10 Activities
Breathe Some Fresh Air in Sierra Espuña Regional Park
Starts from
Murcia
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
10
Duration
11 hours
Length
43 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Murcia
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
11 hours
Length
43 mi
Flor Vallejo
Travel Expert
- Visit the monastery of Santa Eulalia and its paintings.
- Take a short walk in the hills to see the old snow pits.
- Enjoy the views of the hill from the castle of Aledo.
Sierra Espuña regional park is one of the main green lungs of Murcia. Its ecosystem of pine forests and fruit trees gives a particular tone to the landscape surrounded by rock formations.
The route runs through the surrounding villages of the hill, to learn about its history based on archaeological sites, castles and monasteries. There is also time to contemplate the landscape from the viewpoints at an altitude of 1200 meters and to make a short trek to the snow pits, the place where snow was stored in the past for medical and commercial purposes.
Depending on the time of your visit to the hill, the landscape changes a lot. In summer, the green of the forest is predominant, while in winter, the ground is covered in white with snowfall. In autumn and spring there is usually a mixture of colours.
The route runs through the surrounding villages of the hill, to learn about its history based on archaeological sites, castles and monasteries. There is also time to contemplate the landscape from the viewpoints at an altitude of 1200 meters and to make a short trek to the snow pits, the place where snow was stored in the past for medical and commercial purposes.
Depending on the time of your visit to the hill, the landscape changes a lot. In summer, the green of the forest is predominant, while in winter, the ground is covered in white with snowfall. In autumn and spring there is usually a mixture of colours.
Categories
Sierra Espuña regional park is one of the main green lungs of Murcia. Its ecosystem of pine forests and fruit trees gives a particular tone to the landscape surrounded by rock formations.
The route runs through the surrounding villages of the hill, to learn about its history based on archaeological sites, castles and monasteries. There is also time to contemplate the landscape from the viewpoints at an altitude of 1200 meters and to make a short trek to the snow pits, the place where snow was stored in the past for medical and commercial purposes.
Depending on the time of your visit to the hill, the landscape changes a lot. In summer, the green of the forest is predominant, while in winter, the ground is covered in white with snowfall. In autumn and spring there is usually a mixture of colours.
The route runs through the surrounding villages of the hill, to learn about its history based on archaeological sites, castles and monasteries. There is also time to contemplate the landscape from the viewpoints at an altitude of 1200 meters and to make a short trek to the snow pits, the place where snow was stored in the past for medical and commercial purposes.
Depending on the time of your visit to the hill, the landscape changes a lot. In summer, the green of the forest is predominant, while in winter, the ground is covered in white with snowfall. In autumn and spring there is usually a mixture of colours.
Flor Vallejo
Travel Expert
- Visit the monastery of Santa Eulalia and its paintings.
- Take a short walk in the hills to see the old snow pits.
- Enjoy the views of the hill from the castle of Aledo.
Day Itinerary
10 Activities
Day 1
43 mi0.9 mi
Archaeological Site, Aledo, Viewpoints, Monasteries and a Short Trekking Tour
The route to the hills of the Sierra Espuña begins with a site inhabited by civilizations centuries before Christ. The second stop is in the village next to the natural park, Aledo, to see its greatest relic, the castle over the ravine. Then, the ascending road goes into the hills, stopping at viewpoints and enjoying a short walk to the old snow wells, something very curious. Finally, a monastery in the hill hides beautiful mural paintings.
Make sure you bring comfortable footwear and some warm clothes.
Make sure you bring comfortable footwear and some warm clothes.
10:001 hr 30 min
La Bastida de Totana
Historic Site
Open Details
Almost 4,000 years ago, Sierra Espuña was already populated, and this archaeological site bears witness to this. Here resided one of the most important populations in Europe, representative of the El Argar culture.
One of the main remains that can be found on the route are the terraced houses in the hill, in whose subsoil the bodies of the deceased were buried and which were kept in ceramic vessels. Remains of these pots are on display.
