How to get a permission for restricted footpaths in the Sierra de Grazalema

Some of the most rewarding walks in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park have restricted access and require a permit before you can walk them. These include El Pinsapar, El Torreón, Garganta Verde and Llano de Ravel.

The permit system can now be handled online rather than through a visit to a park visitor centre. The booking system is in Spanish, which can make the process confusing if you are not a Spanish speaker, but once you know which options to select it is fairly straightforward.

You can apply for a permit up to two months in advance, so it is worth planning ahead, particularly if you are visiting at a busy time of year. This guide explains which walks require permission and takes you through the online booking process step by step.

Which walks in the Sierra de Grazalema require a permit?

There are four footpaths in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park that require a permit before you can walk them:

• El Torreón
• El Pinsapar
• Garganta Verde
• Llano de Ravel

These walks enter areas where access is restricted, so you need to obtain a permit through the Junta de Andalucía’s online reservation system before setting out.

Read about the Spanish Fir (Abies pinsapo) in the Sierra Grazalema.

What information do you need to book a walking permit?

The online permit form asks for the following information:

• Your name
• Your email address
• Your passport number, or NIE/DNI
• The number of people in your group
• The date you want to walk
• The walk you want to do

It is a good idea to have an alternative date in mind in case your preferred date is already full. If possible, weekdays are also a better choice than busy weekends, particularly around bank holidays and during the early summer when these walks can become very busy.

When is it difficult to get a permit?

From 1 July until 15 October, access to these walks becomes more difficult because the routes may be completely or partially closed due to the risk of fire. The heat also makes these demanding mountain walks less attractive during this period.

For these reasons, walking the restricted routes outside these dates is recommended where possible, both for more comfortable conditions and because arranging a permit can be more difficult during the summer fire-risk period.

Step by step instructions for walking permits in the Sierra de Grazalema

How to book a permit for a restricted footpath in the Sierra de Grazalema

The Sierra de Grazalema walking permit booking system is only available in Spanish. This can make the process confusing if you do not speak Spanish, but the booking itself is relatively straightforward once you know which options to select.

The permit website is:

https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/cupos-ciudadano/public/login/inicio.jsf

Step 1: Access the permit booking system

1. On the opening page, click on the image above the word “particulares”.
2. On the next page, click “Acceso sin certificado digital”.
3. You will then be asked to choose your type of identification. If you are using a passport, select “Otros del titular” and enter your passport number.

Step 2: Choose your walk and date

The next page asks where and when you want to walk. Complete the fields in this order:

1. “Seleccione un Espacio” — select Sierra de Grazalema from the drop-down menu.
2. “Seleccione una actividad” — select the name of the walk you want to do.
3. “Seleccione una opción” — select the option corresponding to the walk you have chosen.
4. Select the date you want to walk using the calendar.
5. “Horario” — select the time you want to enter the route.
6. “No Visitantes” — enter the number of people in your group.
7. Scroll down and click “Siguiente”, meaning Next.

Step 3: Enter your personal details

The next page is the personal information form. Fields marked with a red asterisk are compulsory; the others are optional.

1. “Apellido1” and “Nombre” — enter your surname and first name.
2. “Email” — enter your email address.
3. “Móvil” — enter a working mobile telephone number, including the country code in the required format.

Before submitting the application, tick the box stating:

“La persona solicitante DECLARA, bajo su responsabilidad, que son ciertos cuantos datos figuran en la presente solicitud.”

Then click the send button at the bottom of the form.

You should receive an email confirming your reservation shortly afterwards. (Check your spam folder!)

IMPORTANT: YOU MUST CLICK THE CONFIRMATION LINK IN THE EMAIL!

“CONFIRMACIÓN DE LA RESERVA”
Pulse el siguiente enlace para confirmar la reserva:” – (Click the link to confirm your reservation)

In the page that opens from the confirmation email you MUST click the “Confirmar” link. (There is a 25 minute window to do this if not you have to start over all again!)

After confirmation you will then get yet another email with the reservation details. You can either print this or show it to a forest guard from your mobile (Should you encounter one) whilst entering or walking the route.

Cancelling or making changes to your reservation

If you need to change the date of your walk or cancel your reservation, return to the permit booking website:

https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/cupos-ciudadano/public/login/inicio.jsf

Click “Accede tus reservas” and enter the details of your reservation. You will need your identification number and the booking number included in your confirmation email. Then click “Acceder”.

Once your reservation details are displayed, you will have three options:

• “Descargar Reserva” — download your reservation
• “Modificar Reserva” — modify your reservation
• “Cancelar Reserva” — cancel your reservation

After making a change or cancellation, you will receive a confirmation email.

