Grazalema - Pueblos Blancos

The municipality, located in the north of the province, forms the epicentre of one of the most valuable and visited natural sites in southern Europe, the Sierra of Grazalema Natural Park.

A historical enclave that dates back centuries and whose vestiges are still present in the form of half a kilometer of medieval road, limekilns -stone ovens- or limestone constructions called “neveros”. As a result of the passage of different civilizations over time, the municipality has a diverse urban trace, a reflection of different cultures, and a set of religious buildings of great beauty.

The natural environment that surrounds Grazalema offers unique views from the different viewpoints that can be visited along the hiking trails that run through its geography.

The town’s gastronomy is based on a wide range of products from its market garden, traditionally grown fruit and vegetables, which give its dishes a powerful and unique flavor. Stews, cold meats, game meats, cheeses and a variety of homemade desserts are part of the local menu, which aims to satisfy all palates.

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GASTRONOMY

LOCAL FESTIVITIES

ROUTES

HISTORIC HERITAGE

Urban plannings and vestiges
Churches

Nature
Viewpoints
Routes

Urban plannings and vestiges

Public Washing Place

The public washing place of Grazalema is located in the lower quarter of the town, in the Nasrid part. It is composed of sixteen basins, eight in each line and attached to each other. This washhouse, around the 50’s when there was no water in the houses, was used by the women ‘jopiches’. To the sound of the tinkling of the transparent waters of the Guadalete river and soap in hand, the grazalemeñas were leading of a ritual with an important social charge, since it was in the washing place where they talked about what was happening in the town.

Medieval Roads

Grazalema also has half a kilometer of medieval roads, which were the main direct access routes to the municipality until recently. The paved route follows the Guadalete river and immerses us in the nature of the Sierra of Cadiz, accompanied by different elements of the local flora.

Caleras

In the surroundings of the municipality, we can find examples of its history, such as the “neveros”, constructions that were used to preserve the ice for as long as possible. Or the limekilns, stone ovens that can be found on some of the surrounding roads and which were used to extract the lime from the limestone.

Fountains

More than fifty fountains can be found in the streets of Grazalema. A vital element in the landscape of this town that for centuries has given life to the locals and their livestock; serving as a meeting place and stories. Fountains of stone, stonework and bronze that endure over the years and are a pleasant discovery for those who are eager to know the history of the town.

Town Planning and Vestiges

Grazalema’s dwellings tend to follow a similar architectural style, consisting of two storeys, with tiled roofs and the characteristic whitewashed walls, typical of the Pueblos Blancos. The layout of the houses in the locality gives rise to narrow streets and cobbled floors, the center of which is the Spain Square.

Gastronomy

Grazalema’s Soup

Undoubtedly, the star and most traditional dish of the town is the Grazalema’s Soup. A recipe based on ‘puchero’ broth, accompanied by a hill sausage, ‘asentao’ bread, mint and hard-boiled eggs. This dish has been present in the kitchens of many generations of the town, being the best restorative after a hard and cold day’s work.

‘Amarguillos’, almond buns and ‘cubiletes’

For those with a sweet tooth, the municipality produces its famous amarguillos (small balls of ground almonds), which together with almond buns and cubiletes (marzipan filled with spaghetti squash jam or chocolate) round off a menu full of flavors and quality in each and every one of its products.

Cheeses

Considered one of the crowning jewels in the town’s gastronomy, the artisan production of cheese stands out for the intensity of its flavor and texture. Made from the milk of Merino grazalemeña sheep and Montejaqueña goats, the dairy production has achieved distinguished international recognition.

Garlic soup, cured meat and game meat

The quality of the agricultural products, as well as the tradition in the cultivation and production of vegetables, make the municipality a mandatory gastronomic destination. Grazalema has traditional dishes such as sopa de Ajo (garlic soup), which served as sustenance for the workers whose labor in the fields marked the hard day’s work. The high-quality game meats and cured meats, obtained from the traditional pig slaughtering, have earned an important status in the region.

Nature

Griffon vultures, golden eagles and Bonelli’s eagles, eagle owls or peregrine falcons

The fauna to be found in Grazalema is characteristic of the mountain environment, with one of the largest reserves in southern Europe. There are 146 species that fly through the skies of Grazalema throughout the year.

Campobuche

It is a comfortable route, especially for children. In the first section of the path, you will find small houses and land dedicated to agricultural work with orchards and various plantations.
Later, stone pines and some cork oaks dominate the landscape. This is an excellent area for bird watching such as bee-eaters, jays and birds of prey. After a moderate climb, we begin to descend looking for the Llano of Campobuche, where the Campobuche or Gaduche river crosses.
In the plain there is an explanatory panel that includes various aspects of cork, since from here, cork oaks abound. The route ends in this plain, an ideal place for a picnic or to observe the fauna of the environment.

