Nature interpretation centre and hostel of Cabezo de la Jara in Puerto Lumbreras

The facilities are located at an altitude of 800 metres in the mountains north of Puerto Lumbreras

The municipality of Puerto Lumbreras features a variety of contrasting landscapes, and one of the most attractive is to be found in the mountains which lie to the north-west of the town itself.

The highest point in this sierra is the Cabezo de la Jara, which reaches 1,242 metres above sea level, but at around 800 metres is a group of buildings including a youth hostel, a nature interpretation centre and an astronomical observatory which is open to visits from members of the public (by prior arrangement).

Inside the nature interpretation centre are six separate sections dealing with different topics, namely the natural environment of Cabezo de la Jara, the landscape, the flora, native wildlife (which includes eagle owls, other birds of prey, foxes and the spur-thighed tortoise, the single species which has been afforded most protection in the area), a summary of the human history of Puerto Lumbreras and an audiovisual display room.

All of these areas are designed as interactive didactic facilities, and the hostel alongside is open to large group bookings for parties interested in using it as a base for excursions into the surrounding countryside.

Bookings can be organized via the tourist office (telephone 968 436153, mobile 652 902268, email oficinadeturismo@puertolumbreras.es).

The centre is not open for casual visits, although there is a 1.2 kilometre long family walking route by the observatory which can be walked at any time and focuses on the relationship of the planets within the solar system, the Sendero del Tiempo.

How to get to the interpretation centre

The road leading up into the mountains and to the observatory is best reached from the main street on the southern side of the Rambla de Nogalte by taking the right turn (as you head away from the rambla) up Calle Esperanza towards the Asunción Jordán primary school. At the end of this street turn left, keeping the school on your left, and then take a right turn under the A-7 motorway.

The road is full of winding turns as it climbs up into the Sierra, and the interpretation centre and observatory of Cabezo de la Jara are clearly visible on the left after approximately 7 kilometres (click for map location).

For more local information, news and events see the Puerto Lumbreras section of Murcia Today.