Ecotourism02sierramorena

eco tourism 2014. #ecotourism02. Interactive Guide

Birdwatching Walking the GR48 Astro-tourism Culture Local cuisine

Sierra Morena in Spain Credits

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Sierra Morena Other magazines of interest

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Sustainable territory

eco tourism

B Credits

Cycle route through El Real de la Jara (Seville) which is also the pilgrim way to Santiago (along the southern stretch of the Vía de la Plata) and walkers along the GR-48. Š Joan Garriga

Sierra Morena The authentic character of a sustainable region It is difficult to find such a vast area that can offer amenities like comfortable accommodation where without difficulty you can find yourself completely integrated with nature.

The charming villages, the deeply rooted traditions, the rewarding routes and the age-old cuisine providing enough energy to face scenic routes for the pure pleasure of enjoying the simplest and everyday things that our eyes don’t usually see: the harvest; the silhouette of a flying bird hardly visible but with patience and a pair of binoculars you can put a name it; enough time to rest under a spreading chestnut tree; point out a high cloud, either threatening

rain or like candyfloss; relax a while in a busy plaza where a few children are still playing away from the lazy influence of the TV; camp in a bivouac under a sky of stars beyond compare with other star glazers contemplating the splendours of the cosmos; feel the streets beat under your feet during their festivals, Christian or pagan, in celebration of Life.

Experiences.

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Andalusian Map Š Karlos Arroyo

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Map

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A beautiful Rock emerges above the village of Alåjar (Huelva) the site of a lovely hermitage. This enclave in the S re Arias Montano retreated, the heterodox scholar and librarian of El Escorial, giving the rock the name of the P Calopteryx xanthostoma (Western Demoiselle), an endemic species in the south-east of Europe. Š Rafael Rom 6 #ecotourism

Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche was the place whePeña de Arias Montano. Photo: © SH. Right photo: A male mero Porrino

The territory

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ierra Morena covers an area that only a poet could put its hidden spirit in plain words. Sierra Morena is not only bandits and untamed penitents like Don Quijote came across, but ordinary people who love the land where they live and care for it, look after their animals and set great store by their resources.

Visitors in search of hustle, bustle, noise, haste, quick fixes, will not enjoy the many experiences of the journey. There are good communications, accommodation and restaurants, lots of well-prepared, signposted routes, balconies and a long distance walking route (GR 48) that forms the backbone of the whole area in all the provinces. It is a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers, sportspersons, star gazers or simply foodies looking for new sensations.

Sierra Morena comprises 57 municipalities in the provinces of Jaén, Córdoba, Seville and Huelva, all within the Sierra Morena geographic region.

It has a population of 186 085 inhabitants (2013 census), only 2% of the total population of Andalucía although Sierra Morena occupies 13% of its total area. With low density of the population ranging from 9 inhabitants per square kilometre in the Sierra Morena in the province of Córdoba to 35 inhabitants per square kilometre in the North of the province of Jaén, well below the average in Andalucía of 80 inhabitants per #ecotourism 7

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Above, Zufre, a beautiful village in Huelva, declared to be an Artistic Historic Complex. Photo: Š Rafael Romer has lovely buildings and the famous Karst rock formation in the Gruta de las Maravillas cave. Photo: SH 8 #ecotourism

ro Porrino. TThe town of Aracena (Huelva), on the right, also

The territory

square kilometre.

Sustainable tourism Their commitment with the environment is certified by the model of sustainable development the villages have opted for, with the “Q” for quality tourism mark that many of the local businesses have obtained and because of the confidence of buying products that are certified by the Brand “Parque Natural de Andalucía”.

In this sense it is worth mentioning that the Nature Parks of Sierra de Andújar, Sierra de Cardeña-Montoro, Sierra de Hornachuelos, Sierra Norte de Sevilla and Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche have achieved the “EU Charter for Sustainable Tourism” which aims at providing methods for applying principles of sustainable tourism, guidelines for the people and the businesses manag#ecotourism 9

Sierra Morena ing these areas so they can set up tenable strategies and actions collectively.

The Sierra Morena landscape is like a continuous match dominated by a succession of mountains and valleys. The mountains are mainly medium to low, with some higher peaks with contrasting ravines that provide a rugged note to the predominantly gentle slopes.

