What to see in Sierra de Cádiz

Most of the people usually associate Cádiz with sun and beach tourism, either to enjoy the beautiful coast of the province or to practice water sports such as surfing. However, the Sierra de Cádiz is a unique destination that is well worth discovering for its contrasts, its whitewashed houses and flowery balconies, its nature and its delicious cuisine.

A place that holds many surprises for those who seek to live new experiences and get to know the other side of Cádiz, that of its mountains.

Ecotourism

In this Andalusian province we have two protected areas of great ecological value: the Sierra de Grazalema (declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO with its unique microclimate of high rainfall) and the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, whose enormous green landscape draws attention because it is located a short distance from the coast.

The majesty of the Sierra de Guadarrama can be seen from one of the viewpoints in Grazalema, a town that rises 1.500 meters above sea level among cork oaks, holm oaks, firs and gall oaks. It is perfect to disconnect from what is beyond its mountains and to enjoy the storms, as it is the town where it rains the most in all of Spain.

On the other hand, in the division between the Sierra de Grazalema and the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, and in the vicinity of Ubrique, is located the archaeological site of the Roman city of Ocuri, which has a cyclopean wall, a mausoleum and a hot springs in Very good condition.

Continuing the route through the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, at the foot of the Sierra del Jaral is Zahara de la Sierra, a town in Cádiz that adds to the beauty of its privileged environment the charm of its monumental heritage: the church of Santa María from Mesa, the castle. the Clock Tower and the Chapel of San Juan de Letrán.

For its part, Municipalities such as El Bosque, Algar, Arcos de la Frontera or Prado del Rey participate in the Alcornocales Natural Park, which is home to the largest cork oak forest in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the largest in the world.

Sport activities

The natural environment of the Sierra de Cádiz is the perfect setting to practice all kinds of activities in contact with nature.

For example, walking through these natural parks of the Sierra de Cádiz hiking is one of the best ways to get to know the grandeur of the Cadiz landscape through its plains and gorges, its caves, its fir forests or its waterfalls and streams. admiring the flight of the more than ten species of birds of prey that inhabit here.

Itineraries such as the Salto del Cabrero, the Llanos del Republicano or Garganta Verde can be done on foot, on horseback and also on mountain bike.

Routes such as those of the Llanos del Republicano, Garganta Verde and Salto del Cabrero can be carried out both on foot, by mountain bike or even on horseback.

On the other hand, fans of extreme sports will find many reasons to visit the Sierra de Cádiz. For example, you can practice air sports (paragliding, ultralight, hang gliding ...) in numerous free flight areas such as Puerto de las Palomas or Sierra de Líjar. Likewise, climbing enthusiasts can have a great time in Peñaloja, El Cintillo, Puerto de las Palomas or La Verdilla. Canyoning and canyoning are another option in Garganta de Buitreras and Garganta Verde.

As for water sports, you can practice fishing, sailing or canoeing in reservoirs and rivers such as Lake Bornos or Lake Arcos, which even has a yacht club.

The taste of Cádiz

The gastronomy of the Sierra de Cádiz is a temptation that one cannot resist. The raw material is of the highest quality: its meats and artisan products, combined with the garden, the proximity to the sea and the magnificent olive oil DO Sierra de Cádiz, make its gastronomic offer one of the most complete in the region.

A recommendation? The sausages and hams of the Iberian pigs, the most famous artisan cheese of the sierra known as payoyo and the tomato soup. Yes, you read that right: wow!

Tourism rural

If you are looking for a rural destination to enjoy a vacation, the Sierra de Cádiz offers travelers a wide variety of accommodation (charming hotels, rural houses, farmhouses ...) to turn your stay into a pleasant first level experience and disconnect from routine.

Land of artisans

One of the few places where you can find a network of artisans who love their craft and production works perfectly is the Sierra de Cádiz. Here are developed with ancestral techniques and a wide range of materials such as leather, clay, wood, wicker, textiles, a wide variety of high-quality products that can be purchased in any store in the Sierra de Cádiz.

For example, in Ubrique the leather goods stand out along with other towns such as Villamartín or Prado del Rey. In ceramics, Arcos de la Frontera stands out, while in wicker, Bornos and Setenil de las Bodegas stand out. Algodonales is known for its guitars while Torre Alháquime espadrilles are highly appreciated.

Villages of the Sierra de Cádiz

The province is home to a good number of towns that shine with their own light, but especially the Sierra de Cádiz. It is a delight to visit one town after another discovering its cultural heritage, its white houses, its customs and the environment that surrounds them. as they are part of one of the most fascinating routes that can be done in the south of Spain.

Many decide to start their tour in Arcos de la Frontera, one of the most beautiful towns in Andalusia that was declared a historical-artistic monument to continue through Ubrique, Grazalema, Bornos, Villamartín, Zahara de la Sierra or Torre Alháquime, among many others.

Unrivaled heritage

The importance of the towns of the Sierra de Cádiz from the historical-cultural point of view is great because there are dozens of places that hold the title of Historic Artistic Heritage and Asset of Cultural Interest (religious buildings, civil buildings, deposits, urban centers, etc.)

In addition, the Sierra de Cádiz has an important and diverse network of interpretation centers and museums dedicated to crafts, archeology, anthopology or art that help to understand the way of life and traditions of the inhabitants of the Sierra de Cádiz throughout history.

This is just a taste of what the Sierra de Cádiz has to offer. The rest we encourage you to discover for yourself in an unforgettable trip to these Andalusian lands. You will not regret!