Designated a Unesco Biosphere reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first natural park in Andalucia in 1984 and is one of Spain's most ecologically outstanding areas. The 51,695 ha park is famous for its spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges.
The Parque Nacional de Doñana is one of Europe's most important wetland reserves and a major site for migrating birds. It is an immense area; the parque itself and surrounding parque natural or Entorno de Doñana (a protected buffer zone) amount to over 1,300 sq km in the provinces of Huelva, Sevilla and Cádiz.
Andalucía is a birdwatcher's paradise and attracts ornithologists throughout the year. The best time of the year, however, is during the spring, as this is when you can see many wintering species, together with those arriving for the summer months.
In the north of Malaga province 19km from Antequera is the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, a famous beautiful lagoon. The largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula at 2.5km wide and 6.5km long, it is a haven for birds with over 170 different species recorded here.
The smallest natural area in Andalucia with a mere 27ha, the Guadiaro river estuary is nevertheless an important wetland site, since it is one of the few left on the Costa del Sol. It is also the only wetland site for 100km between the estuaries of the Guadalhorce river near Malaga and the Palmones river just north of Algeciras.
Tarifa is a great place for birdwatching, being situated on the edge of Los Alcornocales National Park, and also on the migration route for more than 400 species of birds which fly in flocks towards the Straits of Gibraltar and across to Africa to spend the winter, and then return again in spring.
Andalucía is known as a "birdwatcher's paradise". Keep in mind that this is a key region for many birds that migrate between northern Europe and Africa. This translates into excellent bird watching opportunities that can convert even the shortest holiday into an educational experience.
Discover the serene landscapes of one of Europe's most unique ecosystems on a private small-group tour to Doñana National Park. This UNESCO-listed wetlands preserve is home to an amazing variety of plants and animal species including birds of prey, wild boars, and the elusive Iberian lynx.
• We will discover in a private tour the wildlife and nature of Doñana with an expert ornithologist who will explain why this is the most important ecological reserve in Europe. • This area is typified by marshlands, Umbrella Pine forest and rice paddies.
Discover the serene landscapes of one of Europe's most unique ecosystems on a private small-group tour to Doñana National Park. This UNESCO-listed wetlands preserve is home to an amazing variety of plants and animal species including birds of prey, wild boars, and the elusive Iberian lynx.
From my house I could hear shouting coming from the Calle Real. As a seven-year-old I could not resist going to find out what was causing such an uproar. I shot off like an arrow, and went to the corner of Calle Real and Rio Verde, where my friend Manolo's father had his tannery. I was sure that Manolo would be waiting for me there. We were the same age and knew each other inside out.
