- Towns and villages: Alanís, Almadén de la Plata, Cazalla de la Sierra, Constantina, Guadalcanal, El Real de la Jara, El Pedroso, La Puebla de los Infantes, Las Navas de la Concepción, San Nicolás del Puerto
Points of interest
A semi-mountainous area, set between two other natural parks, which together form an extended protected range. To the east is Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche in Huelva province. To the west is Sierra de Hornachuelos in Cordoba province.
- The Sierra Norte de Sevilla shares with its neighbouring parks endangered creatures such as the Iberian Lynx, Black stork and Imperial eagle.
- Evergreen oak trees dominate the terrain, interspersed with meadows or dehesas.
- This sparsely populated area has two large man made lakes and rolling hills with winding country lanes.
- The Huesna river, which holds both common and rainbow trout, has a waterfall that has been declared a National Heritage site. It is near the source of the river (nacimiento del Río Huesna) close to the village of San Nicolás del Puerto.
Listen to me, Clive, talking about the Sierra Norte de Sevilla
A second National Heritage site is El Cerro del Hierro, a mine in the Roman era and further exploited until the beginning of the twentieth century. It is a combination of open mining, water filled pits and natural Karst landscape with rich mineral content.
Flora
A small enclave of Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) is the only one of its type in the province. Gall oaks (Q. faginea) are growing in the shady, humid areas. The Mediterranean climate favours Cork (Quercus suber) and Holm oak trees (Q. ilex). There are also Stone pines and groves of Sweet chestnut trees. The thickets are of Rockrose (Cistus sp), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), Wild cherry (Prunus avium), Fig (Ficus carica) Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) and Turpentine tree (Pistacia terebinthus).
River banks are densely wooded and consist of Alder, Ash, Elm, Poplar, diverse species of Willows and Southern nettle tree.
Fauna
Red deer and Wild boar are the larger mammals, small and elusive carnivores are Genet, Fox, Badger, Mongoose, Wild cat, Pole cat and Otter. Amongst the raptors are Short-toed, Imperial and Bonelli’s eagles and Griffon and Black vultures, Red kite and Eagle owl.
Look out for the majestic Black stork. Azure-winged magpies, Bee-eaters, Golden orioles and Hawfinches are some of the colourful birds to look out for.
The large Ocellated lizard can sometimes be spotted sunbathing on a rock or fallen tree.
Get a feel of the Sierra Norte de Sevilla in this video
The Roman ruins of Italica
If you are in the area of Seville then don’t forget to visit the fantastic Roman ruins of Italica. How about by bike?
Discover the Roman ruins of Itálica on bicycle from Seville with a professional guide! This 5-hour tour takes you on an educational and exciting journey in one of the most beautiful regions of Andalusia!
The Sierra Norte de Sevilla Global Geopark
The Sierra Norte de Sevilla Global Geopark is located at the north of the province of Seville in the Sierra Morena and. The geopark includes ten towns and villages within its limits: Alanís, Almadén de la Plata, Cazalla de la Sierra, Constantina, Guadalcanal, Las Navas de la Concepción, El Pedroso, La Puebla de los Infantes, El Real de la Jara and San Nicolás del Puerto
The geopark’s varied geological, archaeological and mining history has resulted in the recognition of many sites of geological interest including:
- Karst and mine complex at El Cerro del Hierro natural monument: a spectacular paleo-karst which originated from Middle-Upper Cambrian erosion of Lower Cambrian limestone.
- Los Covachos Cave in Almadén de la Plata is 300m long and drops by 26m with various galleries divided between two levels, containing over 1000 inscriptions.
- La Sima abyss in Constantina.
- Syncline, with Ordovician to Devonian sedimentary rocks and an abundance of pelagic fossil species.
- A site containing the highest concentration of impressions of Lower Cambrian jellyfish recorded in the Iberian Peninsula.
- The crag-land landscapes in the Geopark’s abundant igneous rock outcrops.
- The Beja-Acebuches amphibolites interpreted as the remains of an ancient ocean floor, and a suture between tectonic plates.
- Permian and the Triassic rocks which represent the filling of post-orogenic continental basins.
- Cueva Santiago in Cazalla de la Sierra is a complex cave system with artifacts from Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures (before the Bronze Age, between about 4500 and 3500 BC).
- The waterfalls and travertine deposits in the Hueznar River.
- Guadalcanal is a former mining settlement, with medieval walls, Mudéjar churches and a castle.
Since the area was declared a global geopark, interpretation panels have been placed at visitor centers and and various information points in the area. (see information centres below)
Listen to the podcast about the Sierra Norte de Sevilla
Also in the area: (Ask about them in a visitor centre for more information)
- There is a beautifully restored Carthusian Monastery near Cazalla de la Sierra, visitors can admire the architecture and view the Contemporary art which is on permanent display.
- La Travesia Necropolis dating from the Bronze Age has been recognized for its archaeological value and is located in Almadén de la Plata.
- There are numerous dolmens (megalithic tombs).
Information/Visitors Centers (The National Park has two visitor centres.)
Centro de Información El Robledo
Address: Ctra. Constantina-El Pedroso km. 1, 41450 Constantina. Sevilla
The El Robledo visitor centre is situated in the heart of the Sierra Norte Natural Park, 1,4 kilometres from Constantina. It is a quiet place with the sounds of riverine forests. During the summer months,aromatic plants typically found in monte mediterráneo woodland fill the air with their strong scents.
