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.
Municipalities
Algodonales,
Benalauria,
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
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.
Circuito multiaventura pantano Zahara de la Sierra (piragüismo, carrera, tiro al arco, circuito acuático de orientación); Rutas de piragüismo: Zahara de la Sierra diurna, Zahara de la Sierra nocturna; Rutas de paddle surf Zahara de la Sierra diurna, Zahara de la Sierra nocturna; Alojamiento en establecimiento hotelero, grupo albergue, categoría única, modalidad rural, “AL-QUTUN” .
Iberian hams and shoulders (acorn-fed, fodder & acorn-fed and fodder-fed), Iberian cured loin (acorn-fed, fodder & acorn-fed and fodder-fed), bondiola cured sausage, Iberian sausage and chorizo, black pudding, loin in lard, dried pork rinds and pork rinds in butter, fried pork loin in red and white lard
RUTAS DE SENDERISMO: “De charco en charco”; “El bosque encantado”; “Pinsapar de Yunquera - Tajo dela Caina”; “De las Cascadas”; “Ascensión al pico Torrecilla desde Tolox”; “Ascensión al pico Torrecilla desde Ronda”; “Paco Romero y Paco Arjona”; “Pico Valdivia”; “Las Caleras”; “Cruz de Juanar”; “Pico Valdivia”. RUTAS EN BICICLETA DE MONTAÑA: “Saborea Sierra de las Nieves a pedal” (Tolox); “Descubre Sierra de las Nieves” (Tolox); (Ronda); (El Burgo). RUTAS EN TODOTERRENO CON MOTOR: “Iniciación al PN Sierra de las Nieves”; “Monumentos Naturales”. DESCENSO DE BARRANCOS: “Zarzalones”; “Jorox”; “Guadalmina”; “Aventurate” (Tolox); “La Rejia” (Tolox); ESCALADA: “La Cunita”; “Vía ferrata Tajo de Ronda”; “Vía ferrata Benaoján”; “Vía ferrata el Nacimiento”; ESPELEOLOGÍA: “Cueva de la Murcielaguna” ; “Cueva Excéntrica”.
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!
PUBLICATIONS
ALGODONALES (CÁDIZ)
Romería Virgen de la SierraÚltimo domingo de mayo
BENAOCAZ (CÁDIZ)
Fiestas de San Blas3 de febrero
Romería de San EstebanPrimer fin de semana de junio
BOSQUE (EL) (CÁDIZ)
Romería de San AntonioEntorno al 13 de junio
GASTOR (EL) (CÁDIZ)
Corpus ChristiJunio
GRAZALEMA (CÁDIZ)
Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos en BenamahomaPrimer fin de semana de agosto
Toro de cuerdaMediados de julio
PRADO DEL REY (CÁDIZ)
Feria de ganadoPrimera quincena de septiembre
Velada Virgen del CarmenDel 15 al 18 de julio
RONDA (MÁLAGA)
Feria de Pedro RomeroPrimeros de septiembre
GoyescasFinales de agosto
UBRIQUE (CÁDIZ)
Feria y FiestasDel 14 al 18 de septiembre
La quema de gamones3 de mayo
VILLALUENGA DEL ROSARIO (CÁDIZ)
Romería de la Divina PastoraMediados de junio
Aemet
Tuesday, 16 July 2024
31°C
WIND SPEED0km/h
PERCENT OF HUMIDITY70%
CHANCE OF RAIN0%
Wednesday
31° max.
18° min.
WIND SPEED10km/h
PERCENT OF HUMIDITY70%
CHANCE OF RAIN0%
Thursday
34° max.
18° min.
WIND SPEED10km/h
PERCENT OF HUMIDITY65%
CHANCE OF RAIN0%
Friday
35° max.
22° min.
WIND SPEED10km/h
PERCENT OF HUMIDITY50%
CHANCE OF RAIN0%
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BRAND NATURAL PARK OF ANDALUCIA
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31°C
34° max.18° min.