Sotos de la Albolafia

Andalucia > Spain

Spectacular setting, the Guadalquivir river and its fauna can be admired from the ancient Roman bridge or from the walks which flank it.

Added* by Lorenzo Neill Aldegheri
Most recent update 30 January 2023

Description

This nature area is located where the Guadalquivir River flows through Córdoba, in the heart of the city. Prolonged absence of human intervention allowed river sedimentation to produce the area's characteristics copses, islets of mud and sand, and varied flora and fauna. In Sotos de la Albolafia a wide variety of bird species can be spotted. Running down from the San Rafael Roman Bridge, the pockets of riverine forest, once abundant, now form a small area with varied birdlife, featuring some 120 species. Common Kingfisher are seen regularly, as well as river Otters.

Some of the nice birds you can see here are Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Hoopoe, European Bee-eater, Eurasian Wryneck, Lesser Kestrel, Golden Oriole, Purple Swamphen, Little Egret, Penduline Tit, Zitting Cisticola, Red-rumped Swallow, Common Nightingale, Bluethroat and Eurasian Siskin.

Details

Access

The eco-friendly way to get there is by train (excellent service) and a 20 minute walk from the RENFE station. If you have to use a car, parking is only possible on the south side of the river. Cycling is also a good option as the city of Córdoba has a really good cyclepath network.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , River , Reedbeds , City/village , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Flat , Wet , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round , Spring , Autumn , Winter

Best time to visit

Spring , Autumn , Winter , Spring migration

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Extra info

Lesser Kestrel arrives in March, and nest in the steeples of some churches and tall buildings in the city. Among them San Agustin, Santa Victoria, The Biblioteca provincial. Tawny Owl can be heard at night in Plaza Colón and in the avenue that takes you from the city center to the station.

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