June 1 Guided walking tour of the prehistoric rock art at Monte Arabí in Yecla
Visit the legendary mountain and the 10,000-year-old prehistoric artwork of Yecla
This guided hike at the legendary mountain of Monte Arabí in Yecla, in the north of Murcia, is of special interest not only to palaeontologists and archaeologists, due to the inclusion of visits to the famed Visera I and II rock art sites, but also to lovers of the great outdoors who enjoy an instructive tour of the countryside.
There are prehistoric paintings here dating back to the earliest era of European rock art more than 8,000 years ago as well as petroglyphs and "cazoletas", both forms of prehistoric carving, spread across different areas of Monte Arabí.
The PR-MU91 circular route followed by the group is approximately 6 kilometres long and is described as being of medium difficulty, the highlights including both the spectacular landscape and the prehistoric paintings which have been included by UNESCO as part of a World Heritage site.
The tour on Sunday May 5 begins at 9.30 alongside Bodegas Castaño on the northern edge of Yecla (click for map), from where participants will make their way in their own vehicles to the start of the walk. The walk itself lasts around 3 and a half hours.
All those taking part are advised to bring sturdy footwear, drinking water or juice and a snack, and although the route costs only 2.50 euros prior registration is required and is now available online here .
If visiting Yecla don’t forget to make sure one of your first ports of call is the tourist office (Plaza Mayor, 1, telephone 968 754104, email turismo@yecla.es).
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
In early 2025, due to renovation work at the usual office, the service is located on the other side of the Plaza Mayor at Calle Epifanio Ibáñez nº 2 (click for map).
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
