Set in the northeast corner of Andalusia, this area is important to Spain for various reasons. It is here that the mighty river Guadalquivir, which flows through the cities of Cordoba and Seville before entering the Atlantic at Cadiz, begins its journey. It was from this river that Christopher Columbus set sail on his journey in which he discovered the Americas. Soon after its birth, the river is dammed and becomes the vast artificial lake which forms the centrepiece of the National Park, the Tranco reservoir.
The lover of wildlife and the outdoors will be spoilt for choice on a visit to the Sierras. There is a variety of mountain peaks, some over 2000 metres above sea-level. The whole area is covered in rich forests teeming with wildlife such as wild boar, deer and squirrels while overhead it is common to spot golden eagle, peregrine falcons and other types of hawk and buzzard. The tracks for hiking are in very good condition and out of season it is possible to walk all day and not see another soul