Sierra de Aras

This Sierra is 868 metres high and is located just 6 kilometres from Lucena.The Santuario de la Virgen de Araceli, patron saint of Lucena and the Andalusian countryside can be accessed by this Sierra.

There used to be a watchtower at the top of the Sierra to keep watch of the Moorish borders, given that views go as far as to the provinces of Córdoba, Málaga, Granada, Seville and Jaén. More than 25 towns can be seen from this viewpoint on a clear day.

This Sierra has important vegetation, the well-preserved holm oak being impressive. Thick black hawthorn bushes, retama, rock rose, mastic, oak, gorse and flax-leaved daphne grow between these trees.Some exotic pine species can also be observed at the top of the Sierra.

The Sierra de Aras is known for one of the main paleontological sites in the province.Neolithic remains have been found in several of its caves, such as the Cornicabra, Campana or Habitación.Paleontological findings from the Cueva del Ángel, with remains from the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic era, has made this natural site famous, being one of the largest sites in Spain and Europe.

Many activities are available at the Sierra, such as paragliding or hang gliding, given the perfect conditions: one side is perfectly located with a run way and landing area close to the vast Campo de Aras.Potholing can also be carried out here.Furthermore, there are several routes and other activities can be enjoyed too, such as mountain biking, hiking and numerous leisure activities.