SPAINS BEAUTIFUL NATURE RESERVES

The wonderful and diverse nature of Spain, is highlighted in its 15 nature reserves, which are on the mainland and in the Balearics and Canary Islands.  Andalucia has its fair share of Nature Parks where visitors can find accommodation, local products of the area and a wide range of tourism services.

DONANA

This is one of Andalucia’s greatest nature parks where you could glimpse the illusive Iberian lynx and Imperial eagles deep in the dense forest of umbrella pines.  The marshlands are awash with flamingos and other wetland birds and the del Asperillo fossil dunes run along the coast are another attraction in the area.

SIERRA de GRAZALEMA

This nature park lies between the provinces of Malaga and Cadiz and is made up of forests of corks, Spanish Fir and holm oaks.  It is a magnet for those that love outdoor sports, where you can scale the peaks of El Reloj and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way.

SIERRA NEVADA

Situated just outside of Granada attracts skiers and snowboarders to its snow-covered peaks.  The lower slopes are covered with forests of chestnut, oak, maple and cherry trees, where badgers, foxes and wild boar roam.

SIERRA de las NIEVES

This is the closest park to Marbella, and is home to the Spanish fir tree, some in this area are over 500 years old.  The parks lower slopes are covered in cork and holm oaks.  This is an area which attracts numerous photographers and artists who love to capture the stunning landscapes and recently the popular sport of mountain biking can be seen in this area.

SIERRA de ARACENA

This park is situated just north of Seville and is a favoured place for breeding Iberian pigs.  It is also home to a wide range of native species and the area is worth exploring on horseback or hiking where you’ll encounter forested hills with pretty villages and dramatic castles.

BAHIA de CADIZ

Roman and Phoenician remains have been found here and its one of the nest spots in Spain to watch bird migration from North Africa.  The highlights of this park are the marshlands of Sancti Petri and the island of El Trocadero, both of which are protected areas.

MALAGA MOUNTAINS

This area is perfect for hiking and visitors can enjoy a wide range of different routes throughout the park before ending up at one of the nearby villages serving local dishes of the area.  Covered with forests of Aleppo pines, this is another park that is easy accessible from the Costa del Sol.

LA BRENA and MARISMAS del BARBATE

La Brena although one of the smallest parks it is remarkable for its five distinct habitats, including dunes, marshes, pine forest, cliffs and forests.  Set on the Costa del la Luz, this park stretches inland to Vejer de la Frontera.

DEL ESTRECHO

In this area you’ll catch a glimpse of dolphins, loggerhead turtles and porpoises not far from the archaeological ruins of the old Roman town of Baelo Claudia.  This park sits where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean and its beaches – particularly Bolonia and Los Lances.

Straddling the border that separates Andalucia from Castilla la Mancha, this area of great natural interest has cliffs and canyons that draw hikers who can walk through the wild pear orchards and painters that love to capture the dazzling colours during the Autumn.

SIERRA de CAZORLA

In Jaen province is Spain’s largest protected area with a biosphere that is filled with a large abundance of flora and fauna and the highest number of butterflies on the Iberian peninsula.

CABO de GATO

This coastal area is home to some of Europe’s most original geological features and volcanic rock formations.

Andalucia has an abundant of natural beauty waiting for you to explore.