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Area Recreativa El Picacho

Cadiz Province  >  Spain

A picnic site in cork oak woodland with good views and a variety of walks.

Added* by John Cantelo
Most recent update 18 April 2020

Description

Area Recreativa El Picacho is a convenient spot from which to explore the birdlife of the Alcornocales. There are two places to park, one east of 150m the prominent white buildings of the Aula de la Naturaleza El Picacho and the other 280m to its north. In general, the second option is better as it's the starting point of the footpath up to El Picacho.

Much can be seen by simply wandering around the picnic site and scanning the skies but you also have the option of a short walk or, for the adventurous, a steep hike to one of the areas higher peaks (El Picacho). The peak itself usually has a large number of Griffon Vulture sitting on its crags and, rarely, in winter Alpine Accentor but it's a steep climb.

The woodlands hold Western Bonelli's Warbler, Iberian Chiffchaff, Crested Tit and many of the usual woodland species of the area. A pleasant circuit around a small shallow laguna (often dry) can be productive. Unfortunately, a vulture feeding station c1km east of the second parking spot (and slightly less from the first) is tucked away below a ridge but the birds it attracts - Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Black Kite, Booted Eagle and large numbers of Common Raven - are often visible. Careful scanning of the skies may also be rewarded with views of Eurasian Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Bonelli's Eagle and any migrant raptor.

Details

Access

The picnic site and the starting point for the walks is well signposted on the A 375 from Alcala de los Gazules to Ubrique.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Mountain

Conditions

Mountainous , Rocky

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

About 10 km north of the picnic site on the road at Puerto de Galiz is a small 'venta' (restaurant) that has a very high reputation for its food.

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