The valleys are low and long, corresponding to the characteristics of the rivers, except in the most western sector where a central valley has been formed cutting through the mountains.

The economy is based on farming: livestock, forestry, agriculture and hunting are the mainstay of the economy in the area and most cases don’t have a single activity but a combination of them all.

Nature The meadows make up an important component of the landscape and black Iberian pigs (of delicious “pata negra” hams), bulls, cows and sheep graze free range here.

The forests provide cork, honey and produce from the pine trees. Olive groves dominate the

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Sierra Morena offers fresh landscapes and riparian forests along the river bank waterfalls. Photo: © Francisco Martínez Sáez

The territory

ks and oak woods in the adjacent areas. The tuffaceous limestone along the streams form the characteristic

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The Jándula river runs through the foothills of the Sierra de Andújar (Jaén) and presents typical landscapes of th the rutting season, a typical sound in the Sierra Morena nature area. Photos: © Rafael Romero Porrino 12 #ecotourism

he whole Sierra Morena territory. On the right, a stag during

The territory

landscape and cover the gentle slopes; they provide excellent olive oil although with a low yield.

In total the Nature Parks cover an area of approximately 528.631 hectares.

Part of the area makes up the “Meadows of Sierra Morena� Reserve of the Biosphere. They are protected nature areas with an enormous wealth of flora that is of great botanical interest the same as the fauna.

There are reservoirs and rivers in many of the Parks that cut through the areas providing the opportunity for adventure holidays and other activities. With regard to the different fauna, we can mention the existence of small species like rabbits, foxes, genets; even some species in danger of extinction like the Iberian lynx and the wolf. There are also interesting species for bird lovers like goshawks, sparrow-hawks, imperial eagles, golden eagles, Bonillo’s eagles, eagle owls, black vultures, griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, black storks, etc.

These are places that have a wealth of large game like deer, wild boar, fallow and roe deer.

There are also beautiful places and rich landscapes that include the Cimbarra Waterfall Nature Park, in the municipality of Aldeaquemada with an area of #ecotourism 13

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Burgalimar castle in BaĂąos de la Encina (JaĂŠn), an impressive fortress with 14 towers dating from the tenth cent Sierra Morena. On the right, Argiope Lobata, a spider characteristic of these Mediterranean ecosystems. Photo 14 #ecotourism

tury, dominates the Sierra Morena in the province of Jaén. Photo: © ADIT o: © Rafael Romero Porrino

The territory

534 hectares. Also the Peñas de Aroche and Sierra Pelada and the Rivera del Aserrador, also listed and protected as Nature Areas (Parajes Naturales), with an area of 718 hectares and 12.980 hectares respectively, both situated to the south east of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche district between the municipalities of Almonaster la Real, Aroche, Cortegana and Rosal de la Frontera.

The Natural Landscape Monuments in Sierra Morena are also a great attraction: the Organ Pipes of Despeñaperros in Santa Elena, El Cerro del Hierro rock forms in San Nicolás del Puerto and Constantina. The Huéznar waterfall also in San Nicolas del Puerto, Encina de la Dehesa de San Francisco holm oak forest in Santa Olalla del Cala and the loop in the river Guadalquivir at Montoro. #ecotourism 15

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European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster). Photo: Š Rafael Romero Porrino 16 #ecotourism

Birdwatching routes

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Birdwatching routes

Above, the Cerro del Hierro in the Sierra Norte of Seville. Photo: © tuscasasrurales. On the left, rushing streams in Sierra Morena. Photo: © Rafael Romero

Birdwatching: Seven reasons for picking Sierra Morena

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hy choose Sierra Morena for Birdwatching? Seven reasons why birdwatchers want to come to this new and – still – not very often visited destination: 1. First of all, out of its 241 bird species there are many of the jewels of the Iberian birdlife and Mediterranean species like the Spanish imperial eagle and the black vulture (its main colonies in Andalucía are here), Bonelli’s eagle, booted eagle, short-toed eagle, black kite, lesser kestrel, griffon vulture, bee-eater, orphean warbler, Sub-alpine warbler, Sardinian warbler, Iberian chiffchaff, white-rumped swift, Alpine swift, pallid swift, little swift, red-necked nightjar, red-billed chuff, black-eared wheatear and black wheatear, blue rock thrush, rock sparrow, Spanish sparrow, red-rumped sparrow, black stork, white stork, European Green woodpecker, azurewinged magpie, great spotted cuckoo,

little bustard, Montagu’s harrier, Dartford warbler, thelka lark, hoopoe, common starling, rufous-tailed scrub robin, Western olivaceous warbler, stone curlew, cirl bunting, European turtle dove, red-legged partridge, woodchat shrike, Southern grey shrike, purple swamp hen and the golden oriole.

