TOURIST INFORMATION GUIDE

Table of contents

Olvera ...... 3 The Moorish castle ...... 3 'La Frontera y los Castillos' Museum ...... 4 La Villa district ...... 4 La Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. de la Encarnación ...... 5 Santuario Ntra. Sra. de los Remedios ...... 5 Cooperative oil mills ...... 5

Routes and hiking ...... 6 La Vía Verde de la Sierra ...... 6 Sierra De Lijar (Lijar Mountain Range) ...... 7 Sierra de ...... 8 Natural Park of Acornocales ...... 9

Surroundings ...... 9 Archaeological remains of Acinipo ...... 9 Alcalá del Valle ...... 10 ...... 11 ...... 12 ...... 13 El Bosque ...... 14 Grazalema ...... 14 ...... 15 ...... 16 Torre Alháquime ...... 17 ...... 18 ...... 19 ...... 20

How to get there ...... 21 Airports ...... 21 Train stations ...... 21 Bus ...... 21

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Olvera

(Distance to the camping 3 km/1.8 mi.) Contacts Olvera Tourist Office: Opening hours Tuesday to Sunday in winter from 10:30 am to 02:00pm and 04:00 pm to 06:00pm. in summer from 10:30 am to 02:00 pm and 04:00 to 07:00 pm. For more information, telephone number: 956 120 816/665 940 087 Plaza de la Iglesia, s/n - 11690 Olvera [email protected] Olvera Town hall Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1 - 11690 Olvera Tel: 956 13 00 11 [email protected] The Moorish castle

Next to Plaza de la Iglesia(Church Square). Access by the Calzada streetor slope to the Church.

Declared a Property of Cultural Interest in 1985, the Castle has an uncertain origin. Possibly built in the Muslim era or even a previous century, it formed part of the defensive system of the Nazari kingdom of . Squeezed into the rock at the top of the town, it forms an irregular elongated triangle-shaped to fit the very form of the rock. The only entrance, which shows every sign of having been heavily protected, is also guarded by a watchtower. The fortress, itself, consists of a keep, stepped pannelled walls all the way round, two towers, a subterranean chamber and two wells, one of which supplied water to the towers. The castle, as we know it today, has obvious Christian features; the product of successive renovations from its takeover by the Spanish. Close to la Villa, sections of the surrounding walls have been re+8*96stored to their former glory.

Opening hours: 10:30 am to 02:00 pm and 04:30 pm to 06:30 pm. Monday closed.

Entrance costs 1 to 2 euros. Endowed as a Cultural Centre, there is a permanent exhibition on show entitled “The Border and The Castles”.

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'La Frontera y los Castillos' Museum

Plaza de La Iglesia 7, Within "La Cilla" House Visiting hours: Winter 10:30am to 02:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 06:00 pm. Summer 10:30am to 02:00 pm and 04:00 pm to07:00 pm. Mondays closed. Entrance fee (Museum and Castle): 2 Euros except for local inhabitants. Located in the "La Cilla" House, this museum was opened in the summer of 1999 and is dedicated to the frontier and castles at the time of the Christian recapture of . The museum was the first in all to deal with this topic. There are two halls: Hall I : The Frontiers of the . The Andalusia Frontiers. The geography of Olvera.The Andalusian Castles and Castle in the "Sierra". The Conquest of Olvera by Alfonso XI. Hall II: The Frontier as a war zone.Daily Life on the Frontier.

La Villa district

Olvera itself presents an architectural beauty. In 1983it was declared a Historic-Artistic monument. This neighborhood occupies what was the first settlement on top of one of the many rocky hillocks. It was formerly walled, and his remains are still preserved in towers and canvas walls. The Moorish castle and the neoclassic church preside the white mass of small houses that are arranged in a series of curved streets and parallel, narrow and irregular layout which has not forgotten his Islamic roots. Near these other buildings, in the “Casco Antiguo” (the ancient town center) within the old town walls is la villa (the village). To walk its streets is to travel 700 years back, to when an older Olvera existed. This was where the Visigoth town called Wubira existed. The town’s origins are evident here, (narrow streets, strategic corners, old cottages, etc.), exposing the visitor to the old architecture of the Muslim town entwined with the modern.

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La Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. de la Encarnación

Plaza de la Iglesia.Access by the Calzada streetor slope to the Church.

From Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 amto 01:00 pm

Built by the Dukes of Osuna, this is a superb example of a neoclassical building of the late 18th century. Built on the site of an ancient Arab mosque it replaced an early Gothic church, whose remains are still preserved in the baptismal chapel.It consists of three wide naves covered with marble imported from Italy. The exterior presents two facades to the Church Square with the main feature being the twin towers with their front walls closing in on the principal nave. In addition to the main entrance and the two small doors to the towers, the front side also provides another access door to the temple.

Santuario Ntra. Sra. de los Remedios From Monday to Sunday from 09:00 am to 02:00 pm and from 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Remedies is only 2 km far from the town centre (direction Torre Alháquime). It was constructed in the 18th century, in Andalucian style on the foundations of a small hermitage. It venerates the patron of the locality, Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios, who is loved by the town of Olvera and many towns around, known collectively as “las cientos sierras” (the 100 mountain ranges). Unknown persons created an original statue to her during 16th century, which was restored 10 years ago. The Archbishop of , Don Good Jose Maria Monreal, was crowned here in 1966.

