Andalucia is famous for many reasons from its stunning beaches to its magnificent rugged inland areas. There are many areas across the whole region that have been named as areas of natural beauty and these areas have been designated as national parks

The beautiful Sierra Mágina Natural Park which forms part of the Cordillera Subbética is located in the province of Jaen and covers an area of 19,900ha. The park has a rugged landscape made up of a steep limestone terrain dominated by high mountain peaks including that of the Sierra Mágina {2,165m} which gives its name to the park.

All across the area there are fascinating prehistoric cave paintings and defensive architecture built by warring Christians and Muslims which give visitors an amazing insight into the history of the area.

For those who are interested in flora and fauna of Andalucia the park provides a significant botanical interest, the area is covered with a mix of wildflowers and aromatic plants and due to its diverse climate you will find a wide range of fascinating plants including around 20 species of orchids and around 300 species of wild mushrooms : There is a wide range of wildlife here including 185 species of birds, 27 of mammals, 19 of reptiles and six of amphibians

The area is also very popular for those who are interested on a variety of adventurous activities such as rock climbing mountain biking and caving as well as both trail and hill walking.

Some of the caves in the park include

Cuevas del Aire : Located in La Serrezuela area of Bedmar village and have stalagtites and various caverns. This cave is for the more experienced caver and you will need special equipment to visit the caves as the entrance is set high up in a vertical wall. One of the main features here is the Moorish 3m-high wall; the cave entrance is to the right of this.

Cuevas del Gato : Again one for the experienced cavers these caves are in the mountainous region south of Bélmez de la Moraleda and have some interesting geological formations.

Cueva de los Esqueletos : Located in the stunning Albánchez de Mágina you can see remains dating from the Paleolithic period. The cave is named after the skeletons (esqueletos) found in the cave, in a sitting position in a semi circle, together with knives and arrows.

Cueva de la Granja : Located near Jimena the caves main feature are the Neolithic cave paintings in red hues, which date from the 4th to the 3rd centuries BC. In 1924 it was declared a historic monument .

Cuevas de Majuelos y Aro : Located in Pegalajar this cave is one not to be missed.. Archaeologists have found stone axes, flint knives, arrowheads and human remains here dating from the 3rd century BC.

Walkers will have a fascinating time with some great walks, six of which are signposted. .Further details of the walks can be obtained from the visitors centre

One of the best walks is the Sendero de Fuenmayor which is an circular walk of 11km starting at the Fuenmayor picnic area with highlights including the Cascada del Zurreón a beautiful waterfall about 1km in. The walk is quite easy going but quite long. It takes in some of the most stunning landscapes and some superb panoramic views of Torres village and the Sierra.

It is a fascinating area that I could go on and on about but the best thing to do is head up the Jaen province and visit the area yourself. It is located just 30km east of Jaen itself close to the A44

The park’s visitors’ centre, the Centro de Visitantes Castillo de Jódar, is in the 13th hilltop Moorish castle on the Cerro de San Cristóbal in Jódar, 953 787 656. It has exhibitions on the park’s ecosystems and villages. It’s open Thursday and Friday 10am-2pm, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 4pm-6pm (October to March) or 6pm-8pm (April-September).