May is a fabulous time to walk, cycle or drive through the mountains to see the early summer wildflowers in the Sierra de Grazalema. Roadside verges, pastures and scrubland turn glorious colours with a varied selection of flowering plants. The springtime rains have ensured a vivid display and many plants compete for space in a hurry to flower and set their seeds before the ground dries out and bakes during the summer months. Hillsides can turn yellow with shrubby Retama, whereas the many meadows are a tapestry of pastel shades brimming with annuals. Many plants from the April wildflowers page still continue to bloom.
Crambe filiformis
Wild flowers adorn every corner with a riot of colour, there are far too many to mention and only being amongst them will you sense the variety. As for the impressive, then the giant fennel lives up to its name with a 2-3 metre stalk! Crambe filiformis has to be the opposite end of the scale with its minute wispy white flowers on delicate strands.
The unusual Blue aphyllanthes has starry flowers amongst a hedgehog dome of rush-like leaves, while the giant squill makes a pyramid of individual blooms which attract some lovely green beetles. The exotic looking Spanish nigella is lovely in bud, flower or seed, with each stage attractive on its own.
Grazalema is a traditional white village (pueblo blanco) located in the north-eastern area of Cadiz province. It nestles amongst the beautiful mountains of the Sierra de Grazalema and has a local population of around 2000 people inhabiting the village and surrounding countryside. Getting to Grazalema by car is easy enough but things do become a bit more complicated using public transport.
Tucked away in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, the village of Grazalema is the perfect destination for anyone looking to connect with nature, explore charming Andalusian streets, and take in some of southern Spain’s most spectacular landscapes. With stunning mountain views, peaceful hiking trails, and traditional whitewashed houses, it’s a place where time slows down, and every corner invites you to explore.
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.
Introducing “Glorious Grazalema: From Moorish Settlement to Andalusian Treasure“. Discover Grazalema!
My VoiceMap GPS Audio Guide for Grazalema is an immersive experience that takes you through the village’s rich history and stunning landscapes. The tour provides a unique insight into the area’s transformation from a Moorish stronghold to a vibrant Andalusian treasure.
Fountain in Grazalema plaza. Find out in the guide what the faces are saying!