This nature area is where the Guadalquivir flows through Cordoba, right into the heart of the city. Lack of human intervention has allowed river sedimentation to produce copses, islets of mud and sand, and varied flora and fauna in the area.

From the Roman bridge to that of San Rafael, fragments of small riverside forests, at one time in abundance, are home to around 120 species of bird. A huge proportion are protected birds, some using it as a wintering area, others year round or simply to rest on migratory journeys. Numerous cattle egrets, little egrets and grey heron are normally found feeding close to the water as well as herons and white storks. If you descend the steps to the water´s edge, or take a boat, it is common to see mallards, gadwalls, moorhens and common coots feeding on floating plants such as duckweed. Western swamphen and plovers flit in and out of the reeds and rushes. There are also marine species, such as gulls and cormorants that sleep in the eucalyptus trees. Under poplars and willows yellow lilies and water mint abound, equally matched by tamarisk and flowery oleanders. With a bit of luck, you will see the colourful kingfisher diving in and living up to its name.

All this is topped off by a historic town centre declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with the Mosque-Cathedral and Alcazar on one side of the shore and La Calahorra on the other. Also of interest are the watchtowers and Moorish flour mills. In fact, the Albolafia mill used a Roman wheel to supply the Moorish palace (now the bishopric). It is alleged that Queen Isabel La Católica was so annoyed by its noise that she ordered for it to be put to an end and dismantled. Another riverside building has been turned into the Paleobotanical Botanical Garden Museum.