The Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park extends for 60,032 hectares in the province of Cordoba, being one of the most charming natural spaces in Andalucia. You won’t want to miss it if you love nature and hiking!
The Sierra de Hornachuelos, which was declared Natural Park in 1989, lies in the northern area of the province, and it includes the charming towns of Posadas, Almodóvar del Río, Hornachuelos and the city of Cordoba.
It’s rich in flora and fauna, whose variety is a great excuse to spend a lot more time wandering through the Park’s lush vegetation. Meadows of holm and cork oaks, as well as Gall and Andalusian oaks, and bushes of lentisk, kermes oaks and strawberry trees characterise the area. Besides, the Sierra de Hornachuelos is considered to be one of the best-preserved Mediterranean forests in whole Europe.
The wildlife you can spot, on the other side, features wild boars and deers as well as a colony of cinereous vultures, ferrets, weasels, bats, wildcats, black storks, golden eagles and red kites.
Are you ready to plan your trip to this spectacular oasis in northern Andalucia?
How to get to the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park
If you’re in Cordoba, take the route A-431 (which is also known as “Carretera de Palma del Río”) towards Seville, and take the exit at A-3151 towards Hornachuelos, between Posadas and Palma del Río.
When is the best time to visit the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park?
Although the Park is worth visiting all year round, we suggest you stop by either in autumn or spring. The cold and hot temperatures in winter and summer respectively prevent you from truly enjoying the atmosphere and charms of the park.
Besides, in autumn you might even have the chance of seeing (and hearing!) the red deers’ “berrea” (i.e. loud roars and fights between the male deers during the rut, aka the mating season).
Where is the Visitors Centre of the Natural Park?
The Park’s Visitors Centre “Huerta del Rey” lies in Hornachuelos, and it’s the best way to understand the life in the Park before actually experiencing it. You will be provided with useful information regarding the Park’s features, and the wildlife that lives there. Something you won’t want to miss is the night-stroll simulation, which underlies the contrasts between the day and nightlife of the Park.
Opening hours:
What to do in the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park: Enjoy nature
Strolling in the Park is a great way to soak up the atmosphere and relax in the middle of nature. The best area where you can rest is Fuente del Valle, a leisure area provided with outdoor tables, BBQs and shaded areas. A peculiarity is the Ermita de San Abundio (patron Saint of Hornachuelos), in whose honour an 8-km Romería is celebrated on the last Sunday of April between Hornachuelos and Fuente del Valle.
What to do in the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park: Hiking
Some of the best hiking and walking paths (senderos) start at the Visitors Centre Huerta del Rey and wend through some of the most charming areas of the Park. Among them, the following stand out:
- Path of Rabilarga, a 1.7 km-long, round path that flanks the stream of Rabilarga. Suitable for the whole family. Click here to find out more about this path (Spanish version only).
- Botanical Path of Huerta del Rey, a 1.6-km path ideal for families. It will take you around 45 minutes to complete the path, along which, you will discover all the different types of vegetation in the Park. Also, don’t miss out on the splendid viewpoint “Mirador de Huerta del Rey”.
- Path of Las Herrerías, a 4.5-km round path, which is slightly more complicated than the previous ones, as the surface is rocky. The Fuente del Valle leisure area is located along this path. Click here to find out more about this path (Spanish version only).
- Path of Guadalora, which is ideal if you want to rejoice in some marvellous views of the River Guadalora during a 6.4-km itinerary. Starting 2.5 km north of the Visitors Centre (where you can leave your car), it leads you through oaks and olive yards until the CO5310 road. Free permits are available at the Visitors Centre.
- Cordel del Águila, an 11.3-km long straight itinerary along a sandy/rocky lane. It takes around 4 hours to be completed, as it winds through Hornachuelos, various cultivated fields and a mountainous area, where the viewpoint “Mirador del Águila” is located.
- Path of Bembezar that, despite its 13 km, is relatively easy to go through. At the moment of publication, this path is closed to the public.
What to do in the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park: Sports
Among the sports and activities you can engage in while in the Park, canoeing is best practiced in the tranquil waters of the Reservoir of Bembézar. Horse riding, climbing, bike touring and even skydiving and rides in a hot-air balloon are also good options to enjoy the Sierra de Hornachuelos from a different perspective. Check all the activities by clicking here.
Must-see landmarks of the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park
The Park is indeed filled with charming hideouts, spectacular panoramas and lots of things to do; having said so, no trip to the Natural Park Sierra de Hornachuelos could be complete without stopping by the following landmarks:
- The Peña del Fraile, which sits near the abandoned Seminario de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles (a 1489 monastery). The Peña del Fraile inspired Duque de Rivas’s play “Don Álvaro o la fuerza del sino”. You can spot both landmarks from the Path of Bembezar.
- The reservoir of River Bembezar. Located in the centre of the Natural Park Sierra de Hornachuelos, the reservoir gets filled with the waters of the River Bembezar and its tributaries.
- Hornachuelos: one of the most charming towns in Cordoba province, and to which the park owes its name. The town’s steep, narrow streets and the rich archaeological and historical heritage are worth stopping by. Click here to know more about Hornachuelos and what you can see in the town.
Places to stay near the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park
This natural park in Cordoba province is filled with precious landscapes: a perfect spot to go on holidays with your family and enjoy the area’s quiet charms. To make the most of your visit, consider booking a holiday home near Hornachuelos! Provided with all the comforts and near the Natural Park, you are granted an unforgettable experience. Click on the button below to check them out.
What would you do in the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park to enjoy its beauties at best? Tell us in the comments and don’t forget to rate the post!
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