Since 1715 The y celebrate near the sanctuary the famousROMERÍA DEL LUNES DE QUASIMODO pilgrimagethe second Monday after Easter Sunday.

Cooperative oil mills Cooperativa de aceite de los Remedios Address: Ave Manuel de Falla, s/n Olvera, 11690 Cádiz Spain Phone: 956130083 Fax: 956131304 [email protected]@scalosremedios.com

Las Pilas Almazara(phone before if you want to visit it) Calle socorro, 48 Tel 956 130 730

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Routes and hiking

La Vía Verde de la Sierra (Distancetothe camping 3 km/1.8 mi.) The Via Verde de la Sierra is situated at the foot of the sourthernmost mountain range of the Iberian Peninsula. Originally laid out for a railway line which was never built, it runs for 36 km between the villages of Cadiz and Olvera. This stunning route, running parallel to the banks of many rivers, passes through spectacular countryside such as the Peñon de Zaframagón, one of the most populous vulture reserves in Europe.

Peñon de Zaframagón The Rock of Zaframagón Nature Reserve is situated at the rear of the Sierra de Lijar between the provinces of Cadiz and Seville in the heart of the Via Verde de la Sierra (some 6 miles from Coripe and 15 from Olvera). This is a Nature Reserve of major importance, especially for accommodating and harbouring one of the largest colonies of griffon vultures in Europe. With its’ sheer and prominent crags, together with the fact that, hitherto, it was practically totally isolated from populated areas, the Rock provides the ideal habitat for the vultures to build their nests, usually in the steep walls, taking advantage of the presence of hollows, ledges and overhangs, and rear their young. Up to 250 breeding pairs have been recorded. The colony survives on scavenging food from the large farms in the region. Near the Coripe station, you will find an Andalucian National Monument, the Chaparro de la Vega. It is a magnificent 13m-high holm oak, measuring 30m in diameter in its entirety and having an estimated age of 700 years. The tree provides shade during the pilgrimage of Coripe villagers for the fiesta of Coripe's patron saint, the Virgen de Fátima. One of them is the interpretive centre (Centro de Interpretación de

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Zaframagón), where a powerful remote controlled camera allows close study of the vultures on the cliffs. An Ibex stood guard high up on a ridge for a few brief moments, while a dark phase juvenile Booted Eagle and two Bonelli's Eagles (an adult and a juvenile) circled above one of the highest pinnacles. A ruined farmhouse shaded a roosting Little Owl in the remains of its chimney. In the scrub at the base of the cliffs the harsh calls of a Sardinian Warbler preceded a brief appearance of the bird from the depths of a wild Olive tree. An aqueduct on the old railway below the cliff provided a ringside view of the spectacle.

Opening hours Monday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. in the morning to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Children and people over 65 years: 1 € Adult: 2 € Groups (more than 20 people): 1 € per person. Tarjeta verde holders: 50% discount. Contacts http://www.fundacionviaverdedelasierra.com Antigua Casa del Guarda. Vía Verde de la Sierra 11659 Puerto Serrano (Cádiz) Tel: 956 136 372 Fax: 956 136 357 [email protected] Phone Green Patrol: 638280184

Sierra De Lijar (Lijar Mountain Range) (Distance to the camping 20 km/12.4 mi.) Belonging to the Olvera and Algodonales municipal districts, it has an area of approximately 3,090 hectares. It appears like a huge limestone mass with a maximum height of 1,051 m at the Lijar peak. We can enjoy numerous walks (El canalizo – Fuente de la Víbora, La Muela – El Canalizo.....), as well as the barbeques, tables and benches at the source of the river Ramos and an area of La Muela. For the lovers of wild flowers, more than 700 varieties have been recorded in the area (Aparacio, 1982). Regarding the area’s wildlife there are a number of birds of prey such as the Griffon vulture, the short toed and Bonelli’s eagles and the eagle owl… Amongst the mammals are foxes, genets, badgers and the mountain goat as the star attraction. Amongst the reptiles we can find vipers, and a variety of snakes. There are an equal number of birds such as the thrush, jackdaw, and robin redbreasts amongst others. Two of the most popular tourist attractions of the sierra areparagliding and hang gliding.

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How to get there - La Muela-Los Nacimientos path: 6,5 km (3 hours) Before arriving to Algodonales (A 384) Turn direction Coripe-La Muela in A8126. Then follow La Muela and you arrive to “Sendero La Muela-Los Nacimientos”. There is a small area for parking and the entrance of the trail is marked by a wooden pergola and a stone table with a spectacular view to the Rock of Zaframagón. - Los Nacimientos-Algodonales path is 11 km long ( 5 hours). Access through the road connecting the towns of La Muela with Olvera , or from the A-384 that goes from Algodonales to Olvera , being one of the most interesting parts of the Sierra de Líjar both with regard to scenic as the botanist, the cool and damp place responds with his presence many plant and animal species.

