The Sierra Morena mountain range, with its rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems, offers a plethora of hiking routes and natural attractions. This itinerary takes you through some of the most picturesque and ecologically rich areas of the region, providing opportunities to explore dense forests, serene rivers, and historical sites. Whether you're an avid hiker or a nature enthusiast, the Central Sierra Morena route promises an unforgettable experience in Cordoba and Seville provinces.
Posadas
Located in the heart of Sierra Morena, Posadas offers a plethora of hiking trails that showcase the region's natural beauty. From dense forests to serene rivers, the area is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Below are some exclusive hiking routes in Posadas that you won't want to miss:
Hornachuelos Natural Park: A stunning natural park with dense forests and abundant wildlife. (Map)
Sendero de la Alhondiguilla: A picturesque trail that takes you through lush landscapes and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Path of the Bulls: A unique trail that leads you through traditional bull breeding farms, offering a glimpse into the local culture.
Path of Río Guadalora: Follow this trail along the Guadalora River for a peaceful and scenic hike.
For these and other hiking routes, visit this page.
Hornachuelos
Hornachuelos, nestled in the Sierra Morena, is a paradise for nature lovers. The area boasts a variety of scenic spots perfect for hiking and exploring. Here are some highlights:
River Bembezar: A picturesque river lined with riparian vegetation, including willows and ash trees. (Map)
Bembezar Reservoir: A tranquil reservoir surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for a peaceful retreat. (Map)
Sendero del Águila: This trail is perfect for bird watchers, as it passes through areas known for eagle sightings. It is approximately 16.3 miles long and offers stunning views of the landscape. (Map)
Sendero Guadalora: A magnificent trail to walk in the fall, winter, and early spring months. It follows the Guadalora River and is known for its beautiful scenery. (Map)
San Calixto
San Calixto, located within the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park, is a unique destination known for its historical and spiritual significance. The area is home to the historic San Calixto Monastery, founded in the 16th century by hermits who sought solitude in the rugged mountains of Sierra Morena. The monastery, now inhabited by the Carmelite nuns, offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere, attracting visitors seeking peace and tranquility. The surrounding landscapes are rich in biodiversity, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and hikers.
San Calixto Monastery: A historic monastery nestled in the mountains. (Map)
Sendero de San Calixto: A scenic trail that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Perfect for a peaceful hike. (Map)
Ruta de los Miradores: This trail takes you to several viewpoints where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra Morena. Ideal for photography enthusiasts. (Map)
Las Navas
Leaving Las Navas, the scenery is that of extraordinary holm and cork oak pasturelands which are part of the Sierra Norte Nature Park. Certain spots are worth mentioning such as the source of the River Riberia del Huéznar in San Nicolás del Puerto which boasts a forest tunnel, and the old mines of Cerro del Hierro.
Las Navas de la Concepción: A picturesque village with charming streets and traditional architecture. (Map)
Camino del Tunel: Hiking trail that will lead you to Constantina (Map).
Molino del Francés: This trail takes you through beautiful landscapes and historical sites, including the old French mill. It's an intermediate-level hike suitable for all skill levels.(Map).
Risco de las Navas: A striking rocky outcrop offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. This spot is perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. (Map)
For more hiking routes and detailed maps, visit this page.
Constantina
Constantina, located in the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Nature Park, is a charming town known for its rich history and stunning natural landscapes.
Constantina Castle: A medieval castle offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. (Map)
Sendero de los Castañares: This trail takes you through beautiful chestnut groves and offers a peaceful hiking experience. It is approximately 8.26 km long and is suitable for all skill levels. (Route)
Constantina - Pedrochal - Barranco del Lobo - Pago de Fuente Reina: A more challenging trail with an ascent of 3,802 ft, offering stunning views and a rewarding hiking experience. It is approximately 36.4 km long. (Route)
Cerro del Hierro
Cerro del Hierro, located in the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Nature Park, is a fascinating destination known for its unique geological formations and rich mining history. The area offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its natural beauty and historical significance.
Cerro del Hierro Natural Monument: An old mining area with unique geological formations. (Map)
Cerro del Hierro Loop Trail: A moderately challenging 2.0-mile loop trail that takes you through the heart of the natural monument, offering stunning views of the rock formations and surrounding landscapes. (Map)
Vía Verde de la Sierra Norte GR®48: A 6.6-mile loop trail that begins near San Nicolás del Puerto and takes you through the beautiful surroundings of Cerro del Hierro. This trail is great for hiking and offers a mix of botanical, geological, and historical elements. (Map)
Sendero del Rebollar: A scenic trail that takes you through lush forests and offers a peaceful hiking experience. Ideal for nature lovers and those looking to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the area. (Map)
San Nicolás del Puerto
San Nicolás del Puerto, located in the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Nature Park, is a picturesque village known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Source of the River Huéznar: A beautiful forest tunnel and the source of the river. (Map)
Cascadas del Huéznar: A scenic trail that takes you to the breathtaking waterfalls of the Huéznar River. Ideal for a refreshing hike. (Map)
Vía Verde de la Sierra Norte de Sevilla: This gentle trail follows a former railway line that has been meticulously restored for hiking and cycling. It offers a scenic and leisurely route through the picturesque landscapes of San Nicolás del Puerto, making it perfect for nature lovers and families. (Map)
Alanís
Alanís, located in the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Nature Park, is a charming town known for its rich history and stunning natural landscapes.
Alanís Castle: A historic castle with stunning views of the Sierra Morena. (Map)
Los Carros Trail: This trail runs along a historic path where people, livestock, and food were transported in ancient times. It is approximately 6.1 miles long and offers a mix of botanical, geological, and historical elements. (Map)
Sendero de la Sierra Norte: A scenic trail that takes you through lush forests and offers stunning views of the Sierra Morena. Ideal for nature lovers and those looking to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the area. (Map)
Ruta de las Cascadas: This trail takes you to the beautiful waterfalls of the Huéznar River, offering a refreshing and scenic hike. (Map)
Guadalcanal
Guadalcanal is a charming village with a rich historical heritage and stunning natural landscapes.
La Capitana Viewpoint Loop: This intermediate-level trail offers panoramic views of the Sierra Morena and is approximately 9.99 km long. (Map)
Cazalla de la Sierra
Cazalla de la Sierra is a picturesque town renowned for its lush natural surroundings and diverse wildlife.
Sendero Molino del Corcho: This trail takes you through beautiful landscapes and historical sites, including the old mill. It is approximately 5.83 km long. (Map)
Sendero Las Laderas: Beautiful landscapes in Cazalla de la Sierra. (Map)
These areas, like the rest of Sierra Morena, are characterized by their striking relief rather than by their altitude. Here we are moving through relatively sparsely populated areas, the most part given over to the reforestation with pines and eucalyptus trees, stock farms on holm and cork oak pasturelands, and hunting preserves. The first stretch up to Las Navas passes through the Hornachuelos mountains, with the River Bembezar and other rivers and reservoirs such as those of the Bembezar and the Reortillo, with abundant riparian vegetation, willows, and ash trees. The woods, sometimes extremely dense, are made up of holm and gall oaks and stone pines. Deer and wild boars abound alongside other endangered mammal species, such as the lynx. The bird life is equally abundant with golden and imperial eagles, and different types of vultures.
