Grazalema's historic flour mill is back in business.

Grazalema is known for being one of the wettest areas in Spain, and one of the most popular walking destinations here in Andalucia. Frequented by Spaniards and foreigners alike the picturesque village is the gateway to a Pinsapo reserve, a Spanish Fir, that has survived evolutionary changes since the tertiary period.

Since the 17th century Grazalema became famous for its textiles, making blankets and woolen clothing. Below the village the valley known as “La Ribera” was an area with many water powered mills processing wool for the textile industry. There were also other water powered mills that ground wheat and the other main crop of the area Olives for Olive oil. However since the onset of the industrial revolution many of these mills were abandoned and left in ruins. The good news is that one of these mills has been lovingly restored and installed in the Tourist Information Centre of Grazalema and is now back at work milling wheat that is now being used by the local bakers to produce a true stoneground, wholewheat bread. The flour can also be bought directly from the Tourist Centre and makes great bread. Clive and Sue Muir, an English couple that run the centre and are responsible for getting the project off the ground believe wholeheartedly that local is best, and aim to produce flour for the entire surrounding area, using locally grown wheat, cutting down on transport costs and therefore making the whole process more sustainable. So if you are interested in seeing how a traditional mill works you can actually see it in action at the Tourist Centre, and go home with a bag of wonderful stoneground flour for only 1.25euros a kilo.

Zahara de la Sierra-magical white village by the lake

Right now its raining heavily here in Ronda and its difficult to imagine that next week it could be hot enough to have a beautiful country walk by the lake, but its something Id love to do as soon as the weather picks up again. Zahara de la Sierra is just a short drive from the mountain town of Ronda on the A374 which heads on towards Sevilla. Taking in the breathtaking scenery that is synonymous with this area, you pass the small villages of Monte Corto and then El Gastor on the right and then theres a left hand turn, that crosses a bridge- sign posted Grazalema- that takes you to on to Zahara de la Sierra skirting the man made lake that you see in the picture. Its definately the more scenic way to reach the village but you could keep going towards Algondonales and then there is another left hand turn towards the village. Zahara de la Sierra was an important Moorish outpost using its strategic position in the first line of defense against the Christians, for the towns of Ronda to the south and Seville to the north west. The remains of this moorish castle can be explored after a picturesque walk through the orange lined streets of this lovely white village and theres also a little museum that outlines the history of the fortress. Once at the top of the fortress which is quite a climb the views are stunning. In the central square there are various restaurants, bars and some hotels but the best place to stay if you want something extra special is the fabulously run Al Lago which apart from being an innovative restaurant is also a chic boutique hotel. Owners Stefan and Mona Crites also organise various themed weekends like next weekends Flamenco show or Indian inspired weekend menus but its best to check the website for dates and availability. Theres also a delicious menu del dia during the week for only 12 euros and I would happily recommend it to anyone who wants really good fresh food that delights the taste buds and leaves you feeling satisfied if youve got a healthy appetite like me- especially if youve been walking in the sierras of the Grazalema Natural Park.