Natural parks and green spaces
Three natural parks, lakes and pastures within two hours of the capital.
Key points
- Córdoba has three natural parks: Sierra de Hornachuelos, Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro and Sierras Subbéticas.
- Hornachuelos (about 60,000 ha) is part of the Dehesas de Sierra Morena Biosphere Reserve.
- The countryside has lagoons with bird observatories, such as Zóñar and El Rincón, in Aguilar de la Frontera.
- In the capital, the Guadalquivir river, the Botanical Garden and the Alcázar gardens are the most pleasant green spaces.
Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park
About 60,000 hectares of Mediterranean woodland north-west of the capital, with holm oaks, cork oaks, deep river gorges and reservoirs such as Bembézar. It is one of the best places in Andalusia to see birds of prey: griffon and black vultures, eagles and black stork. There are marked trails and the village of Hornachuelos as a base. It forms part of the Dehesas de Sierra Morena Biosphere Reserve.
Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park
About 38,400 hectares of rolling hills, rockrose scrub and Mediterranean forest in the north-east, between Montoro, Adamuz, Villanueva de Córdoba and Cardeña. It is a park of open landscape, with hiking routes and good wildlife, and La Colmena as the high point. The best access from the capital is via Montoro or Cardeña.
Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park
In the south, a limestone massif with caves, canyons and olive groves. The Tiñosa (1,570 m) is the highest peak in the province. Zuheros, Cabra, Carcabuey, Priego, Luque and Doña Mencía are good bases for walking. The area is also a Geopark, with a highly valued geological heritage. More in the Subbética guide.
Lagoons and reservoirs
- Zóñar lagoonOne of the most important saline lagoons in southern Spain, with a bird observatory and a trail.
- El Rincón lagoonA wetland with an observatory, near Zóñar, ideal in winter and spring.
- Conde or Salobral lagoonAn important breeding site of the white-headed duck.
- Iznájar reservoirThe great lake of the south, with river beaches and water sports.
- Malpasillo and Cordobilla reservoirsWetlands near Puente Genil with waterbirds.
Dehesas and skies of Los Pedroches
The northern area is a sea of dehesa and pasture. It is a Starlight Reserve, so it offers stargazing without light pollution. Go to Los Pedroches.
Green areas of the capital
The Guadalquivir can be walked along its banks, from the Roman Bridge towards the Albolafia mill. The gardens of the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs, the Botanical Garden and the patios of the Viana Palace are shady retreats. On the outskirts, the Sierra de Córdoba offers short routes. The best season is October to May.
Countryside tips
- HeatFrom June to September it pays to start early and carry plenty of water.
- FireIn summer there are restrictions because of fire risk: check the park's rules.
- PermitsSome areas require authorisation: ask at the visitor centres.
Frequently asked questions
How many natural parks are there in Córdoba?
Three: Sierra de Hornachuelos, Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro and Sierras Subbéticas.