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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.
Are you looking for a holiday home or hotel? Let us help. From the Information Centre in Grazalema we have a wide range of country houses, village houses and hotels at your disposal. Just use the contact form telling us what you are looking for and we'll arrange everything for you. Looking for an English speaking nature guide for the Sierra de Grazalema? We can arrange that too!
Self Guided Walking Holidays in the stunning Sierra de Grazalema half board 4 nights hotel from just 900 Euros per couple (Excluding Flights). Use the contact us form to find out more.
When in Spain many people may wonder about scorpions, spiders and venomous snakes and will not be aware that they are much more likely to endanger themselves and their pets by getting too close to an innocent looking line of caterpillars that can be found crossing a pavement, road or footpath during the first months of each year. The pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) will, during late winter/early spring, be coming out of pine trees and forming conspicuoussnakelike lines.
January is a busy time for harvesting the olive fruit and during this same month the almond trees begin to flower. Slopes scattered with these stark black, wizened trunks which appear lifeless, quickly turn to delicate shades of soft pink. Although these are orchard blooms, they are very photogenic and especially pleasing to the eye when combined with the wildflowers of broad-leaved iris beneath.
Day 1 Wednesday 9th March Weather: Continuous rain Eight tour members met with Paul at Malaga airport, having arrived on three separate flights from London Gatwick, Exeter and Birmingham. We made our way from the arrivals hall to the multi-storey car park, to collect our minibus. Leaving the airport, we drove west and then north towards Alhaurin de la Torre, and on towards Cartama, where we joined the A355 in the direction of Campillos, turning left for Ronda just north of Ardarles. On the outskirts of Ronda, we turned onto the El Burgo road, and were soon arriving at the ‘Finca de Guzmana’, our base for the week. We were met by Peter, our host, who soon had us settled into our rooms. After freshening up, we met in the lounge for sherry and nibbles, before heading off for dinner at the local Venta la Codorniz.
The group met with the leader Paul at Malaga airport, having arrived from the UK by plane and train. We made our way from the arrivals hall to the multi-storey car park, where our minibus was waiting. Leaving the airport, we drove west and then north towards Alhaurin de la Torre, and onto the A357 towards Campillos. As we drove, House Martins and Swallows were much in evidence. Near the village of Teba, we turned south onto the A367 towards Ronda, stopping briefly for refreshments before continuing on to the Finca la Guzmana, our base for the next seven nights. Here we were met by Peter, our host. After freshening up, we met in the lounge for sherry and nibbles, before heading off for dinner at a local Venta la Codorniz.
The second of our artists for saturday the 10th is Paco Gil, a well known resident of Grazalema whose work reflects his love for the natural beauty of Sierra de grazalema.
The 10th of December 2011 sees a great double exhibition of photography and paintings at the information centre in Grazalema... Starting at 12pm as usual this time the artists have really excelled and it promises to be one of our best events ever...
"The photographic exhibition comprises of 20 prints of 40x60cm and mounted in solid hand made wooden frames of 60x80cm. It is available in any format and unframed.
Dedicated to anyone who loves the natural world as I do and who has a few minutes of time to see this small sample detailing some of the most beautiful aspects of nature to be found here in the province of Cadiz.
The reason for this exhibition is that I would you to share with me the passion that makes me feel personally connected to each and every one of these photographs. Both peace and serenity of a sunset on the beach or the strength and momentum of a waterfall lost in the woods, the cheerful bubbling of a stream as it winds down the mountain or the fullness and grandeur of the thousands of colors that adorn each one of the four seasons.
In my work I have tried to share some of the many sensations that can be felt in these remote and quiet places and to let you enjoy the beauty contained in our wonderful natural world."
1. ARBOL FANTASMA (Villaluenga del Rosario) 2. ATARDECER DORADO (Conil) 3. ENSUEÑO (Playa de Cortadura) 4. ABRAZO OTOÑAL (Puerto Gáliz) 5. GARGANTA DEL CAPITAN (Los Barrios) 6. AMBROSÍA (Benamahoma) 7. REFRESCANTE MANANTIAL (Zahara de la Sierra) 8. REMANSO ESMERALDA (Los Barrios) 9. CONTRASTES (Grazalema) 10. FIESTA PRIMAVERAL ( Puerto Real) 11. ENTRE NUBES ( Valdelagrana) 12. BOSQUE DE HELECHOS (Algeciras) 13. ALFOMBRA DE AGUJAS (Grazalema) 14. ENCANTAMIENTO (Playa de Cortadura) 15. RELUCIENTE TIMIDEZ (Grazalema) 16. ARMONICA FUSION (Grazalema) 17. LA BELLA ESCONDIDA ( Algeciras) 18. ARROYO EMPEDRADO ( Los Barrios) 19. MÁGICO RINCÓN ( Alcalá de los Gazules) 20. SUSURRO EN EL BOSQUE ( Los Barrios)
Prices Prints Only: 80 € Mounted on Handmade Wooden Frames: 130 €
This protected area consists of a large cluster of high limestone peaks that holds within it a range of ecosystems from sheer and colourful cliff faces to deep lush valleys, rich green forests to bleak white scree slopes. There are around 20 peaks above 1000m creating an impressively sculpted landscape, the highest being El Torreón at 1654m (5426 feet) which command fabulous views across the mountains and over to the plains of Cadiz province.
Although December may bring rain and frost to the mountains it is a time of growth, spurred on after the prolonged rest enforced by the heat of summer. This rainfall nourishes the ground and triggers the flowering and fruit production of a few species, a process which now picks up spead with more and more flowers appearing each month until the summer heat strikes again. This is part of an ongoing project to create a complete flowering calendar for the sierra.
As the leaves begin to fall from the trees there are a few flowers to discover. Berries and acorns are ripening, decorating the countryside and providing food for wildlife. Many plants will only just be emerging as the rain will usually have encouraged the germination of many seeds by now, giving a lushness to the pastures and roadsides that had been dry during the summer. This is part of an ongoing project to create a complete flowering calendar for the sierra.
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.
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.
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.
When in Spain many people may wonder about scorpions, spiders and venomous snakes and will not be aware that they are much more likely to endanger themselves and their pets by getting too close to an innocent looking line of caterpillars that can be found crossing a pavement, road or footpath during the first months of each year. 
January is a busy time for harvesting the olive fruit and during this same month the almond trees begin to flower. Slopes scattered with these stark black, wizened trunks which appear lifeless, quickly turn to delicate shades of soft pink. Although these are orchard blooms, they are very photogenic and especially pleasing to the eye when combined with the wildflowers of broad-leaved iris beneath.
Day 1 Wednesday 9th March
Day 1 Wednesday 16th March
This protected area consists of a large cluster of high limestone peaks that holds within it a range of ecosystems from sheer and colourful cliff faces to deep lush valleys, rich green forests to bleak white scree slopes. There are around 20 peaks above 1000m creating an impressively sculpted landscape, the highest being El Torreón at 1654m (5426 feet) which command fabulous views across the mountains and over to the plains of Cadiz province.
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.