Sierra Crestellina - NATURAL PARK

At 478 hectares, the Sierra Crestellina Paraje Natural or Natural Area, is one of the smallest protected areas in Andalucia. It is a limestone ridge just 4 kilometres long, running north to south, north of the white village of Casares.

The whole area is accesible on foot and can be explored in one day. Officially, the limestone peaks, the highest of which is 926 metres, are inaccessible, however there is a path at the north end of the ridge, worn by intrepid walkers, that takes you to the top.

Sierra Crestellina stands out due to the limestone. It is a grey prominence amongst the green clad peaks nearby.

The Sierra Crestellina Nature Park owes its name to the shape of its peaks, which are true, inaccessible ridges. The geological formation of these mid-elevation mountain ranges is composed of limestone rocks, whose grayish color distinguishes it from the surrounding mountain ranges.

The vegetation present corresponds to the typical Mediterranean forest found in these mountains, dominated by cork oaks, gall oaks, and holm oaks. Other plant species include pines, junipers, and kermes oaks.

In addition to the presence of endangered plant species, the park is known for its rich fauna, including breeding colonies of griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) and the presence of the Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata), along with other cliff-dwelling species like the peregrine falcon and Eurasian eagle-owl. Mammals such as the Iberian ibex, roe deer, and wild boar can also be found here, and the area is visited by foxes, mongooses, genets, and martens.

The visit to the mountain range includes the marked Crestellina nature trail, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the natural wealth and the human use of the area since ancient times. Along this route, you can observe a wide variety of plant species and easily see how the landscape changes depending on the altitude. Additionally, from the viewpoints of Castillón or Cosalba, you can enjoy stunning views of the town center of Casares, one of Málaga's white villages, listed as a historical-artistic site and highly recommended for a thorough visit. The narrow streets, whitewashed houses, old town, and the ruins of the fort that still remain are evidence that Arab influence has definitively shaped Casares' current appearance.