2. These nature areas are also the habitat of endangered carnivorous species like the Iberian lynx and the Iberian wolf as well as large numbers of deer, fallow deer, mouflons and other mammals. There is an exceptional list of reptiles and amphibians with several exclusive taxa from the Iberian Peninsula and the South-east of Europe.

3. The expert naturalist will also have the opportunity to enjoy the well conserved bat fauna, autochthonous fish and insects (including the dragonfly which is worth a special mention). The flora includes many species associated with a Mediterranean

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Watching birds of prey in Sierra Morena. On the right, a griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus). Photos: Š Rafael Romero 20 #ecotourism

Birdwatching routes

climate and include beautiful wild spring orchids.

4. Additionally you have to keep in mind the fact that Sierra Morena is situated close to other top bird areas like Doñana (only an hour away) and La Serena (also an hour away). As well as being relatively close to interesting places for nature and bird lovers like the Odiel marshes, the Brazo del Este wetlands, the Fuente de Piedra salt lake, the Sierras de Grazalema and Ronda or the lakes and countryside of La Lantejuela-Osuna. A bit further away but still easy to get to you have the Straits of Gibraltar, Sierra Nevada, Almería-Cabo de Gata and the plains of Cáceres-Trujillo.

This is why it is easy to plan a visit combining several of these places that have very diverse birdlife and landscapes so the birdwatcher can mark up a long list of birds without moving far.

5. Sierra Morena is well situated for those visitors who stay in the lovely historic cities of Seville, Córdoba, Jaén and Granada, not forgetting Úbeda and Baeza, World Heritage Sites. It is also less than an hour from Seville airport, one hour twenty minutes from Granada-Jaén airport, less than two hours from Málaga-Costa del Sol and two and a half hours from Madrid and Faro-Algarve airports.

o Porrino

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6. The whole of Sierra Morena is dotted with lovely small white villages that are typical of Andalucía with an interesting historic-artistic heritage. They offer varied accommodation in hotels, boarding houses, rural accommodation, camp sites and eco-farms. The cuisine is especially good and it is highly appreciated in Spain and abroad, its “pata negra” ham comes from pigs that graze free-range and eat acorns from the oak groves and its olive oil is excellent.

7. Recently Sierra Morena has been recognized as an ideal place for eco-tourism.

The emerging business network made up of small local companies – respecting the environment and with all the necessary permits– offers services like guided Birdwatching tours, photographing birds of prey and passeriormes from hides, walks, detecting and sighting lynx and other mammals, identifying mushrooms, cultural and ethnographical tours, Nordic walking, canoeing, horse riding, etc.

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Walking along the GR-48. The best route for adventure tourism in the Sierra

Birdwatching routes

Morena. Photo: © Abén Aljama Martínez. On the left: cork oaks in Sierra Morena. Photo: © Rafael Romero #ecotourism 23

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Chestnut groves in Sierra Morena. On the right, a little owl (Athene noctua). Photos: Š Rafael Romero Porrino 24 #ecotourism

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Birdwatching routes

Internet links for Birdwatching u Access the Bird Guide (Guía de Aves) in Sierra Morena online u Information on the 62 signposted Birdwatching routes in Sierra Morena, including location and top species u Books from the collection Routes to see Birds and Nature in Sierra Morena (Rutas para ver Aves y Naturaleza en Sierra Morena) that are a pocket edition to take with you so you don’t miss anything u The MITO network. A group of companies specialising in Birdwatching holidays in the Sierra Morena, ideal for planning visits to Sierra Morena, including accommodation aimed at bird-watchers and companies dedicated to adventure holidays and ecotourism offering services linked to Birdwatching, nature photography and walking holidays.

