Would you like to explore one of the most beautiful landscapes in southern Spain in a sustainable way that’s respectful towards ecosystems? In Andalusia, you’ll find several protected natural spaces where you can do all sorts of different activities, either on your own, or through certified companies with a firm commitment to sustainability.These four examples apply the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Natural Areas (CETS): a EUROPARC initiative that promotes environmentally responsible tourism.A different kind of tourism is possible!
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Sierras Subbéticas Nature Reserve
This natural spot can be found in the south of the province of Córdoba and covers around 32,000 hectares. There, you’ll be able to explore different municipalities, such as Cabra, Carcabuey, Doña Mencía, Iznájar, Priego de Córdoba, Rute, Luque and Zuheros. One of the things that makes the reserve so distinctive are the stunning limestone ‘karst’ formations. One of the main activities at the park, which was declared a protected natural space in 1988, is hiking. There is a wide variety of trails, classified by difficulty:Easy: Fuente de Jarcas route (village of Cabra), Pinar de Rute route (an hour-long route near the village of Rute), or Sierra del Caballo route (in Almedinilla).Moderately difficult: Sendero de las Buitreras (a five-hour long trail in the Carcabuey area), Sendero Pico Abrevia (15 km long, in Doña Mencía) or Sendero de la Tiñosa (this starts at Cortijo de las Chozas, and authorisation from the Department of Environment is required).Very difficult: Sendero Sierra de Horconera (one for the most intrepid of hikers, this route begins in Priego, ends in Rute, and takes approximately eight hours to complete) or Sendero de la Ermita (in Cabra). Apart from the hiking routes, you’ll be able to visit the Jardín Micológico La Trufa, a botanical garden/ museum complex located in Zagrilla that covers an area of 14,000 m2 where you’ll discover a range of different plant formations. Similarly, the Santa Rita Visitor Centre offers guided tours to find out more about the native flora and fauna. What’s more, in this nature reserve there are areas set aside for multi-adventure activities for children (prior reservation required).
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Doñana National Park
If what you’re looking for is one of the largest groups of ecosystems in Spain, then this park is the best option for your next trip. It has more than 54,000 hectares and spreads across Huelva and Seville. There you’ll find beaches, dunes, wetlands, preserves, and a biodiversity that’s unique on the European continent. It’s a place where each year, dozens of European and African species of birds come to breed or to spend the winter months.Birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are all to be found in this park, which is an absolute must for lovers of sustainable tourism. The Iberian lynx, the imperial eagle and the Greek tortoise are three of the protected species in danger of extinction that can be seen in Doñana. There are a thousand ways to enjoy this park. You might like to sign up for a bird photography session with an expert guide who’ll explain all you need to know about the various species, for example. The park offers lots of opportunities for immersing yourself in the natural world; organised group tours, private visits, or perhaps have a go at horseback riding combined with an off-road trip in a 4 x 4. Looking for more options? Try one of the cycling routes, or jump on board the Barco Real Fernando riverboat, which sails down the Guadalquivir from Sanlúcar to the ancient settlement of La Plancha.
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Sierra Nevada National Park
It spreads across the southeast of Granada, to the west of Almería, where you can find the highest peak in the Iberian peninsula, the Mulhacén, with an altitude of 3,479 metres. It’s becoming ever more popular as a winter sports tourist destination, as here you’ll find the famous Sierra Nevada ski resort - the most southerly in Europe - located just over an hour’s drive away from the beach! You can choose to spend a few quiet days skiing or join some of the adrenaline-filled activities: ski jumps on a specially designed cushion, timed races, circuits with linked obstacles, high-speed descents, etc. If you’re not a fan of winter sports, then discover the other side of the Sierra Nevada with its more than 450 km of signposted hiking routes, and discover the park’s rich biodiversity. One option would be to start off at the El Dornajo Visitor Centre, where you’ll find out all about the secrets of this natural space. The viewpoint is great for snapping some truly spectacular photos, and nearby you’ll find the Hoya de Pedraza Botanical Gardens, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the flora of Granada first hand - not to be missed.Or you could go horseback riding through the white villages of La Alpujarra, or in summer take a minibus tour with a guide who’ll tell you all about the soaring peaks of the area around you.
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Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Nature Reserve
This natural space that extends over an area of more than 200,000 hectares is located in the province of Jaén. You can do all sorts of activities, and there are lots of ways for the whole family to enjoy the natural world while respecting the ecosystem. These are just some of them:Hiking routes. Like the Mimbre Mine trail where you will discover a 17th century mine, the Greenways (like the Segura) that use old railway tracks to trace the circuit or one of the most beautiful trails in Spain: the River Borosa route.Sports and adventures for the family. Bicycle tourism (there are various cycle routes where you can lose yourself in the natural world such as the Campos de Hernán or the Mirabuenos), off-road trips (you’ll discover some wonderful places, like the Valdeazores lake), water sports (kayaking and rafting on the River Guadalquivir or on the El Tranco reservoir), aerial sports (the views of the park you’ll have thanks to activities organised by aerodromes such as La Garza and Las Infantas are breathtaking), and rock climbing (outings to the peaks and slopes of the mountains ranging from easy to extremely challenging).Astrotourism. Lying beneath an infinity of sky and observing the stars, constellations and planets in the Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Nature Reserve is a unique experience. If stargazing is your thing, you’ll find various astronomical observation points in Jaén.
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