The Natural Park of Sierra de Cardeña and Montoro is a protected area of Sierra Morena, located in the northeastern corner of the province of Cordoba and divided between the municipalities of Cardeña and Montoro. It was declared a natural park in 1989 and occupies just over 38,000 hectares, with a smooth and undulating relief of granitic hills that becomes steeper in the valleys of the Yeguas and other watercourses. The landscape combines pastures, holm oak and cork oak groves, with a clear predominance of Mediterranean forest and a strong traditional livestock farming tradition. From its viewpoints, trails and public use areas, the transition between the rounded hills, granite rock outcrops and large patches of oak forest is well recognized. It is an interesting territory to observe fauna linked to the pasture and big game, as well as birds of prey and mammals such as otters in the river sections. The presence of Iberian lynx and wolf is mentioned in provincial tourist information, although their sighting is not guaranteed. Its relevance is not only scenic: the Junta de Andalucía recognizes it as a natural park and Special Area of Conservation, within a network of protected areas of Sierra Morena. It is also linked to interpretive itineraries and visitor facilities such as visitor centers and marked trails. The best time to visit it is usually spring, when the pasture is greener and temperatures are mild, and autumn, for the light and color of the vegetation. In summer, it is best to choose early in the day or late in the afternoon because of the heat.