Sierra de Grazalema (Distance to the camping 40 km/24.8 mi.) Designated a Unesco Biosphere reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first natural park in Andalucia in 1984 and is one of Spain's most ecologically outstanding areas. The 51,695ha park is famous for its spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. By far the most impressive gorge is Garganta Verde, with its exceptional griffon vulture colony and rocky walls that tower vertically for 400m. Andalucia's largest cave system is also here, the Hundidero-Gato with its biggest cavern measuring 4km long and an entrance of 60m tall. The region is well known for being the rainiest place in Spain, with an annual rainfall of 2,200mm, which means that the 1,300 Mediterranean plant speciesthat have been registered here, many of them endemic and some of them unique to the Sierra, flourish. There is a magnificent and well preserved forest of the rare Spanish fir, a relic from the Tertiary period, in the Sierra del Pinar on the slopes of Cadiz province's highest peak at 1,654m, El Torreón. Dotted around the sierra are attractive pueblos blancos (white villages), the one in the most dramatic setting being Grazalema, which nestles between the two rugged peaks of Pico del Reloj and the Pico de San Cristóbal. Other picturesque pueblos blancos include , El Bosque and Zahara de la Sierra. Around 3,000ha of the park is called an Área de Reserve, with the most fragile ecosystems, Spanish fir forests and black vulture colnies. Conservation measures are more strict than the rest of the park and visits are controlled in terms of dates and numbers. At times when fire risks are greater (July to September) walks to this area are closed. For walks in the rest of the park, except for Sendero Garganta Verde, you must go with an authorized Turismo Activo company. For the rest of the year, you need to obtain permits from the El Bosque information office.The principal rivers are the , Guadiaro, Tavizna and Ubrique.

Information There is a Centro de Visitantes (visitors' centre) in Cortes de la Frontera (952 154 599), with information on geology, flora and fauna of the park. In El Bosque is the main park office (956 727 029), which has maps, walking routes and issues permisos (permits) for walks. The tourist offices in Cadiz (956 258 646) and Malaga (952 213 445) can also provide information. In Grazalema is an information office (956 132 225) that has walking maps and can obtain walking permits from El Bosque office for you.

Access The park is easily accessible by car or on foot. The main roads crossing the Sierra are the A372 Ronda to El Bosque road and the A374 Grazalema to Ubrique road. From the campsite you have to take direction Algodonales, then Zahara, then Grazalema. In Grazalema it would be indicated.

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Natural Park of Acornocales (Distance to the camping 45 km/28 mi.) This vast park covers 167,767ha from in the south to the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in the north. It is named after its handsome and beautifully kept cork tree grove, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the most important ones in the world. It is the best example of what the densely wooded, primeval Iberian forests may have been like. The far south of the region is crossed by humid, deep, narrow V-shaped valleys, called canutos, which have been eroded by rivers and provide the ideal habitat for subtropical forests of great ecological value. Today, these forests only exist in Spain and Turkey but they used to grow in many other parts of Europe. There are over 40 species of fern in the area; one botanical jewel here is the rare fern psilotum nudum, the only other examples of which occur in the southern hemisphere. Typical canutos are those of the Gallina, Hortela and Jautor. Information There are two visitors' centres: Huerta Grande is south of at Km 96 on the N340 coast road. El Aljibe is in Alcalá de los Gazules, on the road to Benalup at Km 1. For both centres, call 956 679 161.

Access The area is easily accessible via road, the main road crossing the northern section being the A375 between Ubrique in the northeast and Alcalá de los Gazules in the west. Between Algar in the north and in the east is the C3331, whilst the A381 crosses the southern section from Alcalá de los Gazules to Algeciras. There are also many minor roads and forest tracks crisscrossing the park. From the campsite get to El Bosque/.

Surroundings

(Distance to the camping 45 km/28 mi.) Archaeological remains of Acinipo Acinipo was a city created for retired soldiers from the Romanlegions more than 2,000 years ago, about 20 kilometers from Ronda, near Seville, southern Spain. The Acinipo ruins include a Roman theater still in use today. Acinipo is known locally as Ronda la Vieja, Arunda or Old Ronda, though it has a separate origin and history from Ronda. The impressive stone build entrance gate looks out of place as it leads into a farmyard complete with chained but friendly dogs. Don't be put off. Walk up the hill in the direction of the large monument past numerous large piles of stones marking the location of houses. The piles of stones were made by farmers over the ages to recover arable or grazing land area. There is a little evidence of excavation in this area named "Domus". The ruins of this 32 hectare city are located at 1.000m above sea level. In the first century AD it had a population of 5.000. It was mentioned in Plini and, inscriptions to Geninn Oppidi, to the god Marse and to Victoria Augusta have been found. The city even minted its own money, which features bunches of grapes. It later gave way to the town of Arunda where Ronda now sits, probably because the new site was easier to defend. Acinipo fell in 429 AD. There was also a Bronze age settlement here between 1,100 and 750 BC. Near the car park the visitor can see the foundations of circular huts with the floor paving still in place. In one

9 area a sign identifies the forum. Some large foundation stones and troughs can be seen. In this area excavations have found numerous buildings with emblems. This has lead archaeologists to believe that they must have belonged to public buildings. Reaching the top of the escarpment behind the large monument, the visitor is suddenly rewarded with the sight of the Roman theatre, large enough to seat 2,000 people and in good condition - complete with an orange tiled orchestra pit and actors' changing rooms. It is suggested the theatre was started in 65 AD and completed about 200 AD. A modern steel stage has been constructed. No information is available at the site. The casual tourist arriving at the entrance by car would not even realise the existence of the theatre and would miss this archaeological gem by deciding not to climb the hill to look behind the large monument visible from the entrance. The latest area to be excavated and partially restored is the "Thermas" or baths. These are located near the lower perimeter fence and can be visited on the way out.