The El Robledo botanical garden, adjacent to the visitor centre. Is well worth a visit and holds a large collection of the plants to be found in the area.
Cortijo El Berrocal
Address: Camino Rural Almadén de la Plata-Los Melonares, km 5,5. 41240 – Almadén de la Plata (Sevilla)
The visitor centre is located in the public forest of Las Navas-Berrocal, a place of great scenic beauty where visitors can admire plant formations typical of the Sevillian highlands: holm oak and cork oak pastureland, riverine vegetation and Mediterranean forest with mastic, rockrose and strawberry trees.
Frequently Asked Questions – Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural Park
The Sierra Norte de Sevilla is a semi-mountainous natural park in Seville province, Andalusia, declared a protected area in 1989. It spans 177,484 hectares and lies within the Sierra Morena mountain range. This park forms part of a larger protected corridor alongside Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche (Huelva) to the east and Sierra de Hornachuelos (Córdoba) to the west.
In 2011, the region was declared a UNESCO Global Geopark, recognizing its unique geological and ecological value.
The landscape is dominated by evergreen oak woodlands interspersed with meadows (dehesas). You’ll also find rolling hills, two large man-made lakes, and the Huesna River, known for its trout and a National Heritage waterfall near San Nicolás del Puerto.
Wildlife Highlights:
Endangered species: Iberian Lynx, Black Stork, Imperial Eagle
Mammals: Red Deer, Wild Boar, Genet, Fox, Badger, Mongoose, Wild Cat, Polecat, Otter
Birds: Bonelli’s, Short-toed, and Imperial Eagles, Griffon and Black Vultures, Eagle Owl, Azure-winged Magpies, Golden Orioles, Bee-eaters
Reptiles: Ocellated Lizard
Plant Life:
Trees: Pyrenean Oak, Gall Oak, Cork Oak, Holm Oak, Stone Pine, Sweet Chestnut
Shrubs and Herbs: Rockrose, Rosemary, Spanish Lavender, Wild Cherry, Fig, Laurustinus, Turpentine Tree
Riverbanks: Densely wooded with Alder, Ash, Elm, Poplar, Willows, and Southern Nettle Tree
The Sierra Norte de Sevilla Global Geopark showcases geological formations that span hundreds of millions of years, along with significant human history.
Key Sites:
El Cerro del Hierro: Former Roman-era mine with open pits, paleo-karst formations, and mineral-rich rock.
Los Covachos Cave (Almadén de la Plata): 300m long with over 1,000 ancient inscriptions.
La Sima Abyss (Constantina): Deep karst shaft.
Syncline with Ordovician to Devonian fossils and sedimentary layers.
Cambrian Jellyfish Site: Iberia’s highest concentration of fossil impressions.
Igneous rock outcrops: Shaping the craggy terrain.
Beja-Acebuches amphibolites: Remnants of an ancient ocean floor, marking tectonic plate boundaries.
Permian-Triassic rock deposits: Representing ancient continental basins.
Cueva Santiago (Cazalla de la Sierra): A Neolithic and Chalcolithic cave site.
Hueznar River travertine deposits and waterfalls.
Guadalcanal: A historic mining village with medieval walls, Mudéjar churches, and a castle.
La Travesía Necropolis (Almadén de la Plata): A Bronze Age burial site.
Numerous dolmens: Prehistoric megalithic tombs.
Yes. The park includes two officially designated National Heritage sites:
Nacimiento del Río Huesna: The scenic source of the Huesna River with a series of cascading waterfalls.
El Cerro del Hierro: A dramatic landscape of former iron mines and karst formations.
Other Attractions:
Carthusian Monastery near Cazalla de la Sierra: Restored and open to the public, housing contemporary art.
Roman ruins of Itálica: Near Seville, accessible by bike on guided tours.
The park is supported by two official visitor centres:
Centro de Información El Robledo
Location: Near Constantina on the road to El Pedroso (km 1.4).
Highlights: Riverine woodland setting and an adjacent botanical garden showcasing native flora.
Cortijo El Berrocal
Location: In the public forest of Las Navas-Berrocal (near Almadén de la Plata).
Highlights: Holm and cork oak pastures, Mediterranean scrubland, and diverse riverine vegetation.
Interpretation panels throughout the park offer insights into geology, ecology, and cultural heritage.
This area is ideal for sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. Activities include:
Walking and hiking: Across well-marked trails through diverse landscapes.
Birdwatching and wildlife tours: Focusing on rare and iconic species.
Cultural heritage tours: Visiting caves, mines, necropolises, and Roman ruins.
Cycling routes: Including a guided ride to the ruins of Itálica.
Nature photography: With rich light, varied landscapes, and unique fauna.
Hot air balloon flights: Offering a bird’s-eye view of the terrain.
Clive is a long-time resident of western Andalusia and the creator of Wildside Holidays, a comprehensive resource promoting sustainable tourism in Spain. For over 20 years, Clive has helped English-speaking visitors discover Spain’s natural and cultural riches.
He manages several niche travel sites, including:
Wildside Holidays
Ronda Today
Visiting Cádiz
The Grazalema Guide
The Caminito del Rey
He also creates podcasts and YouTube content to showcase regions like Sierra Norte de Sevilla.
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Hotel suggestions and tour provider listings
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Whether you’re planning a self-guided holiday or looking for professional ecotourism support, Wildside Holidays is a trusted, updated source for exploring Spain’s wild side.
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!