August 1 Free guided hike in the Mazarron countryside of La Atalaya and Coto Fortuna

Panoramic hIlltop views over the Mazarrón countryside and the Roman mines of Coto Fortuna

The penultimate free guided hike during the peak summer season of 2023 in the municipality follows a 9-kilometre route which takes in the village of La Atalaya, a few kilometres west of Mazarrón itself, and the remains of Roman mining activity on the hill known as Coto Fortuna.

Now a small hamlet with no more than a couple of residents, La Atalaya was once of great importance for Mazarrón. There was undoubtedly pre-historic habitation relating to the Argaric culture, which existed between 1800 and 1300 BC, but those who had most impact were the Romans.

The Romans carried out major mining activities in the Coto Fortuna, where among the items found are ceramics, mining tools, textiles, mining infrastructures and inscribed stones. Studies show that the mines of Coto Fortuna were activated during two separate periods, the first from their arrival in 209 BC to the 1st century AD, and the second from the 4th century AD onwards.

Archaeological digs have uncovered galleries, sink shafts, wall support systems, washing areas, tools, sandals and even hats made from esparto grass. The extraction systems seem to have been designed to take out not only the minerals found but also the water which was encountered when boring into the earth: among the devices used to dig ever deeper were stepped water wheels, Archimedes screws, and Ctesibius pumps.

The 9-kilometre walk begins at 18.00 and is scheduled to last three hours, the starting point being communicated to walkers after they have registered to take part. Prior booking is essential and is available online here.

Sturdy walking boots are needed and the use of Nordic walking poles is recommended: at the same time, walkers should bring at least a litre of drinking water. Dogs are not permitted.

Further information is available from the tourist office of Puerto de Mazarrón (Plaza Toneleros, telephone 968 594426, email oficinaturismomazarron@gmail.com or turismomazarron@esatur.com).

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Mazarrón Today.