Natural Parks in Andalucia

Natural Parks in Andalucía highlight the region’s striking mix of mountains, wetlands, coasts, and forests. The Sierra Nevada Natural Park, home to Spain’s highest peak, offers alpine landscapes and unique flora. The Doñana Natural Park protects one of Europe’s most important wetlands, vital for migratory birds. Along the Mediterranean coast, Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park showcases volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, and unspoiled beaches. Inland, the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park features dramatic limestone gorges and dense forests. Together, these protected areas conserve biodiversity while offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring Andalucía’s natural and cultural heritage.

Cabo de Gata-Níjar

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Arrecife de las Sirenas in the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata
  • Region: Andalucia.
  • Province: Almeria.
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1987.
  • Park surface area: 49.000 (34,000 terrestrial and 15,000 marine).
  • In 1997 it was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
  • In 2015 it was declared a global geosite.

Points of interest

Cabo de Gata-Níjar, located on the Iberian Peninsula, is an arid landscape shaped by volcanic rock, creating a challenging environment for both plants and wildlife. Its beaches are dotted with domed rock formations, while steep cliffs carve out secluded coves. The poor, nutrient-deficient soil supports mainly low-growing, drought-resistant vegetation.

This harsh environment historically limited the number of residents, who primarily survived through salt harvesting or fishing. As a result, the region remained largely untouched by development until the tourism boom of the 1980s and 1990s. The 300 hectares of salt pans are used by numerous species of birds resting on their migrational route as well the breeding and resident species.

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Sierra de Maria-Los Velez

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A part of the Cordillera Bética mountain range which holds forests in an otherwise arid part of Almeria. The Sierra de Maria-Los Velez creates a haven for wildlife and a special biosphere for plants.
  • Region: Andalucia
  • Province: Almeria
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1987
  • Park surface area: 22,670 hectares
  • Z.E.P.A

Points of interest

A part of the Cordillera Bética mountain range which holds forests in an otherwise arid part of Almeria. The Sierra de Maria-Los Velez creates a haven for wildlife and a special biosphere for plants. The Sierras hold close to half of the plant species listed within Almeria. The main high point, the Sierra Maria, has northern facing slopes which are cooler and more humid, so the vegetation is dense. In contrast, the drier south facing high points are home to only a few plants that can withstand the poor soil and extremes of temperatures. Aptly named the hedgehog zone, these are generally low growing thorny, flowering cushions.

Traditional lifestyles continue in the area such as keeping sheep and goats, cutting timber, logs and collecting resin and almonds along with a new introduction, distilling essential oils from aromatic plants.

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Sierra Mágina

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There are three peaks over 2000m within the Sierra Mágina park- The highest is Mágina which stands at 2,165m and dominates the limestone terrain.
  • Region: Andalucia
  • Province: Jaén
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1989
  • Park surface area: 19,961 hectares
Points of interest

There are three peaks over 2000m within the Sierra Mágina park. The highest is Mágina which stands at 2,165m and dominates the limestone terrain. This area is part of the Cordillera Subbetica range and along with other mountains in the area has a selection of highly specialized plants that are endemic to the park.

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Sierra de Castril

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The Sierra de Castril, a limestone massif, is part of the Sierra Bética mountain range in Andalucia
  • Region: Andalucia
  • Province: Granada
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1989
  • Park surface area: 12,696 hectares
  • ZEPA in 2002

Points of interest

The Sierra de Castril, a limestone massif, is part of the Sierra Bética mountain range. Altitudes vary between 855 and 2138m with spectacular scenery holding caves and cliffs shaped by water erosion. The main river, Castril, flows from the north to south of the park added to which there are many natural springs, streams and waterfalls.

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