This holiday is a combination of our one week holiday in Sierra de Grazalema and our one week holiday in Sierra de las Nieves.
Grazalema, a charming village nestled in a valley at an elevation of 823 meters, is enveloped by pristine, protected woodlands and an undulating landscape, making it one of the most enchanting destinations in Andalucia. Visitors are greeted by traditional whitewashed houses, winding, steep cobblestone streets, and breath-taking vistas at every turn. This idyllic village is cocooned within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, offering an abundance of hiking trails that lead to rugged limestone peaks and which meander through lush mountain pastures adorned with springtime blooms. Along the way, you'll encounter other delightful mountain settlements such as Benaocaz and Benamahoma.
The extraordinary microclimate of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, resulting from it being one of the first mountain barriers encountered by the humid fronts of the Atlantic, contributes to making the area one of Spain's most ecologically significant. This, in terms of both flora and fauna. With mountains rising to over 1,500 meters, the region boasts stunning landscapes, including the scenic approach to the imposing Moorish hilltop castle overlooking Zahara. Additionally, the dramatic mountainous scenery as you traverse the Sierra de Endrinal and the remote limestone valleys encountered during the hike into Montejaque offer unforgettable experiences, often accompanied by sightings of majestic birds of prey, in particular the Griffon Vulture and Short-toed Eagle, ascending thermals and soaring over the woodlands and mountains in search of their quarry.
The remarkable diversity of terrain and scenery packed into this small area makes it ideal for a two-leader, two-grade walking programme. Grazalema, situated as it is, offers a base from which to conduct a perfect blend of exceptional countryside walks and allows you to return to the comforts of a traditional Spanish village each evening. Nearby, the historic city of Ronda, beckons. Perched, as it is, atop the dramatic Tajo gorge the city boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and panoramic views.
Nestled in the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, just beyond Spain's picturesque Andalusian coastline, our base is the charming white village of Tolox. This idyllic location serves as the epicenter of Spain's newest National Park, spanning an expansive 200km2 of incredibly diverse protected landscapes. Tolox is home to an extraordinary array of native flora, including fir, pine, carob, and mountain oak trees, alongside the unique Pinsapares, providing a stunning display of springtime flowers.
Tolox, with its Moorish heritage, serves as the gateway to the National Park's most dramatic valleys. A network of historical trails leads us through mountain paths, quaint villages, valleys, forests, karst formations, olive groves, and terraced orchards, offering breath taking panoramic views.
Our carefully curated walking program highlights the region's main attractions, including pristine waterways comprising streams, waterfalls, and numerous natural springs. You'll also encounter intriguing geological features, such as the rare peridotite rock of the Sierra de Tolox, the marble mountain ranges of the Sierra Blanca, and the dramatic limestone cliffs, rock formations, and sinkholes found in the highest peaks of the Sierra de las Nieves. Additionally, our exploration delves into the area's ethnological heritage, as we trace the ancient irrigation channels or 'acequias' from the Moorish era, learn about olive groves and olive oil production, and discover the remnants of lime kilns and ice wells. These remnants offer glimpses into the historical dependence of this rural Andalusian region on human stewardship of its bountiful land.
Tolox has been renowned since the late 19th century for its therapeutic thermal spa waters. The century-old 'Balneario' or spa building has welcomed guests from all corners of Spain for generations. Visitors have been drawn not only by the health benefits of the rejuvenating waters but also by the enduring warm hospitality of the Toloxeños, which continues to be felt today. In recent decades, the Sierra de las Nieves has gained recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Spain's inaugural European Destination of Excellence (EDEN), celebrated for its ethnological significance and commitment to sustainable tourism practices.