- 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.
The western boundary of the park meets with the neighbouring natural park of Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas in Jaen province.
There are two outstanding cave formations, both in the Sierra Seca area of the park. The Cueva de Don Fernando is Granada’s largest cave and the second biggest in Andalucia (only for experienced cavers.) This 2.5km long cave drops to an amazing 241m below sea level. The Cueva del Muerto has spectacular stalactites and stalagmite formations. (Visit the information centre in Castril to find out more. See below.)
La Torca de Fuente Fría has the most important subterranean lake in the province.
Río Castril Path
This walking route is short, easy and spectacular. It is a walk that the whole family can enjoy. The path mainly runs along a wooden footbridge over the Río Castril, a suspension bridge and a tunnel. You will pass though a beautiful natural landscapes.
This walk is lineal there and back. From the car park its about 40 minutes to a great bar/restaurant after a rest just walk back the way you came.
Flora
Plants in danger of extinction are Atropa baetica, Erodium cazorlanum, Taxus baccata and Viola cazorlensis, those considered vulnerable are Acer opalus subsp. granatense, Amelanchier ovalis subsp. ovalis, Buxus sempervirens, Salix eleagnos and Sorbus aria.
Another interesting plant first found in the Sierra Castril is Castrilanthemum debeauxii, there are records of it in only 2 other local areas. The plants grow on dry stony slopes between 1700 and 1800 m (also called Pyrethrum debeauxii).
Much of the reforestation schemes have introduced new trees such as Aleppo (Pinus halepensis), Scots (Pinus sylvestris) and Austrian pine (Pinus pinaster subsp nevadensis). Black pines (Pinus nigra subsp. Clusiana) are tall trees reaching 40m which are on the exposed higher reaches.
Growing with them are spreading Juniper (Juniperus sabina var. humilis) and common Juniper (Juniperus communis subsp. hemisphaerica). In less protected zones are Prostrate cherry (Prunus prostrata), White beam (Sorbus aria) and Daphne (Daphne oleoides, D. laureola). On open high ground dense cushion shaped plants form including Hedgehog broom (Erinacea anthyllis), Astragalus (Astragalus giennesis), Thyme (Thymus gadorensis) and the crucifers Vella spinosa and Hormathophylla spinosa.
Oaks such as Holm (Quercus rotundifolia) and Gall (Quercus faginea) live in humid areas with Prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus), Evergreen buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) and Spurge flax (Daphne gnidium).
The many water courses support Poplar, Willow, Ash and Wild cherry (Prunus avium). Other shrubs include Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Rockroses (Cistus clusii, C. albidus), Gorse (Genista scorpius) and Thyme (Thymus orospedanus.)
Find a hotel in the Sierra de Castril
Nestled at the edge of the Sierra de Castril Natural Park, the Castril area offers a range of rural accommodations, from restored country homes to eco-lodges near the river. Expect traditional architecture, cozy interiors with fireplaces, and practical comforts like full kitchens, terraces, and parking.
Most are family-friendly and pet-welcoming—ideal for a peaceful nature retreat. Whether hiking the trails, birdwatching along the Río Castril, or stargazing at night, these stays make a great base for exploring the park’s dramatic landscapes and cultural charm.
Have a look at the accommodation options in the Sierra de Castril over at Booking.com.
Fauna
Raptors within the park include Short-toed, Golden and Booted eagles, Griffon and Egyptian vultures, Peregrines and Black kite.
The endangered Spanish lynx is the most noteworthy mammal amongst Spanish ibex, Mouflon, Wild boar, Fallow deer, Stone marten and Wild cat.
The rivers hold trout, otter, grey heron, kingfisher and dipper.
Reptiles include the very localized Valverde lizard, Painted frogs, Southern midwife toads, Lataste’s vipers, Salamanders and Grass snakes.
Also in the area
- Castril has been a fortified camp for the Romans and in the 13thC an Arab stronghold.
- Crafts of the village include Esparto grass products, pottery and wooden furniture.
- A glass factory which opened around 1940 closed at the end of the last century but some of their wares are on display in the visitor centre
And whilst you are in Granada province check out these activities
Information/Visitors Centers
Castril visitor centre and ethnographic museum (Take the signposted exit at Km. 2 of the Castril-Pozo Alcón stretch of the A-326 on the outskirts of the village of Castril.)
https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/web/ventanadelvisitante/detalle-buscador-mapa/-/asset_publisher/Jlbxh2qB3NwR/content/castril/255035
This visitor centre focuses on the importance of the River Castril.
