Is the south of Spain a sun-drenched expanse of ocher? The Parque Natural Los Alcornocales seems to prove the opposite. Located close to the Strait of Gibraltar, this nature reserve looks a bit like an oasis all year round. In fact, it contains the largest and best preserved remnant of laurel forest in continental Europe. It is also home to the largest mass of cork oaks (alcornoques) in the Iberian Peninsula.
Best preserved remnant
of laurel forest
Los Alcornocales is essentially a medium mountain range with some excellent vantage points. On a clear day, you can see most of the province of Cádiz. The reserve has some attractive hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Its highest peak, Pico del Aljibe, reaches 1,100 meters above sea level.
