ES6130002 SIERRA SUBBETICA - Ventana del Visitante
For lovers of mountain scenery and geology, the Sierras Subbeticas, declared a Geopark , are a must see. The range of peaks, crags, ravines and multitude of karsts carved out on the limestone rock are dotted with patches of vegetation, predominantly made up of stretches of land which are home to olive trees and flora native to the area.
Water plays a key role in this environment. It bursts from numerous springs such as Zambra and creates streams that in turn create a beautiful landscape. The rivers manipulate the rock, digging deep canyons such as the Bailón. These springs, such as the Fuente del Río in Cabra, and the monumental Fuente del Rey in Priego (which has more than a hundred pipes) supply the local areas.
Strolling along the trails, you pass karst terrain that is challenging to traverse, such as the Lapiaz de los Lanchares trail, which ascends to the Picacho de la Virgen de la Sierra, where a traditional pilgrimage takes place. Here, from a magnificent viewpoint, you can see the Poljé de la Nava and, on clear days, the peaks of Sierra Nevada.
Fans of mountain trekking and climbing can see La Tiñosa from the highest peak in Cordoba, a beautiful landscape dotted with towns. The grey, ocher-coloured rock, contrasts against the green vegetation protruding from it; holm oaks and scrubland made up of mastic trees and kermes oaks, amongst which hawthorn, “matagallos" and peonies abound in the sun spots. On the Santa Rita Visitor Centre botanical trail, you can see over 1,200 plant species from the Natural Park.
Venturing further, visitors to the area will be amazed by the multitude of caves. Sima de Cabra and its most famous cave Cueva de Los Murcielagos (Bat Cave), declared a Natural Monument, are really worth a visit. Numerous bat species inhabit this archaeological treasure, and also prehistoric remains from Neolithic times, a period of great importance in Andalusia, have been discovered inside. In this region steeped in tradition and history, remnants of the Paleolithic age, Bronze Age, and Iberian statues have been discovered. There also is a plethora of Roman remains.
In order to appreciate the Moorish history, a walk through the maze of sprawling white streets in Zuheros is recommended, stopping to enjoy its castle and viewpoints. Similarly, it is interesting to peruse the Baroque art found in the churches and plazas in the towns. Once there, you simply must sample the exquisite cuisine and local wines, and the international Anís de Rute. Finally, you can let your food settle and spend the night in the tourist village of Priego.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION: DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO GET THERE
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Provinces Córdoba
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Municipalities Cabra, Carcabuey, Doña Mencia, Iznajar, Luque, Priego De Córdoba, Rute, Zuheros
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Total area 32.055,74 ha.
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Declaration Date 25 - September - 2012
Venturing inside the mountainous massif and exploring the very depths of the earth is made possible by going caving, a popular activity in the Subbetic Sierras. The most famous cave is the Cueva de los Murcielagos (Bat Cave) *, where, via an easy walk, you will see beautiful karst formations and learn about the archaeological remains discovered there dating from Neolithic times. Another, though less accessible, place you can visit is the Sima de Cabra **.
Hiking also attracts many enthusiasts interested in the limestone element of the mountain range. The La Nava trail begins at the foot of the emblematic Picacho de la Sierra de Cabra. From the top you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the entire area and it is possible to see the main geological units of Andalusia. Another path of interest is that of the Cañón del Río Bailón, a river which runs through vertiginous ravines and waterfalls alongside numerous caves of ancient origins.
Climbing and abseiling are activities for adrenaline seekers that can be done in the Las Cruces ** area. Additionally, larger stretches of this area can be explored on good bicycle trails, all the while accompanied by the melodious sound of running streams and birds chirruping.
(*) Organised, guided visits.
(**) Activities require authorisation from the Natural Park.
This natural protected area is affiliated with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism , whose associated projects can be found by clicking here .
Visita guiada de oleoturismo: “Ruta de los Olivos Milenarios de Aceites Vizcántar”. Servicio de cata de aceite de oliva: “Paisajes de Aroma y Sabor en el Aceite de Oliva”
Ctra. de Zagrilla, s/n
14.800 - Priego de Córdoba (Córdoba)
(+34) 957 540 266
vizcantar@vizcantar.com
RUTAS DE SENDERISMO: “Ruta urbana de las huertas de Cabra”, “Ruta sima de Cabra”, “Ruta urbana de los fósiles de Cabra.
Calle Juan de Dios Alcántara, 5 - 2º A.
14940 – Cabra (Córdoba)
696 75 40 31
info@colectivoargamasa.es
Rutas de senderismo interpretadas, excursiones guiadas para realización de fotografías, excursiones guiadas para observación de flora, excursión guiada para rastreo de fauna silvestre, talleres de supervivencia deportiva.
