Explore the Sierras de Andújar and Cazorla in Southern Spain to enjoy the incredible biodiversity and wealth of wildlife in one of the last remaining pockets of wilderness in Europe.
The gentle rolling hills of Sierra de Andújar have some of the best-preserved swathes of natural Mediterranean forest and scrubland in Spain. Weathered oak trees and grassy glades dominate with rocky outcrops punctuating the vegetation and it is in this expanse of relatively undisturbed habitat that we have the best opportunity for seeing Iberian lynx, one of the world’s rarest cats.
However, the other defining feature of this region of Spain is the biodiversity of species that can be observed here. The locations for lynx are also reliable places for encountering red deer, otter, wild boar and fallow deer. To help us see more of the wonderful species found in this wilderness of Southern Spain, we also spend time at Sierra de Cazorla which is a haven to some of Europe’s great raptors such as golden eagle, booted eagle, griffon vulture and the iconic lammergeier.
Our departures are scheduled for the winter months which are the optimum time for wildlife observation on these south Iberian sierras, and in particular increasing our chances of seeing Iberian lynx who are typically more active at this time of year. So, if you’re looking for a week of rewarding wildlife watching at a relaxed pace in stunning scenery and comfortable accommodation accompanied by highly knowledgeable guides and good company with delicious food and drink, then Wild Spain is the perfect trip for you.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Fly to Malaga & drive to Sierra de Andújar
On arrival in Malaga, we meet our local naturalist guides at the airport and transfer to our accommodation in Sierra de Andújar. The journey is approximately 230 kilometres and should take two and a half hours before reaching our destination in time for dinner.
It will be early starts in the mornings as we head out at the best time for wildlife observation in the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park with our guide taking us by vehicle to the most reliable viewpoints for observing the elusive Iberian lynx. Whilst we hope to enjoy a memorable sighting or two of these incredible felines, these viewpoints are also excellent places to observe a range of other mammal species including otter, wild boar, fallow deer and red deer. With luck we may also see the rare Spanish imperial eagle, black vulture and griffon vulture.
For our days in field we will either have a picnic lunch or visit a local restaurant, depending on the viewpoints we are visiting, returning to our guesthouse for dinner in the evening after what will hopefully have been some rewarding days of wildlife viewing.
Day5: Transfer to Cazorla, Segura & Las Villas Natural Park
This morning we transfer to Cazorla, Segura & Las Villas Natural Park which is located towards of the east of the Andujar region. We will stop along the way to search for and observe wildlife with a variety of raptors and mammals being our focus. Possible species we may encounter are booted eagle, griffon vulture, Iberian ibex and we may make one last attempt to view Iberian lynx depending on how our sightings have been so far. We also change accommodation today and we check in to our new hotel for a three night stay.
Accommodation: La Calerilla Hotel; 3-nights
Days6-7: Explore Sierra de Cazorla
Over the next two days, we will explore Sierra de Cazorla and the surrounding areas of Segura and Las Villas. The Sierra de Cazorla is home to some of the wildest landscapes on the Iberian Peninsula and in some places the peaks can reach an altitude of more than 2,000 metres. Whilst we won't be heading to this kind of altitude, we will be exploring this wonderful region of rugged peaks, sheer cliffs and gorges, bubbling waterfalls and secluded streams in the hope of encountering further mammals and birds. Once again, we will drive to scenic viewpoints and scan for wildlife as well as heading out on short walks to improve our observation opportunities.
We have an excellent chance of encountering the Iberian ibex, mouflon, red squirrel and red fox. However, Sierra de Cazorla is arguably best known for being a stronghold for some of Europe's most iconic raptors such as golden eagle, peregrine falcon, booted eagle, griffon vulture and the regal lammergeier. If conditions are favourable, we should be able to spend plenty of time enjoying these incredible birds.
Day8: Departure
This morning we have some time to look for wildlife close to our guesthouse before driving back to Malaga in time to catch our onward flight to the UK.
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 daysfrom £2,695 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 daysfrom £2,395 pp
The Sierra de Andújar range is one of the last two refuges in Spain of the elusive and highly endangered Iberian lynx, whose population is estimated at around 80 adults, which produce some 35 cubs a year. It is also one of the few places in Andalucia where the increasingly rare wolf is still found.
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Where: Andalucia
Ideal for viewing: Iberian lynx, wild cat, otter, Spanish imperial eagle, black vulture
This historic property borders the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park and has all the characteristics of a traditional Andalucian house. Being one of the closest properties to the park, it offers easy access and thus increases your chances of seeing the elusive Iberian lynx.
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