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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”.
Venta "El Tropezon 3", a roadside bar and restuarant is located on the entrance to Montecorto village not far from Ronda on the border of the Sierra de Grazalema natural park. The staff are always friendly the prices are very reasonable and there is also a shop where you can buy many types of local produce like olive oils, cheeses, hams and other artesanal food supplies. They also have a good selection of locally produced wines.
One of my favourite traditional Spanish dishes is Paella. It's quick and easy to cook and very versatile. Even my dad could make this and he's been banned from the kitchen at home for many years as beans on toast tests his cooking abilities to the max. The basic recipe is onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, rice and stock the rest is down to taste. In the recipe below we use Chorizo and Prawns but Chicken and Chorizo or Chicken and Clams, Prawn and Clams are equally as good.
So it's now pretty much the hottest part of summer here in the Sierra de Grazalema and at this time of year lighting a flame barbecue outside is not only foolhardy it is actually against the law. The sierras are tinder dry and a spark can cause a big uncontrolled fire very easily... So what are we to do when we have some friends around to our country finca for an afternoon vegetarian barbecue, microwave? No, the answer to perfect summer outdoor cooking is a parabolic solar cooker... It's not rocket science. Reflect and concentrate the sun onto the base of a pan and you can cook just like on a regular hob.
For Vegetarians and Vegans who live, or are on holiday in Andalucia, Southern Spain, eating out can be a challenge. The majority of Spanish restaurants do not cater for vegetarians, vegans, Coeliacs or those that require a gluten free diet. Those restaurants that do provide this type of food are few and far between and very often even the traditional house salad contains tuna! Most other dishes that are available almost always contain some form of meat or fish.
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
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
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.
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.
Food and Cooking
Venta "El Tropezon 3", a roadside bar and restuarant is located on the entrance to 
One of my favourite traditional Spanish dishes is Paella. It's quick and easy to cook and very versatile. Even my dad could make this and he's been banned from the kitchen at home for many years as beans on toast tests his cooking abilities to the max. The basic recipe is onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, rice and stock the rest is down to taste. In the recipe below we use Chorizo and Prawns but Chicken and Chorizo or Chicken and Clams, Prawn and Clams are equally as good.
So it's now pretty much the hottest part of summer here in the Sierra de Grazalema and at this time of year lighting a flame barbecue outside is not only foolhardy it is actually against the law. The sierras are tinder dry and a spark can cause a big uncontrolled fire very easily... So what are we to do when we have some friends around to our country finca for an afternoon vegetarian barbecue, microwave? No, the answer to perfect summer outdoor cooking is a parabolic solar cooker... It's not rocket science. Reflect and concentrate the sun onto the base of a pan and you can cook just like on a regular hob.