Overview
Sierra Subbetica Natural Park covers over 31,000ha and is part of the Beticas mountain range which is south east of the province of Cordoba. Erosion to these limestone mountains has left some stunning formations. The area is also home to some very pretty villages which are full of historic interest. It is also one of southern Spain's largest breeding colonies of griffon vultures.
Walking
There is a visitor located in Cabra. They can provide information about the park and its walks. The park has nine signposted walks. The Vía Verde of the Subbética skirts around the northern and western park of the park. This is a former railway line, which has been converted into a walking and cycling track. The route provides many stunning views of the rugged Sierras Subbéticas.
Sightseeing
There are over a dozen towns and villages within the park, many of which are worth visiting. Cabra where San Juan Bautista church is said to be one of the oldest in Spain and Rute has a ruined Moorish castle and a fascinating Baroque church. Iznájar is a particularly pretty whitewashed village on the banks of a vast reservoir of the same name.
The hermitage Ermita de la Virgen in the Sierra de Cabra, is not far from Cabra. It is perched on rocky outcrop and provides stunning panoramic views of Sierra Morena and Guadalquivir river valley.
Animals/Birds
The park has one of the largest colonies of griffin vultures in Southern Spain as well Andalucia's largest population of the peregrine falcon, a bird that is the park's symbol. Other birds of prey include Bonelli's eagles, short-toed eagles and black kites. Golden Eagles can also been seen here occasionally. Wild boar, mountain goat, Cabrera shrew are just some of the mammals which inhabit the area.
Plants
The predominant vegetation is Mediterranean scrubland, with holm oak woods, peonies and gorses, hawthorns, spurge flax, Centaurea castellana and gall oaks. The river banks are home to poplars, willows, salt cedars amongst others.
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