Address: Diseminado Cerezo, 1, 14446 El Cerezo, Córdoba
Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park feels like stepping into a forgotten corner of Andalucía—untamed, silent, and full of wild surprises. Just northeast of Córdoba, this 38,000-hectare stretch of Mediterranean forest and rolling dehesa is one of the last strongholds of the endangered Iberian lynx. It’s also home to deer, wild boar, black vultures, and the majestic imperial eagle.
Start your journey in Montoro, a historic hilltop town where the Guadalquivir loops like a snake around golden stone streets. From here, it’s an easy drive into the park, where steep valleys, cork oaks, and mushroom-rich woodlands create a perfect backdrop for hiking, kayaking, or even a lazy picnic. Don’t miss the bird viewpoint near the Tejoneras reservoir—especially during migration season.
The vibe here is slow, raw, and real. You’ll find scattered hamlets like Venta del Charco with traditional rural architecture, and even patches of rare oak forest you won’t see anywhere else in Córdoba. Come for the lynx, stay for the silence—and the jamón ibérico, of course.
This park is part of our Best Parks in Marbella and Andalucía guide — explore the full list here!
