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By Dee McMath
El Bosque is is 32 kilometers east of Arcos
de la Frontera and 18 kilometers west of Grazalema.
It is 287 meters about sea level and in easy reach of the Parque
Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema, in fact El Bosque is considered
to be the gateway to this immense nature reserve, covering 53,500
hectares (207 square miles). You can obtain a walking permit and
information on walking routes at the park's visitor's centre, which
is based in the town of El Bosque.
Apart from the natural, unspoiled routes through
the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, the area is also popular amongst
those who enjoy hunting and fishing. The town is proud of its excellent
trout farm (the most southern fish farm in Europe), which is an
interesting visit to add to your agenda while in the area. Cold
meats and fresh trout are the gastronomic specialties well worth
sampling in el Bosque.
 The picturesque village, with its narrow winding
streets, was founded by the Duke of Arcos, when it was named Los
Baños del Duque. It was later called Marchenilla and then
at the end of th18th Century the village was renamed Santa Maria
de Guadalupe de El Bosque, due to the great devotion of the Duke
and Duchess to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Due to heroic efforts during
the War of Independence, Fernándo VII proclaimed the village
a Town in 1815. Although classified as a Town rather than a village,
there is still only a population of around 1,800.
The accommodation in and around the town is fairly
modest, with a youth hostel and a camping area just outside the
town and there are fewer bars and restaurants than in the more highly
populated coastal areas, offering simple menus at affordable prices.
Historical points of interest worth visiting in
El Bosque are, the 18th Century Hermita del Calvario, the Church
of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe - also from the 18th Century
and the old mill - the Molino del Duque, from the same era.
Annual celebrations in El Bosque
- Carnival at the beginning of March
- Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week)
- From the 13th to 15th of June the local Romería
(procession) and fair
- 15th August is the fiesta of María de
Auxiliadora
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