Hotels in Zahara de la Sierra

The village below the castle

Zahara’s old town clings to the hillside, with white houses climbing up to the old Nasrid fortress. On the main square stand Santa María de Mesa and the clock tower, and many balconies look out over the reservoir. The rural cottages and small guesthouses in the old town have the advantage of views and silent nights.

The slopes are steep and the car is best left in the parking areas at the entrance to the village. Travel light if you can.

Best-rated in this area: Hotel Tugasa Arco de la Villa, with a score of 8.9 from 1,381 reviews.

By the reservoir

At the foot of the village, the reservoir has a summer recreation area, Arroyomolinos, where you can swim or hire a canoe. Around it are farmhouses and country houses with pools and outdoor space. It is the area families like best, as do those arriving by car who want to park at the door. It is also convenient for an early start to the Garganta Verde, which is walked with a natural park permit.

Algodonales

Algodonales is very close, to the north, and is a larger, flatter town with shops, bars and everyday services. The Sierra de Líjar behind it is a well-known paragliding spot. It works as a base if you are touring the Cádiz mountains by car and prefer streets without slopes. Easy roads also lead from here to Olvera and Setenil de las Bodegas.

El Gastor

On the other side of the reservoir, El Gastor is another hilltop white village with sweeping mountain views. The Giant’s dolmen is nearby. It is a quiet alternative when Zahara’s old town is full, and well placed for continuing to Ronda.