Zahara de la Sierra
Zahara de la Sierra
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Zahara de la Sierra and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
30 within 3 miles
Attractions
25 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- macamalaureLyon, France17 contributionsAbsolutely go there on the White Villages routeSmall typically Andalusian white village high up. Leave the car at the bottom in the parking lots because it is impossible to park at the top because it is so small, and then the climb on foot is worth the detour. Concerning the lake opposite, what desolation... it is practically dry at the end of February; provided it can fill up again 🙏 it’s very sad this lack of waterVisited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 6, 2024
- villanuevadelatorreAzuqueca, Spain150 contributionsbeautiful townsWe spent a few days in the Sierra de Grazalema and stayed in Zahara de la Sierra, one of the beautiful white towns. A town with a beautiful picture overlooking the swamp. Its inhabitants are very friendly.Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 29, 2024
- Joana DiasSao Joao da Madeira, Portugal1,815 contributionsOne of the pueblos to visitCertainly, one of the pueblos blancos that is really worth visiting. Many points of interest to visit, take your time. Car parks available from the outskirts to the interior. Outdoors advisable but with steep climbsVisited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 31, 2024
- machinmadYaxley, United Kingdom2,681 contributionsWorth a visit ...€3.50 is all it is to get admission to this ancient hill-top fort. It’s a steep climb up some well-warn stone paths, which we did in 38 degree heat, to reach the Motte and Bailey Keep. But the views from the summit are spectacular. There are plenty of info boards in English to provide an insight into this village's history. Pop into the Info Centre at the top of the path too, it has a drinks vending machine which you’ll need. Walk back through the modern-day village, where you’ll find an array of gift and local food shops to whet your appetite.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 22, 2024
- JuanluPucelaValladolid, Spain1,007 contributionsVery nice and recommended.Very nice and recommended. One of the white villages, in Sierra de Grazalema, qualified among the Beautiful Towns of Spain. Important Muslim enclave that was conquered in 1483. It is on a hillside of a steep crag, which crowns a castle of Nazari origin of which some parts are preserved. The village is beautiful although if you want to see it you have to walk, along the narrow layout of most of the streets, and also with some sometimes large gradients. It has many shops and bars/restaurants. Along the climb there is a parking area although on weekends trying to climb a lot with the car and park is impossible.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 28, 2024
- PurwitantoSengata, Indonesia3,076 contributionsSmall village with white houses typical of AndalusiaOne of the white villages in Andalusia. A village once occupied by the Moors. The characteristic is that his house is white. We visited him as part of a tour to Ronda. Nice enough to visit and still not too many tourists.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten December 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
652 reviews
Excellent
450
Very good
174
Average
23
Poor
2
Terrible
3
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
VTwelltravelled
Middlebury, VT575 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
So glad we spent the night here - did an evening walk up to the castle and the authentic Moorish castle/complex which is well worth it. The town itself is beautiful and perched up on a hill. It won't take long to see the whole town but with views down to the lake and the spectacular drive on the local highway through the mountains, it was worth it! I recommend the approach from the south on the more rural road if it's not icy (it was like 110 degrees during our stay!).
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Not Rick Steves
11 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Zahara is a pueblo blanco that is a bit off the tourist track, but well worth a stop or overnight stay. We decided to stay a bit impulsively, found a three-bedroom apartment on Booking.com for less than 60 euros, and were entranced by the town and its local feel. We found good food, breathtaking scenery, and perhaps the most amazing Moorish (later Castilian) castle in all of Andalusia. Don’t miss it!
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lou1974Edinburgh
Edinburgh, UK622 contributions
May 2022
We stopped at Zahara de la Sierra on our drive from Rhonda to Granada and it was one of the highlights of our holiday. The castle is perched on the hilltop standing proud over the whitewashed village below.
We slowly made our way up through the steep little cobbled streets of the sleepy village constantly stopping to take in the breathtaking views over the valley and lake.
We slowly made our way up through the steep little cobbled streets of the sleepy village constantly stopping to take in the breathtaking views over the valley and lake.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bluebellplasnewydd
Cardiff, UK2,056 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This is a small white village on a hill. There is a water reservoir at the bottom which was almost empty at the time of writing. Try and get there early as it does become crowded and parking is very difficult. Nevertheless it is a pleasant place for a walk with good views from the town hall square.
Written November 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RjessMMM
Vancouver, WA593 contributions
Nov 2023
We had the privilege of visiting Zahara for a couple of hours in November. This was part of a private tour that we took out of Seville to Ronda. The company we used was booked via Trip Advisor with a company Naturanda Turismo Ambiental. Getting here was very interesting as the road were pretty curvy to the top. He actually had one person who gets car sick sit in the front of the van. Parking up top is a challenge to say the least. Small church which was nice to visit. The views are spectacular. Just such a quaint village that was pretty empty when we got there but there was a fair number of tourists by the time we left. If you have any way of getting there, I would definitely make the effort to visit. Loved our visit. Enjoy.
Written November 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Serge Ydo
Koggenland‎, The Netherlands15,782 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Andalusia has many "pueblos Blancos", from tiny to medium-sized. All located in beautiful surroundings. For us, the villages of El Gastor, Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra stand out in a positive way. Small Zahara (approx. 1400 inhabitants) is beautifully situated against a large rock crowned by the remains of a Moorish fortress, the main tower of which has been well restored. From this highest point in Zahara you can enjoy a beautiful view over the valley. The village itself offers the 18th century "Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Santa Maria de la Mesa", whose tower seems to rest against the rock. The church has an interesting interior. We were there around Christmas... few tourists and a friendly atmosphere. But even in the tourist season it should be a good time in Zahara.

