a dramatic cliff face. Steep, cobbled streets lead to a 15th century castle.
• Benaocaz: Has a small archaeological and ethnological museum.
• Prado del Rey: Established in 1768 by a Royal Order, but was an important Roman settlement. Remains of Roman city of Iptuci 4km away.
• Ubrique: Has a very long and interesting history to explore
• Zahara: Next to a picturesque lake. Remains of a 13th century Moorish castle on the wooded hill above. Also of interest, the 16th century buildings

Special Local Events

• Benamahoma: colourful re-enactment of the battle between Moors & Christians (August)
• El Bosque: Carnival (March); procession and fayre (June); fiesta (August)
• Zahara: Fiesta of Corpus Christi -inhabitants dress up their house fronts with branches and rushes

Places to eat, drink and local delicacies

• At Prado del Rey, try their delicious, rich honey or the excellent wines at the Bodegas.
• At Villaluenga del Rosario: Payoyo cheese factory, buy direct the speciality sheep and goat cheeses.
• At El Bosque, there is a highly regarded (and most southern fish farm in Europe) selling fresh trout.
• Just outside Zahara, an old olive mill has restored its original British manufactured Victorian presses-visitors can see how the olive oil is produced.

Regional crafts

• Algodonales: Well known for its guitar manufacturers. See the guitars being made.
• Prado del Rey: Leather products, handmade furniture.
• Grazalema: Local manufacture of pure woollen blankets traditional since Arab times. Still made here today and exported globally.
• Ubrique: Famous for leather –visit its workshops.

Spectacular caves systems:

• Cueva de la Pileta has 25,000-year-old art;
• La Yedra and La Rajada near Villaluenga del Rosario;

Written by Benjamin Fernandez - Owner of Property 402509 in Grazalema, Spain