Opening Hours Monday: Closed Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00 to 5.00 pm Sunday: 09.00 to 02.00 pm Entrance: Free

How to Get to Acinipo Turn right when you leave the campsite and go direction Algodonales. Then when you almost arrive to Algodonales you will se direction Ronda. Follow Ronda on A 374. Then take Carretera de . Ma 8400 road until you arrive to Acinipo.

Alcalá del Valle (Distance to the camping 20 km/12.4 mi.) One of towns that on the famous white towns (Pueblos Blancos) route that can be reached through the Sierra of Cadiz. Although the town is of Muslim origin, we know it was inhabited in prehistoric times through the traces of megalithic culture that can be found in the Dolmens del Tomillo.The church of Santa María del Valle, a pillar in the town's history, and Fuente Grande are some of the must-see sites when you visit this Cadiz town. One of the historical events which is a reference point in this town's history and its people's memories was the succession of 1903, when a

workers' demonstration showing support for Spanish prisoners ended in tragedy. The town hall's records were set alight and so a great chunk of the town's historical memory was lost forever. Quality crafts are produced from the town's surroundings. The most popular local gastronomic produce is its sausages and especially its pata negra ham. As well as these, the region is known for its tasty asparagus and some sweet desserts, such as suspiros. The town holds various typically Spanish festivities and celebrations that include the Carrerita de San Juan (declared of national tourist interest), which is celebrated on Resurrection Sunday. This involves the locals running through their streets with the said saint on their shoulders, toward the Virgin to inform her about the resurrection.On 1 May the Pilgrimage of

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Caños Santos is celebrated and all the residents process toward the monastery on foot.As well as the parades and complimentary activities, the lanzamiento de búcaros (vase throwing) contest is a definite highlight during the February carnival.

Caños Santos Monastery The Canos Santos monastery is perched on a small promontory of land that overlooks the lofty and foreboding crags of the Grazalema Mountains.

From here the views are spectacular.Declared a monument of cultural importance in 1985, it can be found in the Valle Hermoso Mountains. Its origins have been linked with a Celtic settlement called Caricus and the legendary Gran Cenosia, until it was reduced to a small Visigoth town. Following the Islamic invasion, its inhabitants hid an image of the Virgin in a nearby mountain and was discovered in 1512 by the cowboy Tello Pascual in the rocky hollow of a spring. A small chapel was erected and by the middle of the 16th Century, a magnificent church and convent occupied by Franciscan monks had been built. To see what is inside you must come on 1st of May the only day of the year that it’s open to public. The rest of the year you will enjoy it only from outside.

For more information: www.alacaladelvalle.es

Algodonales (Distance to the camping 20 km/12.4 mi.) Algodonales is a village that attracts nature lovers as it is perched in the foothills of the Sierra de Líjar mountain range, and right on edge of the Grazalema Natural Park. The river Guadalete crosses the town and the surrounding scenery makes it a uniquely beautiful place to visit – or live! To meet the needs of those wishing to enjoy the surrounding area, local companies offer support to those wishing to practice a wide array of sports, and of course there are endless opportunities for trekkers. There is a Spanish guitar factory in Algodonales as well. Perfect conditions for hang gliders bring enthusiasts from across the region and beyond, whether to learn to practice the sport at the region’s largest hang gliding school, or simply to put skill to the test and enjoy the fabulous natural surroundings – from the top down! In 2001 the World Hang Gliding Championships were held in the Sierra de Líjar. Birdwatchers also find a feast for their eyes on a visit to the Algodonales in

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Sierra de Líjar. Around the town there are interesting varieties of vultures which provide quite a spectacle for those who keep their eyes open and binoculars ready.

Sights to See In the town of Algodonales itself, you can visit the Santa Ana Church, one of its most outstanding monuments. It combines a variety of architectural styles to form a sort of mountain village style of its own. The Jesús Nazarene Hermitage is also an important historical building and this is where processions and pilgrimages begin.

Festivals The patron saints of Algodonales are Santa Ana and Santiago both of which have their local celebrations. Also there is an annual pilgrimage (romería) which takes place the last Saturday in May.

Direction To reach Algodonales, turn right when you leave the campsite. Then on the A 384 you will see Algodonales indicated on your right.

Arcos de la Frontera (Distance to the camping 70 km/43 mi.) One of Andalucia's most dramatically positioned pueblos blancos (white villages), Arcos balances atop a rocky limestone ridge, its whitewashed houses and stone castle walls stopping abruptly as a sheer cliff face plunges down to the fertile valley of the river Guadalete below. Declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1962 in recognition of its exceptional architecture and impressive location, the old town is a tangled labyrinth of cobbled streets that lead up to a sandstone castle, the Castillo de los Arcos. As you would expect from such a spectacular vantage point, there are exhilarating views over the town and the rolling plain below.