Birdwatching and nature routes in Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche This very large district is situated at the western frontier of the Sierra Morena in the province of Huelva. In its area of over 300 000 hectares you can find varied Mediterranean landscapes, like rivers with oleanders and broom, tall thick oak woods, large patches of Mediterranean scrub, famous chestnut groves, well conserved riverside forests and extensive meadows that perfectly exemplify what is called today “sus-

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Tecla lark (Galerida theklae), one of the birds you can find in Sierra Morena. Right, Caesar's mushroom. Photos 26 #ecotourism

s: © Rafael Romero Porrino

Birdwatching routes

tainable use” of resources.

• H-1. Vulture country • H-2. The Buervas Valley (Aracena Reservoir) • H-3. Route of Our Lady of the Puerto • H-4. Centenary chestnut trees • H-5. Teuler mines • H-6. Through the oak groves in Huelva province • H-7. Aracena Castle • H-8. The Cala riverside • H-9. Frontier birds • H-10. Meadows of the Sillo river and the Celtic settlement of Capote • H-11. Chorros de Ollarancos waterfall • H-12. Family friendly: The source of the river Odiel • H-13. River Múrtigas and the Torres valley • H-14. Plains of Gracia • H-15. Las Peñuelas • H-16. Cala Castle • H-17. Banks of the Alcalaboza

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Sierra Morena is the habitat for fauna that will delight naturalists. Right, The Iberian lynx. Above, an otter. Photos 28 #ecotourism

s: © Rafael Romero Porrino

Birdwatching routes

Birdwatching and nature routes in Sierra Morena in the province of Seville Few visitors imagine that at such a short distance from the Giralda tower there is such an extraordinary district, a perfect mixture between the wild and rouge side of the eastern Sierra Morena and the luxuriant beauty of the riparian forest on the banks of the Huéznar river which cuts through the western part of the mountains.

• SE-1. Viar Valley • SE-2. La Senda trail • SE-3. Onza mountains and the river Bembézar • SE-4. Las suertes del Guadalbacar river • SE-5. A wood in stone • SE-6. The riverside woods of the Ciudadeja • SE-7. Along the banks of the Huéznar river • SE-8. Los Covachos • SE-9. The riverside meadows of the Cala • SE-10. Eagle country • SE-11. Family friendly: El Venero • SE-12. The Viar Canyon • SE-13. Melonares

bridge • SE-14. El Galeón • SE-15. Retortillo reservoir

Birdwatching and nature routes in the Sierra Morena in the province of Córdoba As unknown as it is interesting, this part of the Sierra Morena in the province of Córdoba watches over the monumental city of the Mosque from on high. Between the deep ravines of the Retortillo river and the emblematic Yeguas valley, a never-ending string of mountains, crags and rivers spread out with their rich natural treasures.

• CO-1. Sierra de Hornachuelos • CO-2. Guadalmellato • CO-3. Guadalora Stream • CO-4. Névalo Castle • CO-5. Cliffs of Sierra del Castillo • CO-6. Los Ángeles trekking trail • CO-7. Uncommon commonland • CO-8. El Valle • CO-9. Cabeza Aguda

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Birdwatching routes

Left, paeonia broteri, endemic on the Iberian Peninsula. Above, an eagle owl (Bubo bubo). Photos: © Rafael Romero Porrino • • • • • •

pine grove CO-10. Film scenery CO-11. Family friendly: La Rabilarga walk CO-12. Guadalquivir river CO-13. Guadiato ravines CO-14. Slopes of the Guadalbarbo CO-15. The Station

Routes through the Sierra Morena in the province of Jaén The Despeñaperros mountain pass is always open to travellers who want to go deep into the Sierra Morena in the province of Jaén. Thousands of acres of Mediterranean forest are waiting for you there, holm and cork oaks, extensive pine groves, rivers speckled with oleanders and dense riverside woods, mountains and hills dotted with granite rocks and rocky ravines, meadows where fighting bulls graze, countryside with

silver olive groves and fertile valleys irrigated by the great Guadalquivir river.

