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 like an oasis all year round. 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) on the Iberian Peninsula.
Essentially a medium mountain range, the reserve provides some attractive hiking trails of mostly moderate difficulty. At an elevation of about 1,100 meters, Pico del Aljibe is the highest peak in Los Alcornocales. From there, you can enjoy great views of large parts of the Cádiz and Málaga provinces, as well as the Gibraltar enclave.
