- Region: Andalucia.
- Province: Cordoba.
- Declared a Natural Park: 1989.
- Park surface area: 38, 449 hectares.
- Nearby towns.
- Cardeña, Montoro, Villanueva de Córdoba.
Points of interest
The natural park of Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro is a combination of gentle hills with outcrops of batholithic boulders, forest and meadows. The highest point being 828m at La Colmena. It is located on the north eastern border of Cordoba and is separated from the natural park of Andújar in Jaen by the deeply ravined river Yeguas. There are cultivated fields along with Cork and Holm oak forests plus dense natural Mediterranean scrub.
This Natural park is part of the Sierra Morena and shares some endangered species in common with other natural parks in this mountain range. The Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro has among its inhabitants the protected Iberian Lynx and Iberian Wolf. (though recent studies are not good for the wolf)
Accommodation Options in Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro
There are numerous rural houses, charming hostels, and cozy hotels scattered throughout the Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park and the nearby villages. Whether you’re looking for a rustic stay immersed in nature or a family-friendly guesthouse in a traditional Andalusian town, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit every budget. Many accommodations offer direct access to hiking trails, local cuisine, and opportunities to spot wildlife like the Iberian lynx.
To explore availability, compare prices, and read guest reviews, check out the full list of accommodations at Booking.com.
Flora
On a humid plateau near Cardeña there is a woodland of Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) with shrubs of rockrose and lavenders. It is the only woods of this type in Cordoba province. The most dominant oak trees are Holm (Quercus ilex) and Cork (Q. suber) with small areas of Gall oaks (Q. faginea).
The undergrowth consists of Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera), rock roses (Cistus sp), Lentisc (Pistacia lentisc), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Wild olive (Olea europaea subsp oleaster) and strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo).
There are also reforestation areas of Stone pine (Pinus pinea) and Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). The river banks are clothed with Willows, Ash, Oleanders, Black poplar and Alder.
Fauna
Dense thicket gives cover to much wildlife including Red, Fallow and Roe deer, Wild boar, Badger, Fox, Mongoose, Stone martin, Genet, Wild cat, Weasels, Hare and Rabbit.
Among the raptors are Imperial, Bonelli’s, Booted, Short-toed and Golden eagles, Sparrow hawk, Goshawk, kite, Buzzards, Kestrel, Lesser kestrel and Peregrine. Black and Griffon vultures, Tawny, Long-eared, Little and Eagle owls.
Along the river you will find Kingfisher, Dipper, Nightingale, Warblers, Wrens, Stripe-necked terrapins and Barbel.
There is a hide for bird watching on the reservoir named Embalse de Tejoneras. The birds you may see include Herons, Egrets and Little grebes. Many aquatic birds rest here on this lake on their migratory routes.
Tours in the province of Cordoba over at Get Your Guide
Also in the area
Tin, copper and lead used to be mined in the area of Venta del Charco, where there are remains from the Iberian and Roman eras. Roman coins and silver Iberian vessels have been discovered at Azuel.
Remains of Megalithic graves from the Metal Age (3rd century B.C.) have been discovered at Torrubia.
Information/Visitors Centers
Centro de Visitantes Venta Nueva, just outside Cardeña at Km 79 on the A92.
This visitor centre in the Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro has an interesting exhition displaying the typical Mediterranean landscape of this fertile highland zone, with its extensive dehesa pastureland, its Mediterranean scrub and its pine groves. (Tourist office in Cardeña here in Spanish)
Visitors can follow the Cardeña-El Cerezo trail, which enters the dehesa and winds past a series of unusual granite blocks known as bolos.
For other sites and places to see try to visit the tourist office in the town of Cardeña. (Number 3, Miguel Gallo street)
Frequently Asked Questions about Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro
The Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro is a protected natural park in the Córdoba province of Andalusia, Spain. Declared a natural park in 1989, it spans 38,449 hectares. The park features rolling hills, granite boulder outcrops, and a diverse mix of forests and Mediterranean scrubland. It forms part of the Sierra Morena mountain range and plays a key role in regional biodiversity.
The park includes gentle hills, batholithic granite formations, cultivated fields, and forested zones. Its highest point is La Colmena, standing at 828 metres. The deeply ravined River Yeguas separates it from the nearby Andújar Natural Park in Jaén. The landscape transitions between dehesa pastureland, Mediterranean scrub, and oak woodlands.
A unique highlight is the Pyrenean oak woodland near Cardeña—the only one in Córdoba province. The park is also home to Holm and Cork oaks, Gall oaks, and Mediterranean shrub species like Kermes oak, rockrose, lentisc, rosemary, wild olive, and strawberry trees. Reforested areas include Stone pine and Maritime pine, while riverbanks feature willow, ash, alder, and oleander.
This natural park shelters a wide range of wildlife. Mammals include Red, Fallow, and Roe deer, Wild boar, Badgers, Foxes, Mongooses, Genets, Stone martens, Wild cats, Weasels, and Hares. It’s also one of the few remaining habitats for endangered species such as the Iberian Lynx. Although present in the past, the Iberian Wolf population is now probably extinct in the area. Birdlife includes raptors like Spanish Imperial Eagles, Bonelli’s Eagles, Golden Eagles, and various owls and vultures.
Birdwatchers can visit the Embalse de Tejoneras reservoir, which includes a bird hide for observing aquatic species. Herons, Egrets, Little Grebes, and migratory waterfowl are commonly seen here. Raptors, including Short-toed Eagles, Black Vultures, and Peregrine Falcons, are also frequently spotted in the park.
Yes, several points of interest offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient past. At Venta del Charco, remnants of Roman and Iberian mining activity can still be found. Roman coins and silver Iberian vessels have been discovered in Azuel, while Torrubia is home to megalithic burial sites dating back to the 3rd century B.C.
The main visitor centre is Centro de Visitantes Venta Nueva, located at km 79 on the A-92 just outside Cardeña. It features exhibitions on the Mediterranean landscape and the local flora and fauna. From this centre, visitors can access the scenic Cardeña–El Cerezo trail, which winds through dehesa woodlands and striking granite formations known as bolos. Additional information is available at the Cardeña tourist office.
There are many options for staying near the park, including rural guesthouses, small hotels, and traditional hostels in towns like Cardeña, Montoro, and Villanueva de Córdoba. These accommodations often provide direct access to nature trails and wildlife viewing areas. Check Booking.com to compare prices, view guest reviews, and book your stay.
Wildside Holidays offers detailed guides to Spain’s natural and national parks, including flora, fauna, and conservation information. The site also connects readers with trusted tour providers for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife-focused holidays. You’ll also find English-language resources on popular destinations such as Ronda, Cádiz, the Sierra de Grazalema, and the Caminito del Rey.
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!