Marbella, a coastal city in the south of Spain, is renowned for its sunny beaches and vibrant nightlife. However, there’s much more to this beautiful city than just its beaches and parties. Marbella boasts several natural parks that offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature.
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Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park
Source: tripadvisor.com
Located in the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves Mountains, this natural park is a paradise for nature lovers who visit Marbella. The park covers an area of 18,530 hectares and is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including the Iberian lynx, the Spanish ibex, and the golden eagle. The park is also home to several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Some of the most popular hiking trails in the park include the Torrecilla Peak Trail and the Los Quejigales Trail.
Apart from hiking, visitors can also enjoy mountain biking and horse riding in the park. The park has several designated mountain biking trails that cater to both beginners and experienced riders. Horse riding is also a popular activity in the park, and visitors can take guided horse riding tours through the mountains.
Parque Natural de las Sierra de Grazalema
Source: cumbresdelsur.es
The natural park near Grazalema is a popular destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Covering over 51,695 hectares, the park boasts more than 200 species of birds, such as the griffon vulture, Spanish imperial eagle, and Eurasian eagle owl, as well as various mammals like wild boar, red deer, and mountain goat.
Hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting are some of the popular activities in the park. Visitors can explore the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife through several hiking trails that vary from easy walks to challenging hikes. For those who prefer mountain biking, the park offers a selection of trails to explore, with bike rentals available for visitors.
Parque Natural de los Alcornocales
Source: centrobttalcornocales.com
Located near the town of Jimena de la Frontera, this natural park is one of the largest cork oak forests in the world. The park covers an area of 167,767 hectares and is home to an impressive array of flora and fauna. The park is home to over 200 species of birds, including the black stork, the short-toed eagle, and the Eurasian hoopoe. The park is also home to several species of mammals, including the wild boar, the genet, and the Iberian lynx.
Parque Natural de Sierra Bermeja
Source: sierrabermeja.es
This natural park, situated near Estepona, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. Covering an area of 1,236 hectares, the park is home to numerous bird and mammal species, including the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and mountain goat. The park’s unique flora includes the Spanish fir, found exclusively in the Sierra Bermeja region.
Several hiking trails are available, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. The Pico de los Reales Trail is the most popular hiking trail in the park, leading visitors to the summit of Pico de los Reales, where they can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
In addition to hiking, visitors can also go mountain biking on several trails catered to both beginners and experienced riders. The park’s mountain biking trails offer an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the park.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a nature lover, a birdwatcher, or an adventure seeker, Marbella’s natural parks are definitely worth exploring. So, next time you’re in Marbella, make sure to visit one of its natural parks and experience the beauty of nature.
