Deep ravines, soaring peaks, gushing waterfalls and Mediterranean Forest rule the vast views. Jaén is my home province, it takes me just under two hours drive south to the Costa del Sol but to get to the extremes of Jaén province where Cazorla´s Andalucian border touches that of Castilla La Mancha it can take me 3.5 hours drive. Stunning, wild, hairpin bends, a myriad of viewpoints and a lot of jaw dropping stopping to whip out the camera is the norm - which makes the journey time even longer. A visit to Cazorla, so close yet so far is not a day trip. Nor would a week be enough to explore and experience the 810.5 square miles of this largest protected area in Spain and the second largest in Europe which was declared a biosphere reserve in 1983 by UNESCO and since 1988 is also a Special Protection Area for migratory birds....

​Flora and Fauna in Cazorla Natural Park

This is the birthplace of southern Spain´s most famous river – the Guadalquivir which leaves Jáen province to head through the city of Cordoba and Sevilla before entering the Atlantic Ocean. A mighty river born in a verdant valley deep in this nature reserve which oozes with flora and fauna, some endemic species too.

It´s said that out of the more than 2,300 plants 360 are enemic to Cazorla. From high, dry terrain to lush watered lower ground, almost desert-likea areas to wetlands a multitude of micro climates means a huge diversity of nature rules this wonderful wilderness with 36 species of mammals, 130 birds, 21 reptiles, 12 amphibians and 11 types of fish breathing life into this hinterland.

Activities in Cazorla Natural Park

Extensive pine covered areas and towering peaks of rock dominate the views, often topped with castles and watchtowers betraying its turbulent history of the nearly 400 years of Moorish domination. Some of these peaks reach over 2,000 metres and one of these is Yelmo, meaning helmet,famous for its thermals for paragliding and hang gliding enthusiasts which flock to a yearly event.

Hunting is of course an ancient tradition here where mountain goat, deer and wild boar abound and it was designated as the Cazorla- Segura National Hunting Reserve back in 1960. If you prefer to see these animals rather than hunt them then visit the Collado de Almendral Wildlife Park but in many places and certain bars wild boar freely come out of hiding at dusk to be fed.

It goes without saying that where there´s a wealth of game the menus are full of it, definitely not the ideal place to be a vegetarian or vegan, if you´re a fan of wild boar and venison then it´s the place to be. It´s easy to dine well here.

The solar powered boat on Tranco Reservoir silently glides along and on a boat trip at dusk it´s possible to see wildlife at the water´s edge, a thrilling site amongst the undergrowth or barren earth if the reservoir is low.

Cazorla has a wealth of dark skies with only 23 towns within the whole natural park finding a spot to stargaze is easy but why not go really deep into the park to the small town of Don Domingo the first Starlight Reserve in Spain or visit the Cosmolarium in Hornos de Segura Castle.

Walking and mountain bike routes abound and on higher ground refuge huts often covered in snow in winter show the extremes of this vast natural reserve where one week or even one visit is not enough.

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