The Door To Andalucia
Keywords: holiday, tourism, Spain, Andalusia, Jaen, Granada, Sierra Morena
In the northernmost part of Andalusia, between Jaen and Ciudad Real, where Andalusia begins, we find a Natural Park, which is unequalled amongst the natural parks of Andalusia.
Its history is ingraved in its landscape, and is well illustrated in books and stories, in common expressions, and also physically in the many archeological sites, paintings and sculptures found here. These, and the richness of nature in its rugged and hard terrains makes it a deserving subject for conservation. This natural and historical wealth is a heritage for the future. The Natural Park, with an area of 6.000 hectares, situated in the Sierra Morena, is one of the most spectacularly beautiful landscapes that exist in Andalusia. For the hiker or tourist entering the park after the smooth plains of the central peninsual, the sudden dramatic panorama of the mountains and narrow passes is breathtaking. On the other hand, the hiker leaving the park finds that in the space of only a few kilometers these forceful montains are now behind him, and that suddenly a gentle, easy Castilian landscape lies ahead.
The area is is the pass between Andalusia and the rest of the peninsula. In few places is your entry and departure so well defined. A place of history, a place full of rocky cliffs and crags, a frontier, and more, the list could go on forever with the ideals this place cojures up in the imagination. However, it is necessary to travel here to appreciate the range of images that can be seen in the changing vista from the highway.
In this area, the town of Santa Elena can be found, a place which the visitor really should visit. Although this is inside a natural park of great ecological value, it has also been for centuries an axis of meeting points between Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha. A strong sense of its special omportance is expressed in the history of this place.
The national park was formed by a large fracture in the surface of the earth where the slow erosion of the river has formed the great narrow passes through the slate of the Sierra and has broken up the uniformity of the Sierras, through which, in its course, leasds the Valley of the Guadalquivir.
Their position in the northern border of Andalucia, gives these mountains considerable rainfall. The combination of the natural form of the rocks and the rainswater endows this land with its vitality and vigor. With heights of more than 1.000 metres and because of he geological break between the Meseta and the valley of the Guadalquivir, a natural bioversity exists.
Any tourist will be more than rewarded by a visit there and will be able to observe in these forests the blend of holm oak, cork, gall oak, and pine, to mention only a few species among the natural wealth of this mountain range. Below the trees, is an undergrowth of mediterranean origin, with plants such as madrona bushes, mastic bushes, and myrtle. The wildlife living here include the wolf, the lynx, the deer, the wild boar and the marten, to name just a few. They have evolved here in perfect equilibrium in a rich diversity of species in spite of the proximity of human civilization. The skies, too, are worth more than a mere glance, as here you can observe such birds as the lion vulture, and the beautiful imperial eagle.
Access to the park is principally via the Motorway of Andalusia which leads te Santa Elena, from where your route can be decided. You can travel through some of the narrow passes of the River or by going on foot across the Arroyo del Rey (The King’s Stream) or, perhaps, taking the road to the Aldea de Miranda del Rey (Village of Miranda del Rey).
Inside the park and just after crossing the pass in the north, is the zone of the Correderas. From here, the road going in the direction of Aldeaquemada leads to the interior of the sierras. On entering this area of natural beauty one should perhaps be prepared to pause and absorb at leisure the geological formations that nature has created. Deep ravines, stark, vertical faces and diverse eroded forms shape the landscape.
Speaking of areas of natural beauty, we must not forget that there are also those who consider this area to be a real hunter’s paradise as well. For a long time this has been a major hunting ground where hunting practices have had an almost ritual fulfillment, Santa Elena and La Carolina being central to the practice.
Few natural places of this size can offer the tourist so much. Wildlife, hunting, spectacular views, as well as its own special historical features. Near Santa Elena is one of the jewels of Iberian archeology, the Collado de los Jardines (Collado of the Gardens). In the middle of the Sierras is one of the most interesting Iberian sancturies known, and nearby, an archeological site, The Cave of the Dolis with its valuable cave paintings.
Another place of interest to visit, though not within the park’s borders, is the Paraje Natural (Natural Place) known for la Cascada de la Cimbarra (The Waterfall of the Cimbarra). It can be reached via the Motorway of Andalusia via Aldeaquemada or from Santa Elena which also leads to Aldeaquemada.
In mid sierra, due to the erosion of the strong hard slate, the River Guadalquivir appears to be completely enclosed, creating mighty cliffs, from where various waterfalls originate, the most spectacular being La Cimbarra. The combination of natural factors here make it a place to mark on the map as a must. The delicious meat of the mountain is also a rare delicacy due te the difficulty of the terrain. Meat, such as small game, with fried breadcrumbs, sausages, and delicate wild mushrooms, are authentic dishes which tempt the palate with their delicious flavours and aromas.
This area has become, over the centuries, through the richness of its wildlife and natural beauty, a unique place on the map of Andalusia and the Iberian peninsula as a whole.
