Zahara de la Sierra : Michelin's recommendations

Formerly known as “Zahara de los Membrillos”, this village owes its renown to its importance as a fruit producing centre (membrillo means quince). Strategically located on a hilltop, it also played an important role in the Nasrid network of defences. Below it extends a green valley in which lies the artificial Lake Zahara (fine view from the top of the 12C castle). In the archetypal whitewashed village square is the 18C Baroque Church of Santa María de Mesa.