Zahara de la Sierra

Zahara de la Sierra is in Cádiz Province in Andalucia. It is a small white village of 1,400 people (2018) that sits picturesquely on a mountain cone on the northern edge of the Sierra del Jaral. A reservoir, the Embalse de Zahara, spreads out at its feet. Behind the village, the Sierra de Jaral rises to an altitude of 1,300 m. Zahara de la Sierra is presumably a Roman foundation.

The meaning of the name of the village is controversial. It is translated with citrus blossom "azahar", the female first name "Al Zahara" or with the brilliant.

In Moorish times, the place was more important because of its strategically important location and was a respected city. The village was revitalized by the Moors in the 8th century and fortified by a castle in the 12th century. In 1483 the Catholic kings conquered the town and cleared the way for further reconquests in Andalusia.

• Tourist information, Calle San Juan 1. (updated Nov 2020)

Santa Maria de la Mesa church

• The Garganta Verde, a huge canyon aff the road to Grazalema is very scenic. It is a place where many griffon vultures fly and access is prohibited during the nesting season.
• Ruin of the castle. From the 12th century with a keep above the town with a fantastic view.
• Torre del Reloj. The clock tower from the 16th century received the clock in the previous century.
• Santa Maria de la Mesa church. The 17th-century baroque church with a baroque altar was completed in 1755. The main front is baroque, made of pink marble.

• Horse riding
• Bathing in the Embalse de Zahara
• On Corpus Christi, the citizens celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. They decorate the city with lots of green branches and flowers. There is a procession. Street musicians with guitars sound out Seville songs and the citizens dance the traditional Seville dance, which every Andalusian can do more or less well.

• Restaurante al Lago. Specialty: trout.
• Meson la Escribos. Hearty cuisine. Price: main course €8-12.

• Hotel Arco de la Villa. Tel .: +34 956 123 230 . 16 double rooms and one single room, air conditioning, TV, restaurant and cafeteria.
• Hostal Marqués de Zahara. Tel .: +34 956 123 061 . 10 double rooms.
• Hostal Los Tadeos. A new building. 10 double rooms with air conditioning. Beautiful view.