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.

Sierra de Baza

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The depression known as la Hoya de Baza and the Sierra de Las Estancias
  • Region: Andalucia
  • Province: Granada
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1989
  • Park surface area: 53,649 hectares

Towns and villages in the area

Baza, Caniles, Dólar, Gor, Valle de Zalabí

Find a place to stay in the Sierra de Baza over at Booking.com.

Points of interest

The sierra de Baza with its limestone peaks over 2000m is a relatively humid, botanical jewel between two arid plains of Las Hoyas de Guadix-Baza and the Llanos del Marquesado. It is part of the Cordillera Penibética range with the highest peak of Santa Bárbara at 2,271m. The steep slopes have a covering of pines with oaks and acer.

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Sierras de Tejeda Almijara y Alhama

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The peaks of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Mountains
  • Region: Andalucia
  • Provinces: Granada / Málaga
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1999
  • Park surface area: 40,663 hectares
  • Z.E.P.A

Points of interest

The parkland of Sierras de Tejeda Almijara y Alhama is limited in the south east by the Mediterranean sea and rises in craggy mountains towards the north west. 52% of the park is in Granada province with 48% in Málaga province. The combination of altitudes and from sea shore to the peak of La Maroma at 2,080m encourages a diversity of vegetation, including some endemic species.

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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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