Grazalema, at the highest point of the Sierra that bears the same name, is a picturesque village nestled in limestone rock, under the 'Peñón Grande' (Large Rock), which seems to caress the sky. With steep and narrow streets, white houses and reddish tiles, the village is surrounded by forests and nature and possessed of a special microclimate, boasting the highest rainfall on the Peninsula. That is why Andalusia's first Natural Park was designated here, home to the Spanish fir, a unique species, and source of the Guadalete River. 

The Romans founded the village of Lacíbula  (whose name is linked to that by which the Guadalete river used to be known: 'cibus'). With the Muslim invasion, these lands were called by various names until 'Gran Zulema' stuck, remaining unchanged until the Christian conquest, when 'Zagrazalema' became part of the lordship of Ponce de León, owner of 'Las Siete Villas'. Here centuries of history can be seen reflected in the area's monumental and architectural wealth, such as the Dolmen de la Giganta, the Medieval Causeway or the village's historic centre (declared a Historic Site), not to mention numerous churches: Our Lady of the Dawn, Our Lady of the Incarnation, San Juan, San José, and the chapels of Los Angeles and El Calvario.

The quality of its local produce is also testament to the uniqueness of this place. An example is found in the local blanket and cloth industry, which experienced a significant boom between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries in particular, during which time the municipality was home to one of the main manufacturing centres of wool products in the country. Gastronomic examples also abound: wines and spirits, cheese, cured meats or sweet treats such as cubiletes and amarguillos. 

The village is marked by its traditions and has preserved them over time. Grazalema celebrates its traditional pilgrimage in May in the Ribera de Gaidóvar, month in which it also commemorates Santa Ángela de la Cruz. It welcomes the summer with its long-awaited Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen and Lunes del Toro; at the end of August it celebrates the fair opened by the traditional torch race; and the cherry on the cake is placed by its patron saint, the Virgen de los Ángeles, honoured on 8th September. In autumn, the village revisits the year 1832, harking back to the times of bandits and remembering José María 'El Tempranillo' with a recreation of 'Sangre y Amor en la Sierra', and November sees the festive toasting of chestnuts. 

For all this it is known as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain; indeed, as the poet Aurelio Verde said, (...) Grazalema, Grazalema, like you there is no other. (…) To your silence the whole world comes looking for this haven of green and white, reflected in the Andalusian flag that is lit by your grace.