Cazorla - The Natural Park

This is the largest protected area in Spain, and probably the longest title – Parque Natural de Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas. Covering the whole eastern side of Jaén province the Sierras are more than 600metres above sea level with its hghest peak, Pico Empanada at over 2,000 m, it contains the greatest forest mass in Spain, and is an extraordinary  wilderness of beauty and diversity.

The Sierra is also one of Europes most important  National Hunting Reserves and a Special Protection zone for the 140 species of birds that nest in the park. Here you can see the protected imperial eagle, golden eagle, griffon vulture, and peregrine falcon nesting in the rocky crags and the re-introduced lammergeier.

 The source of the  Guadalquivir river, the most important body of water in Andalucia, can be found to the south, it then flows into the Embalse del Tranco de Beas reservoir. In the summer there are pedal boats for hire on the reservoir and canoeing is also available.

To witness the spectacular waterfalls at their best and see a glorious array of colour, it has to be an Autumn visit. After the incredible heat has passed and the inumerable summer visitors have left, the winding narrow roads and forestry tracks can be luxiourously empty. Just nature, and you.  Or visit in spring to see the incredible range of  wildflowers, some unique to the park.

There are many smallish towns within the park, most serving good local food such as trout, wild boar and venison. One of the nicest villages is Segura de la Sierra, dominated by its Muslim castle it has several other interesting monuments.

There is an information centre in the park, Centro de Interpretación Torre del Vinagre, (Vinegar Tower!) which is supposedly open between 11am -2am and 4pm – 5pm. Next  to the centre there’s an interesting hunting museum with lots of stuffed wildlife from the park, and nearby a worthwhile botanic garden.

Where to Stay
An abundance of camp sites can be throughout the park, some offering wooden cabins and restaurants, as well as horse riding and canoeing.

Complejo Turistico Puente de las Herrerias, near the source of the Guadalquivir.
Complejo Turistico  Arroyo Frio  953 727 007

Convento Rural Santa Maria, is a restored convent transformed into a Casa Rural, where you can book an individual room like a B&B. www.crsantamaria.com
953 124 070

El Adelantado is Cazorla’s 3* parador, a modern building, but  with the paradors standard of excellence in service,décor and gastronomy. 953 727 077

Apartamentos Rurales Castillo de La Iruela, is a complex of five apartments with 1 or 2 bedrooms, La Iruela is just outside Cazorla town, on the edge of the national park.
www.castillodelairuela.com

Where to Eat
The best restaurant around is in Cazorla itself, Restaurante La Sarga. It’s  an award winning restaurant, with a record of excellence, run by a husband an wife team. It has style, good service and really good food. Not cheap.
Plaza del Mercado,  953 721 507

In the park itself, the parador has the best and most pricey restaurant. While along the main road there are many good hotels with restaurants.