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J-1. Miner birds J-2. Valdeazores Ravine J-3. Foothills of the Sierra Morena J-4. The Jándula river’s farewell J-5. Land of lynxes J-6. El Rey vantage point J-7. La Cimbarra waterfalls J-8. Mount Burguillos J-9. Family friendly: La Pasada del Castaño J-10. Family friendly: la Campana river (La Aliseda) J-11. La Lancha J-12. Peñón Jurado and Las Tres Hermanas J-13. Birds n the open countryside J-14. Bury al-Hammam J-15. The banks of the Guadalquivir river #ecotourism 31

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Jaén Córdoba Huelva Sevilla

The long distance walking route through the Sierra Morena GR-48

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he route of the Sierra Morena trail - GR 48 starts in the village of Barrancos in Portugal and runs along public roads through the province of Huelva, Seville, Córdoba and Jaén along 590 km in 28 stages and an alternative route..

It is designed to take you through six nature parks in Andalucía, coinciding with green footpaths that inter-communicate protected areas, historic and traditional pathways.

Landscapes where Mediterranean forest predominates in its purest form along side meadows, declared by the UNESCO to be a Reserve of the Biosphere, with some olive groves scattered about. Territory that is still the habitat for species as scarce as the Iberian lynx, the wolf, black vulture and the Spanish imperial eagle. Villages with history where man has known how to preserve natural values by integrating them into his own way of life.

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General information • Type of path: Lineal with a alternative circular route • Condition and state of the footpath: Approved and signposted in 2010 • Total length: 571 km.

• Stages: 28 + Alternative GR 48.1 • Accessibility: Suitable on foot, horseback and, except for a few isolated stretches, on mountain bike.

• Map information: I.G.N./S.G.E. 1:50.000.

Huelva: nº 895 Encinasola, 896 Higuera la Real, 918 Santa Olalla de Cala, 919 Almadén de la Plata. Sevilla: 1:25.000 del I.G.N.: 919-I; 919-III; 919-IV; 940-II; 919IV; 920-III; 920-I; 920-II; 920-IV; 921-III; 942-I. Córdoba: nº 942 Palma del Río, 943 Posadas, 922 Sta. Mª de Trassierra, 923 Córdoba, 902 Adamuz, y 903 Montoro.

Jaén: Nº 903, Nº 884, nº 862.

The GR 48 route

Left, interactive map of the GR-48. Above, the river canyon with Mediterranean vegetation in the Sierra de Hornachuelos (C贸rdoba). Photo: 漏 Rafael Romero Porrino #ecotourism 33

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Above, cycle touring along the track in the Sierra Norte in the province of Seville on the Rivera del HuÊznar riv On the right, leafy places on route that are very welcome in summer. Photo: Š Rafael Romero Porrino 34 #ecotourism

ver. Photo: Carlos León / Cyclo Natural.

The GR 48 route

The GR 48 “Sierra Morena trail” Este impresionante itinerario This impressive itinerary goes through the Sierra Morena mountains in the provinces of Huelva, Seville, Córdoba and Jaén along 571 kilometres and is divided into 28 stages and an alternative circular route.

On foot, bike or horseback this long distance, or GR route, is one of the most attractive in the South of Spain. On route you will discover ancient pathways and come in direct contact with the culture and nature of the Sierra Morena. The trail is completely signposted and it has four topographical guides, one for each province, both in Spanish and in English, which can be downloaded for free on the web: www.senderogr48.com/.

It goes through 35 Andalusian municipalities, travellers can enjoy a mixture of landscapes from meadows,

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Walking along a stretch of the GR-48. Photo: Š ADIT Sierra Morena. On the right, woodchat shrike (Lanius sen 36 #ecotourism

nator). Photo: Š Rafael Romero

The GR 48 route

ravines, rivers and streams, olive groves, pine groves and Mediterranean scrub.

For further information If you need more detailed information on the GR 48 Trail through Sierra Morena you can contact ADIT Sierra Morena E-mail: gr48@sierramorena.com There is a very complete website dedicated exclusively to the Sierra Morena trail, http://www.senderogr48. com, where each stage is described, you can download the tracks for GPS navigation and the 4 existing topological guides for each one free and in both Spanish and English.

In addition to the website, Sierra Morena is on facebook: http://www.facebook. com/ADITsierramorena with information for all those who use the trail on its present condition and about Sierra Morena in general, like walking activities or any incident on route.

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The topographical guides The topographical guides are the ideal complement for a pleasant excursion along any part of the GR-48. They include texts, photos, diagrams, as well as maps and all the necessary material for you to do the route safely. In addition there is a general introduction to each province the trail goes through, there is also information on each place the trail goes through.

