Zahara de la Sierra is a mountain village located in the province of Cádiz, where it sits in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. It has also been declared a Historic Site due to the beauty and importance of its architectural heritage, which has remained almost intact for centuries - well worth seeing for yourself.
In recent years this village has thrived on tourism, reinventing itself as a hub for visitors to the wider area. It has a wide range of services, plenty of activities and rural accommodation on offer.
It is one of the famous Pueblos Blancos of Andalucia, with a whitewashed centre that stands in contrast to the rich browns and greens of the surrounding area. On top of that, at only 100 kilometres from Seville, it’s one of the most accessible of the white towns.
What to see and do in Zahara de la Sierra? The village is at an altitude of 500 metres above sea level, so even the first glimpses that you catch of it from the road are striking. Its steep streets are full of wonder and the views of the surrounding area from the Alameda de Lepanto viewpoint reveal plenty of interesting places to visit.
Among the highlights is the imposing castle in what is known as the Nasrid quarter, which is located in the highest part of the village and which served to control other nearby towns. Entry to the castle is possible upon request. From its keep you can see the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir.
Another interesting monument is the baroque church of Santa María de la Mesa and its museum. Another example of religious architecture is the hermitage of San Juan de Letrán, which was built on the remains of a mosque. You don’t have to look further than the Clock Tower to see evidence of this earlier temple.
Now, did you know that Zahara de la Sierra has a beach?
Although located inland, Zahara has an area known as La Playita, or the little beach. It’s a recreational area on the shores of the lake, where you can bathe and enjoy a wide range of facilities such as boat hire and restaurants. It‘s open from June to September every year. There is a charge for access, but it is well worth it to spend a day in and around the water, particularly if you’re travelling with the family.
What to see in Zahara de la Sierra and how to get there.
If you want to take advantage of your stay to get to know the surrounding area, there are plenty of picturesque places to visit. One of these is the Roman bridge of Los Palominos, just 2 kilometres from the village.
And if you feel like you’re just scratching the surface, head underground at the hermitage of La Garganta which you'll find in a cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. It’s easily reached by car, following the roads that connect the villages of the Sierra de Cádiz region.
What about renting accommodation? Spending a few days here will give you the chance to discover the area at your leisure, and what better than one of the rustic hotels, cabins or holiday cottages in the area? Some of them even boast installations such as swimming pools.