Although its time under the was one of its most successful, Arcos has had a long history of occupation, as shown by the discovery of numerous archaeological remains from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Tartessian, Phoenician and Roman periods. Plentiful water and its superb defensive hilltop location were the main attractions for settlers. Arcos's population of 28,000 is divided between the newer town on the lower slopes of the ridge and the old town, which you reach by following Cuesta Belén up the hill. In the heart of the old town is the cobbled Plaza de Cabildo, its picturesque situation somewhat marred by its dual function as a car park. On the southern side of the square there are some stomach-churning views, where the mirador (viewpoint) ends in a steep 150m-high cliff Among the most memorable of Arcos's pretty and often strikingly narrow streets are the alley-like Calle Cuna and Calle Maldonaldo, lined with elegant palacios built by the town's 18th-century nobility and overhung by wrought- iron rejas of windows. bars in the old town are concentrated on or near the central Callejón de las Monjas. Try the Mesón El Patio, an atmospheric cave-like bar near the Santa María church that serves good-value tapas. If you want something more formal, one of the most upmarket restaurants in town is El Convento on Marques de Torresoto, which is in a 17th-century palace and has plenty of game dishes on the menu. The terrace at the luxurious Parador on Plaza del Cabildo is the place to go for a leisurely drink in style and enjoy the best views in Arcos.

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Down below the town is the Guadalete river lined with olive and orange groves. There is also a reservoir (embalse), the Lago de Arcos, which is good for a swim in summer. Part of the reservoir is a protected area, the Cola del Embalse de Arcos Natural Area.

Tourist information The tourist office is on the Plaza Cabildo, 956 702 264. Ask here for details of a guided tour (in English) of the old town. There is also an information kiosk on the Paseo de Andalucía in the newer part of town.

How to get there To reach Arcos from the campsite turn right on A384. After 65 kilometres Arcos would be indicated on A 393.

Bornos (Distance to the camping 60 km/37 mi.) The ancient village of Bornos, on the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos, is some 25 kilometres to the north-east of Arcos de la Frontera, on the road to Villamartin. Surrounded by undulating countryside with lush green meadows, it lies in a prime position on the banks of a large reservoir fed by the River Guadalete, an important tributary of the Guadalquivir. Bornos has been settled since the Palaeolithic era. Stone tools used for hunting dating back 30,000 years have been found in the area. Then, it was a significant centre for the Romans whose stone sculptures of lions have been uncovered along with other remains from their settlement, Carissa Aurelia, just three kilometres from the present town. Subsequently, a fortified tower was built by the Moors when they arrived around the 10th century, the Castillo de Bornos, ruins of which can still be seen. It was during the Renaissance that the village of Bornos became well known, with many buildings of that epoch still in evidence. Perhaps the most important is the Monastery of Santa María del Rosario, founded in 1505, whose cloister with its 56 marble columns and open-worked stone is well worth a visit. Other 16th-century monuments include the Colegio de la Sangre, built to house gentlemen, noblemen and others of ‘true blood’; the Convento de San Bernardino, of which only the walls and part of one tower remain; the Ermita del Calvario with an unusual triangular façade; and La Logia, an open-air gallery and museum originally created by the gentlemen of Bornos as a place to entertain their business colleagues. The loggia lies in the Jardines del Palacio de los Ribera, one of the few remaining Renaissance gardens in Andalucia, now officially declared a Site of Cultural Interest. Over the centuries and still important today is the artisan work in Bornos focusing on articles made from esparto grass, willow, palm leaves, canes and reeds, in particular a wide variety of baskets. All these natural materials are gathered locally from the banks of the reservoir and from the rivers and streams that abound in the area. Olive wood and leather are also crafted, and ceramics are produced. The village has its own robust cuisine based on local produce. There is a mouth-watering asparagus soup called abajao and a variety of stews, especially the famous berza made with chick peas and black pudding. Pork products, such as chorizo and morcón, are also well worth tasting. Bornos celebrates its annual fair in the second week of September and the day of its patron saint, María

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Santísima del Rosario, on the first Sunday in October. Since 1980 it has attracted rock music fans from far and wide with the Festival del Lago that usually takes place in July.

How to get there To reach Bornos from the campsite turn right on A384. After 55 kilometres, Bornos would be indicated.

El Bosque (Distance to the camping 55 km/34 mi.) El Bosque is is 18 kilometers west of Grazalema. It is 287 meters about sea level and in easy reach of theParque Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema, in fact El Bosque is considered to be the gateway to this immense nature reserve, covering 53,500 hectares (207 square miles). You can obtain a walking permit and information on walking routes at the park's visitor's centre, which is based in the town of El Bosque. Apart from the natural, unspoiled routes through the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, the area is also popular amongst those who enjoy hunting and fishing. The town is proud of its excellent trout farm (the most southern fish farm in Europe), which is an interesting visit to add to your agenda while in the area. Cold meats and fresh trout are the gastronomic specialties well worth sampling in el Bosque. The picturesque village, with its narrow winding streets, was founded by the Duke of Arcos, when it was named Los Baños del Duque. It was later called Marchenilla and then at the end of the 18th Century the village was renamed Santa Maria de Guadalupe de El Bosque, due to the great devotion of the Duke and Duchess to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Due to heroic efforts during the War of Independence, Fernándo VII proclaimed the village a Town in 1815. Although classified as a Town rather than a village, there is still only a population of around 1,800. Historical points of interest worth visiting in El Bosque are, the 18th Century Hermita del Calvario, the Church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and the Molino del Duque, from the same era.

