Grazalema

This picturesque Cadiz “white town” is ensconced in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema mountain range and enjoys a very particular microclimate (it boasts the highest rainfall index in the Iberian Peninsula). Although there are traces of prehistoric settlements in the area, such as the Dolmen de la Giganta, Grazalema’s origins coincide with the Roman town of Lacílbula.

In the town centre, declared a Historical Site, the typical popular architecture blends perfectly with the town’s monumental treasures. The jewel in the town’s crown is the Baroque Nuestra Señora de la Aurora church, which is accompanied by San José church, Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación parish church, the San Juan church and the hermitages of El Calvario and  Los Ángeles.

Famous for its traditional blankets, these are on display at the Museum of Textile Crafts along with other craft products.

Benamahoma

This beautiful district of Grazalema, nestled in a stunning setting, was named "Ben-Mahoma" (the children of Mohammad) by the Moors. The Islamic influence is evident in the layout of the streets and in the constant presence of water.

Plaza de España

In the heart of the village is an attractive main square, the Plaza de España, lined with bars and restaurants. On this square is Grazalema´s central sight, the 18th-century church of La Aurora. Also here is the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) and the parish church, the Iglesia de la Encarnación. Up Calle Mateos Gago from the square is the 17th-century Iglesia de San José, a former Carmelite convent with paintings by a disciple of Murillo. Close to the church is a viewpoint that looks out over the village.

If you're here in summer, go for a dip in the town's pool, on the eastern edge of the village by the road to El Bosque, where there are some superb panoramic views over Grazalema and the Sierra.

The tourist office is on Plaza de España, 956 132 225, and has information on walks (including permits needed for certain routes), the park and local accommodation. It also sells maps and locally produced handicrafts, such as leatherwork, ceramics and blankets, as well as honey, wine and cheese. You can also find out about companies based in Grazalema that offer activities in the park, like rock climbing, mountain biking, pot-holing, horse riding and guided visits.

Woolen Blankets

The village was established in Moorish times by Berber settlers who discovered a striking similarity with the mountains of their homeland and those of the Sierra de Grazalema. They introduced sheep to graze the lush mountain pastures and produced wool for ponchos and blankets to guard against the wet climate. In 1485 the Duke of Arcos conquered the Moors in Grazalema but the cottage industry of producing woollen blankets - the renowned mantas de Grazalema - continued, reaching its peak in the 17th and 19th centuries, when wealth from textile manufacturing helped to fund the construction of the village´s churches.

Grazalema still has vestiges of this industry today, with one workshop still in operation making woollen blankets, rugs, ponchos and scarves, which are exported all over the world. Visit the Artesanía-Textil de Grazalema,  a workshop on the Ronda road, where you can see looms and carding machines and buy blankets and other textiles in the shop. Other locally produced handicrafts include baskets and leatherwork.

In mid-July, around the Virgen del Carmen fiesta day of 16 July, the village holds its annual fiesta, with flamenco music, fireworks and a procession, culminating in an exciting mini-Pamplona, where a bull is released to charge through the streets.

Local Produce

If you want to taste some of the village's best local produce, pay a visit to Sabores de Grazalema, just off the main square, next to the bull statue. The small store is a treasure trove of Spanish hams and other cured meats, along with fruit conserves and chutneys and even honey from the Sierra de Grazalema.