Zahara: Fortress, Nature and Culture

The rocky promontory of Zahara de la Sierra was chosen for the construction of a medieval fortress. This fortress controlled the area along the border between the Kingdom of Castile and the various states of the Andalusian period.

Culture

Zahara de la Sierra was declared a historic-artistic site in 1983. The Torre del Reloj was the bell tower of the former Chapel of San Juan de Letrán. The parish church of Santa María de Mesa was completed in 1755.

The Corpus Christi festival in Zahara de la Sierra has a tradition dating back more than six centuries. During the Corpus Christi festival, the streets of Zahara de la Sierra are decorated with eucalyptus trees, oleander and flowers. During the festival, visitors can sample local specialities from Zahara such as “quemones de cebolla”, “sopas hervías” and sweet liqueur cakes.

Andalusia is the autonomous community in southern Spain and comprises eight provinces. The region extends from Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts through large cities and white villages to mountain ranges and protected natural areas. Its cultural character includes Moorish heritage and flamenco traditions.

Other Places

For the rest of your journey through Andalusia, you can also find these places here: Pozo Amargo, Algodonales, Medina Sidonia, Benaocaz, Grazalema, Palmones, La Barca De La Florida and Algeciras.

Nature

The municipality of Zahara was declared a nature park by the Junta de Andalucía in 1984. The Pinsapar de Zahara is a forested area of Mediterranean firs, the Spanish firs (Abies pinsapo). One of Europe's largest griffon vulture colonies is located in the municipality of Zahara, specifically in the Garganta Verde. The Garganta Verde is a geomorphologically remarkable gorge with the “Ermita de la Garganta”, a cave formed by geological processes.

The Área Recreativa de Arroyomolinos–La Playita recreational area includes a small artificial beach created by using the riverbed. This recreational area can be visited at any time of year.

Getting Around

How long is the route to the Puente de los Palominos and where does it start?

The route from Zahara to the Puente de los Palominos is 4 km long as a round trip and starts in Zahara next to the Parque Infantil.

What level of difficulty does the route have?

The route has a low level of difficulty and is suitable for all age groups.

Is a permit required?

No permit is required for the route.

What modes of transport are possible?

The route from Zahara to the Puente de los Palominos can be completed on foot, by car, bicycle, motorcycle or on horseback.

The A-382 is the main access road to Zahara and connects directly with the CA-531 between Algodonales and Grazalema.

Those planning a stay in Zahara de la Sierra may consider a hotel as accommodation; the specific choice remains dependent on their personal travel plans and their own ideas about their stay locally.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Cadiz.