Annual celebrations in El Bosque: Carnival at the beginning of March, Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week), From the 13th to 15th of June the local Romería (procession) and fair, 15th August is the fiesta of María de Auxiliadora

How to get there A384 until Villamartín then take direction el Bosque, Prado del rey.

Grazalema (Distance to the camping 45 km/28 mi.) Located in a high valley over 800m in the Sierra del Endrinal and dominated by the magnificent rocky outcrop known as Peñon Grande, the pretty mountain village of Grazalema is most popular base for visitors to the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Grazalema is a lively village whose population of 2,250 swells hugely with the influx of visitors to the park. Its steep, cobbled streets are immaculately kept and are lined by whitewashed houses with windows covered by wrought-iron rejas and plant pots spilling over with colourful flowers. In the heart of the village there is an attractive main square, the Plaza de

España, lined with bars and restaurants. On this square is Grazalema´s central sight, the 18th-century church of La Aurora. Also here is the village

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hall (ayuntamiento) and the parish church, the Iglesia de la Encarnación. Up Calle Mateos Gago from the square is the 17th-century Iglesia de San José, a former Carmelite convent with paintings by a disciple of Murillo. Close to the church is a viewpoint that looks out over the village. The village was established in Moorish times by Berber settlers who discovered a striking similarity with the mountains of their homeland and those of the Sierra de Grazalema. They introduced sheep to graze the lush mountain pastures and produced wool for ponchos and blankets to guard against the wet climate. In 1485 the Duke of Arcos conquered the Moors in Grazalema but the cottage industry of producing woollen blankets - the renowned mantas de Grazalema - continued, reaching its peak in the 17th and 19th centuries, when wealth from textile manufacturing helped to fund the construction of the village´s churches. Grazalema still has vestiges of this industry today, with one workshop still in operation making woollen blankets, rugs, ponchos and scarves, which are exported all over the world. Visit the Artesanía-Textil de Grazalema, 956 132 008, a workshop on the Ronda road where you can see looms and carding machines and buy blankets and other textiles in the shop. Other locally produced handicrafts include baskets and leatherwork. In mid-July, around the Virgen del Carmen fiesta day of 16 July, the village holds its annual fiesta, with flamenco music, fireworks and a procession, culminating in an exciting mini-Pamplona, where a bull is released to charge through the streets. The tourist office (turismo) is on Plaza de España, 956 132 225, and has information on walks (including permits needed for certain routes), the park and local accommodation. It also sells maps and locally produced handcrafts, such as leatherwork, ceramics and blankets, as well as honey, wine and cheese. You can also find out about companies based in Grazalema that offer activities in the park, like rock climbing, mountain biking, pot-holing, horse riding and guided visits.

Access From the campsite you have to take direction Algodonales, then Zahara, then Grazalema. In Grazalema it would be indicated. Ronda (Distance to the camping 40 km/24.8 mi.) Despite being Andalucía's fastest-growing town - it overtook Córdoba in the big three Andaluz tourist attractions, behind Sevilla and Granada, in the early 21st century - Ronda retains much of its historic charm, particularly its old town. It is famous worldwide for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the rio Guadalevín through its centre. Visitors make a beeline for the 18th century Puente Nuevo 'new' bridge, which straddles the 100m chasm below, for its unparalleled views out over the Serranía de Ronda mountains.

Ronda is also famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting, today glimpsed once a year at the spectacular Feria Goyesca. Held at the

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beginning of September, here fighters and some of the audience dress in the manner of Goya's sketches of life in the region. Legendary Rondeño

bullfighter Pedro Romero broke away from the prevailing Jerez 'school' of horseback bullfighting in the 18th century to found a styleof bullfighting in which matadores stood their ground against the bull on foot. Otherwise the bullring, Plaza de Toros, is now a museum, and visitors can stroll out into the arena. Ronda also holds a lovely 'romería' pilgrimage each year. This is in honour of the Virgen de la Cabeza and is organised by the local Catholic brotherhood of the same name. For those wishing to see the lighter side of life in Ronda this is a wonderful way to participate in a local tradition that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century.

Across the bridge, where an elegant cloistered 16th century convent is

now an art museum, old Ronda, La Ciudad, sidewinds off into cobbled streets hemmed by handsome town mansions, some still occupied by Ronda's titled families. The Casa de Don Bosco is one such, its interior patio long ago roofed in glass against Ronda's harsh winters. Its small, almost folly-like gardens lose out, however, to the true star, a few minutes' walk to the furthest end of the Ciudad, the Palacio Mondragón. Clumsily modernised in parts during the 1960s, this still has working vestiges of the exquisite miniature water gardens dating from its time as a Moorish palace during Ronda's brief reign as a minor Caliphate under Córdoba in the 12th century.