With more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry Rudi van der Zalm is the founder of one of Europe’s most popular websites for holiday homes in rural Spain. A wide selection of country houses and lodgings can be found at www.rural-tour.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
How To Get Up Table Mountain, TheEasy Way! (1)
The Cable Way costs $9 for an adult return, $5 for a child return and $21 for a family return (Prices in 2007). A word of caution: the only wildlife you are likely to encounter at the top of Table Mountain are 'dassies' - a local rock rabbit.
Holidays Keep Your Heart Ticking And Good For Your Looks Too! (2)
The overall number of men between the ages of 35 - 57 years had a much higher death rate than those who do take regular vacation breaks. Although I am not a middle-aged man, I can understand why my brain wanders off to the world of a luxury Caribbean hotel; maybe it was my body's way of saying 'You need a holiday!' People who work in an environment causing high amounts of stress are often the ones to neglect their health and rarely monitor their eating and sleep patterns.
Dealing With Travel And Rising Gas Prices (3)
In the end, we'll all pay for the rising gas prices because we want to travel and we enjoy getting away from home. But in the meantime, there's no reason to stop looking for ways to cut down your fuel costs.
Andorra Skiing More Affordable With Low Cost Airlines (4)
In fact, Ryanair announced in October of 2007 that they would increase the number of ski routes to 58, which is the largest number of direct routes from the UK to European ski destinations for one company.
Holidays In Binibeca, Menorca (5)
This is ideal for tourists because it contains a supermarket, souvenir shop, restaurants, bars and sporting activities. Whether you want to go sightseeing, stay in one of the many Binibeca villas, participate in water - sports or lay on the beach all day, Menorca certainly caters for everyone's tastes.
Vacation Travel Deals Create Delightful Travel Vacations (6)
The travel agent can advise the client on the savings involved in accepting travel earlier in the day and with a little leeway, the travel agent can shave hundreds of dollars off the airfare cost for an entire family.
Motor Home Trip Tips For Dogs (7)
Remember that these restrictions are mostly for your pet's safety, to protect him from larger animals that might consider him a tasty snack. Bring several leashes. A great alternative to leashing your dog at a campsite is a portable outdoor exercise pen.
Motor Home Guide To Idaho Outdoors (8)
What makes Idaho so wonderful? It has some of the best unspoiled natural beauty in the United States. It can also boast that it's one of the most scenically diverse states in the union, despite its small size.
Motor Home Adventures In The Adirondack Mountains (9)
One of the great things about Stony Creek is that they offer a wide range of fun family activities, so it is a great place to stay if you have youngsters.
Superb Discounts On Vacation Travel (10)
People are able to go on grand adventures in many parts of the world that will create long lasting memories that are fun and exciting for the whole family. Some people get superb discounts on their travel because they use membership cards for discounted meals, hotel rooms and rental car rates.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Retiring In Javea Haven (1)
Now the port is in use mainly as a fishing harbour. The old town is popular for its historical attractions such as the Museum, market and art gallery. A wall barrier to protect the inhabitants from marauding pirates once enclosed the town; much of this can still be seen in some parts of the old town.
Working In The Travel Industry, A Free Holiday? (2)
Those who are involved in recruitment for such roles will often look for applicants who are bubbly and affable, added to this they should be able to listen to customer requirements and in some situations quell the angst and fears of travellers.
Preserving America's Most Valuable Documents (3)
Many people are unaware of the fact that some of the National Archives most requested records are used for research in genealogy. Examples include census records from 1790 to 1930, ship passenger lists, and naturalization records.
Investing In A Cottage (4)
They buy a home in the countryside and either do it up and then sell it on or purchase it for buy - to - let purposes. Either one is a great way of making money for various different reasons.
Fiji Is The Soft Coral Capital Of The World (5)
Keywords: scuba, diving, fiji Fiji scuba diving will surely be a great surprise for anyone that tries it as they will meet a great diversity of species in those fantastic waters.
Tenerife Goes Bananas For Tourists (6)
The plan was hatched by officials in the Cabildo of Tenerife to lure tourists from abroad and give them a welcome to the tropical island that they won't forget, and to promote its tourist information hotline, Infoturismo Tenerife.
Airports In Andalucia Spain (7)
Driving down to Jerez takes under one hour and driving down to Faro in Portugal takes around 2.5 hours. Sandra Lightowler is the owner of www.askolive.com the leading online information and Business Directory for Andalucia Spain.
Choosing A Classic For The Weekend (8)
I would hire the Jaguar and tour the English countryside in style, my only worry now was the weather. Car hire and classic vehicle expert Shaun Parker is knowledgeable in an array of classic car hire options.
Cuba Makes A Great Holiday Destination (9)
Make sure you visit Havana and Santiago de Cuba while on your Cuba travel as they are the biggest and most important cities on the island. Both of them offer plenty of sites, activities and nice little restaurants if you want to sit back and relax and enjoy the tropical climate.
Villa In Tuscany: Spending Quiet Time (10)
Speaking of food, there are also some rustic villas that can be found in the midst of a working vineyard or olive grove. These enchanting luxury homes can really give you a glimpse of how the charm of the Old World convenes with the indulgence of modern living.