Casa MinareteDay walk · Sierra de Grazalema
Llanos de Líbar from Montejaque
One of the most popular walks in the area: a dirt track that starts at the Montejaque sports ground and climbs to the Llanos de Líbar, a high valley between limestone ranges inside the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. It is walked out and back along the same track.
- Start
- Montejaque sports ground (polideportivo), a few minutes' walk from Casa Minarete
- Distance
- About 23 km out and back (about 11.5 km to the Llanos)
- Elevation
- About 560 m of total ascent; from about 690 m to about 1,010 m
- Time
- About 6 h 30 min to 7 h of walking, without stops
- Terrain
- Dirt track for more than 90% of the route
- Difficulty
- Demanding because of the distance; the gradient is moderate
What you will see
The track crosses a karst landscape of limestone, farmland and holm-oak woodland, with wide views over the sierra. At the end the valley opens out into a large plain ringed by mountains.
If you only want a shorter walk, turn back whenever you like: you return along the same track.
How to get to the start
In Montejaque, follow the signs for the Refugio de Líbar along Avenida de Europa, a narrow concrete street. After about 350 metres the track turns sharply right towards the Llanos de Líbar. The sports ground is at that edge of the village.
You can walk there from Casa Minarete: no car needed.
Birds
The Llanos de Líbar are also a good birdwatching spot. Species recorded include Egyptian vulture, griffon vulture, short-toed snake eagle, Bonelli's eagle and blue rock thrush. In winter, alpine accentor and ring ouzel turn up. Spring and autumn are the best seasons.
Tips
Start early and carry water and food for the whole day: there are no fountains or bars along the way.
In summer avoid the hottest hours; at that time of year vehicles are also banned from the track because of fire risk.
Wear hiking boots and bring a warm layer: it is cooler up on the plain than in the village.
Stay at Casa Minarete
Village holiday home in the centre of Montejaque, with a roof terrace and 360º views. Sleeps 5, from €140 per night, cleaning included.
Sources: Iso-maps: Los Llanos de Líbar · Birdingplaces: Llanos de Líbar · distance and ascent calculated with Komoot. Check the state of the track, rules and access before your visit, as they can change.