Sierra Norte de Sevilla

Understand

The park is mostly covered in dehesas, a form of pasture dotted with oak trees, and this translates into an economy where farming and wood are major players. This characteristic landscape is complemented by olive groves, and along the rivers, riverside forests. The natural environment is home to many large mammals, such as deer (they can often be seen grazing around by visitors) and boars. In the riverside forests, otters can be seen. Average rainfall is higher than in places further east and north, as the Sierra Morena blocks incoming precipitation from the Atlantic. The temperatures are slightly lower than in the Guadalquivir Valley, and they show a market stationarity. Apart from farming and forestry, hunting and fishing are important sources of income, as they do bring tourists into the Park. The olive groves have resulted in a thriving high quality olive oil business, which is complimented by other farm activities, such as honey production, and mushroom and herb gathering.

Getting there

By bus There are a number of bus services from Sevilla Plaza de Armas coach station.

By train The railway that winds north towards Extremadura from Sevilla calls at El Pedroso and Constantina.

Getting around

The park is poorly served by public transport. This makes the use of a private car a near must. The roads are narrow and winding, and driving might be difficult in adverse weather conditions.

Eat

Try the delicious Iberian pork delicacies (ham, cured loin, chorizo sausages).

Drink & nightlife

The traditional aguardiente made from cherries is a good antidote against cold winter nights!

Sleep

There are a number of 'casas de turismo rural' (restored country cottages) are dotted throughout the region. These traditional self-catering dwellings are often restored to high quality standards, and provide very convenient and affordable accommodation for families and large groups of people.

Hacienda Los Gorriones has two nice cortijos (cottages) with a swimming pool and barbeque. The cottages are near Las Navas de la Concepción. San Blas Hotel, Constantina, a town in the heart of the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Nature Park. Cartuja de Cazalla, an upmarket hotel in a monumental guesthouse.