Seniors Pay A Visit To Grazalema

 Senior travelers will find Grazalema in the northeastern part of the province of Cádiz, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. Situated in the foothills of the Sierra del Pinar mountain range, Grazalema has a population of just over 2,250.

It is known as “a charming white village” because most all the houses are white. Traditionally, the economy of the village was generated by small-scale agriculture, sheep herding, cork harvesting, and handicrafts, like hand-weaving lambswool cloth and furniture-making.

Its steep, cobbled streets are immaculately kept and are lined by whitewashed houses with windows covered by wrought-iron rejas (bars) and plant pots spilling over with a wide array of colorful flowers.

Seniors Head For A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

In the heart of the village 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.

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. Sierra de Grazalema is considered to be one of the most important natural parks in Spain due to its wealth of flora and fauna and its unbeatable landscapes.

The park is famous for its spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. The region is well known for being the rainiest place in Spain, with an annual rainfall of 2,200 mm. There are 1,300 Mediterranean plant species registered there, many of them endemic and some of them unique to the Sierra.

Seniors Enjoy Grazalema’s Fiestas

Grazalema is filled with history, lots of things for seniors to see and do and plenty of fiestas. The first fiesta is the Romería of San Isidro Labrador which is held on the last Sunday in May, celebrating the arrival of summer.

On 13 June, the village celebrates Benamahoma, the fiesta in honor of its patron, San Antonio. During the third week of July, the Fiestas of Carmen are held which climax with the Monday of Bulls.

The limestone composition of these mountains creates a landscape of sinkholes, galleries, caves and shelters all making for a memorable hike. Senior hikers, bring your hiking  boots.

After your hike a good soaking in the Spa Wellness Grazalema will regenerate  your muscles. For some great practical souvenirs, pay a visit to Artesania textil de Grazalema for some beautiful local wool products.

There are several walking tours for those of us who enjoy nature and flowers. Enjoy your visit to Grazalema. -jeb