Recently, the tourism portal Toprural reported that the Sierra de Grazalema (Cadiz, Andalucia) was designated as one of the three most popular rural destinations by travellers in 2013. Why? The combination of lush nature, the view of white villages, exquisite local cuisine and a host of sports activity combine to make this a truly unique Cadiz destination a treasure by tourists from around the world.

One of the high points of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, a Unesco World Heritage site, is hiking, either freely or with a guide. Today we have provided an original and fun activity that was proposed by the Visitor Centre Cortes de la Frontera under the title: ‘A Moment of Walking and Another By Train’.

This route, which is for all ages, begins at the visitor centre where guides are on hand to provide an introduction about the characteristics about the natural environment. Then, hikers will move to Benaoján, a small village in the Malaga Ronda Mountains in the Grazalema Natural Park, known for hosting the famous caves known as La Pileta, el Gato and La Hundidero.

From there, the walk will carry on about four hours on the Gaudiaro River path, which runs along the Cañada Real del Campo de Gibraltar, which once connected Jimera Líbar and Benaoján.

At the foot of the Sierra de Líbar and parallel to the river, this 7km path will offer magnificent views of the Guadiaro Valley, dotted with olive trees, poplars, elms and willows. The gentle sounds and clear waters of the river will accompany visitors along the tour, which runs along the lines of the Algeciras-Bobadilla railway, built in the nineteenth century.

This same train line will be what takes hikers back to the starting point, offering them a new perspective on the local landscape through the train window.

Activity Information:

Duration: 4 Hours

Meeting point:  The Cortes de la Frontera Visitor Centre

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate Distance: 7 Km

Services Included: Nature Guide and Accident Insurance and Civil Protection

Schedule:

10.00 Hours: Group Reception at the “Cortes de la Fra.” Visitor Centre

10.45 Hours: Journey to Benaoján

11.15 Hrs: Start of the Route

14.30 Hours: Arrival at the Jimera Líbar Station

14.30 to 15.30 hours: Lunch break

16.00 to 16.30 hours: Visit the village

16.45 Hours: Return Train from the Jimera Benaojan Station

17.09 Hours: Train Arrival in Benaojan

Recommendations:

It is recommended that attendees are outfitted with water and food, clothing, hiking boots and/or sunscreen or raincoat .

Information and Bookings:

Price: 14.50 €/pax. For 6 €/pax more, this also includes a picnic!

Contact: 952 15 45 99/655 94 04 30 (10 to 14 hours)

Email: [email protected]

Where To Stay In Grazalema?

Hotel Fuerte Grazalema is located in the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, just 5 km from the beautiful Andalusian village that gives the park its name and 20 km from the obligatory Andalucian stop of Ronda.

The hotel has 77 rooms with private balconies with spectacular views of the Guadalete Valley and the village of Grazalema, air conditioning, satellite TV, a minibar, free wireless access and bathrooms with amenities and hair driers.

Address: Alamillos Baldío, Carretera A-372, Km 53, 11610 Grazalema (Cádiz)

Tel: (+34) 956 13 30 00

Fax: (+34) 952 86 00 34