Zahara de la Sierra, Mountain village in Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, Spain.
Zahara de la Sierra is a mountain village within Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, with whitewashed buildings arranged in steps up a steep slope at roughly 500 meters elevation. The settlement is crowned by a medieval castle, and narrow pathways and stairs connect the different levels following the natural terrain.
The settlement functioned as a Moorish stronghold until Christian forces captured it in 1407, though Arab control returned briefly in 1481. This contested past shaped both the architecture and layout that still reflect layers of different cultural influences today.
The village maintains its whitewashed character with houses clustered tightly along the slopes, showing traditional Andalusian building practices. Daily life unfolds in the narrow streets and central plaza, where locals and visitors move through spaces that have served the community for centuries.
The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and streets are less crowded. Parking is available at the lower areas of the village, from where you can walk upward or use the one-way road system to drive higher into the settlement.
The Zahara-el Gastor reservoir beneath the village creates a water surface that reflects the white buildings and medieval castle, offering striking views under calm conditions. This reflection is especially visible in early morning hours when the water is smooth and light angles are favorable.
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