|  In
1977 UNESCO declared the Grazalema Natural
Park a Reserve of the Biosphere in recognition
of its astounding natural values. The limestone
rock forms spectacular features of immense
caves, crags and canyons while a dense Mediterranean
forest of cork oak, common oak and wild olive
covers and fills the landscape. This spectacular
mountain range was the frontier post of innumerable
battles between the Moors and the Christians,
whose cultural and architectural legacies
dominate today the small villages and towns
of the park. The Natural Park extends over
an area of 51,695 hectares. The Sierra del
Pinar at 1654m is its highest point with
spectacular views over the provinces of Malaga
and Cadiz.
Among the park’s marvels is a truly
exceptional botanical wealth of which the “Pinsapar” is
predominant. This species of conifer is unique
to this area. The park’s micro-climate
generates a rainfall that nourishes the woodland
and valleys. Ferns and bracken co-habit with
poplar, birch and almond trees. On higher
ground Holm oaks, nut pines, chestnut, cork
oak and olive thrive.
Of particular interest among the fauna are
mammals such as the “Cabra Montes” (wild
goats), red deer, fallow deer, roe deer and
amongst the smaller predators are mongoose,
foxes, otters and pole cats. Ospreys have
a permanent home here, while one of Europe’s
largest colonies of Griffon vulture nest
in the high sierra. The Imperial eagle, booted
eagle and smaller cousins, goshawks and sparrowhawks,
breed here to.
The Jurassic limestone rock formation include
gulleys of a surprising depth. The Garganta
Verde channels 400m into the hillside while
various subterranean caves are many kilometres
long. Amongst these is the “Cueva de
la Pileta”, internationally reknowned
for its prehistoric cave paintings.
These parks are strictly controlled in terms
of the numbers of people allowed access
daily. In Grazalema some routes are limited
to only 30 people per day while in the
Alcornocales large areas are closed to
the public due to fire risk in the height
of the summer. If we have supplied you
with a permit for a particular day please
carry it with you as you may be stopped
by a forest warden. Some specific routes
are restricted to accredited guides only
due to the sensitivity of the eco-system
of the area.
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