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Grazalema, Spain
Grazalema

Grazalema, Spain
Top 2024 Travel Guide

Grazalema, Spain - Cádiz - Iglesia de Aurora
** Iglesia de Aurora - Grazalema, Spain

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Driving through the Sierra de Grazalema countryside is quite a treat. The landscape is blanketed in beautiful rural farms, soft hills and soaring mountains. Happy little critters dot the horizon, grazing and playing quite boisterously among themselves. We would say, if there was ever an idyllic area to spend the day... this would be it.

As you drive into the town of Grazalema, which is set right in the middle of this bucolic paradise, the first thing you will see is a sign that reads "Un Pueblo Mas Bonito de España" (meaning it's one of the chosen "Most Beautiful Villages in Spain"). And that it is!

Of all the white villages we visited along the "Pueblos Blancos Route", Grazalema was the prettiest...

Grazalema, Spain - Village Streets Grazalema, Spain - Village Streets
** Beautiful Streets and Alleys - Grazalema, Spain


Check out the other famous "Pueblos Blancos": Olvera - Setenil de las Bodegas - Zahara de la Sierra

Explore the Mountain-Side Village of Grazalema!

Where is Grazalema?

Grazalema sits in the northeastern part of the province of Cádiz, in Andalucía. It's about 40 minutes from the town of Ronda and lies in the middle of the Grazalema National Park surrounded by lush farmland and stunning natural scenery.

Grazalema - Spain - Cádiz
** Sierra de Grazalema - Grazalema, Spain

The town itself sits right under a giant rock known as the "Peñon Grande" and spreads out into the valley below. It is surrounded by farms, roaming sheep, and even has an intact ancient Roman road leading into its center.

A visit to Grazalema will take you about half a day, but it's also a good place to station yourself if you're touring the other "Pueblos Blancos". We stayed in the Hotel Fuerte Grazalema, which sits just across the valley and enjoys spectacular views of the town and its incredible backdrop.


But First... A Little History

Grazalema shares its history with the other ancient Spanish villages in this area. It dates to prehistoric times but was occupied by the Romans, Moors and later taken over by the Christians.

In the 8th century the area was inhabited by the Berber Moors (who mostly had blond hair and blue eyes), they named the town "Raisa lami Suli" or "town of the Banu al-Salim". It relied primarily on local agriculture (as it still does today) due to the surrounding fertile lands.

Grazalema, Spain - Ancient Moorish Towers & Fountains Grazalema, Spain - Ancient Moorish Towers & Fountains
** Ancient Moorish Towers & Fountains - Grazalema, Spain

In 1485, the Christians defeated the Arabs and moved in to control the village. At that time, textiles became more important (the wool came from the sheep that grazed locally in the valleys). Today, carpet and blanket making is still very popular and plays a major role in the local economy. A visit to the local blanket factory is a must-do while in Grazalema.


BEST Hotels in Grazalema

Because Grazalema is one of the largest of the "Pueblos Blancos", it also has some of the best hotel options.

You can either stay just outside of town and enjoy beautiful views of Grazalema, or you will find two hotels near the main plaza.

TOP HOTELS - GRAZALEMA

Grazalema Fuerte Hotel
Hotel Fuerte Grazalema - This is where we stay, and it's our favorite! It's the largest hotel in the area, just five km outside of Grazalema (with beautiful sunset views of the village). It has a huge swimming pool, a great self-service restaurant, and even a petting zoo for the kids.

This photo was taken from the hotel terrace of the beautiful view you wake up to every morning... the sun rising over Grazalema.


Two options near the main Grazalema plaza...

Puerta de la Villa - Best location in town, just outside of the main plaza. This four-star hotel has a swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym and beautiful mountain views.

Peñon Grande - Just opposite the Puerta de la Villa Hotel is a budget friendlier option, the two-star Peñon Grande.


Two Options Just Outside Town...

Villa Turística de Grazalema
Villa Turística de Grazalema - Our second favorite hotel! Within walking distance of Grazalema you will find this rural hotel, with self-catering cottages, a restaurant, swimming pool, gardens, and wonderful views of the "Peñon Grande" and village below.

Camping Tajo Rodillo - The town´s campsite. It's on the C344 at Km 49 to El Bosque and great for hikers!


Or, Rent a Cottage...

Villa Turística de Grazalema
Charming villa with amazing pool, garden and surroundings - Surrounded by nothing but nature, hills with lush vegetation, mountains on the horizon and even a stream where you can cool your feet off after hiking in the Sierra de Grazalema, this villa's got everything to make your holidays the best.

Its two floors are decorated with charm and rustic details, granting you the authentic atmosphere you had been looking for until now.
Trusted VRBO Partner


BEST Restaurants in Grazalema

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS - GRAZALEMA

Mesón el Simancón - Our favorite restaurant in Grazalema. This one is located just across from the Tourist Office behind the main parking area. It has a great selection of local dishes and a cozy rural ambiance.

