The Parque Natural Sierra de las Nieves or Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park is a biosphere reserve, which is a part of the Serrania de Ronda National Park. This scenic mountainous area located in the Malaga provinces is just a few minutes away from Marbella, Costa del Sol.
It is situated in the hills, particularly the 1,919-metre height La Torrecilla, behind Marbella and the place which even today is away from large-scale human influence.
With such a rich variety of flora and fauna, the park was first marked as a National Hunting Reserve in 1970 before declared as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1995.
One of the very striking aspects of the Sierra de las Nieves natural park is its varied landscape: deep ravines, high cliffs, gorges, natural caves or potholes. Certainly it’s the diverse topography and of course the weather that helps to boast unique species of plants, herbs, animals and birds.
Flora & Fauna of Sierra de las Nieves
Grown with the influence of both Atlantic and Mediterranean climate, Sierra de las Nieves has an original and varied flora. Both during spring and summer, the mountain turns dense amid evergreen trees with the likes of Spanish Fir, Yew, Holm and Cork Oak.
Besides, you will find a wide range of aromatic shrubs like Lavender, gorse and trees with soft woods and seasonal flowers. Of course there are pine trees, wild olives, oak, chestnut, and the Mediterranean tree Carob among others.
As far as animal life is concerned, the denseness of forest is home to mammals such as the Spanish Ibex, the fallow deer, wild boar, cat, goats, etc. Sierra de las Nieves also houses Andalusia’s largest communities of mountains goat.
Among some other animal species, and some declared endangered, are the wildcat, the carnivorous mammal otter and golden eagle. Just due to the abundant natural life and some much endangered animal species, the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park was declared a hunting reserve.
Trip to Sierra de las Nieves
A trip to this stunning Park is all worth of your time which keeps the magic secrets of Andalucia wildlife. The Park is well in reach from any Costa del Sol towns and it’s quite possible to arrange a daytrip or excursion.
Other than the natural beauty and attractive landscape of the Sierra de las Nieves biosphere, travellers fell in love with the popular gastronomy, local handicraft, tradition and people in general. The visitors are certain to discover some traditional local dishes, the warmth of village people and their festive favour very much enticing.
For holidaymakers, the Natural Park is also the nicest place to try different travel activities like bicycling, canoeing, climbing, hiking, horse riding, jeep safari and canyoning. So, the next time you are here in Sierra de las Nieves make sure to go for a nature tour and try any of the recreation travel activities of your interest.
