HI, I'm wondering how the roads are to drive. In another post, someone mentioned that some the towns can be tricky to drive in due to the steep, narrow streets with sharp corners. How is it to drive into Zahara or Grazalema? Thanks in advance for any tips.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15576 posts
It's been a few years, so I don't remember Zahara specifically (don't think I went to Grazalema!) but there were only a couple of the smallest villages that were really tricky. Just go really slowly and you'll be okay. Between towns, don't drive too fast for 2 reasons. First, I found that unlike the US, the speed reduction limits on curves felt like they were the upper limit. Second, the views are great and you won't want to miss the pullouts where you can stop to enjoy them and take photos.
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
Grazamela is fine, you'll find a parking spot without having to go thru super small roads.
I remember Zahara though. Spectacular site on top but we ended up going to the parking which is at the top.
If you go on google map, write Zahara de la sierra, see it on the map, then google map parking, you'll see 2 public parkings(there might be more, I don't know).
Yes small roads... :-)
But a spectacular site.
Arriving close, you might be able to ask someone for another parking availability.
There seems to be one, here, that looks at a lower level, but with stairs to go towards the top.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4573 posts
I will start by saying I don't know the white cities, but when I was planning my Spain trip a few years ago, a RS poster shared his blog from his Spain trip. He loves corny jokes and plays on words, but he did travel this area. See what he writes: https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-nine-a-journey-to-the-pueblos-blancos/
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6503 posts
All the roads in that area are rural, two lane, in mostly good repair. The road between Zahara and Grazalema has a lot of twists and turns going over the mountain, so while it is only about 6 or 8 miles between the town, it will take you 30 minutes. The road up to the tower in Zahara is easy to navigate, although in the town itself, the road is a little narrower. That is common in many small towns throughout Spain. Other than that one road, the rest are fine. Just don’t expect to drive at 50mph. In Arcos de la Frontera, the road leading up to the overlook is very narrow but straight. Coming down, it’s just as narrow but has a couple very sharp corners. If you have a larger rental car, park in the lot at the bottom and take the tram to the top. As some stated, if there is a curve in the road sign, it could be a very sharp curve, so obey the speed limit.
Posted by
North Italy
297 posts
It depends also on the size of your car and whether you are used to driving on hilly country roads. As other people suggested, take it easy and relax. I'm not a particularly confident driver but had no problems driving in Andalucia. Both Zahara and Grazalema are small villages so its isn't really necessary to drive right into them, there is parking just on the outskirts in both cases.
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2018/10/day-33-grazalema-and-zahara-de-la-sierra.html
Posted by
4 posts
Hello...
Grazalema is easy to navigate and there is usually parking either in the main car park by the church/Statues of bulls) or further up there are two more carparks, then at the very top of the village by the campsite there are 2 more large carparks. DO NOT park in the town square even if you see other cars parked there. You will probably get a fine if you do that...
Zahara has plenty of parking at the bottom of the village or you can drive up to the very top by the entrance to the castle. (That is steep and a bit narrow.)
Getting from Zahara de la Sierra to Grazalema across the high mountain road is spectacular with lots of sharp bends and views. It is wide enough for two cars to pass easily... If you don't like heights then take the road along the lakeside (lake on your left) from Zahara and in 12 KM you will come to a right turn marked for Grazalema (10 KM) That is the low road equally as beautiful but not the stunning views that the mountain pass gives you.
The tourist website for Grazalema has some info about the white villages and driving routes here. http://turismograzalema.com/english/three-routes-for-the-white-villages-pueblos-blancos-of-the-sierra-de-grazalema/
Have a great trip!