Andalucian Cycling Experience - Biking holidays in Andalucia southern Spain. Road Cycling holidays, Mountain Bike Biking holidays, Leisure Cycling holidays , Triathlon & Winter Training Camps , Family Cycling Holidays a White Village Tour or Winter Cycling holidays. guided cycling vacations and self-led tours, short breaks, weekend trips, fortnights and more
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
A photographic exhibition in El Bosque during October displays 15 of the 232 best photographs submitted to the photo contest which was conducted in 2008, the themes are images of fauna, flora, landscapes and ethno-cultural values of this area. This contest was held as part of the celebration of the "30th Anniversary" of the Sierra de Grazalema being declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The exhibit will be displayed at the El Castillejo Botanic Gardens in El Bosque from the 6th to the 31st of October 2009.
Saturday 3rd October Opening ceremony at Midday, release of wild birds of prey. Location- Casarabonela swimming pool
CREA ( Centro de Recuperacion de Especies Amenazadas ) will be releasing 4 birds of prey back into the wild after rehabilitation. These include Eagle owl, Kestrel, Booted eagle and Black kite.
Saturday 19th / Sunday 20th September 09 Hours: 10 - 14 h. - 18 - 20 h. This exhibition is held at the ''El Castillejo'' Botanic Gardens in the village of El Bosque.
On display will be a variety of horticultural produce that has traditionally been grown in the locality of the Sierra de Grazalema.
On Saturday at 12 o'clock will be a talk on the principles of organic horticulture and its benefits both ecological and economic, as well as viewing and tasting some of the frequently cultivated species within the Sierra de Grazalema.
Grazalema feria season kicks off on the 18th of July with the "Lunes de Cuerda de Toro". Now, if you are not into watching a bull tied to a long rope being dragged around the streets by people who ought to know better then you can give this one a miss. If, however this type of culture is for you then get to Grazalema as early as you can in the mornings.... The "Safe" area is in the main square which has iron bars across the entrances to stop the bull entering. Also be aware that the road through the village will be closed on and off through the weekend. If you get stuck in the road block then just get out of the car find a bit of shade and admire the incredible views across the village to the Sierras. Lunes de Toro is from the 18th to the 20th July.
A photographic exhibition in Ubrique during June and July displays 15 of the 232 best photographs submitted to the photo contest which was conducted in 2008, the themes are images of fauna, flora, landscapes and ethno-cultural values of this area. This contest was held as part of the celebration of the "30th Anniversary" of the Sierra de Grazalema being declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Corpus Christi is a celebration of the Eucharist sacrament in which bread and wine are consecrated and consumed as the body of Christ.
Here in the Sierra de Grazalema area the Corpus Christi festivals are very popular with high attendance from locals and visitors coming from further afield. The processional carts (representing chariots) and the surrounding buildings are elaborately adorned with foliage and flowers which is a sight well worth seeing. The date for 2009 at Zahara de la Sierra is Sunday the 14th of June and hotel Al-Lago is offering a 10 percent discount on published room prices for Grazalema Guide readers. Just mention the Grazalema Guide when you enquire at the Al-lago website.
Grazalema's first celebration of the summer was held on the 24th May 2009 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. Read more for a bit of background on Saint Isidore the Laborer and some pictures of the 2009 Romeria....
Gaucin is an Andalucian, white village in the Ronda mountains, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Riff mountains of Africa. The spectacular views and breathtaking landscape have attracted a wide variety of artists, with local, national and international reputations. The Art Gaucin 2009 Open Studios are taking place on the 23-24 May and 30-31 May 11 am to 7 pm. 16 Artists-- Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers, Photographers and Ceramic Artists-- invite you to visit their studios.
A Cheese Fair took place at the village of Villaluenga del Rosario near Grazalema on the last weekend of February 2009. Here you could taste, compare and buy a selection of cheeses, each made in Andalusia. This event also held the first competition for Artisanal Cheeses of the Sierra de Grazalema. A cheese lovers paradise!
The Patron saint of all Ferias and Fiestas in Montecorto is ''La Virgen del Carmen'', Patron saint of Fishermen. Now it may seem strange that a village in rural inland Spain and at least 75km from the sea has the Patron saint of Fishermen, so we ask some of the elders in the village to which we had the reply ''Como siempre'' because it always has been. The Feria del Carmen starts around the 16th July every year. A group of four young people, two men and two women, are elected each year by the Mayor to be in charge of the fundraising and organising of the Feria, they are called ''Mayordomos'' and were traditionally two people from the village and two from the countryside, they were chosen in this way to bring together village and country folk. Being a ''Mayordomo'' is a very important and responsible position to hold within the village, not only for the ''Mayordomos'' but their entire family, for the year, this group of four form a strong bond with each other that often lasts a lifetime.
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.
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.
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
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.
Exhibitions, Religious Events and Fiestas
A photographic exhibition in El Bosque during October displays 15 of the 232 best photographs submitted to the photo contest which was conducted in 2008, the themes are images of fauna, flora, landscapes and ethno-cultural values of this area. This contest was held as part of the celebration of the "30th Anniversary" of the Sierra de Grazalema being declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The exhibit will be displayed at the 
Saturday 3rd October
Saturday 19th / Sunday 20th September 09
Grazalema feria season kicks off on the 18th of July with the "Lunes de Cuerda de Toro". Now, if you are not into watching a bull tied to a long rope being dragged around the streets by people who ought to know better then you can give this one a miss. If, however this type of culture is for you then get to Grazalema as early as you can in the mornings.... The "Safe" area is in the main square which has iron bars across the entrances to stop the bull entering. Also be aware that the road through the village will be closed on and off through the weekend. If you get stuck in the road block then just get out of the car find a bit of shade and admire the incredible views across the village to the Sierras. Lunes de Toro is from the 18th to the 20th July.
Grazalema's first celebration of the summer was held on the 24th May 2009 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. Read more for a bit of background on Saint Isidore the Laborer and some pictures of the 2009 Romeria....
Gaucin is an Andalucian, white village in the Ronda mountains, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Riff mountains of Africa. The spectacular views and breathtaking landscape have attracted a wide variety of artists, with local, national and international reputations. The Art Gaucin 2009 Open Studios are taking place on the 23-24 May and 30-31 May 11 am to 7 pm. 16 Artists-- Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers, Photographers and Ceramic Artists-- invite you to visit their studios.
Feria del Queso Artesanal, Villaluenga
The Patron saint of all Ferias and Fiestas in Montecorto is ''La Virgen del Carmen'', Patron saint of Fishermen. Now it may seem strange that a village in rural inland Spain and at least 75km from the sea has the Patron saint of Fishermen, so we ask some of the elders in the village to which we had the reply ''Como siempre'' because it always has been. The Feria del Carmen starts around the 16th July every year. A group of four young people, two men and two women, are elected each year by the Mayor to be in charge of the fundraising and organising of the Feria, they are called ''Mayordomos'' and were traditionally two people from the village and two from the countryside, they were chosen in this way to bring together village and country folk. Being a ''Mayordomo'' is a very important and responsible position to hold within the village, not only for the ''Mayordomos'' but their entire family, for the year, this group of four form a strong bond with each other that often lasts a lifetime.