- Region: Andalucia
- Province: Cordoba
- Declared a Natural Park: 1989
- Park surface area: 60,031 hectares
Points of interest
Oak woodland in Hornachuelos offers protection to endangered species such as Black vulture, Lynx, Black stork and Bonelli’s eagle.
This parkland covers the eastern end of the Sierra Morena, close to Cordoba. The western part of this range is divided into a further two parks as it is dissected by provincial borders, thus forming an extended belt of protection. Sierra Norte de Sevilla is within the province of Sevilla. Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche is in Huelva province. There are no high peaks, rather a more gentle outline crossed by many rivers, with several large reservoirs. (The river Bembézar and its reservoir cut through the centre of the park.)
The area has also become famous as a starlight destination. The Starlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 to promote the protection of the night sky and the development of “astrotourism” and there is an ever growing list of starlight destinations in Spain to visit.
Thinking of visiting Cordoba?
We visited this area as a family in 2023 and also stayed in Cordoba for a few days. You can read our trip report for the city stay here.
Flora
Dominated by oaks with Holm, Gall and Cork oaks and a Mediterranean scrub being a mixture of; Lentisc, Myrtle, Strawberry tree, Kermes oak and Rockroses. There is a gentle transition between mountain coverage and farmland with Dehesas. These are farms which combine open planting of mixed oak trees with pasture land beneath.
The plentiful river valleys are lined with Oleander, Hawthorn, Ash, Willow and Poplars. Dwarf fan palms, wild olive and Carob trees are found in areas with limestone rock formations.
Pond weeds that inhabit the water courses are Potamogeton sp, horned pond weed (Zannichellia) and duck weed (Lemna).
Fauna
Of special note are Black vultures which have far fewer numbers in Spain than the Griffon vultures. They are of a larger size and nest in trees rather than cliffs. The third vulture in the park is the Egyptian vulture. Eagles recorded here are Golden, Short-toed and Bonelli’s. Other birds of prey include Goshawk, Kestrel and Buzzard.
Vultures feeding in the Hornachuelos natural park
This video has excellent footage of griffon vultures feeding on a deer stag. A black vulture also makes an appearance.
Scrub covered slopes are home to Red deer, Wild boar and Mongoose. More secretive fauna of the park includes Wolf (now thought to be not present 28/07/23), Iberian Lynx, Otter and Black stork.
Also in the area
- Farming cattle and Iberian pigs, hunting and cork collection are the area’s main natural resources.
- There is an abandoned monastery set on a hillside above the Bembézar river, Monasterio de Santa María de los Ángeles, built in 1489 by Fray Juan de la Puebla, 10km northeast of Hornachuelos.
Cycling tours in nearby Cordoba city
Get to know Córdoba in 2 hours with this highlights bike tour. You will visit all the city’s important sites and get a good sense of Córdoba, visiting some of the best-kept secrets that don’t appear in guide books.
Information/Visitors Centers
La Huerta del Rey (1km out of Hornachuelos on the road north to San Calixto)
In the visitor centre there is a good exhibition detailing the wild life of the area concentrating especially mammals and large birds of prey. There is a recreation of a walk through the woods at night and the exhibition also illustrates traditional customs and activities in the Sierra de Hornachuelos such as hunting, beekeeping and cork production.
Towns in the area
Almodovar del Rio, Córdoba, Hornachuelos, Posadas, Villaviciosa de Córdoba
Hornachuelos Natural Park: Frequently Asked Questions for Nature-Loving Visitors
Hornachuelos Natural Park is a protected area covering 60,031 hectares, officially declared a Natural Park in 1989. Located in Córdoba province, Andalusia, it forms the easternmost section of the Sierra Morena mountain range. This park is part of a larger conservation belt that includes Sierra Norte de Sevilla and Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche, separated only by provincial borders.
Rather than dramatic peaks, the park is shaped by gentle hills, river valleys, and large reservoirs, the most prominent being the Bembézar River and its reservoir, which cuts through the park’s centre. This geography provides both ecological diversity and scenic tranquility.
