Ecotourism in Cazorla
Sustainable tourism in this Jaén Nature Reserve is nothing new, so the selection of accommodation, restaurants, shops and sporting activities is both varied and attractive.
The Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Nature Reserve has been awarded so many distinctions that it has become a benchmark for ecotourism in Andalusia and Jaén in particular. First of all it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, but it is also an SCI (Site of Community Importance) and a Special Bird Protection Area (SPA). In 2016 it celebrated thirty years as a Nature Reserve, the fundamental protection for its preservation and that of the municipalities within its surroundings. These include La Iruela, Pozo Alcón and Cazorla.
The weather in Cazorla is perfect for sustainable tourism which is in harmony with the environment and this has been a feature of the area for decades now. There has been growing consolidation of the area as a special attraction for travellers not wishing to leave anecological footprint after their visit, essential for achieving a minimum environmental impact. To achieve this it is essential for tourism to be clearly spread around the area to avoid concentrations of activity which could be harmful for the countryside and the people who live there all year round.
In direct contact with nature
An encounter with mountainous landscapes, in direct contact with nature, means a return to other lifestyles, other rhythms. It's really all about putting on the brakes. And not necessarily just for relaxation, because: the Hotel & Spa Sierra de Cazorla, in La Iruela, is a perfect option for this.
But active tourism on the other hand involves physical activity, and this helps to relieve the tension. You can try canyoning in Cazorla in places like Cerrada del Utrero (a narrow, karstic, river valley formed during the Quaternary) or Aguas del Buitre which are both a good example: they are not only great fun for all the family, they don't cause any harm to nature.
Accommodation in Cazorla
In the heart of Cazorla there are country house like the Huerta del Cañamares, located in the valley of the River from which it takes its name. Birdwatching, collecting mushrooms, organic agriculture, making liqueurs and natural preserves… are just some of the numerous activities available to those staying there. The house has an organic vegetable garden and farm certified by the (Andalusian Committee for Organic Agriculture).
The Los Enebros and La Bolera campsites located in La Iruela and Pozo Alcón respectively, open their doors to campers eager to explore the stunning backdrop of mountains. In the latter village, next to the Botanical Gardens, you'll find El Hornico, a hostel which used to be a Forest Lodge. Its Nature Centre is basically geared towards environmental education, but it also organises programmes for hiking, mountain biking and canoeing as well as orienteering and aromatic plant workshops.
Organic produce
Trade which is fair, local and organic, promoting small local industries - food or traditional crafts - is what you'll find in Sin Más Productos Artesanos, an establishment located in the Mercado de Abastos in Cazorla, which re-opened in 2007.
Traditional produce, with virgin olive oil as the star ingredient (for gastronomic consumption, as well as for hygiene and cosmetics), is at the forefront in places like El Cantalar: a rural hostel specialising in ecotourism where you'll find a restaurant where you can enjoy typical cuisine from Jaén or special menus for vegetarians, vegans and people with gluten allergies. The activities in Cazorla for children in this accommodation go hand-in-hand with weekends with friends, winter walks and holidays for practising yoga.
