Region: Andalucia
Province: Granada
Declared a Natural Park: 1989
Park surface area: 12,265 hectares
ZEPA in 2002
Points of interest:
Sierra de Castril, a limestone massif, is part of the Sierra Bética mountain range. The altitudes vary between 855 and 2138m with spectacular scenery holding caves and cliffs shaped by water erosion. The main river, Castril, flows from the north to south of the park added to which there are many natural springs, streams and waterfalls.
The western boundary of the park meets with the neighbouring natural park of Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas in Jaen province.
There are two outstanding cave formations, both in the Sierra Seca area of the park. The Cueva de Don Fernando is Granada's largest cave and the second biggest in Andalucia. This 2.5km long cave drops to an amazing 241m below sea level. The Cueva del Muerto has spectacular stalactites and stalagmite formations.
La Torca de Fuente Fría has the most important subterranean lake in the province.
Flora:
Plants within the park that are in danger of extinction are Atropa baetica, Erodium cazorlanum and Viola cazorlensis, those considered vulnerable are Acer opalus subsp. granatense, Amelanchier ovalis subsp. ovalis, Buxus sempervirens, Salix eleagnos and Sorbus aria. Yew trees are under protection (Taxus baccata) as there are not many areas so far south in Iberia where they survive.
Another interesting plant first found in the Sierra Castril is Castrilanthemum debeauxii, there are records of it in only 2 other local sierras. The plants grow on dry stony slopes between 1700 and 1800 m (also called Pyrethrum debeauxii).
Much of the reforestation schemes have introduced new trees such as Aleppo (Pinus halepensis), Scots (Pinus sylvestris) and Austrian pine (Pinus pinaster subsp nevadensis).
Black pines (Pinus nigra subsp. Clusiana) are tall trees reaching 40m which are on the exposed higher reaches, growing with them are spreading Juniper (Juniperus sabina var. humilis) and common Juniper (Juniperus communis subsp. hemisphaerica). In less protected zones are Minature wild plum (Prunus prostata), Whitebeam Sorbus aria and Daphne (Daphne oleoides, D. laureola). On open high ground dense cushion shaped plants form including, Hedgehog broom (Erinacea anthyllis), Astragalus giennesis, Spiny alysum (Hormathophylla spinosa), Thyme (Thymus gadorensis) and a compact thorny yellow flowered crucifer endemic to the Baetic mountains Vella spinosa.
Oaks such as Holm's (Quercus rotundifolia) and Gall (Quercus faginea) live in humid areas with Prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus), Evergreen buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) and Mediterranean Daphne (Daphne gnidium).
The many water courses support Poplar, Willow, Ash and Wild cherry (Prunus avium).
Other shrubs include Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Rockroses (Cistus clusii, C. albidus), Gorse (Genista scorpius) and Thyme (Thymus orospedanus).
Fauna:
Raptors within the park include Short-toed, Golden and Booted eagles, Griffon and Egyptian vultures, Peregrines and Black kite.
The Spanish ibex is numerous and therefore the most easily viewed mammal of the parkland Mouflon, Wild boar, Fallow deer, Stone marten and Wild cat are more elusive.
The rivers hold Trout, Otter, Grey heron, Kingfisher and Dipper. Reptiles include the very localized Valverde lizard, Painted frogs, Southern midwife toads, Lataste's vipers, Salamanders and Grass snakes.
Also in the area:
Castril has been a fortified camp for the Romans and in the 13thC an Arab stronghold.
Crafts of the village include woven Esparto grass products, pottery and wooden furniture. A glass factory which opened around 1940 closed at the end of the last century but some of their wares are on display.
Information/Visitors Centers:
Castril visitor centre and ethnographic museum (on the road to Pozo Alcón).
Natural and National parks in Andalusia
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