El Bosque is considered the gateway to the Parc Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema. Covering more than 200 square miles, Parc Natural is a tremendous tourist attraction. Many easy walking paths are available, but there are rugged paths for avid hikers. El Bosque houses Parc Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema’s large visitor centre.

 

With splendid trout fishing (a permit is necessary) and hang gliding as two of the area’s remaining attractions, El Bosque is not high on travellers’ lists usually. The area is attractive, however, and nature lovers will not want to miss this area.

Founded by the Duke of Arcos, El Bosque (then named Los Baños del Duque) had the Palace of Marchenilla built. The palace no longer exists, but the area changed hands a couple times. In the 1700s, the village was renamed but the current Duke and Duchess who held Santa Maria de Guadalupe in high esteem. The village became known as Santa Maria de Guadalupe de el Bosque. The village remained quiet for a century until the War of Independence.

 

In 1815, the current king shortened the village’s name to El Bosque and declared it a town rather than a village. This is unusual given the fact that the town’s population has never exceeded 2,000 residents.

Brave tourists can head to the edge of El Bosque for an experience that will astound them. Hang gliding adventures run daily off the side of Sierra de Albarracin. 

 

Rio Majeceite is home to many trout. You do need to get a fishing permit, but the trout fishing is amazing. Rio Majeceite holds the honour of being the furthest river in Southern Europe that is populated by trout.

 

The Parc Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema offers many hiking trails and nature sightings. Some areas of the park are protected, but the local visitors centre can offer guided tours of the protected areas.

 

The 18th century Church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and Hermita del Calvario are attractive buildings that are two of the area’s biggest tourist attractions. There is not much to see in the town of El Bosque outside of the Parc Natural, but the churches are a nice place to sit and relax or pray.

 

Molino del Duque is an 18th century mill that is an interesting site. The 18th century architecture is appealing and shows a good deal of the area’s industrial history.

El Bosque’s main industry is tourism. The town houses the Parc Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema’s tourist centre. This connection makes the Parc Natural the area’s largest moneymaker. This draws tourists in bringing much needed revenue.   An alternate to booking a hotel in El Bosque is renting a house during your stay. This act can save large amounts of money because you will have a kitchen in which to cook some of your meals. The other options are the area’s campgrounds or youth hostels. Though rustic compared to hotels, camping offers affordable campsites and youth hostels offer shared accommodation for a low fee.

Trout fishing in the area is among Spain’s best. For that reason, area restaurants offer up incredible trout dishes. The area’s other specialty is delicately smoked ham.

 

There are a few restaurants scattered in the small town. Due to the lack of competition, you will discover that restaurants are laid back. The chefs worry only about creating an affordable menu with delicious food. 

 

One local favourite dish is a whole trout, cleaned and dressed, and then baked with a slice of the locally made ham. This is gastronomy of El Bosque at its best.

While there are a couple area bars, El Bosque is not known for offering an active nightlife. Travellers looking for dance clubs will need to go to neighbouring towns.

 

El Bosque is a great choice for the active outdoorsman or outdoorswoman. There are many outdoor activities to be experienced from hiking to bird watching or fishing to hang gliding. El Bosque is not for the sun loving, beachgoer. It is, however, for the more adventurous.

 

In El Bosque, rows of whitewashed buildings offer unforgettable picture taking experiences. The ancient buildings and narrow, winding roads take you back in time.