You can download the topographical guides (PDF format) • • • •

GR-48 Huelva Guide GR-48 Sevilla Guide GR-48 Córdoba Guide GR-48 Jaén Guide

The stages of the GR-48 The different stages have been designed for you to do on mountain bike, on foot or on horseback covering different distances according to difficulty and planned mainly so that the beginning and end of each stage coincide with towns and villages or places where you can stay and at least get a meal.

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01. Barrancos – Encinasola 02. Encinasola – Cumbres de San Bartolomé 03. Cumbres de San Bartolomé – Cumbres Mayores 04. Cumbres Mayores – Hinojales 05. Hinojales – Arroyomolinos de León 06. Arroyomolinos de León – Cala 07. Cala – Santa Olalla del Cala 08. Santa Olalla del Cala – El Real de la Jara 09- El Real de la Jara – Almadén de la Plata 10. Almadén de la Plata – Cazalla de la Sierra 11. Cazalla de la Sierra – Constantina 12. Constantina – La Puebla de los Infantes 13. Puebla de los Infantes – Hornachuelos 14. Hornachuelos – Posadas 15. Posadas – Almodóvar del Río 16. Almodóvar del Río – Sta Mº de Trassierra 17. Sta Mº de Trassierra – Cerro Muriano 18. Cerro Muriano – Villaharta 19. Villaharta – Obejo 20. Obejo – Presa del Guadalmellato 21. Presa del Guadalmellato – Adamuz 22. Adamuz – Montoro 23. Montoro – Marmolejo 24. Marmolejo – Santuario de la Virgen de la Cabeza 25. Santuario de la Virgen de la Cabeza – Viñas de Peñallana 26. Viñas de Peñallana – Baños de la Encina 27. Baños de la Encina – La Carolina 28. La Carolina – Santa Elena Variante circular GR-48.1: Rivera del Huéznar – Cerro del Hierro

The GR 48 route

On the left, griffon vultures and black vultures eating what is left of a winter hunting trip in Sierra Morena. Above, the Nature Park of the Cimbarra waterfall. Photos: Š Rafael Romero Porrino #ecotourism 39

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Astro-tourism. Destination Starlight

On the left, night sky from the Virgen de la Cabeza Sanctuary (Andújar). Above, star gazing in the heart of the Sierra Morena. Following page, the Cala Castle (Huelva). Photos: © José Jiménez

Sierra Morena: where sky and earth meet

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hanks to the constant work of the mountain inhabitants who are proud of their homeland, many already know that Sierra Morena is synonymous to wild nature, of remote moorland where the Mediterranean forest is present in all its splendour, white villages dotted on a landscape where silence is only interrupted by the mournful cry of eagles or the call of the deer or the roar of the stags. Yet, few know that Sierra Morena is also one of the best places on the continent to star gaze on clear nights.

At present Sierra Morena is being studied for a Starlight Reserve and Tourist Destination, certified by the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands and authorised by the UNESCO, that only approve places where the night sky allows star gazing in the very best conditions with an absence of light pollution.

When the sun goes down and the first stars appear then you a guaranteed a show. A deep, black sky appears in all its grandeur, the stars shine in a clear sky free from light

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Astro-tourism. Destination Starlight

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Astro-tourism. Destination Starlight

Left, star gazing in the Sierra de Cardeña Montoro. Photo: © Juan Fernández. Above, a show in its immensity. Photo: © José Jiménez Garrido pollution, the abyss of the cosmos tempts us with questions and doubts and Sierra Morena is the ideal place to lose yourself in this sea of curiosity that engulfs us as we contemplate the mysteries of the universe.

Most of the 57 municipalities in the Sierra Morena have understood the potential of the sky at night and they have got involved in its conservation, a common wealth that is often underestimated.

At present a network of holiday accommodation has adapted their services for tourists who are interested in astronomy, with observation zones equipped with telescopes, minimised illumination so that you can star gaze in the best conditions, with astronomy guides offering star gazing activities for families, groups of enthusiasts and people who are interested, as well as including a series of amenities that make astronomy something easy to do (Late check outs, hot drinks available at night, electrical sockets, dinner under the stars). In this way Sierra Morena has become a reference point for astro-tourism, where enthusiasts have every commodity for star gazing.

