Andalucian Cycling Experience - Cycling in Spain
Also in this section: Ronda | SpainSierra de Grazalema National Park
Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park lies in the western part of the Subbeticas Mountain range; North East of the province of Cadiz and the North West of the province of Malaga. The towns we cover in this park included Benocaz, El Bosque, El Gastor, Grazalema, Prado del Rey, Ubrique, Villaleunga, Zahara, Benoajan, Cortes de la Frontera, Montejaque and Ronda. The limestone in this area gives rise to the grey colour of the stone and the amazing landscape which features the highest mountains in the province of Cadiz.
The endoreic features give rise to numerous underground tunnels, taverns, chasms and caves amongst which are the internationally renown Cueva de la Pilates at Benoajan and the Cueva de Gato, which is the largest subterranean complex in Andalucia. These two caves can be visited on one of our bike rides. The extraordinary amount of water and rainfall in this region provides a special microclimate which allows a diverse array of plants to thrive, including the Spanish fir. However, the main plant life is Mediterranean woodland and scrub. This vegetation supports a rich of birdlife with approximately 146 species in this Natural Park. These include the Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle and Bonelli's Eagle making this a special preservation area for wild birds. There are about 290 breeding pairs of Griffon Vulture in the Park and these can be seen at the top of the ride 'The climb of Puerto de las Palomas' and on the 'Cueva de la Pilates' ride.