Cierzos y Cabreras. Diseminado 308
14970 - Iznájar (Córdoba)
692712171
info@nateam.es
Fine wine vinegar aged in barrels, Special wine for cooking DO Montilla-Moriles, Vinegar of wine macerated with raspberry aged in barrel, Balsamic wine vinegar with Pedro Ximénez, Pedro Ximénez wine special haute cuisine appellation of origin Montilla-Moriles
Avda. Belén,2
VILLA DEL RÍO (CÓRDOBA)
957520664
administracion@elguiso.es
Alojamiento rural Cortijo de Frías
Ctra. Cabra-Nueva Carteya, km.4,5 14940 -
Cabra (Córdoba)
957334005
cortijofrias@cortijofrias.com
Salchichón (Spanish cured sausage): extra and Iberian extra class; chorizo: extra fresh finest class; onion black pudding; carnival stuffing from Rute (pork, turkey, ham etc); cured ham: Cellar (12-18 months) and (18-24 months); cured shoulder.
C/ Loja,15
RUTE (CÓRDOBA)
957539227
rutejamones@terra.es
Ecoturismo con Caballos: Caballo, Bienestar y Emociones
Camino de Las Micaelas, s/n
14949 - Cabra (Córdoba)
663170400
info@horsensespain.es
Floor and wall slabs, baseboards, murals, mosaics and borders
Av. Pedro Iglesias, 4
14.940 - Cabra (Córdoba)
957 525 175 - 957 961 025
info@mosaicoartesanos.com
Alojamiento en casa rural, categoría básica compartida, “Villa Moana”
C/ Ricardo Pavón, n.º 22
14970 - Iznájar (Córdoba)
623559390
info@ecovillamoana.com
Alojamiento y restauración en pensión, categoría única, modalidad ciudad, "Pensión Guerrero".
C/ Pepita Jiménez, 7
14940 - Cabra (Córdoba)
info@pensionguerrero.com
Goat's cheese: organic cured or cured with raw milk; semi-cured: normal, "Los Balanchares" mini cheeses, with pepper, with fines herbes, in olive oil, in vegetable charcoal or paprika; and fresh goat's cheese
Ctra. A-318, km 68
ZUHEROS (CÓRDOBA)
957694714
info@losbalanchares.com
RUTAS EN BICICLETA: “Vía Verde del Aceite: Doña Mencía - Estación de Luque”, “Vía Verde del Aceite: Doña Mencía – Cabra”, para escolares por la Vía Verde del Aceite; RUTAS DE SENDERISMO: “Luque – Fuente del Espino – Malos Vientos - Luque“, “Zuheros – Malos Vientos – Fuente El Espino – Zuheros“, “Cabra - Polje de la Nava - Zuheros“, “Río Bailón”, “Sierra Abrevia”.
Avda. La Constitución, nº6
14860 - Doña Mencía (Córdoba)
691 84 35 32 – 672 60 50 88
info@centrocicloturistasubbetica.com
ACEITES DE OLIVA VIRGEN EXTRA: Picudo Ecológico Morellana, Picual Ecológico Morellana, Hojiblanca Ecológico Morellana, Ecológico Laguna. ALOJAMIENTO EN APARTAMENTOS TURÍSTICOS, grupo complejo, modalidad rural, 3 llaves, “Los Castillarejos”.
Calle Los Molinos, 9
14880 Luque (Córdoba)
+34 957 667 202
info@aceiteshl.com
Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra Ecológico
Paraje de Fte. Clara, s/n
14960 - Rute (Córdoba)
658532407
RuteCalidad@hotmail.es
Go to our visitor centres, information points and ecomuseums to get the most out of your visit.
Follow the recommendations and comply with the regulations at all times
Respect the facilities put at your disposal. We all pay for its maintenance.
Help prevent fires. Do not throw cigarettes or any other object that produces combustion.
Trash doesn't come back alone. Take it with you to the nearest container. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Noise is another form of pollution. In silence you will enjoy your experience more.
Live respectfully with the locals and other users. Respect private property.
Facilitate use for people with special needs.
By consuming local products and counting on local companies, you will contribute to rural development.
Practice responsible tourism and committed to the environment. Be a true ecotourist!
Never leave your pet in the wild. It would endanger the flora and fauna of the place.
Get around in a sustainable way: public transport, bicycle, on foot, electric or shared vehicle ... Park in the designated places
Do not leave a trace of your passage through nature. The best memory you can take with you is your own photograph.
Your safety is our concern, but it is your responsibility.
The conservation of natural spaces is also in your hands. Thank you for your collaboration!
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Tuesday, 17 September 202428°C
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Wednesday27° max.14° min.
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Thursday27° max.14° min.
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Friday27° max.14° min.
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