An introduction to Sierra Espuña

The Sierra Espuña, Region of Murcia

The Sierra Espuña is a pine clad haven of cool in the summer and a glorious place to enjoy a walk at any time of year, with a vast range of options available to those looking for an enjoyable day out in the Region of Murcia.

The park´s 25,000 hectares are a maze of walks and routes, with recreation areas and restaurants provided for the visitors who flock to the park every weekend, and offers many enjoyable options for those who enjoy walking, family picnics and barbeques or just a tranquil zone of shade in the hot summer.

You´ll find some information about it in the tourist offices of the Municipalities which all share its management, Alhama de Murcia, Totana, Mula and Aledo and the visitor centre of Ricardo Codorníu in the heart of the parklands.Go to the Business Directory for a list of tourist offices.

Visitor Centre, Richard Codorníu

Click Centro de Visitantes Richard Codorniu

An educative centre which offers a static exhibition about the Flora and Fauna of the park, as well as maps of some of the routes on offer.

It also has public toilets. This is the start point for a gentle family walk through the woods close to the visitor centre, which is mainly on wooden ramps, so is suitable for those with young families and pushchairs, or those with wheelchairs, although the path does undulate through the woods, so there are defined ups and downs.

The centre also has maps for longer routes, although it must be pointed out that these are in Spanish and are not brilliantly signposted once in the park. It is strongly advisable to contract a guide if visiting with a group and planning a longer walk.

The Mariposa Hotel runs walking packages for all levels, including day walks, and will be happy to arrange an english guide for you if you are visiting from outside of the area and would like a walk tailor made for a specific ability group. Otherwise, it is worth talking to the tourist offices, particularly Alhama, who will be able to arrange Spanish native guides, or the visitor centre.

Walks and Routes within the Sierra Espuña.

 Family Routes

Pozos de Nieve, the snow houses. Click Pozos de Nieve

Structures dating back to the 16th century which stored ice for the cities of the region. An easy walk, with the snowhouses close to the carpark. Can extend into a more substantial walk if desired.

Mirador de la Muela and Pino Gordo.

This is a viewing point which gives a view from above Alhama de Murcia, over the town, from the top of the Sierra de la Muela. There is also a historic pine tree, called the Pino Gordo in this sme area. There are plenty of walks and tracks running off from this point. Click Mirador de la Muela

Route of the Dinosaurs, Click Route of the Dinosaurs.

A 1.5km walk which encompasses the rope bridge and the place where children claim they can see a dinosaurs foot in the rocks. It´s a comfortable loop through the pine forests back to the parking area where there are barbeque and picnic facilities.

This walk can be extended for an 8km walk if you so desire. Ask at the Richard Cordoniu centre for a map.

The Badlands, Mirador of Gebas.

The Badlands are an extraordinary geographical feature within the Sierra Espuna and create a unique eco-system within the region. They´re distinctive folds and peaks create an almost lunar landscape and are an interesting place to explore on foot. However, those who would like to look down on them from above can do so via the Mirador in Gebas, which gives views across to the jade green waters of the reservoir in their centre. There is a walk from the Mirador down to the water, about 3 km each way, but does involve quite a bit of descent and ascent, so should only be undertaken by the reasonably fit.

Click for map, The Badlands Gebas

Activities within the Sierra Espuña

There are many companies offering activity products, but most are spanish and speak very little english. Many, many readers have used and recommended the Mariposa hotel and restaurant who offer accommodation in the heart of the Sierra Espuña and work closely with reliable and recommended guides, so are able to provide a wide range of action options. They themselves run Quad tours, cycling tours , canoe trips and day walks, and are able to recommend guides for climbing , paragliding and horseriding. They also have cycles for hire.

Click Mariposa Hotel.