Sierra Grazalema Natural Park
This park is situated in the North-east of the Cadiz province and the north-west of Malaga province at a height which varies between 250 and 1.654 metres above sea level. It constitutes the western most block of the Penibética chain and enjoys its microclimate, with the highest rainfall in Spain: over 2.000mm. The Park covers an area of 51,695 hectares and is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain.
Among the parks marvels is a truly exceptional botanical wealth richness, amongst which the most remarkable species in undoubtedly the Spanish Fir. This rare species of fir, which grows only at over 1,000m, is a genuine living fossil, a relic of the woods which once covered the earth in the Tertiary period. Today it survives only here in Grazalema and in the Sierras of Nieves and Bermeja, all within Andalusia. The remainder of the characteristically Mediterranean vegetation includes great expanses of cork oak and evergreen oak, as well as groves of gall oak and riverine woodlands.
Of particular interest among the rich fauna are mammals such as the wild-goat, the deer and the fallow deer, predators such as the mongoose, the common otter, the fox and the genet, and birds of prey such as the common vulture (one of Europe’s largest colonies of these inhabit the area) the Egyptian vulture, the osprey and the golden eagle.
The parks impressive rock masses present a challenge to climbers and mountaineers, and the beauty of the landscapes makes walking and hiking a delight. Potholing is another possibility on account of numerous caves, besides water sport on the rivers and reservoirs and hunting for both large and small game. For the most daring, El Bosque provides one of the best locations for delta-winging.