Almost every visitor to Ronda will hear about the beauty of the nearby village called Grazalema. The village is located within the western reaches of the Sierra de Cadiz that also includes the villages of El Bosque, Zahara de la Sierra, Algodonales, and Olvera, and is the north-eastern tip of Cadiz province.
Grazalema is one of the famous white villages of Andalucia, considered by many to be amongst the most beautiful, and given that it is broadly in the centre of its namesake, the Grazalema Natural Park which is equally as famous, it is hardly any wonder the village has such a reputation.
Guided tours to the white villages
There are many organized trips and outings to the white villages of Cádiz from many of the nearby towns and cities. Most trips include a visit to Grazalema.
Some history about the village of Grazalema
Around 2,000 people now call the village home, with a few hundred of these being counted in the nearby hamlet of Benamahoma, though at varying times in the past the village population has been both bigger and smaller.
The origins of the village are not completely known yet from Roman ruins in the vicinity we can be reasonably certain that at the very least a Roman settlement centred around the villa Lacidulia must have existed.
During the Roman era the legions of Scipio are thought to have built dwellings on the hills of Clavijo beside the villa, which is presumed to have been home to one of the generals in Scipio’s legion.
However the name of the village can be certainly dated to the Islamic period, known first by the Arabic name Raisa lani suli, then Ben-salama meaning the son of Salama, and at the time of the Christian reconquest in 1485 by the Duke of Arcos the name had changed to Zagrazalema, which quickly become Grazalema as the existing population converted to Christianity and the Castillian language.
Hotels in Grazalema
Aside from the gorgeous natural park surrounding the village, Grazalema is mostly known for its textile industry which in the 17th century employed several thousand people making wool blankets and ponchos, a tradition that continues to this day albeit with significantly less artisans.
At its height the industry was considered one of the most important in Spain with Spain’s king Philip V awarding special privileges to the workers within the industry, many of whom worked from home using loans provided by the mills. The industrial revolution of the 19th century decimated Grazalema and put thousands of workers out of a job as large factories in the north of Spain began to produce blankets quicker and more cheaply than hand woven blankets could be made.
Within the village it is still possible to purchase locally made Grazalema wool blankets, scarves, and other items of clothing that are made locally, and surprisingly Grazalema handmade woollen items are not overly priced, thus making an excellent gift to take home for visitors.
The Famous Payoyo Cheese in Grazalema
Local cheeses made from the “payoyo” goats milk are regaining their popularity as more and more visitors discover the village and start to demand organic and hand-made cottage industry products in place of mass produced cheeses. The cheeses from Grazalema are full flavoured cheeses owing to the richness of the milk produced by local goats, however anyone who sees the grassy hills of Grazalema might understand why, this is one of the wettest areas of Spain and typically averages around 2000mm of rain per year.
The rainfall benefits other industries in Grazalema, notably honey collectors and the tourism industry which has sprung up since the declaration of the UNESCO Biosphere, the Grazalema Natural Park. Of particular importance is the surrounding parkland filled with pristine mountains and walking tracks, endemic species of wild flowers, and an area noted for the huge variety of birdlife that makes Grazalema its home or passes through on annual migrations to Africa.
FAQ: History and Traditions of Grazalema Village in the Sierra de Cádiz
Grazalema is renowned for its striking location in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, often described as one of the most beautiful white villages (“Pueblos Blancos”) in Andalucía. Historically, it gained fame for its thriving textile industry and continues to attract visitors with its artisan wool goods, Payoyo cheese, and dramatic natural surroundings.
The origins of Grazalema date back to Roman times, possibly linked to the villa Lacidulia. The name itself evolved during the Islamic period, from Raisa lani suli to Ben-salama and later Zagrazalema, before settling as Grazalema after the Christian conquest in 1485.
In the 17th century, Grazalema’s textile industry flourished, employing thousands and earning royal privileges from King Philip V. However, the 19th-century Industrial Revolution saw the decline of handcrafted production. Today, small-scale artisans still uphold the tradition, producing high-quality woollen goods.
Payoyo cheese is made from the milk of native “payoyo” goats that graze on the lush, rain-fed hills around Grazalema. This rich environment enhances the flavor and texture of the cheese, contributing to its growing reputation as a premium artisan product.
Grazalema lies within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and offers mountain trails, endemic wildflowers, migratory birdlife, and pristine air quality. The natural park supports sustainable industries like honey and cheese production and attracts eco-conscious tourism.
Known as one of the wettest places in Spain, Grazalema receives about 2000mm of rain annually. This rainfall sustains lush pastures, aiding goat farming and cheese production. It also supports unique biodiversity, making the area a hotspot for nature enthusiasts.
Grazalema is frequently visited by those staying in or touring Ronda due to its scenic beauty and close proximity. Tour guides and travel itineraries often recommend day trips to Grazalema from Ronda to explore the natural park and experience authentic Andalusian village life.
Tourists can purchase locally made wool blankets, ponchos, scarves, and handcrafted clothing. Payoyo cheese is also widely available in village shops and markets, celebrated for its organic quality and traditional production.
Thanks to its preserved natural park, rich biodiversity, and commitment to traditional industries, Grazalema attracts eco-tourists interested in hiking, wildlife observation, and sustainable local products.
The area’s fertile, rain-fed hills have long supported grazing livestock and cottage industries like wool weaving and cheese making. Grazalema’s unique geography helped shape its economic history and now underpins its modern reputation as a cultural and ecological treasure.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
2 thoughts on “History of Grazalema Village in the Sierra de Cádiz”