Overview
The Sierra de Grazalema was the first natural park in Andalucia. It covers 51,695ha and is home to a magnificent landscape of rugged limestone cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. Thanks to the area’s high rainfall (the highest in the Iberian Peninsula), the rocks have been eroded over many thousands of years. This is turn has created a huge cave system. The Hundidero-Gato is the largest cavern measuring 4km long and with an entrance of 60m tall. The area is rich in flora and fauna and has many species which are endemic and some unique to the Sierra.
Walking
There are some strict visiting restrictions in force. Permits are required (obtained from the El Bosque information office). Most of the stricter restrictions apply to an area of the park called the Área de Reserve – this is where conservation is of upmost importance due to the delicate ecosystems in the area. During July and September this part of the part is often closed due to the greater risk of fires. If you want to walk in the rest of the park, you must go with an authorized Turismo Activo company.
Sightseeing
The sierra is home to many white villages (pueblos blancos), which are nestled into the dramatic scenery. The beautiful village of Grazalema is one such village. It lies between the two jagged peaks of Pico del Reloj and the Pico de San Cristóbal.
Near Montejaque is a burial site called Dolmen de la Giganta, also known as the Tumba or Necrópolis de la Giganta.
The La Cueva de la Pileta is a prehistoric cave that is home to rock paintings dating back to the Paleolithic period. There is another cave worth visiting called Cueva del Gato near Benaoján.
Two interesting museums are the Ecomuseo del Agua in Benamahoma and the Ecomuseo in Benaocaz. The first mentioned is dedicated to the history of water use in the Sierra de Grazalema. The second covers the history of the Sierra, from prehistoric times to the present.
Animals/Birds
The park has a particularly high number of birds of prey. These include griffon vultures, booted eagles, golden and Bonelli’s eagles and Egyptian vultures. It has one of the largest colonies in Europe of griffon vultures. Other birds which inhabit the area are rock buntings, red-billed choughs, rock thrushes and black wheateaters.
The largest cavern, Hundidero-Gato is home to thousands of Schreiber's bats. Other mammals found in the park are Egyptian mongeese, badgers, genets, roe deer, Spanish ibex and otters and water voles.
Plants
The park protects an outstanding forest of the rare Spanish Fir (dating back to the Tertiary Period). This is found on the slopes of the highest peak El Torreón in the Sierra del Pinar. Cork and holm oaks, wild olive trees and pine forest cover the valley. sides, as well as Mediterranean scrubland. |
