The municipality of El Bosque is located in the vicinity of the Sierra of Grazalema, specifically on the banks of the Majaceite river, belonging to the Route of the Pueblos Blancos.
A fire in the Municipal Archive in January 1981 caused the disappearance of a large number of documents and files that could shed some light on the historical journey from El Bosque to the town it is today.
Thanks to the archaeological sites found in the fields of El Bosque, the settlement of ancient civilizations such as the Ibero-Tartessian, Roman and Arab civilizations can be seen where the municipality is located today.
El Bosque Fish Farm is in charge of trout breeding, not only as an economic resource, but also as a means of educational outreach on ecology. The high demand for this species is due to the weight it has in the gastronomy of the Sierra of Grazalema, being one of the main ingredients of many famous dishes of the region.
The Parish Church of Nuestra Señora of Guadalupe, built in the 19th century, is the main religious temple in the municipality. It is sober and has three naves, of which the central one stands out.
The Cheese Museum-Interpretation Center highlights the cheese-making tradition carried out by shepherds and artisans in the area for centuries. The production of these high-quality dairy products comes from native livestock species such as the payoya goat and the grazalemeña merino sheep. The aim of the museum is none other than to make visitors aware of this production which has gained worldwide fame.
The Down Mill Museum is an old 17th century building, located on one of the banks of the Majaceite river, preserved in perfect condition with the aim of bringing the working and history of these structures to visitors. The museum has a workshop to learn about the hydraulic mechanism of these mills and the process of bread making in all its stages.
El Bosque has a unique bullring in the whole area. It is one of the few covered bullrings in the surrounding area, which not only allows it to host bullfighting events, but also concerts, races, gastronomic fairs, etc.
The El Castillejo Botanical Garden, on the outskirts of El Bosque, aims to raise awareness of the flora and fauna of Andalusia and the region. The Mediterranean fir, the Spanish fir or the Grazalema poppy are just some of the endemic species that can be visited. In addition to free guided tours for groups, the Botanical Garden offers various workshops and conferences throughout the year.
The Rodezno Fountain is a structure that symbolizes one of the resources that were used in the past to start up the mills in the village, in which they used the power brought by the flow of the river to operate those mills.
The River Path runs along the course of the Majaceite River, between El Bosque and Benamahoma. Although it is approximately 5km long, it is suitable for children and people who are not used to hiking, due to the fact that the route is not very uneven. There is the possibility of doing a shorter route called “peri-urban path”, which starts at the Student Accommodation of El Bosque up to the Light Factory, from where we can take a detour that will lead us back to the municipality. It is recommended to follow the route in the direction of Benamahoma-El Bosque in order to walk downhill, although it is also possible to walk in the opposite direction.
The Cañitos Recreational Area is located on the stretch of the old road between El Bosque and Ubrique. It is located at the foot of the Albarracín Mount and is considered to be one of the best recreational areas in the district. The Recreational Area has tables and benches, a barbecue grills, toilets and car parks.
In June, the Patron Saint Festivities are held in honor of Saint Antonio de Padua, patron saint of the municipality. The image of the saint is carried in procession from the locality to the spring of Los Cañitos, and the fervor and warmth of the parishioners who accompany him all the way.
El Bosque, town of Christian traditions, commemorates the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The procession of Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mª Santísima de los Dolores takes place on Maundy Thursday.
Every year at the end of February, El Bosque is transformed into a festival in which the town turns out in force and shows off its wit and grace. During the Carnival you can enjoy the different local ‘chirigotas’ and ‘comparsas’, the costume contests and the Piñata Sunday, when decorated jars with sweet surprises and confetti inside are smashed in the streets of the village.
On Albarracín Mount, 2.5 km from the village, there is a hang-gliding and paragliding take-off runway. Every year in this environment, the scoring trials for the Andalusian Hang-Gliding Championship are held.
At the end of November, the Historical Recreation is held every year. An event of great tourist and cultural interest, in which a group of more than 200 members of the Villa de El Bosque Historical and Cultural Association recreate the uprising in arms of this town against the French invader. This commemorates the bicentenary of the granting of the title of Villa to El Bosque by King Ferdinand VII.
In El Bosque, the carpentry and leather goods industry are typical. The manufacture of handcrafted furniture has been a trade that has been passed down through generations, and in recent years it has been promoted in the town.
Among the most popular dishes in El Bosque, we find a variety of soups such as tomato, asparagus, garlic or “de la olla”. Also traditional are “frangollo”, cornmeal porridge, wild asparagus, tagarninas, lamb, kid and pork meat, veal tongue and trout with ham. Among the best-known desserts in the municipality are ‘hornazos’, ‘roscos’ and small pasties.
Every year at the end of February, El Bosque is transformed into a festival in which the town turns out in force and shows off its wit and grace. During the Carnival you can enjoy the different local ‘chirigotas’ and ‘comparsas’, the costume contests and the Piñata Sunday, when decorated jars with sweet surprises and confetti inside are smashed in the streets of the village.
El Bosque, town of Christian traditions, commemorates the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The procession of Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mª Santísima de los Dolores takes place on Maundy Thursday.
In June, the Patron Saint Festivities are held in honor of Saint Antonio de Padua, patron saint of the municipality. The image of the saint is carried in procession from the locality to the spring of Los Cañitos, and the fervor and warmth of the parishioners who accompany him all the way.
At the end of November, the Historical Recreation is held every year. An event of great tourist and cultural interest, in which a group of more than 200 members of the Villa de El Bosque Historical and Cultural Association recreate the uprising in arms of this town against the French invader. This commemorates the bicentenary of the granting of the title of Villa to El Bosque by King Ferdinand VII.
On Albarracín Mount, 2.5 km from the village, there is a hang-gliding and paragliding take-off runway. Every year in this environment, the scoring trials for the Andalusian Hang-Gliding Championship are held.
El Bosque Fish Farm is in charge of trout breeding, not only as an economic resource, but also as a means of educational outreach on ecology. The high demand for this species is due to the weight it has in the gastronomy of the Sierra of Grazalema, being one of the main ingredients of many famous dishes of the region.
The municipality of El Bosque is located in the Sierra of Albarracín, in the northeast of the province.
From Seville, the most recommended route is via the A-375.
From Cádiz, take the AP-4 motorway, then the A-382 and finally the A-372 to reach the town.
From Jerez de la Frontera, take the A-382 and the A-372.
From Malaga, take the A-357 to continue along the Carretera of Antequera or A-384. We can also take the A-357 and then the A-367.
From Ronda, taking the A-374 and then the CA-8102 is the quickest way to get to El Bosque.
DAMAS has a transport route to El Bosque from Seville, Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera. On their website you can find all the information about the different itineraries.
