Parque Natural de las Sierras Subbéticas

The essentials of Parque Natural de las Sierras Subbéticas

  • • La Tiñosa: Córdoba's highest peak at 1,570 m with views to Sierra Nevada
  • • Over 200 sport climbing routes on limestone at La Manga and El Majuelo
  • • Caving in Cueva del Fraile and the Sima del Republicano shaft system
  • • Bearded vulture reintroduced after decades of absence in Andalusia
  • • Over 1,300 plant species with a significant endemism rate
Local LifeEcotourismAdventure

Description

Las Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park protects around 30,000 hectares of a mountain massif in the south of the province of Córdoba, between the municipalities of Priego de Córdoba, Carcabuey, Rute and Cabra. The name refers to the geological origin of the landscape: these sierras are part of the Betic Cordillera, the mountain chain that rises between the Guadalquivir and the Mediterranean, whose limestone substrate has generated one of the most developed karst systems in Andalusia. Dolines, shafts, lapiaz and caves succeed each other across the landscape, shaped by millennia of water erosion on the parent rock.

La Tiñosa (1,570 m) is the highest point in both the park and the entire province of Córdoba. From its summit — accessible by forest track from the Collado de las Palomas — the view stretches across the Guadajoz valley to the north, the Sierras de Cazorla Natural Park to the east and, on clear westerly days, the silhouette of Sierra Nevada to the south. The ascent trail covers around 8 km return with 600 metres of elevation gain. The limestone walls around Cabra and Carcabuey concentrate the main sport climbing zones, with over 200 equipped routes in sectors such as La Manga and El Majuelo.

The park's karst shelters cavities of geological and speleological interest: the Cueva del Fraile near Priego and the Sima del Republicano near Rute are two of the most documented underground systems. Caving tourism, organised through local adventure companies, provides access to galleries with translucent calcite stalactites and stalagmites. The Cueva de Murciana, accessible without technical equipment on a guided visit, offers families a first encounter with the underground world.

The park's flora numbers over 1,300 species, with a significant rate of endemism for Andalusia. Wild olive (Olea europaea var. sylvestris), holm oak (Quercus ilex) and Lusitanian oak (Quercus faginea) dominate the shaded forest; sun-facing slopes are carpeted with spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia), rosemary and various cistus species. The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), absent for decades, was reintroduced into the sierra in the early 21st century and its presence, detected during park monitoring patrols, is one of the most significant conservation achievements in Andalusia in recent decades.

Practical information

Everything you need to know for your visit to Parque Natural de las Sierras Subbéticas

How to get there

How to get there

By car Public transport
From Córdoba, take the A-45 towards Lucena then the A-339 to Priego de Córdoba (around 95 km). From Granada, the A-92 and A-339 reach the park in 75 km. There is a bus service from Córdoba to Priego (ALSA), but a private vehicle is recommended for exploring the park.
Area Information
Priego de Córdoba is the main town, with a high-value Baroque historic centre and full services. Rute is known for its artisan liqueurs. DOP Priego de Córdoba olive oil is produced in the park's surroundings. The Laguna del Conde (Rute) attracts waterbirds.
Geography
The park covers around 30,000 ha in southern Córdoba. La Tiñosa (1,570 m) is the province's highest point. The limestone substrate generates a well-developed karst: dolines, shafts and caves. The sierra drains north towards the Guadajoz and south towards the Genil.
Flora & Fauna
Over 1,300 plant species; wild olive, holm oak, Lusitanian oak, spike lavender and cistus on slopes. Wildlife: bearded vulture (reintroduced), griffon vulture, golden eagle, stone marten and Iberian wild goat (Capra pyrenaica hispanica). Notable endemic flora for Andalusia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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The most common route to La Tiñosa (1,570 m) starts from the Collado de las Palomas, accessible by forest track from the A-339 road. From the col, the trail to the summit covers around 4 km one way with 400 metres of elevation gain, rated moderate. The full round trip is 8 km and takes between 3 and 4 hours. The forest track may be closed in winter due to ice or snow; checking conditions before setting out is advisable.
Yes. The Cueva de Murciana, accessible on a guided visit without specialised technical equipment, is the most suitable option for families and beginners. For caving in more complex systems such as the Cueva del Fraile or the Sima del Republicano, booking with an authorised local adventure company that provides equipment and guiding is essential.
The most frequented climbing sectors are La Manga and El Majuelo, near Carcabuey and Cabra, with over 200 equipped routes on good-friction limestone. Grades range from 5a to 8a, with most routes concentrated in the 6a-7a bracket. Access is free and no booking is required. Adventure companies in Priego and Rute organise introductory days including equipment.
It is possible, though not guaranteed. The bearded vulture was reintroduced into the sierra in the early 21st century and park monitoring teams record sightings periodically. The areas around La Tiñosa's rocky faces and the Cabra and Carcabuey sectors offer the best chances. Joining a guided wildlife watching outing with a local naturalist guide significantly improves sighting prospects.
Priego de Córdoba DOP extra virgin olive oil, made from hojiblanca and picuda varieties, is the flagship product of the area. Rute is known for its artisan spirits, especially aniseed liqueur. Goat's cheese and Iberian cured meats from Priego's butchers complete a good selection of local products to take home.