For mountain and geology enthusiasts the Sierras Subbéticas have a great deal to offer. This limestone area has a succession of
peaks, crags, ravines and a host of karst formations, all dotted with
vegetation dominated by extensive olive groves and some endemic species.
Water plays a vital role in this environment. There are many springs
such as Zambra which go on to form streams to sweeten the landscape.
Rivers mould the rock forming deep canyons such as the one at El Bailón.
Traditional art has transformed some of these springs, with decorative
fountains that supply the local population such as Fuente del Río, in
Cabra, and the impressive Fuente del Rey in Priego, which has more than
one hundred spouts.
 |
| Fuente del Rey, Priego de Córdoba, photo Antonio Sepulveda |
Strolling on its tracks and trails you will skirt around complicated
karst terrain such as Lapiaz de los Lanchares, a trail which then heads
up towards Picacho de la Virgen de la Sierra, the site of a traditional
pilgrimage. Here there is a wonderful viewpoint where you can look out
over Poljé de la Nava and, on a clear day, you can see as far as the
peaks of Sierra Nevada.
Mountain walkers and climbers can get up to La Tiñosa, the highest
peak in the province of Cordoba, with views of a beautiful landscape
dotted with villages. The rock is grey and ochre and contrasts with the
green of the vegetation. This includes holm oaks and scrub with mastic
and kermes oak, which in turn give way to hawthorn, purple phlomis and
peony in sunny areas.
 |
| Santa Rita Visitor Centre, on the A339 between Cabra and Priego de Córdoba |
At the botanical trail at the Santa Rita Visitor
Centre you can see examples of the 1,200+ species of flora present in
the Nature Park.
Visitors to this region will be surprised by the many caves to be
found. Special mention should be made of Cabra Cave, ideal for
speleology, and of course its most famous cave, Los Murciélagos, a
designated Natural Monument. This archaeological gem is home to numerous
species of the unusual mammal that gives it its name ("murciélago" =
bat), as well as Neolithic remains - this is a major Neolithic site in
Andalusia. This region has a long tradition and history, and there are
vestiges here dating back from the Palaeolithic period, the Bronze Age
and even Iberian statues. Its Roman remains include a milestone,
considered to be the world's earliest road sign.
FaunaEspecially outstanding amongst the wildlife are mammals such as the
wild cat, wild boar, common fox, European hedgehog, and most unusual the
'Cabrera shrew', which, in this area is to be found in one of the most
southerly locations of the continent.
Birds have a strong
presence with the black wheatear, the cuckoo, the red partridge, the
Lapland
 |
| Peregrine Falcon |
bunting, and on the flower-covered limestone rocks the royal
eagle, the black vulture the short-toed eagle as well as the peregrine
falcon are notable, the latter is the emblem of the Natural Park of the
Subbetica Mountains. Other birds of prey are the common kestrel, the
royal eagle owl, the owl, and the common little owl.
A walk around the maze of narrow white streets in Zuheros, with its
castle and viewpoints, is a good way to discover its important Moorish
history. Here you can also see baroque art in the churches and squares
of the region's towns and villages. You can sample the exquisite local
gastronomy, washed down with regional wines and the internationally
renowned anisette from Rute.
 |
| Mapa Subbética |
More information about the Sierra Subbetica Natural Park you can find:
On the website:
La Subbetica
On the website of the
Junta de Andalucia
Houses near the Sierra Subbetica Natural Park:
Casa Zagrilla in Zagrilla Alta :
In English, in French, in German and
in Dutch
Casas Castil in Castil de Campos:
In English,
in French,
in German and
in Dutch
Other articles about Natural & National Parks in Andalucia
See
Cabo de Gata Natural Park,
Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park,
Sierra Nevada National Park