The four Sierra de Grazalema walks that require a permit

There are four restricted footpaths in the Sierra de Grazalema that require a permit. Each offers a very different experience, from the Pinsapar forest and the summit of El Torreón to the deep gorge of Garganta Verde.

El Pinsapar

The El Pinsapar walk takes around 6 hours and begins with a steep climb. It is a linear route, starting approximately 2 kilometres from Grazalema and finishing in Benamahoma, arriving at the campsite on Calle Nacimiento.

The route offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains, with the Pinsapar forest being the main highlight. If you do not want to complete the full route, you can walk into the forest and then retrace your steps to return to the car park.

A permit is required for this walk.

El Torreón

The El Torreón walk takes around 5 hours and involves a steep climb to the summit. The route follows the same path on the return journey.

The starting point is approximately 5 kilometres from Grazalema on the road towards El Bosque. At 1,654 metres, El Torreón is the highest peak in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and offers spectacular views across the surrounding mountains.

The route also gives you the chance to see wildlife such as wild mountain goats and birds of prey.

A permit is required for this walk.

Garganta Verde

The Garganta Verde walk takes around 4 to 5 hours and begins with a very steep descent. You return by the same route.

The starting point is approximately 4 kilometres from Zahara de la Sierra on the mountain road towards Grazalema. The route descends into a spectacular gorge, which reaches around 400 metres in depth, with a beautiful cave at the bottom.

There is also a viewpoint where you can watch vultures. To reach it, continue along the narrow path hidden behind the sign rather than turning left downhill towards the Garganta. The final section is steep and includes a short rocky climb.

There is a sign asking visitors to respect the silence in this area, particularly because of the wildlife.

A permit is required for this walk.

Llano de Ravel

The Llano de Ravel walk takes around 3 hours and follows a gravel track with a relatively gentle incline. The route returns along the same track.

The starting point is approximately 4.5 kilometres from Zahara de la Sierra on the mountain road towards Grazalema.

Of the four restricted routes, this is the more gentle option. The walk heads towards the base of the Pinsapar forest, although it does not enter the forest itself.

A permit is required for this walk.

Walks in the Sierra de Grazalema that do not require a permit

Not every walking route in the Sierra de Grazalema requires a permit. The following walks can be done without applying for one, although you should still check local signs and access information before setting out.

Salto del Cabrero

The footpath to Salto del Cabrero is closed to the public from the Grazalema side. Access is from Benaocaz to the Salto del Cabrero and then back to Benaocaz.

The route offers impressive views and plenty of opportunities to see plants, animals and birds along the way.

Cerro de Coros

The Cerro de Coros walk takes around 2 hours and is a circular route, with some narrow sections.

The walk starts from the parking area at Puerto de las Palomas. Facing towards the Zahara reservoir, look for the entrance through the wire fence on the right.

The route climbs to a high vantage point with views towards Grazalema and Zahara. You may also see vultures flying close to the route.

Río Majaceite

The Río Majaceite walk takes around 2 to 3 hours and is a linear route following the river, with several small bridges crossing the water.

The walk starts in Benamahoma, at the lowest point of the village, and follows the river downstream towards El Bosque. The route enters El Bosque near the Botanical Gardens before continuing towards the centre of the town.

Because much of the route follows the river, it can be a cooler and more comfortable walk during the summer months.

You can return along the same route, making the complete out-and-back walk around 5 to 6 hours.

Sima del Republicano

The Sima del Republicano walk takes around 4 hours, following the same route on the return journey.

The route begins on farm tracks before continuing across fields towards the Sima. The starting point is beside the Payoyo cheese factory, just on the Grazalema side of Villaluenga del Rosario.

The Sima itself is a steeply descending cavern or swallow hole created by the flow of water through the limestone.

Fuente de Líbar

The Fuente de Líbar walk takes around 5 hours and climbs from Montejaque towards a high limestone valley.

From Plaza de Montejaque, head uphill towards the church and continue out of the village. The track leads towards the surrounding farms and into the valley, where the land is used for grazing.

You can turn back at any point, although the track continues towards Cortes de la Frontera. The final section is more demanding and adds approximately another hour to the walk.Planning a walking trip in the Sierra de Grazalema

Planning a walking trip in the Sierra de Grazalema

Whether you are planning a walking holiday in Grazalema, a wildlife trip or a photography break, the Sierra de Grazalema has a wide range of routes to explore.

The most important thing to remember is that four of the area’s walking routes require a permit: El Pinsapar, El Torreón, Garganta Verde and Llano de Ravel. The remaining routes described in this guide do not require a permit, although access restrictions can change and you should always check the situation before setting out.

If you are planning to walk one of the restricted routes, apply for your permit in advance and keep your confirmation available on your phone or printed copy when you visit.

Frequently asked questions about Sierra de Grazalema walking permits

Clive Muir

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!