April 25 Guided walk to the prehistoric rock art of Monte Arabí in Yecla
One of a series of tours coinciding with the International Sports Tourism Week in Yecla
This guided route takes visitors to the mountain of Monte Arabí in the municipality of Yecla, a site protected as being of cultural interest and a heritage site due principally to the important prehistoric rock art at its foot.
Although there is an open walking route around the base of Monte Arabí the rock art on the PR-MU91 path can only be visited in the company of a guide: it is inside a fenced and enclosed area, so this guided route offers a rare chance to see the art and learn a little about it.
Following the visit to Monte Arabí, the tour continues with a visit to one of the bodegas affiliated to the Yecla Wine Route, with a chance to not only visit the workings of the bodega, in this case Bodegas La Purísima, but also sample the wines produced (and purchase them, of course!).
Participants will depart from the parking area alongside the Bodegas Castaño on Ronde Norte (click here for map) at 9.30 and drive to the starting point of the walk in their own vehicles: it is around 20 minutes by car from the town centre to the start.
Sensible walking shoes are required for the 6-kilometre route as the ground is rough and rocky, and participants should take drinking water and a snack as well as sun cream. The whole tour is expected to last approximately 4 hours.
Bookings can be made online here or through the Yecla tourist office (telephone 968 754104, email turismo@yecla.es) and the cost of joining the event is just 2.50 euros.
For more upcoming events visit the What’s On section of Murcia Today.
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales.
For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00
Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.
Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Yecla tourist office
