El Bosque

El Bosque is situated at the foot of the Sierra de Grazalema on the banks of the river Majaceite. © Michelle Chaplow
El Bosque is situated at the foot of the Sierra de Grazalema on the banks of the river Majaceite.

El Bosque

El Bosque is is 32 kilometers east of Arcos de la Frontera and 18 kilometers west of Grazalema and 5km west of Benamahoma. 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.

What to see

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.

Restaurants

In the little round 'square'  where the replica historic water wheel monument 'Fuente del Rodezno' is a centre piece. There is Casa Calvillo with fast service, later opening, large terrace, medium means rare grill. Oposite restaurant el Maño. Where the A-372 road from Grazalema enterrs the village is Restaurant Los Nogales and Venta Mateo.

Park visitors centre

There is a visitors centre for the Grazalema natural park on Calle Fredrico Garcia Lorca, 1. Open Thursday to Sunday 09.00 to 14.30 hrs. Permits to visit certain restricted areas and paths are in thoery obtained here. Allow 15 days. [email protected]

Gastromomy 

This is a village that makes its own highly prized cheese and sausages.

Festivals, 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

 

Hover the cursor over El Bosque to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.

El Bosque - Hotels 

Book hotels in El Bosque

Casa Rural Peyan

Set in El Bosque, Casa Rural Peyan offers accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. The air-conditioned accommodation is 25 km from Zahara de la Sierra.

This country house comes with 3 bedrooms, a kitchenette with a microwave and a fridge, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms.

Casa Paco

Situated in El Bosque, 48 km from Cueva del Gato and 50 km from Tajo's Tree-lined Avenue, Casa Paco offers a garden and air conditioning. The property has mountain and river views, and is 50 km from Plaza de Espana. Featuring a private entrance, the country house allows guests to maintain their privacy.

Casa Rural Majaceite

Situated in El Bosque, 50 km from Plaza de Espana and 47 km from Cueva del Gato, Casa Rural Majaceite offers air conditioning. The property is set 49 km from Tajo's Tree-lined Avenue, 33 km from Arcos Gardens and 50 km from Ronda's New Bridge. The country house has facilities for disabled guests.

Casa La Vega

Featuring city views, Casa La Vega provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a balcony, around 49 km from Cueva del Gato. Featuring mountain and pool views, this country house also provides guests with free WiFi.

La Malva 2

Set in El Bosque, La Malva 2 offers accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. The country house features mountain views and is 24 km from Zahara de la Sierra. This air-conditioned country house is fitted with 3 bedrooms, a TV, a dining area, and a kitchenette.

La Estancia

La Estancia is situated in El Bosque and offers a garden and a terrace. This property offers access to a patio and to a shared outdoor pool. This air-conditioned country house comes with 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchenette.

Casa El Pinsapar

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a terrace, Casa El Pinsapar is located in El Bosque. With city views, this accommodation provides a patio. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Plaza de Espana is 50 km away.