Category Archives: White Villages

Summer heat in the Sierra de Grazalema

Someone has turned up the heating here in the Sierra de Grazalema and the little rain and cooler temperatures of the spring seems to be a long distant memory. We’ll soon be in the high thirties and the forecast is for more intense heat to come this year which will probably take us into the forties and the blazing summer heat in the Sierra de Grazalema

The green fields and colourful meadows have changed to dusty soil as the summer does its work to dry seed heads. Local farmers are doing their work to harvesting the fields of wheat, sunflowers and other crops.

Nothing surely can compare with walking through a pine forest in Andalucia with cones cracking in the heat and cicadas “whirring” in the branches.

The temperature hits the melt point releasing the essential oils from cistus, rosemary and lavender that fill the air with that unmistakeable Mediterranean hot summer scent… Maybe you can guess from my words… I love Andalucia in the summer!

in summer the bright pink Nerium oleander is in full bloom and if you look closer you will see that this plant generally follows watercourses and dry (sometimes wet) gullies… Oleander hedges always provide great rewards for insect expeditions over the hot months of July and August.

Especially look out for dragonflies and damselflies, shining jewels of the summer flying alongside the butterflies that appear in a myriad of colours and sizes feeding on blue sea holly and other plants of the thistle family

Many people find it too hot during the months of July and August but for those with a special interest in insects this area is litterally a “hotspot” for many normally hard to find species.

Hotels in Grazalema during the summer months

If you are looking for a hotel during the summer months here in Grazalema then check out these options: https://grazalemaguide.com/blog/find-a-hotel-in-the-sierra-de-grazalema/


Ronda Today

Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/

Visit Cádiz

Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/

The Caminito del Rey

Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/

Wildside Holidays – Spain

Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.

Iberia Nature Forum

Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/

Are there guided coach trips to Grazalema and the white villages?

Nestled in the breathtaking Sierra de Cádiz region, the picturesque white villages of Andalusia are a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Among these charming settlements, Grazalema stands out as a must-visit destination. Offering stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and authentic Spanish charm, Grazalema and its neighboring villages are best explored through a guided coach trip. So, lets start Exploring the enchanting white villages: Are there guided coach trips to Grazalema and the white villages?

The gateway to the white villages of Cádiz

Starting from Cádiz, Seville, Jerez, or other nearby cities, a guided coach trip to Grazalema provides the perfect gateway to exploring the white villages of the Sierra de Cádiz. Sit back, relax, and let the expert guides take you on a scenic journey through the rolling hills, olive groves, and winding roads that lead to this idyllic destination.

Natural wonders of Grazalema
Wildlife in July in the Sierra de Grazalema
The stunning Sierra de Grazalema

Grazalema is not only known for its quaint village setting but also for its natural beauty. Explore the stunning Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which surrounds the village. Discover breathtaking landscapes, dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Adventure seekers can embark on hiking trails that lead to awe-inspiring viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas of the region.

Authentic gastronomy and local traditions:
Bar Grazalema Plaza - Eating out in Grazalema
There are fantastic food options in Grazalema catering for all tastes and pockets.

No visit to Grazalema is complete without savoring the local gastronomy. Sample traditional Andalusian dishes, such as gazpacho, hearty stews, and local cheeses. Indulge in the flavors of the region and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. Additionally, immerse yourself in the vibrant local traditions by joining festivals, exploring handicraft shops, and witnessing age-old customs that have been preserved through generations.

Exploring the surrounding white villages
Grazalema in the Sierra de Grazalema
The white villages “Pueblos Blancos” of the Sierra de Grazalema

While Grazalema is a highlight, guided coach trips offers the opportunity to visit other captivating white villages in the area. Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas, and Arcos de la Frontera are just a few of the charming settlements that await exploration. Each village has its own unique character, offering a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Andalusia.


Ronda Today

Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/

The Caminito del Rey

Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/

Wildside Holidays – Spain

Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.

Visit Cádiz

Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides. https://visitingcadiz.com/

Water in the Grazalema Natural Park

The natural park of Grazalema is known for its many natural mountain springs, streams, river sources and fountains. Water in the Grazalema natural Park has always been extremely valuable to the local population with shepherds and hunters knowing where the wells and natural springs were, especially the precious ones that never dried up even through the heat of a long summer.

These men and women were able to set off into the Sierras with a small leather pouch which they refilled as they walked instead of having the burden of several litres in a rucksack which would slow their pace.

Grazalema is the wettest place in Spain? Read about the weather in Grazalema over at Wildside Holidays: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/the-weather-in-grazalema/

Continue reading Water in the Grazalema Natural Park

The VoiceMap GPS Audio Guide for Ronda

If you are staying in the Grazalema area then most likely a trip to Ronda will be on the agenda and so its great to announce that recently I created the The VoiceMap GPS Audio Guide for Ronda

The VoiceMap GPS Audio Guide for Ronda

Listening to me along the way (and also some captivating guitar music from the amazing Paco Seco), you’ll pass breathtaking lookout points including the Mirador de Ronda and the Mirador de Aldehuela.

As we leave the new town behind us and enter the old, past the Mondragón Palace and museum we’ll visit Ronda’s former defensive border at the Puerta de Almocábar, and quake in the boots of history’s soldiers as you imagine approaching armies.

From there we’ll follow the old walls to the Arab Baths and the Puente Viejo bridge, before making our way back over Puente Nuevo. The tour ends in front of the Plaza de Toros, the Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda.

I’ll also provide answers to some intriguing questions like:

• What did Blas infante, the father of Spanish nationalism, do in Ronda?
• Why is one particular Italian priest famous around here?
• Who built the Puente Nuevo?
• Did Queen Isabella really visit Ronda?
• When did the Christian conquerors arrive?
• How important is bullfighting in Andalucia?

