Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park

Halfway between Cadiz and Malaga you will find these rugged mountains with contrasting formations, the result of their turbulent geological history. Water erosion has created stunning canyons such as Garganta Verde. It is 400 metres deep and an ideal place for canyoning. It is also home to a subterranean labyrinth of caves and grottos. The Hundidero-Gato system stands out especially. This is Andalusia’s longest cave, and is the hibernation site for some 100,000 bats, the largest colony in Spain.

Here you will find the highest peaks in the province of Cadiz, and climbs to El Torreón and El Reloj are classics for local mountaineers. There are walls perfect for climbing in Peñón Grande, Aguja de las Palomas and Peñaloja, in Grazalema, Cortados de Montejaque and Beaoján and La Veredilla, La Diaclasa and Cintillo, in Benaocaz.

Besides the dense Mediterranean forest of holm oak, cork trees and Portuguese oak, the Park’s most emblematic element is the Spanish fir, mainly concentrated in the Sierra del Pinar Mountains, which has more rainfall than anywhere else on the Peninsula. This species is a descendent of the central-European fir tree, which formed major forests here during the glacial periods. Nowadays, these Spanish fir trees can only be found here, in the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park and in the Sierra Bermeja Mountains (both in Malaga province). The Spanish fir forest and other areas in the Reserve can only be visited at certain times of the year, and visitor numbers are limited, so you are advised to get information in advance.

The well conserved vegetation is also home to a wealth of fauna. Its seeds, autumn fruit and grass provide food for deer, roe deer, partridge and mountain goat. Mention should be made of 136 different species of birds, including the Bonelli’s eagle and Griffon vulture, with one of Europe’s largest colonies of the latter. The ecosystem is completed by other emblematic carnivores such as the genet and weasel, the peregrine falcon, booted and short-toed eagle and the eagle owl.

Visitors can discover the park’s wealth on foot, following a range of signposted trails, or on horseback; by air, hang-gliding or paragliding from Cerro Albarracín (El Bosque); or from the water, kayaking on the Zahara-Gastor Reservoir. One of the most important routes is the old Roman road from Benaocaz to Ubrique, a town famous for its traditional leather goods. La Pileta Cave in Benaoján, internationally recognized for its prehistoric remains, is a real natural museum and is not to be missed. For cultural tourism enthusiasts, there is the route of the white villages, where you can discover some of Andalusia’s Moorish heritage.

Worthy of note is the number and variety of hiking trails running through stunning landscapes.