MONTEJAQUE, .lies inside the Serrania de Ronda and forms part of the “Sierra de Grazalema” Natural Park. The village and its surrounding area, combined with the Sierra de Libar and the Guardiaro river, comprise one of the most unusual and beautiful karstic limestone zones in the whole region.

By now, archeological remains in sufficient quantities and importance have been recovered to enable us to understand the role played by the valley of the river Guadiaro as the natural thoroughfare linking the interior and the coast in the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Ages, a role that it continues to play to this day (“Cueva de la Pileta”, “Llano de Mures”, “Punta de Flecha de Montejaque, dolmens of Libar, etc.).

Apart from the Iberians and Romans, Arabic influence has made a deeper impression on the character of the area.  The old part of the village is of Nazarí origin, preserved to the present day, is a great tourist attraction with its narrow winding streets, whitewashed walls, which take us to the highest part of the village from where there is a beautiful panoramic view.  Visitors can also visit the Church of St James (16th century), the Information Point for the “Sierra de Grazalema” Natural Park and the Exhibition and Learning Centre for Speleology.  A little further afield, but within walking distance, you can find the Cueva del Gato (Cave of the Cat), the Puente de la Dehesa, the Llanos de Líbar or the Shrine of La Escarihuela.

The place name means “Lost Mountain” (Montejaque). In 1485, before the fall of Granada, it was part of the kingdom of the Catholic Kings.

  The topography of the district and the area about is very rugged, lying between the Guadares and Guadiaro rivers. The Sierras of La Palo, Juan Diego, Montelate and Libar reach these heights above sea level – el Palo, 1400m; el Ventana, 1298m; el Hacho, 1071m; el Mures, 871m. The peaks and valleys, the passes between them , and the distinct sierras which  make up the massif are ideal for any walker.

The flora, the fauna, the whole biodiversity, fascinates us at every turn, depending on the season of the year. Its vegetation is typical of indigenous Mediterranean woodland with an abundance of holm oak, cork oak, gall oak and carob trees. Near the rivers there are typical riverside woodlands with ash, black poplars, willows and elms. The most important fauna are deer, mountain goats, mongoose, genets, foxes etc. and also the birds, tawny vultures, larks, partridge, robins, nightingales, and other species.

       Montejaque, with its accessible tourist infrastructure, has hotels, guest houses, a refugio, inns, restored farmhouses, and houses to rent where one can enjoy the special nature of rural tourism.

      In other ways we are surrounded by many tourist attractions: from the Cueva de la Pileta to the Roman town of Acinipo; from the Torre Xexima to the medieval bridge of La Dehesa; from the town of Ronda to the towns of Grazalema or Setenil de las Bodegas.

                In the cave of La Pileta there is an example of one of the most important cave-paintings of the Iberian Peninsula. The cave-painting, important because it dates from the Paleolithic or Neolithic period, was found among the debris of pottery and bones. This important site is near the road connecting the interior of the country with the sea.

             The footpaths which cross the district are most interesting. La Sierra de Libar enchants us with scenes of unforgettable beauty. Valleys or dales of Karstic landscape, between the mountains, joined by passes such as Pozuelo, Libar, Zurraque, Burfo, Culantro, Jarastepa etc in the area of Montejaque, are unforgettable for the keen walker. The walk by the Guadiaro river from Benaojan to Jimera de Libar is also memorable.

        The welcome from the people is warm and friendly, and like the countryside, enchants the visitor.

        In the area there are restaurants, inns, cafes and bars where one can sample the rich rustic gastronomy, particularly pork and pork products. You can enjoy and also buy many sorts of these products.

        The   work of different artisans in the area, in rush-weaving and natural cork, is also valuable. In the same way, the names of the many pig-meat co-operatives and small industries (in Montejaque and Benaojan) are a guarantee of quality and price. An example is the “Al-jaque” co-operative - in Montejaque – making preserves, honey with dried fruit, fruit liqueurs, and the range of their local products manufactured with such care, with the guarantee of their name…….

HOMEPAGE