Sierra Morena invites you to experience the thrill of watching the night sky that appears to explode in colour and light, immerse yourself in questioning and admiring a universe that we have hardly begun to understand. Let yourself be moved by the clear depth of dark skies in Sierra Morena.

For further information: www.sierramorena.com www.astronomiasierramorena.com www.darkskyadvisors.com www.asociacionhubble.org

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Above, Museun dedicated to the Batlle of Navas de Tolosa (1212) in La Carolina (Jaén). Photo: © Viajes Rumbo. Right, removing cork from the oaks in Sierra Morena. Photo: © Rafael Romero

Culture, cuisine and traditions in Sierra Morena

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ince Prehistoric times, Sierra Morena has had strategic important and different civilisations have settled here, the prehistoric remains and cave paintings are evidence of this. Fortifications were erected here: Iberians, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Jews…, all chose these lands for their privileged geographic situation and climate, leaving evidence of their legacy and an important part of it has been conserved..

The rich wealth and diversity of heritage in Sierra Morena offers a total of 206 elements that have been declared to be Heritage of Cultural Interest and 23 Historic Artistic Complexes. All this heritage is well conserved and accessible to visitors.

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Cuisine The base of the local cuisine is olive oil, game and the black Iberian pork fed on acorns. We can point out typical dishes like the marinated or pickled meat from the mountains, cooked meat from the mountains, black Iberian pork preserves, shoulder of pork, cured hams, Rulahuevos salad, camuña brazed lamb, ajoblanco cold soup, Salmorejo (a kind of gazpacho), mountain breadcrumbs, scrambled eggs, bollo de papas (Mashed potato with fried onion, garlic, pepper and tomato), ajogañán (bread, garlic, potato, cod, onion and red pepper), winter gazpacho… Dried fruits and nuts like almonds, walnuts, chestnuts; wild plants, mushrooms, asparagus, strawberry tree fruit, blackberries; herbs like

Culture, cuisine and traditions

Fiesta de los Rondeles en Casarabonela (Málaga) © José María Navarro Sánchez

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Aroche (Huelva) © Javier Hernández Gallardo

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thyme, rosemary; and honey, these are also ingredients that are often used in the local cuisine. For dessert you have a kind of porridge called gachas, fig loaf with almonds, marzipan, fried wine cakes called soplanos, olive oil tarts…

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Crafts Ironwork stands out among the local crafts (scales, harnesses…), saddlery, hand sewing with hemp yarn, work with rushes, embroidery, basket making, ceramics, woodwork,

Culture, cuisine and traditions

leather work, esparto grass and wicker work, hunting crafts mainly articles made with horns (chairs, coat hangers, walking sticks, lamps) as well as the cuisine that includes cakes and conserves, not forgetting everything related to olive oil, wine, honey,

anisette liquor‌

Festivals and Traditions Local folklore, festivals and customs are

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Sierra Morena

On the previous page, Aracena (Huelva). Above, a typical street in Constantina (Seville). Photos: © Campese. R lle). Photo: © Juanpol. www.juampol.com/. Next page, Montoro (Córdoba), an artistic historic complex. Photo: 50 #ecotourism

Culture, cuisine and traditions

closely linked to agriculture; most of the festivals have their origins in the celebration of good harvests. Also it is worth mentioning the pig slaughtering, bonfires and hunting activities.

Religious festivals also have great importance here, with romería type pilgrimages and processions of religious images that are famous all over Spain, like the Romería to the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Head (Virgen de la Cabeza) in Andújar, the oldest in Spain, Holy Week in Montoro with the traditional procession of Roman soldiers, festivals commemorating the Battle of Bailén, the cavalcade of the Three Wise Men in Higuera de la Sierra and the Romería type pilgrimage in honour of the Queen of Angels, all of these celebrations have been declared to be of National Tourist Interest.

There are also some local dances worth a mention like La Lanza or Hinojales dance, the dance of El Pandero de Encinasola, Los Fandangos from Almonaster la Real and the sword dance from Obejo.

Right, a panoramic view of the El Real de la Jara castle (Sevi: © Campese #ecotourism 51

FMontoro (Córdoba) © campese

Sierra Morena

Tourist amenities

u Roman roads.