The cobbled alley to the Mondragón leads naturally on to Ronda's loveliest public space, the leafy Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, which boasts a convent, two churches, including the toytown belltower of the iglesia Santa Maria de Mayor, and the handsome arched ayuntamiento (council) building. Nearby calle Armiñan leads down to the spacious plaza of the traditional workers' barrio, San Francisco, with excellent bars and restaurants. Back from the Mondragón, the Plaza del Campillo overlooks steps that zigzag down to a dramatic eye-level through the Puente Nuevo. The town's pedestrianised 'high street', calle Espinel, opposite the bullring, is nicknamed 'La Bola' and is where Rondeños go for virtually everything.

Contacts Oficina Municipal de Turismo Paseo de Blas Infante s/n. 29400 Ronda Tel.: 952 18 71 19 E-mail: [email protected] At the end you will find the opening hours and prices of the monuments of Ronda.

(Distance to the camping 10 km/6 mi.) Setenil de las Bodegas

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This small town (pueblo) is located 157 kilometres (98 mi) northeast of Cadiz. It has a distinctive setting along a narrow river gorge. The town extends along the course of the Rio Trejo with some houses being built into the rock walls of the gorge itself, created by enlarging natural caves or overhangs and adding an external wall.

Modern Setenil evolved from a fortified Moorish town that occupied a bluff overlooking a sharp bend in the Rio Trejo northwest of Ronda. The castle dates from at least the Almohad period in the 12th century. However, the site was certainly occupied during the Roman invasion of the region in the 1st century AD. It is an open area, so you can visit it whenever you want to. Given the evidence of other nearby cave-dwelling societies, such as those at the Cueva de la Pileta west of Ronda, where habitation has been tracked back more than 25,000 years, it is possible that Setenil was occupied much much earlier.

Over the intervening centuries, Setenil also gained a reputation for its meat products, particularly chorizo sausage and cerdo (pork) from pigs bred in the surrounding hills. As well as meat, it has a reputation for producing fine pasteles (pastries), and its bars and restaurants are among the best in the region. There are some beautiful walks in and around the village. The most famous of which, is walking the length of the river past the troglodyte dwellings and the various bars/restaurants that line it.

The Iglesia de la Encarnacion built on the top of the hill that overlooks the village is also worth visiting but it is not open to the public except during services.

To get toSetenil from the campsite you have to take direction Torre Alháquime, pass this village and then you arrive to Setenil.

Contacts http://www.setenil.com/[email protected] Tel 659 54 66 26. Address C/Villa, 2. 11692 Setenil (Cádiz)

Torre Alháquime (Distance to the camping 4 km/2.4 mi.) This pretty white town in the Sierra de Cadiz dates from Muslim times; it closely resembles Berber towns in the hills of north Africa. Torre Alhamique's name comes from the Arabic Al Hakin family, meaning "the wise" or "the learned". This family owned the tower-fortress, located 4km from Olvera, which became the basis for the town. You can still see the ruins of this old Nazari tower-fortress.

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Torre Alhaquime played a key role in the struggle against French troops during the War of Independence in the 19th century, its inhabitants joining the various bands of guerrillas which sprang up in the Cadiz and Ronda mountains. One of the most famous of these bandits was the notoriously charming one-handed El Tempranillo, who spent much time in the town (although he was actually born in Alameda in Malaga province). Torre Alhaquime was also the birthplace of his unfortunate wife, María Gerónima Francés, who died in childbirth while their house was under siege by soldiers. The bandit later "went straight" and became a polic eman, head of the precursor of the Guardia Civil. He was fatally wounded in a shoot-out with another bandit, El Barbarello, from Estepa. You can see the ruins of El Tempranillo's house in the town. The parish church is Nuestra Señora de la Antigua, and dates from the 18th century. Another highlight of the town is the Cemetery Castle, which dates from the 13th century; part of its walls remain.

The town is a popular hiking destination, and also offers good hunting, cycling and horse-riding facilities. Fishermen are well catered for too, with the nearbyriver Guadalporcun. Local dishes include game stews, and other specialities feature asparagus, thistles and snails; sweeter options are roscos (round Easter cakes), almond pastries and "El Hornazo", decorated eggs with sugar. Olive oil is produced locally under the DO "Sierra de Cadiz". Handicrafts which you can find in Torre Alhaquime are esparto grass, wicker, wood, ceramics and embroidery. Important festivals are the Romeria de San Juan (22-24 June), and Carnaval in February, as well as Holy Friday and Easter Sunday in the Semana Santa processions. The town's saint, San Roque, is celebrated from 13-17 August.

Torre Alháquime is only 4 km far from the campsite. Turn left when you leave the campsite then on your right it would be indicated.

Contacts Plaza Constitución 1 11691 Torre Alháquime Tel:956 12 51 24 e-Mail: [email protected]

Ubrique (Distance to the camping 65 km/40.3 mi.)

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Ubrique is a picturesque Pueblo Blanco (white town) in the hills of the Serrania de Ronda Mountains. Not only is it beautiful and tranquil, but it is also a town with a long, interesting history which stretches over many epochs and empires. Ubrique still remains true to its historical past.As part of the pueblos blancos (white towns) in southern Spain's Andalusia region, Ubrique reminds travellers of that area's Arab past. Situated at the foot of the Sierra de Ubrique, the town is known for its flourishing leather industry.

