The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park

Although it must be recognized that the identity and traditions of the Andalusians are a real claim for tourists visiting this community in southern Spain, the truth is that Andalusia it is much more than its folklore. And it is that in its eight provinces you can find from spectacular natural landscapes to beaches of great beauty, passing through important historical monuments, charming towns, impressive cities, exquisite gastronomy and plenty of leisure and culture.

Today we want to tell you about one of the many wonders of Andalusia: the Sierra de Grazalema. Considered as one of the natural areas of greater ecological value in the entire community, it is located halfway between Cádiz and Málaga, and is dotted with small and beautiful white villages. Do you want to learn more about this spectacular corner of Andalusian geography? Well, do not miss anything we tell you below!

The rainiest place on the Iberian Peninsula

Facing the ocean, the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park It is located between Cádiz and Málaga, welcoming the so-called "white towns": Algodonales, Banaocaz, Benaoján, Cortes de la Frontera, El Bosque, El Gastor, Grazalema, Jimera de Líbar, Montejaque, Prado del Rey, Ronda, Ubrique, Villaluenga del Rosario and Zahara de la Sierra. Believe it or not, it is the place where it rains the most in the entire Iberian Peninsula, since it receives the storms that come from the Atlantic. Due to the precipitations and the limestone nature of the terrain, a most abrupt mountain range has been formed, being able to find numerous steep landscapes, caves and grottos. For this reason, it is a true paradise for lovers of caving and climbing. The Sierra de Grazalema has numerous points of interestsuch as the Garganta Verde, a 400 meter deep canyon, and the Hundiero-Gato complex, an underground labyrinth of caves and chasms considered the longest cave in Andalusia; the summits of El Torreón or El Reloj; the upper course of the Majaceite river; or the botanical garden of El Castillejo.

Flora and fauna

One of the great attractions of this place is to be able to contemplate the flora and fauna of the mountains. And it is that although oak forests predominate, other species can also be seen, such as mastic trees, majuelos, gorse, gall oaks, cork oaks, heather, rockrose, myrtle and ferns. Of course, beyond these species, the pinsapos, descendants of the Central European fir trees that in the glacial times formed great forests here. However, today they are only found in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park and in Sierra Bermeja. Of course, we also want to talk about its floristic variety, being able to see more than 1,300 species, seven of them exclusive to this natural corner. As for the fauna, mammals coexist as the mountain goat, otter, marten, deer, genet, badger, roe deer, rabbit or meloncillo. In addition, bats, partridges, griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, eagle owls and Bonelli's eagles are very common.

What to do in the Sierra de Grazalema

As we have just mentioned, one of the great attractions of the Sierra de Grazalema is being able to contemplate the flora and fauna. For this, nothing better than hiking, horseback riding or bicycle touring by some of the multiple trails and forest tracks that can be found in the area. On the other hand, you should know that this natural park is perfect for practicing sport fishing, especially on the Majaceite River; taste mountain products; practice free flight; perform water activities; practice caving; go down the ravines; or do the White Villages Route. In addition, you should know that the Sierra de Cádiz has an important archaeological heritage.

Then we leave you with our Gallery, where you will find more photographs of the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema. Do not miss it!

Espectáculo Natural, Sierra de Grazalema, Cádiz (April 2024)