In 2025, the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park celebrates 48 years as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a distinction it earned in 1977 as the first of its kind in Spain.
White villages (Pueblos Blancos) in the Sierra de Grazalema. 10 Unique Places to Discover in the Sierra de Cádiz
To explore the history and stunning landscapes of this protected mountain region, there’s no better way than following the famous White Villages Route of Cádiz: whitewashed houses, walls adorned with flowerpots, and hearty mountain gastronomy featuring soups, meats, cheese (made from the renowned Payoyo goat) and cured meats. These charming, well-maintained villages are hubs for rural tourism and serve as perfect bases for nature-based adventures or culturally rich itineraries.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Absorb the tranquillity as you meander through the narrow, charismatic streets and open squares, noting the blend of Arabic layout and design with eighteenth century grandeur and ornamentation. The White villages of the Sierra de Grazalema natural park are waiting to be explored.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
It’s early winter so with few wild plants in flower we are left with stunning November views, resident birds like griffon vultures, Bonnellis eagle, red billed chough and mammals represented, of course, by the ever present Spanish ibex. In November, wildlife and landscapes in the Sierra de Grazalema are quite stunning.
White villages in the Sierra de Grazalema
Rugged peaks are home to Spanish ibex in the Sierra de Grazalema
On a clear, crisp day the rewards are higher up in the mountains. Walk a path surrounded by mature trees, you will be steadily gaining in height, take a moment to look back over the valleys and white villages, now scattered beneath.
The views will have you stopping at every turn to breathe them in. Above you is an array of rugged peaks and grazing on the slopes, camouflaged amongst the rocks and shrubs are Spanish Ibex. The males are standing proud as the test begins to see which one will become head of the herd.
Spanish ibex are easy to spot all year round in the Sierra de Grazalema
Some of the trees which edge the pastures; Pomegranate, Quince, Almond and Walnut, plus those which grow on the mountain slopes; Strawberry tree and Sloe have ripening fruit which are often used in local cuisine.
Straberry trees (Arbutus unedo) bear fruit in November in the Sierra de Grazalema
Pomegranites split and provide a welcome food supply for wild birds
Almond are ripe and ready to pick during November in the Sierra de Grazalema
November wildlife and landscapes in the Sierra de Grazalema
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