Casa Martin 1920 - Located right in the heart of Grazalema (Plaza de España) you will find this lovely Mediterranean style restaurant / wine bar.

Gastrobar la Maroma - Another Mediterranean style restaurant but slightly more rustic and good value for your money. They also have a variety of vegan / vegetarian options.


Ten Things You Should Know About Grazalema!

1

The Surrounding Countryside is Lovely

The town of Grazalema is surrounded by the magnificent Sierra de Grazalema National Park. It is completely undeveloped except for the beautiful white villages that are sprinkled throughout.

Grazalema, Spain - Rural Countryside
** Rural Countryside - Grazalema, Spain

While driving through the park the landscape changes dramatically every few minutes, from soaring mountains to deep rich valleys to stunning, turquoise-colored lakes spreading out as far as the eye can see.

One of our favorite things about visiting this area was the beautiful drives between each of the villages...

... And the Animals are So Happy!

OK, this may seem like a funny comment to make, but it's true! Nowhere have we ever seen so many critters running around enjoying themselves quite so much, the fields are full of pigs and piglets, sheep, goats, cows, horses and more...

Grazalema, Spain - Animals
** Grazing Piglets - Grazalema, Spain

When we first arrived in Grazalema, we stepped out of the car to take a photo. Suddenly we heard a high-pitched squealing noise behind us. We turned around just in time to see a whole gaggle (is that what you call a group of piglets) running towards us, wagging their little corkscrew tails and squealing happily. We walked over to the gate and watched as they ran up and down the hill, playing, rolling, jumping, and generally making quite the ruckus.

Ahhhh, the life of a free-range piglet...


GRAZALEMA TOURIST INFORMATION

Oficina de Información Turística
3, Plaza Asomaderas
Grazalema, Spain
Telephone: +34 956 132 052

October to May:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am - 2 pm, and 3 pm - 5.30 pm
June to September:
Tuesday to Sunday: 9 am - 3 pm

Email address: turismograzalema@gmail.com


2

Grazalema's Plaza de España is a "Site of Historical Importance"

And, it's very pretty as well!

The Old Town square in Grazalema, the "Plaza de España", was the prettiest one that we saw on our tour of the "pueblos blancos". Most of the old town centers are beautiful, but Grazalema has done an excellent job in keeping it well maintained, clean, and decorated from one end to the other in bright red and pink Geraniums.

Grazalema, Spain - Plaza de España
** Plaza de España - Grazalema, Spain

There are several quaint cafes and bars in the plaza too, so it's a nice place to stop for a rest. Most of the "sights" are close by as well.

The Plaza de España has been designated as a "Site of Historical Importance" by the Spanish government.

Grazalema, Spain - Plaza de España Grazalema, Spain - Plaza de España
** Plaza de España - Grazalema, Spain


3

The Streets of Old Town Grazalema are Beautiful

Grazalema, Spain - Old Town Streets
** Old Town Streets - Grazalema, Spain

In Grazalema you can see a real effort has been made in renovating the houses and public areas. Everything has a consistent look; white-washed village homes, black wrought iron window bars, bright red Geraniums spilling out of pots, and black and white storefront signs... It looks gorgeous!

For the most part, this is an easy town to walk around in. There are a few steep streets (like the main street going to the Iglesia de San José) but generally you can stroll through its maze of flower filled streets without a problem.

Grazalema, Spain - Old Town Streets
** More Pretty Streets - Grazalema, Spain


4

Grazalema has 4 Churches and 2 Ermitas

For such a small village, this seems like a lot of churches. Two of the churches are in the Plaza de España, the 18th century Iglesia de la Aurora and the newer (but still very old) Iglesia de la Encarnacion.

Grazalema, Spain - Iglesia Aurora
** Iglesia Aurora - Grazalema, Spain

A third church, Iglesia de San Juan, is right off the main square and built on the site of an ancient mosque (also 18th century). It is no longer open.

The final church, La Iglesia de San José, is located in the upper most part of Grazalema. It was once a monastery and has a beautiful garden with fountains along one side.

All of these are worth a visit.

Grazalema, Spain - Iglesia Encarnacion Grazalema, Spain - La Iglesia de San José
** Iglesia Encarnation & San José - Grazalema, Spain


5

Grazalema is a City of Fountains - There Are 11

See if you can find them all! Grazalema dates to Roman times when water was scarce. But being the highest village in the Sierra de Grazalema mountains AND having the highest rainfall in the region, water in the ancient town was abundant.

Grazalema, Spain - Fountains Grazalema, Spain - Fountains
** Ancient Fountains - Grazalema, Spain

Several fountains were built around town that date to medieval times, like the one in the Plaza de España in the town's center.

