Juzcar
The village of Juzcar is a typical Pueblo Blanco (White Village) set in the mountains of the Serrania de Ronda in a tranquil and beautiful setting. The village has several amenities a small local shop, pharmacy, bank, restaurant and two bars.
Their local Fiesta is celebrated in August and is a very special four day celebration involving the whole village and surrounding area with processions of the village Saint, parties and celebrations for all ages.
There are many beautiful walks between Juzcar and its neighbouring villages. Each has its own local bars which you can find typical local cuisine and refreshments.
Juzcar is only 40 minutes from the Coast and 90 minutes from Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol and its international airport. A car is essential if you are staying in Juzcar - click here for more information on car rental.
National Parks
For those wishing to explore further afield a visit to the regions National parks of Sierra de las Nieves, Sierra de Grazalema and Los Alcornocales will enable you to enjoy the unique flora and fauna habitats of this region along the parks marked trails. Click here for Walks around Juzcar.
Sierra de las Nieves is only a few kilometres drive from Juzcar and is at the climatic boundary of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and has an original and varied flora. The park also contains one of the biggest populations of Spanish Ibex in Andalusia, together with fox, otter, roe deer and wild boar. More information about Sierra de las Nieves.
The park has an extensive network of forest tracks which are suitable for all levels with the summit to Mount Torrecilla (1,919 metres) taking about 4 hours, return trip. The park is based on limestone and has deep ravines and spectacular gorges as well as the world’s third deepest sink which descends to 1,100 metres.
Sierra de Grazalema was Spains first natural park in Andalucia with many unique plants, sucha as the Spanish Fir, or Pinsapo, which has grown here since before the last ice age. A combination of relatively high rainfall and limestone geology has produced a landscape of high rocky ridges and deep caves - the Cueva Hundidero-Gato Andalucia's largest cave system and the Cueva de la Pilata, which has art dating from the Upper Palaeolithic era 25,000 years ago. More information about Sierra de Grazalema.
The park has one of the largest nesting colonies of griffon vultures in Europe as well as Egyptian Vultures and Golden Eagles. The geographical location of Grazalema makes it an important staging area in spring and autumn for the huge number of migrant birds moving between Africa and Europe.
Los Alcornocales national park covers the southern area of this region and is named after its beautiful cork tree forest, the largest in Spain and one of the most important in the world. It is home to an impressive variety of birds of prey including, Booted eagles, Imperial eagles, and Griffon Vultures. Smaller birds of prey include peregrine falcons, kestrels and sparrow hawks.
Its proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, provides a sub-tropical habitat, which is unique in Europe, and supports a dense growth of rhododendron, laurel, ash, birch and oak. Wildlife is strictly protected within the park and deer, wild boar and otter are all common. More information about Los Alcornocales.
Southern Andalucia
Juzcar is also ideally situated to explore the local historic and culturally cities and towns of this Andalucian region, as well as a day out to Gibraltar. You can explore the Moorish town of Ronda which is only 20 minutes drive away or travel to the wonderfully rich cities of Malaga, Marbella, Granada and Tarifa.
Ronda
The ancient town of Ronda is built on a high plateau with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and has been inhabited since the 6th Century BC. You will be able to see many cultural influences in the town including the Celts, Romans, Moors and Christians. These include:
- The Arab Baths
- Church of Santa Maria
- Bull Ring (the oldest in Spain) & Museum
- The Bandit Museum
- Hunting Museum
- The Mondragon Palace
- Archaeological Museum
The spectacular 18th century ‘Puente Neuvo‘ bridge connects the historical centre of the town with the new quarter where you will find the shops, restaurants and bars. You can walk the full length of the promenade or follow the old donkey trails down into the gorge and walk amongst the sunflower and wheat fields.
Marbella
Is a town populated by the rich and famous, with shops, boutiques and restaurants to match this clientele. Its old town centre still has much of its original Moorish Wall to the north east and an old tower in the west. Other interesting places to visit are:
- 16th Century Town Hall
- Church of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion
- Square of the Orange Trees
- Pilgrimage Chapel
- Promenade la Alameda
It’s famous beaches include Playa de la Bajadilla, Playa de Venus and Playa de la Fontanilla. You can also visit its Museum of Spanish Contemporary Prints and the Marine Observation Centre
Malaga
Is the capital of the Costa del Sol and the second largest city in Andalucia. The city is overlooked by the old Moorish castle on the hill and provides magnificent views of the harbour and bay below. Other places to see are:
- Castillo de Gibralfaro
- The Old Moorish Alcazaba
- Church of Santiago
- Malaga’s Cathedral
- Church of St. John the Baptist
The city has a wide selection of fish and seafood restaurants as well as a Picasso Museum and Roman Theatre for you to visit.
Granada
This city is the home of ‘The Alhambra’, which consists of four separate areas, towers over the city and provides insight into the Moorish culture and architecture of that time and is well worth a visit. The City’s modern and ancient quarters offer opportunities for all types of visitors.
- The Alhambra
- Granada Catherdal
- Arab Baths
- The Royal Chapel
- Monastery of the Carthusians
This beautiful city also offers a science park, gypsy quarter, a wide variety of shops and boutiques to explore, with abundant restaurants and bars.
Tarifa
Is renowned for its excellent wind-surfing beaches where the Altantic and Mediterranean meet at the most southerly point of Spain. It has many Moorish characteristics and was the first of the Moors strongholds in Spain. Places to see are:
- the Moorish quarter of the town
- Church of St. Mateo
- The remains of the Moor Castillo
You can see the Moroccan coast line and go on a trip to spot dolphins and whales.
Gibraltar
The Rock is famous for its historically important fortifications which are fascinating to walk around. Don’t forget your passport as you’ll need it to cross the border. It has many places to see which include:
- St. Michael’s Cave
- The Cable Car ride & Barbary Apes on the Upper Rock
- Moorish Castle
- Prince Edward’s & Grand Casements Gates
When visiting Gibraltar don’t forget to take your passports as they still need to be shown.