Encina de los Perros

The size of this spectacular holm oak (designated Natural Monument) is amazing. The base of the trunk has a perimeter of eight metres and its canopy can project a shadow covering 600 square metres. It is a beautiful setting - tradition has it that couples would get engaged under its branches.

The holm oak is in the Corredor de la Plata region, where the predominant landscape is open countryside of rolling hills. The countryside here is used for grazing fighting bulls, which are very common in the region.

There are picturesque villages and hamlets dotted round the hills, and around this Natural Monument you will find several paths and trails perfect to discover them.

One of the routes is Camino de los Camellos, an old livestock trail that links Castillo de las Guardas with Aznalcóllar and El Madroño. But of all the trails in the region, we should underline the Silver Route ("Vía de la Plata"), a major communication route built by the Romans. Following this route is a good way to get to know all the different spots around the region, and you can even continue your pilgrimage all the way to Santiago de Compostela.