Grazalema Natural Park, Spain

Grazalema Natural Park in Spain encompasses several beautiful towns and villages, all pristine white, and known as The route of the White Villages (Los Pueblos Blancos).

The parkland of Grazalema consists of 51,695 hectares, mostly limestone mountains that form part of the Cordillera Betica range. A stunning landscape of cliffs, crags, caves, river valleys and gorges makes it a Mecca for photographers, hikers and bird watchers. Permits are required to limit the number of visitors to some areas.

Passport details are needed along with dates on which day you wish to enter and with how many people. The walking routes of Pinsapar and Torreon are closed each July, August and September to protect them from fire. The time may be extended if the fire risk continues.

Flora and Fauna

Thirty different species of orchids flower here beginning in January and continuing throughout the spring. These are easily spotted along the road and path sides.

The scrub is mainly wild olive, retama, lentise, oleander, genista and cistus. Heavily wooded areas and forests are usually pine trees and evergreen oak, but the important cork oak Quercus suber is spotted as you drive along, the red colour spectacularly bright under the green canopy of leaves.

Soaring birds which many mistake for eagles are usually Griffon vultures seen especially around Garganta Verde where there is a large breeding colony. There are, of course, eagles as well, Booted, Short-toed, Bonelli's or Golden, and red billed choughs, kestrels, hoopoes, blue rock thrushes and Bee-eaters.

Wild mountain goats can be observed on mountain walks, even sometimes near the roads, but care must be taken with these animals, especially as it is easy to lose one's footing on the loose stones and rocks. Red deer, foxes, hares, stone martins, genet and wild boar can also be found in the foothills of the mountains.

Butterflies abound, about 75 of which are listed for the park, the most common being the two-tailed pasha, the cardinal, the cleopatra, scarce swallowtail, large tortoiseshell and marsh fritillary.

Places of Interest in Some of the Towns

Grazalema: The Woolen Mill and Visitors Centre where the weaving of the local blankets can be seen and blankets, scarves, bags, stoles, gloves etc. can be bought. Worth the trip for the view over the town. The streets and alleys of the town are fascinating, although finding a shop or a bank may pose a problem as nothing is advertised.

Zahara: Castle tower, Molino el Vinculo (an old style olive press and shop), and Visitors' Centre. A pretty town with many interesting architectural features, a good range of restaurants and bars.

El Bosque: Visitors' centre, Botanical Gardens, Molino de Abajo (a restored water powered flour mill).

Benaojan: Cueva de la Pileta, a beautiful cave created by water erosion and home, it is thought, to our ancestors, demonstrated by cave paintings and artifacts.

Arcos de la Frontera: St. Michael's church (former hilltop fortress), The Palace of the Count of Aguila (15th century palace with a Gothic and Mudehar façade), The Castle (an Arab military fortress), the Town Hall (situated in the square since 1634).

Nearby Place to Visit

If time allows, a visit to the famous old town of Ronda is recommended. This is bull-fighting country, the favourite town of Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles who both have streets named after them, and the Museum of Bullfighting has a superb collection of items.

Recommended Hotel within easy distance of all these places. Casa de las Piedras, calle Las Piedras 32, 11610 Grazalema, Cadiz (Tel/Fax\: 956 132060) from €37 (US$48) for single with bath, €45 (US$60) for double with bath.with special offers during public holidays and local fiestas. English, German, French and Spanish spoken.

The Famous Jamon Serrano of Spain

Boy on Balcony, Grazalema, Spain

Church in Zahara Plaza

Bull, Symbol of Spain, Outisde Ronda Bullring

Grazalema, White Village of Spain

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