Hotel Fuerte Grazalema
Grazalema
Grazalema is a paradise for hikers. A vast area of rolling hills and green valleys. The views over the valley are impressive. Grazalema has a nice relaxed atmosphere and from the village leave several tracks for both the trained hiker and recreational stroller.
At the other side of the valley you will find the Hotel Fuerte Grazalema, in which you are in the front seat regarding the views at Grazalema and the surroundings. The hotel is modern and suitable to visit a couple of day and explore the neighbourhood.
It is a rather large hotel which has been recently build with respect for its surroundings. The rooms have been outfitted in a standard way but are clean and are fully equipped. Furthermore every room has a wonderful view. The restaurant serves a large breakfast buffet, a snack for in between and a dinner buffet in the evening. The swimming pool is special, spacious and there a large terraces of which you have the views at Grazalema. It is wonderful to relax after a firm hike or mountain bike tour…
At the hotel ground is a tiny zoo for the little ones. Also the kitchen gets many fresh products from their own biological garden.
From the hotel you can walk via a rather simple track to Grazalema, this is a walk of about 5 kilometers.
This hotel is very suitable to be included in an Andalucia round trip, both for couples and families who are looking for a combination of physical activity and relaxing in a beautiful environment with amazing views.
Cons:
• It is a bigger hotel, what you might experience as impersonal. The staff, however, is considerate and friendly
Pros:
• A beautiful location, you have views of the valley and to the white village of Grazalema
• Great pool area
• All rooms have views
• Splendid surroundings
Hotel Fuerte Grazalema
facilities
Hotel
- There is a restaurant for lunch and dinner.
- Bar.
- Big swimming pool with jacuzzi.
- Garden.
- Hotel has an internet connection (Wi-Fi) at reception.
- Children are welcome.
- One room with wheelchair access.
- Lift.
- Pets are welcome (on request).
- You can book a range of different excursions (also bike rental) at the hotel.
- Hotel has its own car park (free of charge).
- Hotel is located a few kilometres (5) outside Grazalema.
Rooms
Every room has air conditioning, heating, satellite- TV, telephone, mini bar and a safe .
Fully-equipped bathrooms with hairdryer.
Hotel has 77 rooms, including 1 single room, 61 double rooms, 13 triple rooms and 2 double rooms with salon.
Hotel Fuerte Grazalema
surrounding area
Grazalema
Grazalema lies in the heart of the pueblos blancos area (white villages) and also in the heart of the nature reserve Parque Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema. The park has rich vegetation, also thanks to the fact that the village receives the most precipitation in Spain!
The white villages route that runs along Grazalema is one of the most beautiful, but also the busiest and most touristic route.
Also, around the 17th of July the "Lunes de Toro" is celebrated. For one week the bulls walk around freely in Grazalema!
Active
Because Grazalema is in the middle of a nature reserve it is a perfect starting point for hikes, horseback riding and mountain biking.
In addition, there are also possibilities for somewhat rougher activities such as bungee jumping, mountain climbing, cave exploration, crag climbing and abseiling.
Cultural
Grazalema is a white village and is located along the pueblos blancos (white villages) route. Other white villages along the route are Zahara de la Sierra, a village that lies at the foot of the ruins of a castle and has been declared a national monument, and Ubrique. In these white villages you will be able to get a taste of Spanish country life as it has been for centuries.
Nature
Tours by car past the Pueblos Blancos (white villages), on routes that take you through stunning scenery: mountains up to 1600m high, plateaus, valleys and gorges, rivers, waterfalls and reservoirs, forests and orchards.
The following villages/towns in the area are definitely worth a visit:
Ronda (32km; 35min):
Ronda has one of the most spectacular settings in all of Southern Spain. Due to this town’s unassailable location, it was one of the last standing Moorish bastions, which only fell in 1485, when it was conquered by the Christians. The town is split in two by a spectacular gorge, with the southern part being the classic Moorish pueblo blanco with cobblestone streets, small fences in front of the windows and whitewashed walls all around. The new town on the other side of the gorge contains the Plaza de Toros (bull ring), the cradle of bullfighting; it was built in 1785 and is one of Spain’s oldest. The bridge that connects the two parts of Ronda, the Puente Nuevo, spans the 100-metre-deep gorge and has become Ronda’s most famous feature, drawing in millions of visitors every year.
Apart from the Plaza de Toros, the Palacio Mondragón is another important sight; this is a palace decorated with original Moorish mosaics and plastering.
About 15 km outside Ronda you will find caves, the Cueva de la Pileta (near Benaoján), with prehistoric paintings.
And you can, of course, head for one of these world famous cities for a day trip:
Seville (125km; 1h45min):
The capital of Andalucía is a compact city with a rich past. Most of its major sights are in or near the city centre on the Guadalquivir river’s left bank. And they also know how to party and have a good time in this city of flamenco and tapas.
As you wander through the old Jewish quarter, the Barrio Santa Cruz, through a maze of white streets and patios, you should not forget to take in the imposing cathedral, the Moorish bell tower, La Giralda, and the royal palace Real Alcázar.
You can unwind in the María Luisa park, where you can spend the hottest part of the day under orange trees and palm trees.
The museum Museo de Bellas Artes, one of Spain’s best museums of art, is a real must. And then there are its magnificent palaces and other sights, such as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza (bull ring); Casa de Pilatos and the Torre del Oro.
Córdoba (185km; 2h45min):
Visit the Mezquita, Córdoba's huge mosque, which has seen various different developments throughout the years to become a fascinating blend of styles and religions. And you can also go for a stroll through the districts of San Lorenzo, Judería and San Basilio, where you will encounter the most beautiful Moorish patios. Other sights include the palace/fortress Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with magnificent gardens and fountains; various museums, such as the Museo Arqueológico, Museo Taurino, Museo de Bellas Artes; a string of great squares, such as the Plaza de la Corredera, Plaza del Potro.
Granada (217km; 2h55min):
The Alhambra was the part of town where princes, nobility and court staff dwelled, on the hill right in the middle of Granada. The Alhambra is a huge complex, 720m in length and 220m wide. Clever use of space, light, water and decorative features are the Alhambra’s defining features.
On the hill opposite the Alhambra, the Albayzín quarter, is where Granada’s Moorish past is still most tangible. Stroll through its narrow streets, past villas with Moorish decoration and gardens, up to the Mirador de San Nicolás. This is where you will have the best views, of the roofs of Granada, with the Alhambra behind them, which makes for a stunning view, especially at sunset!