Parque Natural Sierra de Hornachuelos

In the west of the province of Córdoba lies Parque Natural Sierra de hornachuelos, which is one of the most important green areas of Córdoba

It is part of the Sierra Morena Mountains, the vast 400,000 ha Unesco Biosphere Reserve and the Natural Parks of the adjacent Parque Natural Sierra Norte de Sevilla (Province of Seville) and the Sierra de Aracena and Natural Park Picos de Aroche (Huelva).

Parque Natural Sierra de Hornachuelos

The territory extends over 60,032 ha of which 95% of the region is forested, mainly with cork and holm oak dehesas (areas of mixed forest and grassland).

It is home to one of the best-preserved Mediterranean forests and ecosystem banks in the Sierra Morena. With an abundance of big animals (deer and deer), the park has a long tradition as a game reserve.

Monasterio Santa María de Los Ángeles

A monastery built in 1489 (10 km northeast of Hornachuelos, and accessible via the Bembézar hiking trail, see below) is worth a visit for its dramatic position on the steep slope overlooking the Bembézar River.

The beauty of this landscape attracted saints, those seeking tranquillity and inspired romantic kings and poets. You can find one of the best descriptions of the scenery in the famous work of the Duke of Rivas, “Don Álvaro y la Fuerza del Sino.”

Fauna – largest colonies of Andalusian vultures

In addition to beautiful scenery, Parque Natural Sierra de Hornachuelos has many birds of prey. It includes golden, eagles, buzzards, kestrels and hawks.

It has one of the largest colonies of Andalusian vultures, with about 100 pairs, and one of the significant black vulture populations of the Sierra’s Morena, with 50 pairs.

The park’s three reservoirs – Bembézar, Breña and Retortillo – are popular with numerous large cormorants in winter. Other more shy animals you can see include the otter, the Egyptian mongoose, the deer, and the boar.

Almodóvar del Río – one of the most beautiful castles in Andalusia

On the highest hill is one of the most beautiful villas in Andalusia. You can already see the contours of the castle from far and wide and dominate the village and the surrounding area

You reach the castle via a narrow winding road. The place Almodóvar, ‘the round’, is a reference to the hill on which the castle is built.

Originally a Roman fortress, the castle became imperative under the rule of the emirate of Córdoba. Pedro de I later rearmed the fort to preserve his treasures. According to tradition, sent over a huge black spider from Africa to deter intruders.

Centuries later, the castle became the property of the Order of Santiago.

The castle in its current form dates from the 20th century after a thorough renovation of 36 years.

The castle has nine towers, the onion-shaped of which have a beautiful view of the river.

The central tower has three floors, the top one in Mudejar style. The ground floor was used as a prison for centuries.

Hiking

If you are into hiking, Parque Natural Sierra de Hornachuelos is a great place to visit.

You can find many, many trails varying in different distances. You can find some of the best of these at alltrails.com.

When is the best time to visit Sierra de Hornachuelos?

The best time to visit the park is during autumn or spring. This is when the weather is at its best. The cold weather in winter and the heat in summer prevent you from experiencing the park to the fullest.

Where is the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park Visitor Center?

The visitor centre is called the Huerta de Rey and is located in Hornachuelos. This is an excellent way to learn more about the park and the animals that live there. The visitor centre also has many interesting facts and information about this park. You might find it interesting to visit it.
One of the most interesting things is the simulation of a night walk in the park. This gives you the chance to experience the beautiful contrast of opposites between day and night, such as the animals that are active during the day and those that are active at night. If you have never been there, this is an excellent way to see what the park is all about.

Are there campings in Parque Natural Sierra de Hornachuelos?

Yes, Parque Natural Sierra de Hornachuelos hosts many campings in and nearby the park. Make sure to check this website first. Or else, a quick search on google will give you many results instantly.

Why should I visit Parque Natural Sierra de Hornachuelos?

To appreciate the landscapes

The Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park is house many types of pets, consisting of red deer.
Make certain to load your field glasses before laying out for Hornachuelos because the park’s lavish woodlands, as well as valleys, are house to among southerly Spain’s biggest populaces of black vultures, along with griffon vultures, gold, royal as well as Bonelli’s eagles, red kites and also black storks.

The predators can commonly be seen moving over the park’s woodlands as well as bushes, tracking prey concealed in the copse much below. Hornachuelos’s non-winged populace makes up of otters, bats, wildcats, Egyptian mongoose, boars as well as deer.

Stunning Mediterranean woodlands border the rivers of the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park.
The Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park makes up one-third of the UNESCO-designated Dehesas de la Sierra Morena Biosphere Book, along with the Sierra Norte in Seville and also Huelva’s Aracena y Picos de Aroche. Many of the parks consist of valley woodlands bordering its 3 rivers: the Guadiato, Bembézar as well as Retortillo.

