Sierra de Castril, Natural park in Jaén, Spain.
Sierra de Castril is a natural park in Granada province, known for its deep gorges, sharp limestone cliffs, and dense woodlands covering several elevation levels. The park borders Jaén province and runs from river valleys up to rocky ridges at high altitude.
Sierra de Castril was declared a natural park in 1989, placing it under official protection for the first time. It later joined the European Natura 2000 network, which strengthened the safeguarding of certain plant and animal species found in the area.
The name Castril traces back to Arabic roots, a reminder of the Moorish past of this mountain area. Hikers passing through the gorges can still spot old irrigation channels and droving paths left by earlier communities.
The park has several hiking trails, some of which pass through narrow gorges and require sturdy footwear and enough water for the full route. In summer, exposed rocky sections can get very hot, so starting early in the morning is a good idea.
The Castril River rises from underground springs directly at the base of the limestone cliffs, emerging as a fully formed river straight out of the rock. These springs feed one of the last waterways in southern Spain where wild trout still survive in numbers worth noting.
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