There is another ancient fountain, possibly of Visigoth origin, in the lower part of town next to the Guadalete river and the 'lavadero publico' (ancient public washing area). It is also worth seeing.

6

Grazalema has 6 lovely Miradors ... With Even Lovelier Views

Grazalema sits high up in the mountains overlooking the beautiful valley below so there are several miradors around town that have fantastic views! "El Tajo" (in the photo above) is one of the larger miradors and is even equipped with a restaurant and swimming pool.

Grazalema Miradores - Andalucía - Spain
** Mirador with Views - Grazalema, Spain

There is a parking area just across the street that's an easy walk into town.

Another well-known lookout is the Mirador de Grazalema located near Plaza Asomadero, it's a great spot for a picnic.


7

Visit the Grazalema Blanket Factory

Like I said above, textiles are one of the most important commodities in Grazalema. They use the wool from local sheep to make beautiful, multi-colored blankets and rugs.

Grazalema Blanket Factory - Andalucía - Spain
** Locally Made Blankets - Grazalema, Spain

Don't miss the opportunity to tour the local factory where these items are produced. You can take a FREE 15-minute tour of the facility and they will show you the ancient process of how these blankets are made.

You can even purchase a few if you'd like, they make great gifts!

Read what other travelers have to say about the Blanket Factory

Grazalema Textile Factory

Opening hours
Monday to Thursday: 8 am - 2 pm, and 3 pm - 6.30 pm
Friday: 8 am - 2 pm
Saturday, Sunday and Bank holidays: closed


8

Walk Grazalema's Old Roman Highway

Another fun thing to do while in Grazalema is to take yourself back to Roman times and walk the ancient Roman highway (Calzada Medieval ) that still runs into the center of town.

Grazalema Calzada Medieval - Andalucía - Spain
** Roman Road - Grazalema, Spain

This road used to be the only way in and out of town, as well as being the road that connected all the other white villages in the area. From behind the tourist office there is a spot where you can clearly see the road running across the plains below and into the distance...

Grazalema has refurbished the old highway a bit over the years, but it still looks the same way it did thousands of years ago.


9

Visit The Muslim Quarter in Grazalema

Walking from the main plaza to the Barrio Bajo, or lower neighborhood, is a must. This is the oldest area in town and where you will find ancient Nasrid Towers, Walls, and Fountains, as well as the old Moorish laundry that was built by the first Muslim families that inhabited Grazalema.

Grazalema, Spain - Fuente Abajo Grazalema, Spain - Ancient Walls - Barrio Bajo
** Muslim Built Walls and Fountains - Grazalema, Spain


10

The Hiking around Grazalema is Fantastic!

The area is well-known for its hiking trails. Because Grazalema is the rainiest town on the Spanish peninsula its forests are thick and lush and full of incredible evergreen fir trees.

Grazalema, Spain - Hiking
** Hiking - Grazalema, Spain

Views from the highest mountain peaks are spellbinding and the terrain is ever changing and wonderfully interesting. A hike in the Sierra de Grazalema would be an adventure not soon to be forgotten.

If you are in town for a short time and are interested in a small hike with wonderful views of the village of Grazalema below, head to the reservoir behind town. It's just a quick 5-minute drive going north and you will see signs leading to the trail.

Grazalema, Spain - Reservoir
** Reservoir - Grazalema, Spain

Special Note: The trails are very well maintained in the area and for that reason protected as well. Several of the local hikes require permission from the town hall in El Bosque (a village 30 min / 19 km to the west).


BEST Recommended Tours to the "White Villages" including Grazalema

If you have a car, the best way to see these villages is to drive. The road is windy but well-maintained and the landscape is so stunning the drive is worth it!

If you don't have a car and want to see these charming villages, there are many tours that leave from Ronda. They stop in Grazalema and two or three other "Pueblos Blancos"... You could easily see three in a day.

RECOMMENDED TOURS - GRAZALEMA & PUEBLOS BLANCOS

Ronda Tour - white villages
Pueblos Blancos and Ronda - Travel through the ancient Andalusian kingdoms of Castille and Granada, while enjoying the natural beauty and learning about the region's history. Visit the white villages, the Grazalema forest and mountains, and the ancient town of Ronda. Tours leave from Malaga, Sevilla, and Cádiz

Walking Tours - Grazalema Old Town
Private Tour of Grazalema - The history of Grazalema spans many different civilizations and cultures. Discover their legacy with this private tour just for you, your partner, family, and friends!

At the time of your choice, we'll meet outside the Grazalema Town Hall, ready to start our private walking tour around the most charming places in this enchanting Andalusian town.


Price: only 60€ (up to 10 people)
Duration: 1h 30m
Language: English

For More Information and Reservations: Private Tour of Grazalema

Try these other unique tours and experiences near Grazalema and Ronda!


