- Region: Andalucia
- Provinces: Cadiz, Malaga
- Declared a Natural Park: 1984
- Park surface area: 51,695 hectares
The Natural Park of the Sierra de Grazalema has also been declared a Biosphere Reserve, this is due to the diverse geography with high limestone mountains and deep gorges such as Garganta Verde, (Green Gorge) that is 400m deep and filled with lush vegetation. In addition, it offers a great diversity of species- animals and vegetation.
Find a hotel in the Sierra de Grazalema
Planning a visit to one of Andalusia’s most breathtaking natural parks? Whether you’re here to hike the dramatic limestone peaks, explore whitewashed villages, or simply relax in nature, finding the right place to stay can elevate your entire trip. That’s why we’ve put together this curated list of the Top 10 Hotels in Grazalema.
Points of interest
Many plant species are represented in the Botanical Garden of El Bosque, which is a good place to see the more rare flora of the area.
Numerous species of birds live in the park, the Griffon vulture being the most recognizable by its sheer size and tendency to fly in numbers.
The area has also become famous as a starlight destination. The Starlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 to promote the protection of the night sky and the development of “astrotourism” and there is an ever growing list of starlight destinations in Spain to visit.
For more in depth information about this area please have a look at the Grazalema Guide. This is our Tourist Information Portal for the Sierra de Grazalema, The town of Ronda, Cádiz and the Caminito del Rey. You can find out everything you need for a visit to this area of Andalucia.
Tailored nature and cultural tours in the Sierra de Grazalema
Nature Plus – Grazalema is based in the picturesque white village of Grazalema in southwest Andalusia. The village is known for its white-washed houses, clay-tiled roofs, steep cobbled streets, traditional architecture, and deeply rooted cuisine.
Your local guide at Nature Plus – Grazalema is Sue Eatock. Originally from the UK, she has lived in Grazalema since 2005 and specializes in the wild plants and animals of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park’.
Find our more here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/nature-plus-grazalema/
Flora
The mountain range conserves an important mass of typically Mediterranean natural vegetation including evergreen oaks, cork oaks, strawberry tree, carob trees and wild olives. Pine woodlands have been planted for a crop and land stabilization in the past but have now naturalized. In the shade of the mountain
El Pinsapar is a magnificent forest of rare Pinsapo trees. There are three areas of this exclusive fir tree in the mountainous area of Ronda showing that it once covered more ground. Grazalema park has the largest area of them.
Mediterranean scrub including Lentisc, Cistus and Gorse cover the hillsides which in spring are also host to a huge variety of wildflowers, some of which only grow in the Ronda area, such as Linaria platycalyx. Those endemic to Grazalema are Papaver rupifragum, Phlomis margaritae, Echinospartum algibicum and Erodium recoderi. Ornithogalum reverchonii grows in the Sierra de Grazalema and North Africa.
Short gallery of photos from the Malaga side of the Sierra de Grazalema natural park
Fauna
The Griffon vulture has large resident breeding colonies here as does Red-billed chough. Eagle owls are resident but uncommon. Egyptian vulture, Booted eagle and Short-toed eagle arrive in spring to breed. There is a breeding colony of Lesser kestrels in the village of Zahara de la Sierra. Blue rock thrush, Rock thrush and Black wheatear can be seen on the higher ground with occasional Alpine accentor and Ring ouzel sightings in the winter. Warblers include sub-alpine, Dartford, Sardinian and Orphean.
Cabra montes or Spanish ibex is the most visible mammal. Red deer, Mongoose, Fox, Genet, Otter and Wildcat are much more elusive and can be hard to spot.
Also in the area
- Cueva de la Pileta is a natural cave system near Benaocaz which holds some of the most important cave paintings in Spain.
- Hundidero-Gato Complex is a natural caving system that connects a sink hole to a cave river outlet traversing 5kms underground, caving here is for professional teams only. But you can visit the Cueva del Gato. (very refreshing in the summer.)
- There are Roman remains close to the town of Ubrique (Ocuri.) If you are visiting the town of Ubrique then ask in the tourist office for times and prices for the guided visits.
- The gastronomy of the region constitutes another important cultural wealth. Many of the villages survive today by producing goats cheese and Iberian pork products.
Excursions and activities in the nearby town or Ronda
Information/Visitors Centers
The visitor centre in the village of el Bosque is the main and official information centre for the natural park of the Sierra de Grazalema.It contains multipurpose room where an audiovisual presentation on the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park can be seen
At the reception you can find information about trails and get your permissions for restricted walks in the park area (Click here to find out how to get a permit.) There is also a shop with very different items (clothing, handicrafts, souvenirs, food, maps, guides, etc.).
The nearby botanical garden El Castillejo has examples of the most representative plant species in the reserve. Read about the Botanic garden in El Bosque here.
Most villages in the park also have their own municipal information centre or information point.
FAQs about Visiting the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park
The park is known for its dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges such as the Garganta Verde, and rare Pinsapo fir forests. It also hosts a wide range of wildlife, from Griffon vultures to Spanish ibex. These unique features led to its designation as both a Natural Park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The full article explains why it is considered one of Andalucia’s most spectacular landscapes.
Spring is often considered the most rewarding season, when wildflowers bloom and migrating birds arrive. Autumn offers cooler hiking weather and vibrant colours, while summer is popular for night-sky stargazing. Each season reveals a different side of the park, so the best time depends on your interests.
Yes, certain trails such as El Pinsapar and Garganta Verde require a permit to protect sensitive ecosystems. Permits can be obtained at the visitor centre in El Bosque or via the official park office. The main article provides step-by-step guidance on securing access.
Griffon vultures are the park’s most famous residents, often spotted soaring in large numbers. Other species include eagle owls, booted eagles, Spanish ibex, and elusive mammals like wildcats and otters. The diversity of birdlife is especially appealing to keen birdwatchers, with many rare species seen only in this region.
Absolutely. Whitewashed villages such as Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra are steeped in Andalusian traditions, with cobbled streets, local crafts, and goat’s cheese production. Visitors can also explore Roman remains, cave paintings at Cueva de la Pileta, and sample the distinctive regional gastronomy. More examples are shared in the guide.
Yes, local experts such as Nature Plus – Grazalema offer tailored tours focusing on plants, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Guided walks are ideal if you want deeper insight into the park’s biodiversity or history. Full details and booking options are available through the linked resources in the article.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
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