With 209.920 hectares, “Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas” Natural Park is the biggest protected area in Spain. It impresses the visitor by its steep relief of medium and high mountain, which includes among the 500 meters of altitude up to 2100 meters above sea level. This, together with its particular geographical situation and bioclimatic variety, make this Nature Park as one of those with more biodiversity in Europe.
Water is another principal element of this natural space. In addition to be the place where two of the most important rivers in the South of Spain have their birth (Guadalquivir and Segura), these mountains have a large hydrographic network, waterfalls, creeks, springs, etc.
Among the major environmental values, we can highlight:
- Supported in a rugged mountainous terrain with strong contrasts and varied vegetation with beautiful colour combinations in different seasons. High mountain landscapes can be found, along with other sub-barren.
- Geological formations. These mountains of limestone nature have a large number of caves, potholes, waterfalls, thrusting, folds and a significant karst relief.
- One of the richest in the Mediterranean Sea basin. There are over 2200 listed vascular species of which 174 are rare and with scarce and/or relic presence and 35 are local endemics. Especially beautiful are the orchids, narcissus and emblematic Cazorla violet (Viola cazorlensis).
- Wooded formations. Another major attraction of the area because of its number, variety and uniqueness. Pine, Holm oak, Portuguese oak, Maple oak, Hazel, Juniper, steppes, esparto, etc.
- Rich and varied with about 130 species of birds, among it can be highlighted the bearded vulture, also known as lammergeyer (Gypaetus barbatus), the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) or the Dupont’s lark (Chersophilus duponti); large mammals as the Iberian wild goat (Capra pyrenaica); many endemic species of insects; reptiles like the Valverde’s lizard (Algyroides marchi), another endemic species of the Natural Park.
- Historical, Artistic and Cultural Heritage. Given the breadth of the territory, it is possible to find in the area an extraordinary archaeological and ethnographic heritage. There are many archaeological sites such as rock art caves declared patrimony of humanity, roman villas, arab castles, iberian remains, etc. The villages of Cazorla, La Iruela, Quesada, Hornos and Segura de la Sierra have extraordinary and historical archaeological remains. In addition, there are also numerous villages, farmhouses and windmills, which tell us how the life in the mountain is.
- Gastronomy. Extra virgin olive oil and “segureña” breed lamb are its star ingredients.
Kind of area
Natural Park, Biosphere Reserve, Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Community Importance (SCI)
Commitment to sustainable tourism
European Charter of Sustainable Tourism and ISO 14001 Certification For Management And Public Use.
Location
Jaen. Andalusia
Contact and Information
Oficina del Parque Natural.
Postal Address: Calle Martínez Falero, 11. Cazorla
Phone number: 0034 953 72 01 25 / 0034 953 71 15 34
Web: www.sierrasdecazorlaseguraylasvillas.es y www.juntadeandalucia.es