The Alcornocales, Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra de las Nieves are superb nature parks in the mountains of western Andalusia. Not far away from some of the classic beach resorts of the Costa del Sol, they boast an unexpected natural wealth. Western winds provide the Mediterranean landscape with enough rain to create green valleys with murmuring creeks and dense, evergreen forests. The upper regions are bare and rocky with dramatic cliffs and deep caves.
These mountain slopes host a flora that ranks among the richest of entire Europe. It is also the land of the Iberian ibex, the griffon vulture and a twice-a-year tidal wave of migratory birds flying back and forth between Europe and Africa. Numerous mountain trails depart from picturesque towns and villages. They will lead you through vast forests, desert-like rock slopes, dramatic canyons and flowery orchards. With this guidebook, you can explore these routes and enjoy the nature of the Western Andalusian Sierras to the fullest.