The highest mountain of the National Park is the “Sierra del Pinar” with its peak “Torreón” at a height of 1654 meters above sea level. In the Sierra de Grazalema you can find the typical Mediterranean vegetation: durmast oaks and cork oaks, carob trees, wild olive trees and Mediterranean herbs. And that's not all - there are the forests of Pinsapos, a kind of fir tree derived from the last ice age that survived only because of the special climate in this region.
Ruta de los Bandoleros - "the bandits route": In the 18th and 19th century it was good to avoid them - Spain's famous street robbers, the Bandoleros. Nowadays you can follow their footsteps in the mountains of Andalusia. The Ruta de los Bandoleros begins in their former bandit stronghold Ronda and continues through the deep valleys, oak forests and olive groves to one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia. Countless tales and legends surround the Bandoleros. While affluent travelers trembled before them, the poor saw them as freedom fighters and benefactor, who shared their gains with them. One of the most famous of these Spanish “Robin Hoods” - El Tempranillo - is still celebrated every year in Grazalema. Each October, he is held in honor with a celebration including costumes from the Bandoleros era and plenty of red wine. There is a museum in El Gastor which is solely dedicated to this famous Bandolero. In Ronda, the “Capital of the Bandoleros”, there is also a museum dedicated to the bandits where you can see weapons, historic pictures and traditional costumes. (www.museobandolero.com)
Ruta de Almorávides y Almohades: The Almohades and Almoravides were Berber dynasties that controlled North Africa and Al-Andalus in the 11th - 13th centuries. On the Almoravides and Almohades route we are reminded of the common cultural heritage of the two neighboring continents. The trail begins in Tarifa and stretches over 400 kilometers through the provinces of Málaga and Cádiz, crosses Ronda and ends in Granada. On the trails of this fascinating history of Andalusia, there are stunning landscapes, legendary places and fortresses, monuments and traditions - and, of course, typical gastronomical delights.
Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos: The route of the white villages runs on country roads throughout Andalusia. It passes through the beautiful and sometimes mountainous landscapes and connects the most beautiful white villages. These villages mostly originate from the Phoenicians or Romans and were built by the Moors between the 8th and 15th century. Typical for these white villages are the white-washed houses along narrow cobblestone streets. In many villages there are churches and mansions that originate from the time of the Reconquista visit. Often, they were built on the site of former mosques. They form an interesting contrast in their construction to the Moorish architecture of the houses. Moreover, many of the white villages were built on vast lots, so you can enjoy spectacular views.
Interesting villages in the surrounding area are El Gastor, Zahara de la Sierra, Olvera, Grazalema, Algodonales and Setenil de las Bodegas.
Further out are Arcos de la Frontera, El Bosque, Castellar de la Frontera and Villaluenga del Rosario.
The cities of Sevilla, Cádiz, Córdoba, Málaga, Jerez de la Frontera, Tarifa, Granada and the British colony Gibraltar can be reached in relaxed day trips.
Further attractions :
Cueva de la Pileta: In the cave discovered in 1905, you can see cave drawings from the Aurinac culture (among others). Paleolithic wall paintings of fishes, goats and horses can be deciphered, some approximately 32.000 years old. One of the descendants of the original discoverer guides tours through this fascinating flowstone cave (this is the only way you can see it).
Cueva de Gato: Between Montejaque and Benaojón lies another cave complex. The entrance can be visited without a guide. For further exploration you have to join a guided tour that, among other things, leads through an underground river.
Ronda La Vieja - Acinipo: The original town of Ronda stood on this spot until 550 AD when it was ruined by the Visigoths. Later, it was rebuilt on its present location 20 kilometers away. Nowadays there is a Roman archaeological site that can be visited.