Pinsapar

The title of one of the 50 natural wonders of the world is more than justified, as the Sierra de Cadiz is home to a large number of flora species. From cork oaks and holm oaks to willows and ash trees cover the landscapes of the enclave. Undoubtedly, the Sierra de Grazalema has as its main protagonist the Pinsapar, which connects the town with Benamahoma. It is a walkable road that is home to the world’s largest concentration of Spanish firs, a type of fir tree with an intense green color and pyramidal shape that gives the landscape its characteristic touch.

Grazalema Merino sheep

One of the great icons of Grazalema is the Grazalema Merino sheep, which is included in the pattern of Specially Protected Autochthonous Breeds. Acclimatized to low-temperature ecosystems, this sheep is the main supplier of the municipality’s acclaimed cheese, included in the Spanish Cheese Catalogue.

Gaidóvar Riverbank

This valley has traditionally been a fertile area, characterized by its orchards, due to the abundance of water and mills. The almond trees stand out mainly, which in winter bloom, splashing the landscape with color.

Grazalema Textile Museum

In addition, its famed high-quality wool is used to make one of the most emblematic products of the town, its blankets. Such was its renown in past centuries that the textile industry developed, a fact that can be seen today in the Grazalema Textile Museum.

Viewpoints

Puerto del Boyar

One of the most representative points of the Sierra de Grazalema is the Puerto del Boyar. With an altitude of 1,103 meters, it offers a bird’s eye view of unforgettable landscapes such as the Boyar Corridor, the Goatherd’s Leap, the Aznalmara Castle and the Albarracín Sierra.

Puerto de las Palomas Viewpoint

Between Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, we can find the Puerto de las Palomas Viewpoint. Reaching up to 1,189 meters, this geographic balcony overflown by birds of prey, allows us to see different landscapes such as Green Gorge, Prieto Mount or the peaks of the Simancón, among others.

Crag Viewpoint

With spectacular views of the Big Rock and the Guadalete Valley, the Crag Viewpoint is the perfect place to enjoy the wealth of the landscape.

Asomaderos Viewpoint

In the historic quarter we find the Asomaderos Viewpoint, from where you can enjoy views of the Serranía of Ronda or the medieval road, which lies at the foot of the town. This landscape is also the setting for the re-enactment of Jose María Hinojosa ‘El Tempranillo’.

El Tajo Viewpoint

One of the most visited enclaves in the summer season is the viewpoint of ‘El Tajo’, since in its proximities is located the municipal swimming pool. In an environment dominated by limestone, it is a benefit to enjoy a refreshing swim with the views offered by this viewpoint, from which we can see the Serranía of Ronda through the Guadalete Valley. This watchtower can also be enjoyed at a higher altitude the rest of the year and in which we find in its route a dam, the medieval road and many species of birds that will accompany us along the way.

Saint’s Viewpoint

The Saint’s Viewpoint has a strong religious essence, as it was the protagonist of the Stations of the Cross centuries ago. In part of its cobblestones, we can still see pedestals and plinths that were used to place the cross.

Routes

Turret Route

The Turret Route starts in the vicinity of Benamahoma towards El Torreón, a unique geological balcony overlooking the Sierra of Cadiz. Along the route we will be able to see different species of birds of prey, as well as mountain goats, since this is their natural habitat. During the ascent we will appreciate changes in the vegetation, typical of the limestone territories. The route requires considerable effort to complete, although, with extreme caution, we will be rewarded with unforgettable scenery.

Pinsapar Route

The Pinsapar Route is named after the fir trees that cover the route, which runs from Grazalema to Benamahoma. The charm of the forest of Spanish firs that gets lost in the sky makes this one of the most beautiful experiences that the town of Grazalema has to offer.

Two-doors Cave Route

The route starts shortly before arriving at the Tajo Rodillo campsite, where the panel of the Endrinal Valley is located. On this route you will cross a pine forest.
You will ascend to an altitude of 1239 meters, in a place formed by a rock bridge formed by the dissolution of lime due to rain over thousands of years.
Along the route you will see wild olive trees, carob trees, blackberry trees, oaks, terebinths, ferns…

Route of the Saint’s Viewpoint

The Route of the Saint’s Viewpoint is a spiritually enriching experience, as well as a unique opportunity to contemplate the Sierra of the Endrinal, one of the most beautiful spots in Grazalema. The itinerary follows in the footsteps of the ancient route of the Stations of the Cross. The cobbled path is lined with old pedestals where the cross rested during the stations of penitence. At the summit is the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in a rest area from where you can contemplate places such as Grazalema, the Puerto de las Palomas, the Big Crag or the hill of Saint Cristóbal.

Puerto de las Presillas Route

The Puerto de las Presillas Route allows you to enjoy peaks in the Natural Park such as El Reloj, El Simancón and El Torreón on the same route. The itinerary links the center of the municipality with the Puerto de Boyar and offers a rocky landscape resulting from the dissolution of limestone over time. The area, which serves as a refuge for the mountain goat, also treasures important elements for the inhabitants of centuries past.

