Los Alcornocales Nature Park

One of the largest cork oak forests in the world

This nature park is one of the largest cork oak forests in the world and covers 170,025 hectares of land spreading across the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga. It is not surprising that a group of scientists from the magazine 'Bilologica' chose this park as the best-kept forest in Spain, as it is one of the jewels of Spain's many protected nature reserves. Los Alcornocales is unique in Europe not just for its size but also because there is not a single town, village or hamlet within its boundaries.

This park has its own particular microclimate, thanks to the density of the woodland and the fact that it's so close to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean. Very humid, narrow valleys called canutos cross the southern region of the park, and even in the harshest of droughts these canutos, or narrow gorges, tinkle with the sound of fresh water falling from high above.

The park's fauna is rich and varied. Unfortunately, bears and wolves are no longer a feature of the park's wildlife. However, the area is very rich in game, including boar, roebuck and deer, and on the highest peaks one can still spot the ever elusive 'cabra montes' or mountain goat. These woods are also a paradise for birds, such as the spectacular Griffon vultures and the Imperial eagles.

Los Alcornocales provides great opportunities to practise a wide range of outdoor sports. Climbing, potholing, routes on horseback or mountain bike and water sports in any of the park's many reservoirs can be done practically all year round. However, most of the walks require special permission to gain access to the higher peaks and some of the forests. For further information on these permits telephone 952 42 02 97