What to do · Sierra de Grazalema
Pinsapar Trail, from Grazalema to Benamahoma
Information
- Price
- Free, with prior authorisation
- Duration
- 4 h 30
- Distance
- 10.5 km
- Who it's for
- Walkers with some practice
The El Pinsapar trail crosses the Sierra del Pinar, in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, between the road to the puerto de las Palomas, near Grazalema, and the village of Benamahoma. It passes through the forest of pinsapos, the Spanish fir that lives in Andalusia only in this sierra and in the Serranía de Ronda and that gave these mountains their biosphere reserve status. The Junta gives it 10.5 km, four and a half hours and medium difficulty; it is one-way, so you have to organise the return. It is in the park's reserve zone: you need authorisation.
A fir from another age
The pinsapo is one of the nine species of fir that grow in the Mediterranean mountains. Here it covers more than 400 hectares, mostly on north-facing slopes, where it forms a dense, dark forest: the trees compete for light and lose their lower branches. It was described for science in 1838 by the Swiss botanist Edmund Boissier. It is a relic of the forests that covered these sierras in another climate, millions of years ago.
From Las Canteras to Benamahoma
The trail begins at Las Canteras or Los Areneros, a couple of kilometres from Grazalema: from the village, take the A-372 towards Benamahoma, after 1.5 km turn right onto the CA-9104 towards the puerto de las Palomas and the access is a kilometre further on, on the left, with a car park of about fifty spaces. You climb among reforestation pines to the puerto de las Cumbres, with views of the Serranía de Ronda and the Torreón, the highest peak in the province, at 1,648 metres. After a bend the whole pinsapar appears below the Torreón; from there you go down and enter the forest, with very little light. Further down, the pinsapos give way to Portuguese oaks and holm oaks as far as the puerto del Pinar, and the path continues to Benamahoma. The highest point is 1,298 metres. On the way there are farmhouses, bases of old charcoal kilns and snow wells, and with luck you will see ibex.
The permit and summer
Because it is in a reserve zone you must request authorisation, free of charge, from the park: at the El Bosque Visitor Centre, on 956 70 97 33, or through the Junta's portal. From 1 June to 15 October, because of fire risk, you can only enter by the eastern stretch, on a guided visit and as far as the start of the pinsapar. The full route is therefore for autumn to spring.
How to get back
As it is one-way, leave a car in Benamahoma or return by the same path. The Majaceite river trail towards El Bosque also begins there. Take water and warm clothes: this area has one of the highest rainfall rates in Spain. The route can be fitted into the weekend in the Sierra de Grazalema from Seville.
Tips
- Request the permit in good time Without authorisation you cannot enter: ask for it before you go, not on the day at the trail.
- Two cars One at Las Canteras and another at Benamahoma saves you retracing the 10.5 km.
- Silence at the pass Ibex show themselves on the rocks if there is no noise.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a permit?
Yes. It is a reserve zone and the authorisation, free of charge, is requested from the park.
Can it be done in summer?
From 1 June to 15 October only on a guided visit along the eastern stretch to the start of the pinsapar.
How long does the Pinsapar trail take?
About four and a half hours for the 10.5 km, of medium difficulty.
Where do you park for the Pinsapar trail?
At Las Canteras, at the start, with about fifty spaces.
Who runs it
- Horizon Naturaleza y AventuraGuided Pinsapar trail Visit their website
