El Bosque White Village

El Bosque White Village

El Bosque a typical rural White Village with a population just over 2000 inhabitants famous for its culture, Fishing, and Hand gliding. El Bosque is considered to be the gateway to this immense nature reserve, covering 53,500 hectares (207 square miles). You can obtain a walking permit and information on walking routes at the park’s visitor’s centre, which is based in the town of El Bosque.

Apart from the natural, unspoiled routes through the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, the area is also popular amongst those who enjoy hunting and fishing. The town is proud of its excellent trout farm (the most southern fish farm in Europe), which is an interesting visit to add to your agenda while in the area. Cold meats and fresh trout are the gastronomic specialties well worth sampling in el Bosque.

The picturesque village, with its narrow winding streets, was founded by the Duke of Arcos, when it was named Los Baños del Duque. It was later called Marchenilla and then at the end of th18th Century the village was renamed Santa Maria de Guadalupe de El Bosque, due to the great devotion of the Duke and Duchess to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Due to heroic efforts during the War of Independence, Fernándo VII proclaimed the village a Town in 1815. Although classified as a Town rather than a village, there is still only a population of around 1,800.