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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”.
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.
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.
Regular visits to the Botanic Garden in El Bosque village allow us to see the plants as they change through the seasons. Mid June is the best time to see some of the parks endemics in full flower. Phlomis x margaritae is a hybrid shrub in the Sage family that occurs naturally on a mountain named Margarita - hence the plant name. This is placed in the “rupicola” section (rock gardens) at the highest point of the meandering pathways. It is a plant endemic to the Sierra de Grazalema park area, meaning that it is not found in the wild anywhere else!
May is a fabulous time to walk, cycle or drive through these mountains as roadside verges, pastures and scrubland turn glorious colours with a varied selection of wild flowers. The springtime rains have ensured a vivid display and many plants compete for space in a hurry to flower and set their seeds before the ground dries out during the summer months. Hillsides can turn yellow with shrubby Retama, whereas the many meadows are a tapestry of pastel shades brimming with annuals.
During the month of April the field borders and roadside banks transform after the spring rains from a lush green to a profusion of mixed colours as the flowering plants make the most of these ideal conditions. Bright 'planting schemes' can appear where soil has been cleared from winter landslips and left in mounds, now smothered in fast growing annuals that reach their peak before the summer heat arrives. As with the March page I have divided a selection of the more obvious wildflowers into colour sections.
March is accompanied by many spring flowers, the number of species rising throughout the month. Many can be seen adorning roadsides, pastures, arable field edges, mountainsides etc. Some of the larger bushes are obvious from a vehicle but other, smaller plants will remain hidden until you walk about if they are in singles, or are occasionally seen in swathes carpeting orchards.
The Spanish Fir (Abies pinsapo), referred to in Spanish as 'Pinsapo', is one of the most appreciated plant relics of this area. It is an endemic tree species which has both a high cultural and ecological value, although protected its status remains vulnerable. Once forming wide spreading forests which spanned the area there are now 3 mountain-side woodlands in South West Andalusia where this species can be seen.
After the first autumn rains, seeds that have been lying dormant through the heat of summer burst into life giving a green haze to hillsides and fields. This is also a time when autumn flowers put on their show. The brighter yellows can easily be discerned but the more delicate lilacs and whites blend with the surroundings with some blooms so fine that they can easily be over looked. These are just a few of the gems to look out for.
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
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.
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.
Nature and Environment 
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.
Regular visits to the 
May is a fabulous time to walk, cycle or drive through these mountains as roadside verges, pastures and scrubland turn glorious colours with a varied selection of wild flowers. The springtime rains have ensured a vivid display and many plants compete for space in a hurry to flower and set their seeds before the ground dries out during the summer months. Hillsides can turn yellow with shrubby Retama, whereas the many meadows are a tapestry of pastel shades brimming with annuals.
March is accompanied by many spring flowers, the number of species rising throughout the month. Many can be seen adorning roadsides, pastures, arable field edges, mountainsides etc. Some of the larger bushes are obvious from a vehicle but other, smaller plants will remain hidden until you walk about if they are in singles, or are occasionally seen in swathes carpeting orchards.
The Spanish Fir (Abies pinsapo), referred to in Spanish as 'Pinsapo', is one of the most appreciated plant relics of this area. It is an endemic tree species which has both a high cultural and ecological value, although protected its status remains vulnerable. Once forming wide spreading forests which spanned the area there are now 3 mountain-side woodlands in South West Andalusia where this species can be seen.
After the first autumn rains, seeds that have been lying dormant through the heat of summer burst into life giving a green haze to hillsides and fields. This is also a time when autumn flowers put on their show. The brighter yellows can easily be discerned but the more delicate lilacs and whites blend with the surroundings with some blooms so fine that they can easily be over looked. These are just a few of the gems to look out for.