The park’s landscape is dominated by oak woodland, featuring Holm, Gall, and Cork oaks. These are interspersed with Mediterranean scrub, including Lentisc, Myrtle, Strawberry tree, Kermes oak, and Rockroses.
A defining feature of the region is the Dehesa system—a sustainable agricultural landscape combining open oak groves with pasture. These transitional areas blend wild forest with traditional farming practices.
River valleys support a different mix of vegetation, lined with Oleander, Hawthorn, Ash, Willow, and Poplars. In limestone-rich zones, you’ll find Dwarf fan palms, Wild olives, and Carob trees. Aquatic habitats also thrive, with Potamogeton, Zannichellia (horned pond weed), and Lemna (duckweed) common in streams and reservoirs.
Hornachuelos provides critical refuge for several endangered and significant species. It’s one of the few places in Spain where you can see the Black vulture, a rare species that nests in trees instead of cliffs, unlike the more common Griffon vulture.
Other key species include:
Iberian Lynx (elusive and endangered)
Black Stork
Bonelli’s Eagle
Golden Eagle
Short-toed Eagle
Egyptian Vulture
Goshawk, Buzzard, and Kestrel
The scrub-covered slopes are also home to Red deer, Wild boar, and Mongoose. More secretive fauna includes Otters, especially near watercourses. Although wolves once roamed this region, they are now thought to be locally extinct (as of July 2023).
Hornachuelos is a certified Starlight Destination, recognised by the Starlight Foundation for its exceptional night skies and commitment to preserving them. The region’s low light pollution makes it a prime destination for stargazing and astrotourism.
For those interested in cultural and ecological heritage, the La Huerta del Rey Visitor Centre, located just 1km north of Hornachuelos, offers:
Interactive displays on mammals and raptors
A nocturnal forest walk simulation
Exhibits on traditional customs like beekeeping, cork harvesting, and hunting
Nearby, visitors can explore the Monasterio de Santa María de los Ángeles, a 15th-century monastery built by Fray Juan de la Puebla. Set above the Bembézar River, it offers both historical interest and stunning views.
Hornachuelos Natural Park is part of a larger conservation corridor within the Sierra Morena, a crucial zone for biodiversity in southern Spain. Along with Sierra Norte de Sevilla and Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche, it forms a cross-provincial band of protection that helps preserve vital ecosystems for species migration and climate resilience.
These parks reflect Spain’s broader commitment to environmental conservation, as seen in its extensive network of Natural Parks, Biosphere Reserves, and Geoparks. Hornachuelos also contributes to the Mediterranean Dehesa landscape, recognised by the FAO as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).
The park’s economy is still deeply tied to the land. Traditional practices include:
Farming Iberian pigs and cattle on Dehesas
Sustainable cork harvesting
Regulated hunting, which also supports conservation funding
These activities have shaped the landscape for centuries, creating a mosaic of human-nature coexistence that still defines Hornachuelos today.
The main point for visitor information is the La Huerta del Rey Visitor Centre. It provides:
Wildlife exhibits focused on birds of prey and mammals
A night-forest experience
Displays on local traditions
This centre also acts as a base for guided walks, birdwatching excursions, and seasonal activities, making it an ideal starting point for discovering the park.
Several towns near the park offer additional cultural and outdoor experiences:
Hornachuelos – The gateway to the park
Almodóvar del Río – Home to a striking hilltop castle
Posadas and Villaviciosa de Córdoba – Quiet villages surrounded by nature
Córdoba city – Just a short drive away, it’s rich in history, architecture, and gastronomy
In Córdoba, take a 2-hour guided cycling tour to explore hidden gems and iconic landmarks—ideal for first-time visitors.
For broader travel ideas in the region, Wildside Holidays also features guides on Ronda, Cádiz, and the spectacular Caminito del Rey, giving you more reasons to extend your trip.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!