Sight to see Calzada romana (11,02 miles): is a Footpath that joins the villages of and Ubrique along a roman road. It was the typical roman road used by them during the expansion of their empire. It consists of a stone path traveled by men of ideas, armies, goods, and linking the mountains to the coast of Cadiz and Malaga. One of the most typical tours of the Natural Park.

Ubrique has also many churches: San Antonio, San Pedro, Nuestra Señora de la O and a Monastery de Capuchinos (Franciscan monks).

Access Turn right direction Villamartín on A384. Then take direction Prado del Rey then El Bosque and finally Ubrique on A 373.

Villaluenga del rosario (Distance to the camping 55 km/34 mi.) Of all the towns on the Pueblos Blancos route in the Sierra de Cadiz, this one sits at the highest altitude. Situated within the natural park of the Sierra de Grazalema, its location offers such fascinating places as the La Yedra and La Rajada caves, where remains from the Neolithic period have been found. Several monuments stand out, such as the 16th century church of San Miguel, the cemeteryof El Salvador, and the bullring, which is built entirely out of stone. There are many activities available in Villaluenga del Rosario, including hiking routes, both within the municipality and outside. The plains (known as the Llanos Republicanos, the Republican Plains) that give this route its name can be found behind the town. During the walk,

visitors may enter two spectacular caverns. One of them is known as Boca

de la Sima del Republicano and is one of the longest caves in Andalucia. You can get there by horse or bicycle. The caves are also used for caving. The towns' most characteristic crafts are manufactured using cork and looms. Other products such as plant pots and leatherwork are only a handful of what you can find on offer in Villaluenga. In terms of gastronomy, the town is known for its meat and sausages. Its most famous produce, however, is its payoyo cheese, which can only be found here, since it is made using milk from a goat that is unique to the area.

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Access A384 Algodonales, Zahara, passing Grazalema then A 372 to Villaluenga. Zahara de la Sierra (Distance to the camping 34 km/21 mi.) The white village of Zahara de la Sierra is one of the most stunning images in the Province of Cadiz. As you drive on the A382 road, which links Arcos de la Frontera with , or the A376 from Seville to Ronda you see a castle built high on a rocky mountain peak and scattered below it are the whitewashed houses of Zahara de la Sierra, which lead down to a man made lake at the foot. In fact, the town dates back to Moorish times. The inhabitants lived in constant danger as Muslims and Christians fought over ownership. In 1407 the Christians were in control, thanks to the conquest of Don Fernándo. In the 18th century the Duke of Arcos had a stately home in Zahara, giving

great importance to the area.

Today's Zahara de la Sierra is becoming ever more attractive to the more discerning tourist of Andalucia and this is especially true at the famous fiesta of Corpus Christi, which has been declared to be of National Tourist Interest. The people of Zahara dress up the fronts of the houses with branches and rushes, making the whole place look as if it were part of nature. It is well worth visiting during this festival.

The reservoir, which is a relatively new edition to the area, has made it even more popular with visitors, who also have the option of water sports and swimming, which didn't exist 10 years ago.

There are many interesting sights, such as the Watch Tower, dating back to the 16th century, the Torre del Homenaje, the Church of Santa María de la Meza with its baroque altarpiece and the Arch of the Town. Indeed Zahara de la Sierra was given the title of Artistic Centre in 1983.

From a social point of view, over the last 30 years or so, more than 2,000 of the population have migrated, mainly to the Costa del Sol in search of work in the hotel industry. Many of these people work the summer season and come back in winter to the peace and quiet of their hometown. Since the town, which covers an overall area of over 70 square kilometers, is built on the sides of the hill ranging from a height of 300 meters above sea level in the north and 1,100 in the south.

Just outside the town an old olive mill has restored its original British manufactured Victorian presses and invites visitors to see how the olive oil is produced. Well worth a visit.

Access From the campsite direction Algodonales on A384 then direction Zahara.

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Howtogetthere

Airports Jerez 106 km Tel: 956150000 Malaga 100 km Tel: 952048484 Seville 107 km Tel: 954449000 Grenade 144 km Tel: 958 245 200 / 958 245 223 web: www.aena.es

Train stations 24 km Tel 902240202 [email protected]

Antequera 59 km Tel 902 432 343

Bus Bus station Olvera Bellavista, 90, tel: 605 027477

Olvera Bus schedule Destination Monday/Friday saturday sunday

Seville 06:30 am, 6:30 am 6:00 pm 04:15 pm 05:30 pm Malaga 6:30 am 9:30 am - 5:30 pm 4:30pm, 5:30 pm Cadiz 6:50 am - -

Jerez 9:00 am, 5:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Ronda 6:45 am - -

Bus companies Transtrés, S.A. (Sevilla), tel.: 95 441 01 11 Automoviles Casado, S.A. (Málaga), tel.: 95 231 59 08 Los Amarillos (Jerez), tel.: 956 329347 - 956731451 | www.losamarillos.es Los Amarillos (Málaga), tel.: 952 187061 - 952 363024 Transportes Comes (Cádiz), tel.: 902 199 208 | www.tgcomes.es

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