Cortes de la Frontera is a town in the inland Malaga surrounded by a spectacular landscape. In its territory converge two natural paradises that make it an ideal place to enjoy the environment and practice adventure sports. But also to discover traditions, such as the extraction of the cork.
Arriving by train at the beautiful Cortes station, built in 1892 by the British company The Algeciras-Gibraltar Railway, or visiting the largest cork oak forest in Spain, are some possibilities that you have at your fingertips. And of course, you can also go horseback riding through beautiful places or enjoy the mountain cuisine. If you are looking for stronger emotions, you can practice caving in the Sierra de Grazalema or climbing in the Canyon de las Buitreras.
A walk among cork oaks
The municipal area of Cortes de la Frontera extends to the Natural Park Los Alcornocales, famous among trekking lovers and the mushrooms pickers. Refuge of animals like the griffon vulture or the owl, this protected space surprises for the diversity of its flora and the contrast of its landscapes.
A dozen trails run through the entire environmental spot in which the recreational area of La Sauceda is also located. From here, there is a route that runs through forests of quejigos, cork oaks and rocks until reaching the Aljibe Peak, where you will get the best panoramic views of the area.
Adventure in the middle of nature
The other ecological paradise that Cortes de la Frontera overlooks is the Natural Park of the Sierra de Grazalema. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco, it has a rich vegetation, a varied fauna and a set of caves, grottos and subterranean labyrinths ideal for caving, such as Cueva del Gato and Garganta del Hundidero.
If you prefer the canyoning, near the Natural Park Los Alcornocales you will find a spectacular gorge on the Guadiaro river with more than one hundred meters of depth. It is the Canyon of the Buitreras, habitat of an important colony of griffon vultures. Crossing the Puente de los Alemanes and descending the gorge is an indescribable experience.
Culture and gastronomy
In Cortes de la Frontera you can also visit the second largest bullring of the Serrania de Ronda, the Casa de Piedra of early Christian origin and some 18th century buildings, such as the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario or the Council Hall.
And to make the best of your visit, besides good memories, nothing better than tasting the local cuisine. The traditional recipe includes such delicious suggestions as the deer in sauce, lamb of the area or the “migas” (a very popular specialty based on bread fried with garlic, cold meats and fried vegetables).