Creating the VoiceMap GPS Audio Guide for Ronda from the content here at Ronda Today has been a real pleasure and I hope that you enjoy walking the tour as much I did making it.

You can get the guide directly here: https://voicemap.me/tour/ronda/ronda-andalucia-s-city-of-dreams-a-walking-tour


Wildside Holidays – Spain

The top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies in Spain. Small family companies living and working in Spain. Local guides are the best!

https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/

News from the Grazalema Guide, Wildside Holidays, Ronda Today, The Caminito del Rey and the Iberia Nature Forum

A bit of news from the Grazalema Guide!… Here in Grazalema, international tourism seems to be picking up again with quite a few French, German and Dutch visitors exploring the village and walking trails. Very few UK visitors still, but hopefully this will be solved once borders open properly again and covid restrictions become more relaxed.

The Grazalema Guide

Its still really odd not seeing the groups of walkers setting off in the mornings for the peaks of the Sierra de Grazalema or neighbouring villages. Tourism has changed here over the covid years with much more day visitors on motorbikes, cyclists and day visitors. There has also been a huge increase in campers vans parked up for short stays.

Out in the countryside, almond trees in blossom are the most noticeable which adorn the hillsides and fields, varying from almost white to a shocking pink. The Paperwhite narcissus, Branched asphodels and Broad-leaved iris as each can create swathes of colour across pastures. Even the much smaller flowered Andaluz storksbill and Field marigolds can cover a large area in pink or golden yellow blooms. Migratory birds are returning and spring is definately around the corner.

If you are looking for a wildlife guide for this area then look no further than Sue of Nature Plus Grazalema. More information here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/nature-plus-grazalema/

Regular visitors to Grazalema will notice a few changes in the Hotels, bars and restaurants as the guys running the Kiboka burger and sports bar have now taken over the Simancon restaurant after the previous owners retired. The Torreón restaurant has new owners as does the bar Travesía. There is a new burger joint opening in the old Contrastes bar next month and Rumores bar is now removing the bakery area and replacing it with a new eating area. The hotel Peñon Grande has been closed for a while now and I believe its up for sale!

Here is a bit of a roundup from our other tourist infomation projects in this fantastic corner of Western Andalucia

Wildside Holidays

Spring is on its way and it is great to see bookings for the coming season are on the up and up. Hopefully very soon we can put this awful covid event behind us and get on with what we are good at, which is, of course, guiding people across some of the most stunning natural areas of Spain.

A bit of news from the Grazalema Guide

Traffic to the home page of Wildside Holidays is now exceeding over 4000 unique visitors each month and (not surprising to us) some of the wildlife information pages are getting upwards of 20,000 hits a month. (Especially the life cycles of the processionary caterpillar and various reptile pages). So, the plan for the coming months is to continue the ongoing project of Iberian wildlife articles as well as some info on the Vias Verdes of Spain and finishing all the entries for the Global Geoparks.

Sustainable rural and wildlife tourism in Spain is a major key to wildlife and habitat protection. There are many studies showing how wildlife tourism can impact local economies, habitats and the wildlife it contains in a very positive way. Read more about Wildside Holidays here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/

Ronda Today

Ronda Today continues to be the largest and most informative English language information website for the town of Ronda. A walking tour of Ronda is a pleasant and enjoyable way to spend a lazy few hours, almost everything you could want to see in Ronda is no more than 200-300 metres from the new bridge. See the homepage here: https://www.rondatoday.com/

Ronda Today

Ronda, too, has suffered greatly from the covid crisis. Hotels,bars and restaurants have changed hands, reduced staff or simply closed. That said Ronda continues to be an important bucket list destination for foreign travellers and our site reaches more than 20,000 unique visitors each month. Traffic and hotel bookings on the site a rising steadily so the outlook is pretty good. Over the next few months we’ll be editing and reviewing certain pages to make sure all the information is current and up to date.

The Caminito del Rey

The Caminito del Rey website has continued to grow in both traffic and content. During the last four months we have sold over 20,000 euros worth of tickets via the affiliate adverts.

Caminito del Rey

When the official website stops working or selling tickets, sales from our site continue, helping people to get and entry ticket for this very popular destination. Ticket sales for the Caminito del Rey in 2022 look to be record breakers for us so our recent affiliation with Get Your Guide continues to be a great success. Guided tours for the Caminito del Rey can be found here: https://www.caminodelrey.es/get-your-guide-for-the-caminito-del-rey/

Recently the operation of the Caminito del Rey was taken over by a new company and so hopefully the official website will be improved as well as the general infrastructure such as local connecting roads, bus services, the interpretation and carparking areas. Time will tell but you can be sure any news and changes will be published first in English at https://www.caminodelrey.es

The Iberia Nature Forum

The forum is developing into a nice English language resource for information about the wildlife of Spain and there are quite a few interesting subjects ranging from the VCF Tracking Iberian black vultures, the bearded vulture 2022 Andalucia captive breeding season, A petition to stop illegal water extraction in Doñana and the collapse of the endemic lizard Podarcis pityusensis on the island of Ibiza.

Iberia Nature Forum

Here are a few other topics at the Iberia Nature Forum. Please feel free join in with the conversatons and don’t forget to share with your family and friends across your social networks!

Look forward to hearing news from your “neck of the woods” on the forum!

So, there is a bit of news from News from the Grazalema Guide, Wildside Holidays, Ronda Today, The Caminito del Rey and the Iberia Nature Forum!

Please feel free to share will all of your friends and family across your social networks and blogs! 🙂