| Protected Natural Environments in Andalucía |
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Nearly a fifth of Andalucía is protected, reflecting the unspoilt nature of its countryside and the high ecological importance of its territory. National and natural parks have local headquarters (Oficina del Parque) based in the protected area that can give advice. Also the environment department, (Consejería de Medio Ambiente) of the regional Andalucian government is in charge of overseeing the protected areas and has an office in each provincial capital which you can contact for information on permits and general information on the Park areas. National Parks: Have the highest degree of protection, sometimes with restricted access to certain areas within them. These are locations of outstanding importance for their wildlife and geology, with ecosystems that have been almost undisturbed by the 20th century. There are two national parks in Andalucía: Sierra Nevada and Doñana. The entire Sierra Nevada National Park is open to the public; Cyclists are allowed to use all paths except the narrowest of footpaths. Roads and tracks closed off by a chain or other barrier must only be used by hikers or cyclists and not motor vehicles. Though many routes are for those on foot or bicycle only. Access to the practically all of the Doñana National Park is strictly by guided tour only; trips run from the main visitors' centre in El Acebuche and the tourist office in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cadiz province. Alternatively there is access to the northern part of the park by non-motorised transport (bicycles, horses or on foot) only. Natural Parks: You have virtually unrestricted access within the natural park, but a few may have areas where you need to obtain special permission before visiting them; due to the risk of forest fire or disturbing nesting birds, as is the case with the Sierra de Grazalema which has a reserve zone within its boundaries. The Natural Parks & National Parks make up the bulk of Andalucía’s’ protected areas, they demonstrate a wide range of geology, climate and habitats, such as salt-marshes, mountain forests, marine zones, and Mediterranean woodland. Park legislation is aimed at protected architectural and cultural traditions as well as the natural environment. Natural Areas: These are areas (Parajes Naturals) are protected due to their unique landscape and wildlife. Similar to natural parks, these vary greatly in climate, habitats and geology. Natural Reserves: To enter a natural reserve special permission is sometimes required, to receive permission you would need to contact the local environment office (medio ambiente), which are based in each provincial capital. The Natural Reserves are smaller areas aimed at conserving a fragile localised ecosystem, often within wetland habitats. Within Spain, an area noted for its exceptional ornithological interest may be declared a special protected zone for birds, known as a (Zona Especial de Protección de las Aves (ZEPA)). Natural Monuments: Singular exceptional natural features such as a centuries-old tree, a distinctive rock formation or coastal feature, are a more recent addition to Andalucía’s network of protected areas. Facilities: Visitors' centres (centres de visitantes) offer exhibitions, audio-visual displays and other information on a particular area, along with guidebooks, maps, leaflets and details of walks, accommodation and sports activities, some information may be available in English; these can be found in all national and natural parks (which often have more than one). They are run by helpful local people who know the area. Most open on public holidays. Generally, they open 10am-2pm and again in the afternoon, from 4pm-6pm in October-April and 6pm-8pm in May-September. Centres in the larger or more popular protected areas are more likely to open from Tuesday to Sunday. The smaller visitors' centres have more restricted opening hours, often only Friday to Sunday. The network of visitors' centres are supplemented in the larger national and natural parks by information points (puntos de información). Notice boards can be found that outline in some detail walking trails and other aspects of a particular area. Practical Guides (Guías Prácticas): These leaflets are often available in English as well as Spanish. The leaflets are useful and typically consist of a map along with specific details of towns and villages and local areas of interest. Footpaths (senderos): Traditionally, routes were marked in colours according to the type of path, by using rocks and rings or patches of paint on trees lining the routes, and many still have these. These frequently drovers' routes that are common throughout Andalucía and are becoming increasingly well marked with information boards, marking the beginning of a route and sign posted along the way. Cycle Tracks (carril de cicloturismo): Many footpaths (senderos) can also be used by cyclists, except ones that are particularly narrow. The cycle paths are clearly signposted designated route for cyclists. Contact the visitors' centre or local tourist or park office for details. Mountain bikes are increasingly available for hire. Recreation Areas (áreas recreativas): These are typically by a stream, river, and lake or in woodland areas and often have barbecue pits, benches and picnic tables, along with a source of water. These areas are very popular with city folk at weekends and holidays. Viewpoints (miradores): There is sometimes an information board with a seating area and are in places noted for their panoramic views. Observatories are basic constructions designed for watching wildlife, usually on the banks of a lake or on the seashore. Free Camping (Áreas de acampada libre): This is where camping is permitted. Check with the local visitors' centre before you arrive, since some areas require special permission in advance from the nearest environment office. In certain areas camping isn't allowed during the summer months due to the risk of forest fires. Bring everything you need like, camping equipment, food and drinking water. Campsites are awarded one of three grades, with three-star campsites offering the most facilities; many also have bungalows, chalets or wooden cabins to rent. In the Sierra Nevada National Park, you are allowed to camp to wherever you want for one night only; but you must contact the park office in Pinos Genil first, giving them details of when and where you want to camp (acampar) on a notification form (hoja de notificación). You can either ring the office on 958 026 300 Refuges (refugios): These are common in mountainous areas like the Sierra Nevada and Cazorla Natural Park and are mountain shelters that offer dormitory accommodation with showers, can be booked in advance for a small fee. A basic stone shelter (refugio vivac) is a stop over that you can use for free and don't need to reserve in advance. However always best to check with the local visitors' centre or park office since not all of those marked on maps are permanently open. |
