Walking in the Sierra de Grazalema
The rugged hills and mountains of the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema rise abruptly from the plains northeast of Cádiz. They reveal picture postcard white villages amid a landscape of jagged peaks and forests of cork oak. It is gorgeous walking country, no more so than around Grazalema or Montejaque, where our tour is based.
“It is obvious that you give great care and attention to the selection of walking routes, both for their scenic pleasure, their variety and their appropriate level of difficulty for the grade selected.”.
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Montejaque
The small village of Montejaque (population around 800) is in the north-western corner of Málaga province, a 20 minute drive from Ronda . It is one of the prettiest of the ‘white towns’, for which the area is famous. Located in a semi-hidden bowl hidden by circular rocky outcrops, it overlooks a small fertile valley of olive groves.
As in all the pueblos blancos, Montejaque dates from the time of the Berber settlers, after the Moslem conquest. With a long history of emigration, the local people are renowned for their hospitality.
MontejaqueGrazalema
A 30 minute drive from Montejaque, and in the north-eastern corner of Cadiz province, lies Grazalema, one of the most beautiful and best preserved of the ‘white villages’. Grazalema is the ideal base for walks in the Parque Natural, with hikes leading through forest of endemic silver fir.
Montejaque: Hotel Palacete de Mañara
The location on the square in this hidden gem of a mountain village is perfect for whoever wishes to experience the ‘real Spain’. Set in a restored historic building, next to Montejaque Town Hall, Hotel Palacete de Mañara features an outdoor pool, a terrace and restaurant.
Grazalema: Hotel Casa de Piedras
Surrounded by the mountains of the Sierra de Grazalema, this 19th-century house has an informal, laid back charm. Family run, guests feel very much at home, with an outdoor pateo and in the evening a lounge and fireplace.
Walking in the Sierra de Grazalema – access
Flights and transport
There are cheap flights direct to Malaga from many regional airports in Europe, from where a group transfer is available – see itinerary on trip page for more details.
Travelling by Train:
There is a direct train from Malaga to Benaojan, and from there it is a short 10 minute taxi ride up to Montejaque, or if timings suit we can arrange for you to be collected.
https://train.trenes.com/timetables/malaga-to-ronda/
It is surprisingly easy to travel from the UK and Northern Europe to Spain by train. Take an afternoon Eurostar from London to Paris in just 2 hours 20 minutes, then the excellent Elipsos trainhotel from Paris to Madrid or Barcelona overnight, with onward train connections for Malaga or Granada (train fares not included in package).
Timing and weather.
Given the moderate altitudes, for departures in early Spring and late Autumn the weather should ideal for walking with daytime temperatures generally in the high 20’s. For more information check out
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/Spain/Grazalema.htm
Links relating to the Sierra de Grazalema & Spain
Iberian Nature, www.iberianature.com A guide to the environment, geography, climate, wildlife, natural history and landscape of Spain