In Zahara, you can shape your stay around medieval frontier history, historic buildings, nature and a specific route into the surrounding area. The different themes offer distinct ways to explore the area: the history of the fortress, religious buildings, or the landscape and outdoor activities within the municipality.
Fortress and architectural history
The rocky promontory of Zahara de la Sierra was chosen as the site for a medieval fortress. It was intended to control the area along the border between the Kingdom of Castile and the various states of the Andalusian period. In 1983, Zahara de la Sierra was declared a Historic-Artistic Site.
The architectural history can also be traced through specific dates and functions: the parish church of Santa María de Mesa was completed in 1755. The Torre del Reloj was the bell tower of the former chapel of San Juan de Letrán. These historic buildings therefore offer a glimpse of both the fortress’s role on the frontier and the area’s religious architecture.
Corpus Christi: traditions and local specialties
The Corpus Christi festival in Zahara has a tradition spanning more than six centuries. During the festival, the streets are decorated with eucalyptus trees, oleanders and flowers. Visitors can then sample local specialties such as “quemones de cebolla,” “sopas hervías” and sweet liqueur cakes. The dishes on offer and the details of the festival may vary from year to year. If you plan to time your trip for Corpus Christi, check the specific festival dates and what will be on offer.
Nature in the municipality
One of Europe’s largest colonies of griffon vultures is located within the municipality of Zahara, specifically in the Garganta Verde. The Ermita de la Garganta, a cave formed by geological processes, is also located there. The Pinsapar de Zahara is a forest of Mediterranean firs known as pinsapos (Abies pinsapo). The municipality was declared a natural park by the Regional Government of Andalusia in 1984.
For a visit to a recreational area, there is Área Recreativa de Arroyomolinos–La Playita. It includes a small artificial beach created by making use of the river course. The area can be visited at any time of year. Facilities and seasonal operations may change; if you are planning your visit around specific services, check that they are currently available.
The route to Puente de los Palominos
The route from Zahara to Puente de los Palominos starts beside Parque Infantil. The round trip is 4 kilometres long. This distance therefore covers the entire route, not just the way to the bridge. The route is described as easy and suitable for all age groups. It can be completed on foot, by car, bicycle, motorbike or on horseback.
No permit is required for this route; different conditions may apply to connecting routes. Access conditions may change, so it is advisable to check the latest access information before setting out. The clearly stated round-trip distance and low difficulty level make it easy to plan this route as a separate activity, apart from visits to historic buildings or natural attractions.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Poblado De Doña Blanca, Sanlúcar De Barrameda, Pozo Amargo, San Pablo De Buceite, San Fernando, Barbate, Algeciras, Chipiona.
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