Grazalema is situated in a valley at over 800m, lost in the Sierra del Endrinal. The village is dominated by a rocky outcrop known as Peñon Grande and is one of the most visited places of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. The park is one of the largest protected areas of Spain and is famous for its rugged landscape and also for being the wettest place in Spain.
 And the reason for the high rainfall?
The mountains of 1,500m around Grazalema are the first barriers that clouds billowing in from the Atlantic meet. This causes the clouds to shed their load. The result is a unique microclimate that has developed; one that encourages a huge variety of flora and fauna.
Declared as Biosphere's Reserve by the UNESCO, the mountain range of Grazalema offers an spectacular view over limestone rocks; a result of its violent geological history: valleys forming gorges, caves, edges and gullies, ... and a great number of nature forms created by the slow dissolution over unimaginable eons.
 Grazalema’s population of 2,250 increases exponentially in the summer months. Its steep, immaculate cobbled streets are lined by blindingly white houses whose windows are protected by fanciful wrought-iron bars.
Plant pots spill green tresses laden with colourful flowers over picturesque balconies.
In the heart of the village is the Plaza de España. This highly photogenic square is lined with many typical bars and restaurants offering the fare of the sierras and in the actual square is one of the main monuments of the village; the 18th-century church of La Aurora. Here also is the village hall (ayuntamiento) and the parish church, the Iglesia de la Encarnación. Up from the square is The 17th-century Iglesia de San José is reached from the square by accessing it along Calle Mateos Gago. Check out also the many viewing points that look out over the mountain park.
Historians tell us that Grazalema was established during the Moorish incursion by Berber settlers. With them they bought customs and traditions that have lasted to this day. It was they who introduced sheep to graze the green pastures and who produced wool for ponchos and blankets to guard against winter cool and the wet season. The area was conquered in 1485 by the Duke of Arcos but the cottage industry of producing woollen blankets – the well known “Mantas de Grazalema” continued.
In summer the village swimming pool is a place to visit. There are some great views across the parklands from here. Mid-July sees the fiesta of the Virgen del Carmen. The streets resound with the sound of flamenco music and fireworks and a procession, which culminates in free-for-all bull running, make this one of the sierras most spectacular events.
More information:
http://parquesnaturales.consumer.es/
http://www.canalmeteo.com/
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