Zahara de la Sierra

The big rock at the foot of the Sierra de Jaral is covered in something white, but it’s not snow, it’s Zahara de la Sierra in Cádiz, a village in Andalusia where the white houses, the streets and the rocks of the mountain combine picturesquely to create a beautiful overall picture. The Moors once took advantage of the village’s high location and built a large fortress up there, using the stones of the cliffs to reinforce the castle and the various sections of the wall, thus enclosing the entire complex. Today, visitors to Zahara de la Sierra can still see the ancient remains of this fortress, such as the keep, from which there is an incredible view over the Andalusian landscape to other Pueblos Blancos and the Guadalete River. You should also visit the small church Iglesia Mayor, built over an old mosque, or the ornate church Santa María de la Mesa and the typical Andalusian chapel San Juan de Letrán with the clock tower on its side. Right in the neighbourhood of Zahara de la Sierra is the magnificent Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, and on the eastern side that of the Guadalete reservoir. Visitors to the beautiful Andalusian town of Ronda in particular should plan a day trip to Zahara de la Sierra if their holiday plans allow. There is a bus route, and the journey for the almost 40km route takes about three-quarters of an hour. But the winding drive through and over the Andalusian mountains alone is a unique experience! Everywhere along the route some viewpoints offer an overwhelming view! In the skies, you can see large vultures and, with a bit of luck, even majestic eagles. And once you arrive in Zahara de la Sierra, you will find an unforgettable romantic atmosphere, with many white houses decorated with flowers in the Andalusian style, and excellent, lovingly decorated restaurants offering all kinds of delicious Andalusian specialities.