Llanos de Rabel Route

The Llanos de Rabel Route is perfect to enjoy without much effort and allows you to enter the Spanish fir forest that reaches the Pine Forest Sierra. A landscape that mixes streams and springs with local fauna and flora.

Green Gorge Route

The Green Gorge Route runs for 2.5 kilometers through a 400 meters high canyon, home to griffon vultures and a predominantly rocky landscape.

Simancón and the Clock Route

The Simancón and the Clock are located in the Sierra of the Endrinal at 1561 and 1513m respectively above sea level.
To access them you have to walk along an ascending path that passes along the slope of the almost vertical wall of the Big Crag. This path leads to the Llanos del Endrinal. The arboreal vegetation in this zone is of pine reforestation. As for the fauna, it is worth mentioning the presence in the crags of the mountain goat.

Corros Hill Route

The trail begins in the same pass of Las Palomas. The route runs along a narrow path between pasture and scrubland, which leads to the peak of Coros Hill, where there is a geodesic vertex, from where you can also appreciate the breathtaking scenery.
As for the flora, on the shadiest slopes we find a thicker vegetation, mainly hawthorns and oaks and in the sunny areas, the vegetation is formed by shrub oaks, purple Jerusalem sages and grey-leaved cistus.

Llanos del Endrinal Route

The Llanos del Endrinal Route is one of the most attractive for geology fans, as along its route there are large masses of limestone rock. A grazing ground for the grazalemeña Merino sheep and the Montejaqueña goat at an altitude of 1,100 meters, the route leads to the heart of the Sierra of the Endrinal.

Charcones Route

The Charcones Route starts near the village and runs for 1.8 kilometers along the banks of the Guadalete river, which has to be crossed three times to complete the trail.

Hermitage of the Calvary Route

The Hermitage of the Calvary Route is a path that ends at one of the most charming religious temples in Grazalema. Despite being burnt down in 1936, the building continues to attract the attention of visitors thanks to the mantle of creepers that surrounds it. This path was used as a route for the Stations of the Cross in times gone by and its cobblestones still preserve the remains of the pedestals on which the cross was placed.

Saint’s Viewpoint

Local Festivities

Holy Week

One of the most widespread and famous traditions in Andalusia, the Holy Week, has an important weight in the town. The procession of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno and María Santísima de los Dolores involves the congregation of believers who walk through the streets of the village in an atmosphere impregnated with sentiment and religiosity.

Major Festivities

At the end of August, the town is decked out for the Major Festivities, which serve as the culmination of the summer season. For four days the town celebrates the patron saint of the village, Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, which involves the move of her image from the hermitage to the parish church. Open-air dance, tastings and bullfighting festivities complement the religious spirit of this festivity.

Pilgrimage of Saint Isidro Labrador

The town of Grazalema bids farewell to the month of May and welcomes the summer with another of its religious festivities, in this case the Pilgrimage of Saint Isidro Labrador. A pilgrimage to El Soto, where parishioners and onlookers gather for a day of celebration and festivities around the figure of the patron saint of farmers. Offerings, prayers and drums fill the streets of the town.

Historical Recreation “Blood and Love in the Sierra”

Once the summer season is over, every year Grazalema relives one of the episodes that have most marked the history of the town. When October arrives and for three days, more than half a thousand people take part in the recreation of the life of José María Hinojosa ‘El Tempranillo’, one of the best-known figures of Andalusian romantic banditry, who lived in the Sierra in the mid-17th century.

Festivities of El Carmen

During the month of July, the Festivities of El Carmen take place, one of the most popular celebrations among the people of Grazalema. A deep-rooted tradition that culminates in the traditional Monday of the Rope Bull, where a bull tied with ropes is released and runs through the streets of the municipality accompanied by spontaneous runners who race alongside the animal. The festivity is carried out with respect for the integrity of the animal, making it one of the most traditional local events.

Churches

Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles

The Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles was built in 1889. According to local legends, it was a shepherd who found an image of the virgin on the site where the chapel was later built.

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Aurora

Dating from the 17th century and considered one of the jewels in the crown of the local heritage, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Aurora was built thanks to the contributions and religiosity of the parishioners. Due to its age, it has been witness to very important historical moments such as the War of Independence, where it was the scene of clashes between the two sides.

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación

The oldest church in Grazalema is that of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. Built in 1614, under a Mudejar temple, it is the basilica of the patron saint of the town, Saint Atanasio.

Church of Saint José

It was the Discalced Carmelite friars who promoted the creation of the Church of Saint José, adjacent to the Convent of El Carmen, in what was then the outskirts of the town.

Church of Saint Juan

In the 17th century, the Church of Saint Juan was built, which is influenced by Mudejar architecture, leading to possible speculation as to whether a mosque may have occupied the same site as the temple before. It served as a hospital during the cholera epidemics of the 19th century.