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Discover the Best Activities in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park

The Los Alcornocales Natural Park, located in Jimena de la Frontera, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. This park offers a wide range of activities to enjoy its biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Below, we present the best activities you can do in this beautiful natural park.

1. Hiking and Excursions

GR7 Route: One of the most notable routes is the ancient Arab/Roman GR7 path, which crosses the park and offers spectacular views. This route will take you to explore the Castellar and Jimena castles, where you can immerse yourself in the history and architectural beauty of the region.

Garganta de las Buitreras Trail: This trail is perfect for geology and wildlife enthusiasts. The route will take you through an impressive canyon, home to a wide variety of birds of prey, including griffon vultures.

2. Wildlife Watching

Photography Safari: The park is a refuge for wild animals such as deer, roe deer, wild boars, and a wide variety of birds. Participate in a photography safari and capture unforgettable images of wildlife in its natural habitat.

Birdwatching: Los Alcornocales is a paradise for birdwatchers. In addition to griffon vultures, you can spot eagles and other species of birds of prey that inhabit the park.

3. Water Activities

Canoeing and Kayaking: The rivers and reservoirs in the park offer opportunities to practice canoeing and kayaking. Explore the calm waters and enjoy the natural surroundings from a different perspective.

Sport Fishing: Fishing enthusiasts will find the Los Alcornocales Natural Park a perfect place for sport fishing in its rivers and reservoirs, which are rich in native species.

4. Cultural Visits

Jimena Castle: This castle, located on top of a hill, offers stunning panoramic views of the park. It is an ideal place to learn about the region’s history and enjoy its medieval architecture.

Castellar Castle: Castellar Castle is a 13th-century fortified village located in Castellar de la Frontera (Andalusia, Spain). It is situated in the area known as "Castellar Viejo," on a mountain in the Los Alcornocales natural park (in front of the castle entrance is an information point for the park). Castellar de la Frontera is located in the heart of the Campo de Gibraltar region, in the southeast of the Cádiz province. It consists of three population centers: Almoraima, Pueblo Nuevo de Castellar, and the Villa-Fortaleza of Castellar de la Frontera (Castellar Viejo). Since 2019, Castellar Castle has been an official member of the association "The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain."

Castellar Viejo: Built on a rocky promontory, Castellar Viejo keeps its historic center inside a 13th-century Arab castle at 248 meters above sea level. Entering the Villa-Fortaleza of Castellar de la Frontera (a Historic Artistic Monument since 1963) is to immerse yourself in a past filled with Islamic scents, within a wall of whiteness and living nature. Walking through its winding streets, decorated with pots and flower beds, is to reconnect with history and the oldest traditions of Andalusia.

Ethnographic Museum: Located in Jimena de la Frontera, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the local life and traditions over the centuries.

5. Gastronomic Experiences

Local Cuisine: You cannot visit Los Alcornocales without enjoying the local gastronomy. Taste traditional dishes such as venison in sauce, wild boar stews, and a wide variety of fresh and organic products from the region.

Wine Routes: Take part in a wine route and discover the local vineyards that produce some of the best wines in Andalusia. Enjoy tastings and learn about the winemaking process.