Other Important Information You Should Know About Grazalema

1. Grazalema has been Chosen as One of the "Prettiest Villages in Spain":

Grazalema has been chosen by the Association of The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain as one of the most beautiful villages in the Cádiz province.

The three other "most beautiful villages" nearby in Cádiz are Vejer de la Frontera, Zahara de la Sierra (33 min / 20 km), and Setenil de las Bodegas (47 min / 32 km).

We highly recommend visiting these amazing villages while you're in the area.

Grazalema
** Views of Grazalema, Spain


2. Grazalema is One of the Famous Villages on the "Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos"

The White Towns of Andalusia, or Pueblos Blancos, are a series of towns and large villages in the northern part of the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga in southern Spain, mostly within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

Other villages on this route are: Casares, Zahara de la Sierra, Mijas Pueblo, Villaluenga del Rosario, Benaocaz, Ubrique, Benamahoma, El Bosque, Prado del Rey, Puerto Serrano, Algodonales, El Gastor, Setenil de las Bodegas, Alcalá del Valle, Torre Alhaquime, Olvera, Arcos de la Frontera, Algar, Espera, Bornos and Villamartín, Vejer de la Frontera and Frigiliana.


3. Distances to Other Important Towns from Grazalema:

Larger Cities / Towns
Malaga: 134 km / 2 hours
Cádiz: 112 km / 1 h 34 min
Sevilla: 116 km / 1h 45 min
Ronda: 33 km / 41 min

Other Smaller White Villages
Jerez de la Frontera: 81 km / 1 h 19 min
Villamartín: 37 km / 47 min
Zahara de la Sierra: 20 km / 33 min
Olvera: 40 km / 45 min
Algodonales: 26 km / 34 min


Grazalema, Spain - Village Streets Grazalema, Spain - Village Streets
** More Beautiful Streets and Alleys - Grazalema, Spain


4. When is the Best Time to Visit Grazalema?

  • During the months of April, May and October you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 25 degrees Celsius (77°F).
  • On average, the warmest month(s) are July and August, with July being the hottest.
  • The months of January, February, March, April, August, September and October have a high chance of precipitation, with November being the wettest (average of over 800 mm - the highest in Spain).
  • On average, the coolest month is January.
  • June is the driest month.

5. Grazalema's Gastronomy

Grazalema's gastronomy is closely connected to its history, it was the Romans that began raising cattle and other bovine animals. Olive production and honeys were also discovered during Roman times.

The Arabs introduced many spices to the area like saffron, nutmeg and clove which are still used today in the traditional stews. Typical dishes include chorizo soups, baked lamb and lamb stew and trout dishes.

The cheeses made in Grazalema are made with local goat and sheep's milk and are considered to be the best in Spain.


6. Grazalema's Fiestas

Grazalema's top celebrated fiestas are:

Romería de San Isidro - (last Sunday in May) This includes a procession from town to the Ribera de Gaidóvar valley below.

The Carmens (Virgen del Carmen) - (third week of July) A celebration with flamenco music, fireworks, a procession through town and on Monday, the "Lunes de Toro de Cuerda" where the entire village runs behind a bull charging through town.

Fiestas Mayores - The yearly Grazalema fair with music, dancing, and carnival rides.


7. How to Arrive

From Malaga, there is 134 km-route. Take the A-357 and then the A-367 towards Ronda. Take the A-374 and then follow the A-372. This will lead you to Grazalema.

From Cádiz, the 113 km that separate the city from Grazalema. Take the AP-4 and exit at A-382 (exit n. 80). After 27 km, take the exit 27 towards Arcos de la Frontera, and you will reach A-372. Follow the highway until you reach Grazalema.


Grazalema, Spain - The Great Peñon Grazalema, Spain - The Great Peñon
** The Great Peñon & Village Below - Grazalema, Spain

photo of Darsey and Izzy

Who are we? An American expat with over 20 years of experience living and traveling in Spain, specifically in Malaga and Granada. Darsey is a seasoned explorer of Andalucia. Drawing from decades of immersive experience, she offers deep insights into this enchanting region of Spain, including off-the-beaten path destinations, the best places to stay, and the top bucket list activities to try! More...

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8. Parking in Grazalema

There are two decent parking areas in Grazalema. The first is on the left right before you get to the main Plaza de España. You will see a blue sign with a "P", take a left and you will arrive in a large parking area overlooking the valley below. The tourist office is also located in this area.

The second parking area, which is a bit smaller, is on the opposite side of the village. Continue through the Plaza de España and veer to your right. The road continues up a hill towards the "El Tajo" mirador. Parking is on your right.


That's all you need for an amazing visit to Grazalema! We hope that you have as good a time as we had exploring this pretty village! Have a safe trip!! ;-)

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Grazalema, Spain - Andalucía

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