Zahara de la Sierra is one of the most beautiful white villages in Spain. Sitting majestically above the turquoise-blue reservoir, on the mountainside. It truly is a wonder.
A special place
As soon as you catch your first glimpse of Zahara sitting upon the mountainside, you are blown away. It is not without reason that the picturesque mountain village is one of the most popular photo opportunities in the province of Cadiz, if not all of Andalusia. With its castle perched atop the mountain and the whitewashed houses scattered beneath it, it is really a very special place.
The main square is an attraction unto itself. There are small tapas bars, souvenir shops and boutiques offering regional products. The impressive church is reminiscent of Andalusia’s Moorish history. From here you also have a fantastic view of the reservoir and the surrounding landscape.
Zahara de la Sierra is a cozy village that has kept its charm despite the constantly growing tourism. The old ladies gather in the shaded streets to water their plants and have a little chat, the police duck into the bakery to catch up on the latest gossip and shopkeepers simply close up for a few minutes to run an errand. It feels a bit like time has stopped still.
View from the Zahara castle
But it gets a whole lot livelier in preparation for traditional festivities. Whether Corpus Christi, Carnival or Feria, these celebrations are well known across Spain and attract many visitors. The whole village takes part, decorating house facades and turning everything upside down for a few days.
The area around Zahara de la Sierra
After a visit to this dreamy village, you may find yourself wanting to see more. The reservoir offers many opportunities to undertake all kinds of water sports. For example, rent a kayak and admire Zahara from a completely different perspective.
The Arroyomolinos recreation area, also known as “La Playita,” is also worth a visit in the summer months. Spanish families throng here looking for somewhere to cool off on hot days. The lake is also suitable for water sports and is a great playground for old and young: cable car rides, a high rope course and pedal boat rentals are just a few of the activities offered here.
Anyone staying at Finca Vegana should absolutely pay a visit to Zahara de la Sierra. Narrow streets, flower-covered balconies and a typical Spanish ambience are definitely worth the trip. In about an hour you can reach the village by foot from the Finca. Once in the town centre, you can continue on up the steep climb to the old castle and be rewarded by a spectacular view.