THE area known as Llanos de Líbar lies between the municipalities of Montejaque, Benaoján and Cortes de la Frontera and is one of the most isolated areas of Andalucía. It is a high plain with an altitude of more than 1000 metres above sea level.

This vast area gave its name to the Cortijo de Líbar which sits almost equidistant from Montejaque and Cortes de la Frontera and a place where visitors can take some respite from the vastness and inhospitable appearance of the landscape.

A green wilderness stretching as far as the eye can see to the foot of the distant mountains that both encircle and protect it. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that this area is one of the least known sectors of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

But, whatever the reason this is a wonderful place to enjoy nature.

On the road that joins the Cortijo de Líbar to Montejaque you can see hundreds of example of the robustly slender Portuguese oaks. This grand tree, a member of the same family as the Holm and Cork oaks is a native of these mountain areas and is considered important enough to be included in the catalogue of Andalucía treasured species. In some places they grow into amazing shapes that are a delight to photographers.

The Holm oaks are also abundant in the area along with the Juniper, olives and fan palms that line the roads. The flora of the area is very diverse, which adds to the overall attractiveness of the zone with its limestone formations between which you can pick out the Martín Gil peak, the rock of Líbar and the sudden clefts that run along the line of mountains from Montejaque to Llanos de Lïbar proper. Without doubt, from a geological standpoint the “polje” or flat plains are the most interesting feature of the landscape.

Fauna

In an area so isolated and high there are a number of interesting species of animal and birds such as the Griffin Vulture and, increasingly scarce, the Egyptian Vulture. The mountain goats make their home here and many travellers through the parks see the deer that have been re-introduced in recent years.

If time allows and you would like to know Llanos de Líbar better you can explore the area from some of the surrounding village such as Benaoján,Montejaque and Cortes de la Frontera. There is also a tourist route that passes through the three villages a journey of around 25 kilometres. It is only recommended for experienced walkers as the going is quite hard in places. But you can also see the area by bicycle or by car, now that the track from Montejaque to the Cortijo de Líbar has been widened and has a good firm surface.

Around the area

The historic town of Cortes de la Frontera is well worth a stop on your journey. In the old town you can visit the Plaza de Toros, the church of Nuestra Señora del Rosarío, or the Town Hall built in the 18th century for King Carlos III.

Other points of interest are the Casa de Piedra, the chapel of Valdenbros or the area known as Cortes El Viejo (Cortes the Old) where both the Arabs and the Romans had settlements, situated at the start of the road to Llanos de Líbar.

In Montejaque you can visit the church of Santiago El Mayor, the chapel of the Virgen de la Concepción and the ancient baths, which have recently been restored.

In Benaoján you have the opportunity not only to explore the town, but to visit two of the most famous caves in Malaga province. La Pileta with its prehistoric cave paintings and the spectacular Cueva del Gato of enormous interest both geologically and historically.

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Llanos de Libar - Sur in English
Friday, 27 November 2009
THE area known as Llanos de Líbar lies between the municipalities of Montejaque, Benaoján and Cortes de la Frontera and is one of the most...

© 2010 - Secret Andalucia - Guadiaro Valley, near Ronda

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