Visitors strolling through the centre’s interactive zone can try their hand at identifying the prints left by different animals in the soil and the song of different species of birds. All the species described are native to the Sierra de Castril.
There is also an excellent Ethnographic exhibition which includes tools and everyday utensils donated by the local population to illustrate traditional activities such as livestock breeding, glassblowing, wood production and spoon making.
Sierra de Castril Natural Park – Visitor Q&A Guide
The Sierra de Castril Natural Park is a rugged limestone massif located in Granada province, within the region of Andalucía, southern Spain. Part of the Sierra Bética mountain range, this protected area spans 12,696 hectares and was declared a Natural Park in 1989. Its western boundary borders the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park in Jaén, creating a vast and diverse nature corridor.
Ranging from 855 to 2,138 meters in elevation, the Sierra de Castril offers dramatic landscapes shaped by centuries of water erosion. Towering cliffs, sinkholes, and vast cave systems dominate the terrain.
The Río Castril flows north to south, fed by springs, streams, and seasonal waterfalls.
Cueva de Don Fernando, the largest cave in Granada (2.5 km long, 241 meters deep), invites expert exploration.
Cueva del Muerto features stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Torca de Fuente Fría contains the most significant subterranean lake in the province.
These karstic formations make the park a hotspot for geology enthusiasts and speleologists.
The park is a biodiversity haven, with high-altitude Mediterranean vegetation and several endangered species. Some plants in danger of extinction include:
Atropa baetica
Erodium cazorlanum
Taxus baccata (Yew)
Viola cazorlensis
Vulnerable species like Acer opalus (Granadan maple) and Sorbus aria (Whitebeam) also thrive here.
A botanical highlight is Castrilanthemum debeauxii, a rare flower first discovered in the park and found only in two other locations.
Forests include:
Native and reforested pines (Aleppo, Scots, Austrian, and Black)
Junipers, holm oaks, gall oaks, and prostrate cherry
Shrubs like thyme, rosemary, rockroses, and gorse
Riverbanks support poplar, ash, willow, and wild cherry
The variety of ecosystems makes this park a living laboratory for botanists and nature lovers.
Sierra de Castril Natural Park shelters a diverse range of fauna. Raptors soar above the cliffs, while elusive mammals roam the valleys.
Birds of prey:
Golden, Booted, and Short-toed Eagles
Griffon and Egyptian Vultures
Peregrine Falcons and Black Kites
Mammals:
Spanish Ibex, Mouflon, Wild Boar, Fallow Deer
Wild Cat, Stone Marten
Critically endangered Iberian Lynx—rarely seen but present
River and aquatic life:
Trout, Otters, Dippers, Kingfishers, and Grey Herons
Reptiles and amphibians:
Valverde Lizard (a local endemic)
Southern Midwife Toad, Lataste’s Viper, Painted Frog
Salamanders, Grass Snakes
This range of habitats—forest, river, rock, and open scrub—supports year-round wildlife watching.
Yes. The Río Castril Path is one of the most accessible and scenic trails in the park.
It features a wooden footbridge that runs along the Río Castril
Includes a suspension bridge, short tunnel, and excellent viewpoints
The trail is linear, taking about 40 minutes each way from the car park to a local bar/restaurant
This easy and well-maintained route is ideal for families with kids or anyone looking for a short, immersive nature experience.
The village of Castril has a rich past, dating back to Roman times and later becoming a 13th-century Arab stronghold. Cultural highlights include:
Traditional Esparto grass weaving
Handmade pottery and wooden furniture
A glass factory that operated from 1940 to the late 20th century, with items now displayed at the visitor centre
You’ll find a charming mix of history, craft, and hospitality that enriches any visit to the natural park.
Stop by the Castril Visitor Centre and Ethnographic Museum, located just off the A-326 (Km 2) near Castril village.
The centre includes:
An interactive zone where kids and adults can identify animal tracks and bird songs
A detailed exhibit on the Río Castril’s ecology
A local history museum featuring tools, utensils, and everyday objects donated by villagers, illustrating rural life, livestock breeding, woodcraft, and glassblowing
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!