To go walking

Trekking is the finest means to saturate up the park’s all-natural charm. Both begin from the Huerta del Rey Visitors’ Centre outside the town of Hornachuelos (look out for La Paloma, a 14th-century watermill, on the Guadalora stroll).

Easy to get to from the city

The most effective means to access the park is by automobile; it’s an incredible 50-minute drive west from Córdoba to the town of Hornachuelos, where a few of the trekking routes begin. The roadway that introduces the town, the A-3151, proceeds north for the size of the park, with numerous smaller-sized carreteras (freeways) leading off it in the centre. If you do not have access to a vehicle, San Sebastián buses run a solution in between Córdoba and also Hornachuelos 4 times a day.

Hornachuelos is an excellent base where to check out the all-natural park.

The biggest and also ideal for holiday accommodation alternatives is Hornachuelos itself, which rests on the southeastern edge of the park, 62km (39mi) west of Córdoba. Various other advised pueblos consist of the small San Calixto, where you can purchase stunning artefacts made by religious women from the Carmelitas Descalzas convent; Las Navas de la Concepción, placed right in the centre of the park and also bordered by hills and also woodlands; and also San Nicolás del Puerto, an enchanting waterfront pueblo on Hornachuelos’s boundary with the Sierra Norte.

The Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park makes up one-third of the UNESCO-designated Dehesas de la Sierra Morena Biosphere Get, along with the Sierra Norte in Seville and also Huelva’s Aracena y Picos de Aroche. Be certain to load your field glasses before establishing out for Hornachuelos because the park’s lavish woodlands and also valleys are residence to one of southerly Spain’s biggest populaces of black marauders, as well as griffon marauders, gold, royal as well as Bonelli’s eagles, red kites as well as black storks.

The biggest and also ideal for lodging alternatives is Hornachuelos itself, which rests on the southeastern edge of the park, 62km (39mi) west of Córdoba. Various other suggested pueblos consist of the small San Calixto, where you can get stunning artefacts made by religious women from the Carmelitas Descalzas convent.

Las Navas de la Concepción is positioned right in the centre of the park as well as bordered by hills as well as woodlands; as well as San Nicolás del Puerto, an enchanting waterfront pueblo on Hornachuelos’s boundary with the Sierra Norte. The ideal method to access the park is by auto; it’s an amazing 50-minute drive west from Córdoba to the town of Hornachuelos, where some of the trekking routes begin.

Rio Secreto Adventure

The largest multi-adventure park in Andalusia

A couple of kilometres from Córdoba, on the banks of the Bémbezar River and in the heart of the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park, is Río Secreto, the theme park with the largest zipline circuit in Spain in a metropolitan setup.

Adventure, fun as well as adrenaline for the entire family

If you want to live special experiences of exceeding your very own limitations, pure adrenaline and physical task in an unbeatable environment, you will discover it in Río Secreto. We placed at hand adventure circuits of different levels of problem, giant zip lines, climbing up walls, dive into the gap, sporting activities gymnastics, environmental education and learning as well as far more to make sure that your browse through to our centres will not leave anybody uncaring.

The whole Río Secreto team is awaiting you to make you live a unique experience past your very own limitations in a picturesque setup. A climbing up overlooks 20 meters high, a circuit with approximately 15 ziplines with lengths from 30 to 500 meters, multi-adventure circuits of various levels of difficulty, canoe journeys, personalized hiking trails, ecological education and learning for the youngest and a lot more. †

Río Secreto is a location of leisure, fun, nature and sporting activities, where you can spend a great day among your household, friends, classmates or job.

Hornachuelos hotels

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, consider booking a room in one of the hotels in Sierra de Hornachuelos, Spain. If you’re not sure where to stay, you can always make a stop in the town before continuing to the larger cities. Then you can take a day trip to the larger cities nearby. This is a great way to see more of the region and save money on your accommodation.

Located near the Sierra de Hornachuelos Nature Reserve, the El Alamo Hostal offers spacious rooms and attractive villas with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. It also offers free on-site parking. The hotel’s restaurant serves traditional central Andalusian cuisine and delicious desserts. The El Alamo also features air conditioning and barbecue facilities. It’s about 40 minutes away from Cordoba and a half-hour from Seville.

Located in Hornachuelos, the Casa de Hornachuelos offers heated accommodation with an outdoor pool. There’s also a furnished terrace with panoramic views of the Guadalquivir Valley. Its interiors feature white and cream colours and come with a dining room and lounge with a fireplace. There’s also a kitchen with a microwave and a washing machine. With four bedrooms, this cosy lodging is the perfect place to relax.