Zahara de la Sierra is in Cadiz Province in Andalucia. It is a small white village of 1,400 people (2018) that sits picturesquely on a mountain cone on the northern edge of the Sierra del Jaral. A reservoir, the Embalse de Zahara, spreads out at its feet. Behind the village, the Sierra de Jaral rises to an altitude of 1,300 m. Zahara de la Sierra is presumably a Roman foundation.
The meaning of the name of the village is controversial. It is translated with citrus blossom "azahar", the female first name "Al Zahara" or with the brilliant.
In Moorish times, the place was more important because of its strategically important location and was a respected city. The village was revitalized by the Moors in the 8th century and fortified by a castle in the 12th century. In 1483 the Catholic kings conquered the town and cleared the way for further reconquests in Andalusia.
It can be reached by bus from Ronda.
The nearest airports are Jerez de la Frontera, Malaga or Seville.
From Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz or Arcos de la Frontera you can get to Zahara de la Sierra on the A382 in the direction of Antequera. From Seville you use the A376 to Ronda. Zahara de la Sierra is not on the main road, but coming from the west you can see the white village with the castle ruins on the right and you can then take a junction to get there.
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division