Sierra Espuña, a Mecca for nature enthusiasts, adventure sports and relaxation!
Ideas for making the most of the green heart of Murcia in the mountains of Sierra Espuña
If you count yourself as a lover of nature and of escaping the daily routine to breathe pure air and indulge in open-air sports, the Region of Murcia offers many options but the jewel in the crown is without doubt the Regional Park of Sierra Espuña. These mountains are sometimes known as the “green lung” of Murcia, and are located in the west of the Region, reaching a maximum altitude of 1,583 metres above sea level.
The regional park is protected by the CETS (European Charter of Sustainable Tourism) and includes parts of the municipalities of Aledo, Alhama de Murcia, Librilla, Mula, Pliego and Totana, as well as bordering on the large territory governed by Lorca Town Hall. Within its boundaries is the largest population of trees in the whole of the Region of Murcia.
Within Sierra Espuña there is a unique blend of nature, sport, culture, gastronomy and unforgettable experiences, among which the regional tourist board highlights the following:
On the move in Sierra Espuña
The natural landscape of the mountains lends itself to various activities, inviting visitors to enjoy cycling tours, walking routes, climbing and even potholing for all levels of experience and expertise. There are great opportunities here both for the most adventurous and for absolute beginners!
Mountain biking
Get in the saddle and follow one of the routes designed specifically to provide the maximum enjoyment of the natural environment of Sierra Espuña as well as its cultural and tourist attractions: these include the villages and recreational areas within the park’s boundaries: take a look at Espubike and Espuroad!
Walking and hiking
Choose from the many walking routes, some of them didactic and instructional in the company of professional guides and park rangers. They can show you the very best of the fabulous landscape and explain what you are seeing in this fantastic natural environment.
Network of forest paths
There are 11 marked paths in Sierra Espuña, all of them included in the official hiking catalogue catalogue of the Region of Murcia, helping you to discover the most interesting spots and areas in this protected area.
Greenways
It is also possible to explore the Regional Park of Sierra Espuña on parts of the 100+ kilometres of greenways in the Region of Murcia. The Vía Verde del Noroeste and the Vía Verde de Mazarrón both cross the park, allowing walkers and cyclists to have a great time in the open air as they follow these relatively easy routes.
Other paths
As well as those belonging to the official network of nature paths of the Region of Murcia there are plenty of others in Sierra Espuña which are marked and maintained, such as the Senda del Agua. This route includes five of the six municipalities represented in the Regional Park as it follows the paths alongside the water supply canal called Canal del Taibilla.
Another popular option is the Senda del Tiempo, along which it is possible to trace the history and natural environment of the countryside around Mula as well as follow the short pilgrimage route in the tourism enclave of La Santa.
Climbing
Rock climbing is one of the major attractions in Sierra Espuña, perhaps because it offers such close contact with nature. Three of the most popular destinations are the limestone wall of Paredes de Leyva, which is over 3 kilometres long with a climb of between 100 and 150 metres, Los Cuchillos de El Bosque and the impressive tableland of La Muela, at 1,554 metres above sea level.
There is also a vía ferrata, allowing climbers to follow a vertical with the guarantee of a Steel cable lifeline and the support of steel steps and hand grips.
Relaxation
In Sierra Espuña there is also a range of far more relaxed attractions, with tourist routes accentuating the history of the areas and taking visitors to the most impressive castles and other sights. Apart from which, the thermal spa resort of Los Baños de Mula is a great place to chill out for a day or two!
The ECOS Festival
ECOS is the name given to the International Festival of Ancient Music which is held every year in Sierra Espuña, combining concerts, nature, children’s activities, tourism and aspects of the area’s heritage, It is held every year during the weekends between August 26 and September 11.
Los Baños de Mula
Thermal baths have existed in Sierra Espuña for over 2,00 years, the highlight being Los Baños de Mula, where people have taken advantage of the thermal springs since Roman times. These days there are three hotels in the resort, El Intendente, El Pozo and El Delfín.
Birdspotting
Sierra Espuña offers rare opportunities to twitchers as it is home to species such as the golden eagle, and the hide is open all year round. Apart from the chance of seeing these magnificent birds the hide also has stupendous panoramic views over the regional park, and other birds of interest include crossbills, rock buntings and other passerines.
Journeying back into the past
Important marks were left in Sierra Espuña by the peoples and cultures who lived here in the past, and this is reflected for example in the prehistoric archaeological sites and in the streets, defensive walls, churches and castles of the towns around the mountains. Right in the heart of the mountains are the Snow Wells, old refrigerated at around 1,300 metres above sea level which were used to supply ice to major cities such as Murcia and Cartagena as long ago as the 16th century.
Spiritual experiences
Sierra Espuña is one of the most important destinations for religious tourism in the Region of Murcia, and the Sanctuary of Santa Eulalia in Totana and the Royal Monastery of La Encarnación de Mula are just two of the must-see sites.
Fun for all the family
Of course, up in the mountains there are plenty of fun and healthy things for youngsters to do, and a variety of activities designed specifically for the younger generation.
Many of these are included in the “Mochila de Actividades” program organized by the regional government.
If you haven’t started to explore this wonderful natural enclave in the heart of the Region of Murcia, then it’s time to start! The Regional Park of Sierra Espuña is there waiting for you, and of course at the same time take the time to stop off in local restaurants and hostelries and treat yourself to some of the “1,001 Tastes of the Region”, to quote the slogan promoting the gastronomy of Murcia.
You won’t be disappointed!