Historic Heritage

Ethnographic heritage

u Castles in perfect condition for visits u Churches, parishes and convents u Historic Heritage complexes by municipalities u Museums u Remains of settlements and relics of mining activities u Archaeological sites u Cave paintings u Battle sites u Trenches and a shelter from the Civil War u Baroque urban complexes

u Festivals that have been declared to be of National Tourist Interest (Romería type pilgrimage of Our Lady of the Head, Holy Week in Montoro…) u Peculiar Folk Expression the legacy of other cultures.

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Natural Heritage u 6 Nature Parks. (Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Sites of Community Importance (SCI)). (Sierra de Aracena and Picos de

Culture, cuisine and traditions

Aroche Nature Park, Sierra Norte of Seville Nature Park, Sierra de Hornachuelos Nature Park, Sierra de Cardeña-Montoro Nature Park, Sierra de Andujar Nature Park, Despeñaperros Nature Park) u 3 Parks that have been declared to be Reserves of the Biosphere "Dehesas de Sierra Morena" (Sierra de Hornachuelos, Sierra Norte of Seville, Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche) u 3 Nature Areas (la Cimbarra waterfall, Las Peñas de Aroche and Sierra Pelada and Rivera del Aserrador) u 5 Natural landscape monuments (the Organs of Despeñaperros, Cerro del Hierro, Huéznar waterfall, the oak trees in the de

San Francisco meadows and the loop in the Guadalquivir river at Montoro) u The Puerto Moral Nature Reserve in Aroche (Huelva).

Installations for public use u Visitors’ Centres u Nature classrooms u Pathways u Recreation areas u Farm schools u Vantage points u Museums u Camping areas.

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Sierra Morena

Typical landscape of Sierra Morena. Photo: Š Rafael Romero 54 #ecotourism

Internet links ADIT Sierra Morena

Vantage points

Geographic area of Sierra Morena

http://www.sierramorena.com/lista_espaciosnaturales.php?tipo=Mirador

Municipalities of the Sierra Morena

Places of interest in the Sierra Morena

http://www.sierramorena.com/municipios.php

http://www.sierramorena.com/sitios_interes.php

Route of the GR-48

Accommodation in Sierra Morena

http://senderogr48.sierramorena.com/itinerario/

http://www.sierramorena.com/alojamientos.php

http://www.sierramorena.com/ http://www.sierramorena.com/pdt_ambito.php

Birdwatching and nature routes in the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche

Festivals and Traditions in Sierra Morena http://www.sierramorena.com/fiestas.php

http://birdingandalusia.sierramorena.com/?page_id=78

Birdwatching and nature routes in the Sierra Morena in the province of Seville http://birdingandalusia.sierramorena.com/?page_id=1484

Birdwatching and nature routes in the Sierra Morena in the province of Córdoba http://birdingandalusia.sierramorena.com/?page_id=1486

Birdwatching and nature routes in the Sierra Morena in the province of Jaén http://birdingandalusia.sierramorena.com/?page_id=41

Bird guide in Sierra Morena http://birdingandalusia.sierramorena.com/?page_id=2519

The MITO website http://birdingandalusia.sierramorena.com/?page_id=2550

Further information on accommodation on the MITO website

Association for the Integral Development of the Territory of Sierra Morena (ADIT Sierra Morena), it is a non-profit making entity promoted by the Rural Development Group of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche, Association Group for Rural Development of the Sierra Morena in the province of Seville, Association for the Rural Development of Sierra Morena in the province of Córdoba and the Association for the Rural Development of the Campiña Norte in the province of Jaén and integrated public and private businesses and institutions in the provinces of Huelva, Seville, Córdoba and Jaén.

http://birdingandalusia.sierramorena.com/?page_id=2412

Further information on the adventure holiday businesses on the MITO website http://birdingandalusia.sierramorena.com/?page_id=2566

Sierra de Andújar http://goo.gl/l5izRh

Despeñaperros http://goo.gl/M3khPq

Sierra de Cardeña-Montoro http://goo.gl/wT7QUU

Sierra de Hornachuelos http://goo.gl/pmQvMl

Sierra Norte in the province of Seville http://goo.gl/2dlg17

Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche http://goo.gl/lxEsAN

Recreation areas

http://www.sierramorena.com/lista_espaciosnaturales.php?tipo=%C1rea%20Recreativa

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