El Pinsapar - Grazalema is a linear hiking route of approximately 11 kilometres. It is of medium difficulty and occurs through the municipality of Grazalema. This route is located in the heart of the Sierra de Cádiz; specifically, in the Sierra de Grazalema. You have to book in advance to make this route because, being a restricted and protected area, only several tickets are offered per day. The exclusivity of this route is that it is full of a unique species: the Spanish fir (pinsapo, in Spanish).
El Pinsapar – Grazalema is a linear hiking route of approximately 11 kilometres. Its difficulty is medium and goes along the municipality of Grazalema. It can be reached from the town of Grazalema by the A-372 towards Benamahoma. After a kilometre and a half, you have to turn right on CA-9104 towards El Puerto de las Palomas on a climb of Spanish firs (pinsapos) that goes up to the Port. It is a route that goes from Benamahoma to Grazalema.
This route is located in the heart of the Sierra de Cádiz; specifically, in the Sierra de Grazalema. Being the most rainy place in Spain, make sure you look at the weather forecast and, if the rain doesn’t stop you, take rain clothes. You have to book in advance to make this route because, being a restricted and protected area, only several tickets are offered per day. There is a lot of demand due to the great attraction that this route arouses. The entrance is limited, because a massive entry of people in the area increases the risk of fire. This would cause a very negative environmental impact for the flora; not only indigenous, but nationally.
The exclusivity of this El Pinsapar route is that it is full of a unique species: the Spanish fir. This only grows in this mountain range and in the neighbouring mountains, those of the part of Ronda (Málaga). This species grows on the slopes of the mountains, sheltering from the blazing sun of this area. It lives in shady and humid areas, so this mountain range is an ideal setting for its growth.
Grazalema becomes a unique and perfect place. The pinsapo and other unique and native species of the area need moisture and water to live. Since we are in an area with the highest rainfall level in Spain, the perfect humidity conditions are met so that species such as common poppy and holm oak are developed. All of them, together with the Spanish firs and other trees, form the undergrowth.
Through this El Pinsapar route we will see different cols. The first one we meet on the tour is Puerto de las Cumbres. From there you can see the mountain range that forms the Sierra de Cádiz. Once we begin the descent we will see behind us the white town of Grazalema and the Fresnillo reservoir, which supplies Grazalema and the surrounding villages. This descent from the Port is done through a stone path that ends in a rest area, where there are tables to eat and a Visitor Centre.