Written December 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sreeja S
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), India30 contributions
Dec 2021
With all houses painted in the similar manner, this place of course, looks beautiful. However, the roads are narrow and turns are sharp. If you are planning to drive to this place, it would be a good idea to park the car and then walk up.
Another good thing to do would be to put a location tag on where you park your car because its easy to be lost.
We had lunch in a nice cafe with the castle on top.
Another good thing to do would be to put a location tag on where you park your car because its easy to be lost.
We had lunch in a nice cafe with the castle on top.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
swirlwind
Perth, Australia469 contributions
Aug 2019
A picturesque whitewashed town on a hillside dominated by a ruine castle sits on the mountain top. Zahara de la Sierra is a bit out of the way. You would realise how remote it is once your bus had drop you off and drove off. You are left completely on your own.
No shop, taxi, no houses, simply not a soul around. You could almost hear a pin drop. A couple of carbon paper with writings pined on tree trunks.
"No Entiendo"? No big deal, just walk uphill.
The peaceful and pretty town centre is a 10 minutes steep climb from the bus station. Classic white villages were built in traditional Moorish style. The whole area surrounded by reservoir, rolling green fields, wild flowers, old churches... According to my local map; the town were founded by Berber tribes who settled in the area duringthe eight centuries. There were quite a few interesting sites around; some great hiking routs. A few small family run restaurants, cafes and bars. A information desk in a souvenir shop run by a lady who speaks good English. There was a taxi in town run by a local old guy: Diego Tel: 600328845 He can come and fetch you from the bus station, or out of town.
Note; there is no bus out of the village on weekends. So if you don't drive you'd have to either take Diego's taxi or stay extra nights in town.
No shop, taxi, no houses, simply not a soul around. You could almost hear a pin drop. A couple of carbon paper with writings pined on tree trunks.
"No Entiendo"? No big deal, just walk uphill.
The peaceful and pretty town centre is a 10 minutes steep climb from the bus station. Classic white villages were built in traditional Moorish style. The whole area surrounded by reservoir, rolling green fields, wild flowers, old churches... According to my local map; the town were founded by Berber tribes who settled in the area duringthe eight centuries. There were quite a few interesting sites around; some great hiking routs. A few small family run restaurants, cafes and bars. A information desk in a souvenir shop run by a lady who speaks good English. There was a taxi in town run by a local old guy: Diego Tel: 600328845 He can come and fetch you from the bus station, or out of town.
Note; there is no bus out of the village on weekends. So if you don't drive you'd have to either take Diego's taxi or stay extra nights in town.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles S
Northamptonshire, UK1,037 contributions
Jun 2023
During our stay in Cadiz, we organised a full day out to drive and explore the many white towns and villages of Andalucia. We visited Zahara de la Sierra, a hidden gem off the beaten track. This small village with its delightful white washed houses along cobbled lanes, sits below the hilltop where a castle stands in prime position looking out over the valley below. Breathtaking views.
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Finca Vegana
Zahara de la Sierra, Spain11 contributions
Jan 2020
We love this romantic white town on top of the mountain. You can walk there from the Finca and spend a wonderful time wandering through the cobblestone streets and enjoying the spectacular views. Definitely worth a visit!
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Es aconsejable hacer la ruta de bocaleones mañana domingo?
Written September 14, 2019
Hola,no hay problema de hacerlo un domingo,las rutas son tranquilas y estan en buen estado.
Un paseo muy lindo
Written September 15, 2019
Hello,
I have challenges walking. Is a difficult hike up to the castle?
Do you know if cars are allowed up the hill? If so, how far is the walk up? Are the paths paved and easy to walk?
Written July 28, 2018
Hi. Just a bit more information about the steps. They start at a point close to the cemetery, that is, much further along and up the road from the town centre. They are new and in excellent condition. The only caveat is that the short path to them was incomplete in June 2018 and the first step onto the steps was a little awkward. They will only take you half way up - but that may be sufficient if you only seek the view or if you can manage the sloping path the top section of which is from memory narrower but less steep than some of the lower lengths. So, it depends how challenged you are as a walker. Best of luck!
Written July 29, 2018
Is there no bus from Zahara to Ronda? I found a bus from Ronda to Zahara with Comes, but there seems to be no connection for the way back.
Written April 11, 2018
Para passar por Zahara vindo de Sevilha e indo para Ronda atravessa a Serra. No inverno eh trafegavel?
Written November 20, 2017
HOLA. He leĂdo que hay un tramo donde se necesita subir con la ayuda de cuerdas.
Es asĂ?
QuĂ© tipo de zapatos recomendarĂas?
Querremos ir hoy.
Es rápido conseguir autorización?
Gracias
Jean Claude
Written December 25, 2015

Antonio F
1 contribution
Zapatos de Running Trail. La autorizacion se solicita en El Bosque. En la oficina de informacion. Un saludo y le esperamos en el Restaurante El Rincon de la Ermita
Written December 27, 2015
Which is the best road to get there coming from Gibraltar?
Written September 29, 2015
Showing results 1-7 of 7
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing