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El-Andaluz House Rentals and Sales
Self catering Watermill and village houses in the white village of Grazalema, at the heart of the Parque Natural "Sierra de Grazalema". Stunning country side. Selected houses also for sale
Casa rural - Huerta la Terrona "Huerta la Terrona" with more than 300 years of history, offers a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere and all the modern conveniences our guests can expect in a contemporary Country House. A two story building with five large guest rooms, three on the upper floor and one on the main floor, affords maximum comfort for our guests. Each bedroom includes mattresses and linens of the highest quality, unique décor, a private bathroom, individual heating units and magnificent views of the Park, in particular of the mountain pass “Puerto de las Palomas”.
Welcome to the on-line guide to the Sierra de Grazalema, Sierra de las Nieves and los Alcornocales natural park areas. This web site is part guide, part weblog and is designed to help resident and visitor alike find out more about this amazing part of Western Andalucia. From where to walk and cycle to where to eat, sleep and visit. If you are looking for information about the white town of Ronda then we can highly recommend Ronda Today
Below you'll find the latest entries on our blogs with regards to what's happening and when, general observations and day trip reports... Please feel free to leave a comment on any of them, feedback is important to us. If you are after a specific subject then click the individual blogs in the left column or use the search box.
Next Saturday the 24th of July 2010 the information centre in Grazalema will be inaugerating a new exhibition by local artist Jana Pawlasová.
The exhibition will run until the 9th of September. There will also be wine and olive oil tasting at the inaugeration which starts at 12PM. The information centre in Grazalema is open every day from 10AM to 7PM
Jana was born in the Czech Republic in 1983. She attained a masters degree at the university of Ostrava before moving to ScotLand to continue her artistic career. She has had several exhibitions in the Czech Republic and Scotland and is currently working on larger pieces for several solo exhibitions this year in Spain.
Jana works mainly in inks using other medium in combination to produce original interpretrations of familiar themes.
Jana lives in Ronda with her partner, sculptor Paul Cowan and their son Rory
Centro de Información Turística de Grazalema, plaza asomaderos, 3 www.centrodeinformaciongrazalema.info TEL 956 13 20 52.
We continue with more exhibitions in the Tourist Information Centre - Grazalema, This time the subject is astronomy entitled "FROM THE EARTH TO THE UNIVERSE, THE BEAUTY OF THE EVOLUTION OF THE COSMOS.
From July 8 to August 10 you can enjoy this wonderful exhibit (on loan and in collaboration with the Grazalema cultural cooperation project).
The exhibition is part of the celebrations of International Year of Astronomy and shows the universe to the public through a series of impressive astronomical images. The objective is to share this scientific knowledge with all
The exhibition is associated with practical astronomical observations, which will be held on July 23 at 23.00 in the Plaza de los Asomaderos in Grazalema.
It is a tradition in many countries to have a horseshoe near your front door for luck. One question we have often asked in different areas we have stayed is, which direction should it be hung and there are various answers and reasons. If the open ends point upwards this is said to catch the luck and preserve it for you, or on the contrary should the ends point downwards thereby allowing the luck to flow freely? That said will the luck flow at our doorstep this week due to a different, much larger, horseshoe which passed by – a Horseshoe Whip Snake!
A great and easy bike ride (this trip takes around 2 to 3 hours there and back) but you can also make it a full day out by taking a picnic with you and relaxing a while at the recreation area of Covezuelas. After this you have the option to continue on for another 2 km in order to explore the village of Villaluenga del Rosario before riding back to Grazalema. The picnic area is lovely and sits just below Sierra del Caillo. On weekdays it is a very peaceful place to stop and have lunch. During weekends and holidays it can get a little crowded. There are several wooden benches scattered around a grassy area with some being in the shade and some in the sun. There are also some stone barbecues if you feel like cooking. If you decide to go all the way to Villalengua you will find a traditional pueblo blanco situated under impressive limestone cliffs at the tip of a high mountain valley.
The information centre in Grazalema is very happy to announce the immediate availability of bikes for hire. 4 ladies and 4 gents bikes in various sizes... Whether you are up for a tough 45 km riding the Puerto de las Palomas challenge or just fancy an easy ride to the picnic site of Covozuelos in Villalengua our bikes are the answer. 24 speed, comfortable seats with rear bags to hold your supplies and water. Safety helmets, pump, puncture repair outfit and bike locks are also included in
Rates are 15 Euros for a 24 hour session or 10 Euros for a day between 10 am and 7 pm. your kit. If you want to book in advance just use the contact form on this website.
Next Sunday 20th of June we have a new exhibition at the Information centre in Grazalema. With paintings by Delia and sculptures by Andres the exhibition is titled "Sueños y Arena" (Dreams and Sand).
Delia Rota My textures evoke the meeting materials in nature. The sand on our feet and hands give volume to the aesthetic representation of my memories. Andres Montesanto My dreams, hopes and chaotic mix of experiences are expressed through my hands and become at one with the indispensable participation of the observer.
There are many impressive flying insects on the wing during the summer months. Some due to their colours or intricate design and others are just large. In this last category fall the Carpenter bee, the Hornet and the Mammoth wasp. Many people flap their arms in fear at these airborne creatures - whereas standing still and observing them may be better practice. They are generally docile and quite attractive if viewed calmly. (Unless you are poking the hornets nest of course!)
As the name suggests this is a high walk in the mountains, but your access by road gains the altitude and the walk is a fairly short circular one that goes around the peak offering spectacular views. The peak itself is at 1,328m above sea level and the car park at 1,157m. It will take about 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace to complete the 2.7km and may give amazing sightings of Griffon Vultures, from above and below. The terrain is rugged limestone rock with rough grasses, stunted oak trees and sparse Mediterranean scrub.
Grazalema's first celebration of the summer 2010 will be held on the 30th May with the "Romeria de San Isidro". Hailing the arrival of summer and involving a lively procession of virtually the entire village down to a pasture in the ribera valley for a big picnic (KM 4 on the Grazalema-Montecorto road). In the usual way of Spanish festivities there are copious amounts of food and drink and lots of loud music. The procession gathers at 8 am for prayers at the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and proceeds down and out of the village to La Ribera. The picnic party goes on all day and then for as long as anyone has the energy to keep going. Click here for a bit of background on Saint Isidore the Laborer and some pictures of the 2009 Romeria....
The Information Centre in Grazalema will be closed from 2pm so that we can enjoy the afternoon too!
The Sierra de Grazalema has recently celebrated 30 years as a Biosphere Reserve - designated by UNESCO due to the exceptional wealth of flora and fauna. The aim of this special weekend is to demonstrate this diversity of fauna, flora and habitats through digital photography and share this with all at the website of 'Biodiversidad Virtual'. This is a Spanish website dedicated to mapping the biodiversity of Iberia and is quickly becoming an exceptional educational tool due to its enthusiastic members.
Restaurant Al Lago, Zahara de la Sierra
A stunning setting with lake views from the terrace in which to enjoy a leisurely lunch, dinner or innovative tapas. Chef Stefan Crites, who trained in New York for many years, re-interprets some of Spain’s culinary classics with a creative and exotic touch using local organic vegetables, top quality meat and fresh fish from the markets in Cadiz.
Cortijo Valverde
Beautiful hotel with outstanding views of the surrounding countryside providing that special vacation destination for either a restful holiday, or a base from which to explore the many treasures that Andalucia and Inland Spain has to offer.
Villa Turistica Grazalema
This hotel is located 500 metres from the charming village of Grazalema, a place characterised by its whitewashed façades, its narrow and windy streets and set in the centre of the natural park
Hotel Fuerte Grazalema
Situated in the heart of the sierra de Grazalema natural park, Hotel Fuerte Grazalema is a paradise for outdoor walking enthusiasts and is set in oak woodlands 5 kilometres from the village of Grazalema. It makes an excellent base from which to discover this stunning part of western Andalucia
Las Truchas
Las Truchas is a small hotel with a home from home atmosphere, located in the quaint town of El Bosque. Explore the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and the White Towns Route (Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos) that are situated within easy reaching distance of this hotel. You can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding landscape from the hotel rooms.
Next Saturday the 24th of July 2010 the information centre in Grazalema will be inaugerating a new exhibition by local artist Jana Pawlasová.
It is a tradition in many countries to have a horseshoe near your front door for luck. One question we have often asked in different areas we have stayed is, which direction should it be hung and there are various answers and reasons. If the open ends point upwards this is said to catch the luck and preserve it for you, or on the contrary should the ends point downwards thereby allowing the luck to flow freely? That said will the luck flow at our doorstep this week due to a different, much larger, horseshoe which passed by – a 
A great and easy bike ride (this trip takes around 2 to 3 hours there and back) but you can also make it a full day out by taking a picnic with you and relaxing a while at the recreation area of Covezuelas. After this you have the option to continue on for another 2 km in order to explore the village of Villaluenga del Rosario before riding back to Grazalema. The picnic area is lovely and sits just below Sierra del Caillo. On weekdays it is a very peaceful place to stop and have lunch. During weekends and holidays it can get a little crowded. There are several wooden benches scattered around a grassy area with some being in the shade and some in the sun. There are also some stone barbecues if you feel like cooking. If you decide to go all the way to Villalengua you will find a traditional pueblo blanco situated under impressive limestone cliffs at the tip of a high mountain valley.
The information centre in Grazalema is very happy to announce the immediate availability of bikes for hire. 4 ladies and 4 gents bikes in various sizes... Whether you are up for a tough 45 km riding the Puerto de las Palomas challenge or just fancy an easy ride to the picnic site of Covozuelos in Villalengua our bikes are the answer. 24 speed, comfortable seats with rear bags to hold your supplies and water. Safety helmets, pump, puncture repair outfit and bike locks are also included in
Next Sunday 20th of June we have a new exhibition at the Information centre in Grazalema. With paintings by Delia and sculptures by Andres the exhibition is titled "Sueños y Arena" (Dreams and Sand).
There are many impressive flying insects on the wing during the summer months. Some due to their colours or intricate design and others are just large. In this last category fall the Carpenter bee, the Hornet and the Mammoth wasp. Many people flap their arms in fear at these airborne creatures - whereas standing still and observing them may be better practice. They are generally docile and quite attractive if viewed calmly. (Unless you are poking the hornets nest of course!)
As the name suggests this is a high walk in the mountains, but your access by road gains the altitude and the walk is a fairly short circular one that goes around the peak offering spectacular views. The peak itself is at 1,328m above sea level and the car park at 1,157m. It will take about 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace to complete the 2.7km and may give amazing sightings of Griffon Vultures, from above and below. The terrain is rugged limestone rock with rough grasses, stunted oak trees and sparse Mediterranean scrub.
Grazalema's first celebration of the summer 2010 will be held on the 30th May with the "Romeria de San Isidro". Hailing the arrival of summer and involving a lively procession of virtually the entire village down to a pasture in the ribera valley for a big picnic (KM 4 on the Grazalema-Montecorto road). In the usual way of Spanish festivities there are copious amounts of food and drink and lots of loud music. The procession gathers at 8 am for prayers at the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and proceeds down and out of the village to La Ribera. The picnic party goes on all day and then for as long as anyone has the energy to keep going. 