The visit can only be done with a guide and requires prior booking on the official website.
Parking is available at the entrance to the site.
One of the main remains that can be found on the route are the terraced houses in the hill, in whose subsoil the bodies of the deceased were buried and which were kept in ceramic vessels. Remains of these pots are on display.
The visit can only be done with a guide and requires prior booking on the official website.
Parking is available at the entrance to the site.
3.5 mi
15 min
11:4545 min
Aledo Castle
Castle
Open Details
The castle of Aledo was an important defensive enclave whose location made it practically invincible. Situated at the top of a ravine, it was possible to see the enemy from several kilometres away.
Nowadays, the tower of Homage with its more than 20 meters high and the walls are the remaining vestiges of the fortress.
Inside the three-storey tower of homage, there is an interpretation centre which shows the history and evolution of the castle and the town of Aledo.
Parking is available at the base of the castle, by the Caudillo Square.
Nowadays, the tower of Homage with its more than 20 meters high and the walls are the remaining vestiges of the fortress.
Inside the three-storey tower of homage, there is an interpretation centre which shows the history and evolution of the castle and the town of Aledo.
Parking is available at the base of the castle, by the Caudillo Square.
1.4 mi
5 min
12:451 hr
Restaurante Hermanos Mandola
Restaurant
Open Details
With a terrace and good service, it is an excellent option for a meal at the gates of Sierra Espuña and before entering the natural park.
Its specialities are paella, roast meat, grilled meat and rabbit with garlic. Many of the dishes are cooked in a clay oven.
There is a large open-air parking next to the restaurant.
Its specialities are paella, roast meat, grilled meat and rabbit with garlic. Many of the dishes are cooked in a clay oven.
There is a large open-air parking next to the restaurant.
5.7 mi
20 min
14:1515 min
Collado Bermejo Lookout
Scenic Lookout
Open Details
A scenic road with numerous bends leads you up through the Sierra Espuña mountain range by car to this viewpoint at an altitude of 1200 metres.
Located almost in the centre of the natural park, the view from here could not be better. You can see valleys, ravines and one of the main attractions, the Morrón de Espuña. Take your time to contemplate the landscape and photograph it.
There is parking space next to the viewpoint.
Located almost in the centre of the natural park, the view from here could not be better. You can see valleys, ravines and one of the main attractions, the Morrón de Espuña. Take your time to contemplate the landscape and photograph it.
There is parking space next to the viewpoint.
2 mi
10 min
14:455 min
Mirador del Collado Mangueta
Scenic Lookout
Open Details
The route continues through Sierra Espuña, where on the left you can see the Morrón de Espuña, the most famous and highest rock formation in the natural park.
After a few kilometers surrounded by pine forests, you reach the next viewpoint at almost 1400 meters. From here you start a short hiking route.
Park the car next to the viewpoint and get ready for the hike.
After a few kilometers surrounded by pine forests, you reach the next viewpoint at almost 1400 meters. From here you start a short hiking route.
Park the car next to the viewpoint and get ready for the hike.
0.3 mi
10 min
15:1530 min
Pozos de la Nieve
Other Great Outdoors
Open Details
After a walk of just 15 minutes from the viewpoint and after passing through spectacular scenery, you reach the old snow pits.
In deep hollows made in the rock and covered with stone with only one access, snow was stored centuries ago to be sold in the cities. Two snow pits can be seen, although it is not possible to enter them. In winter, the landscape is dyed white with snow.
A 15-minute walk along the same path will take you to the viewpoint and parking. Pick up the car to continue the route.
In deep hollows made in the rock and covered with stone with only one access, snow was stored centuries ago to be sold in the cities. Two snow pits can be seen, although it is not possible to enter them. In winter, the landscape is dyed white with snow.
A 15-minute walk along the same path will take you to the viewpoint and parking. Pick up the car to continue the route.
18.9 mi
50 min
17:0045 min
Sanctuary of Santa Eulalia de Mérida
Monastery
Open Details
In Sierra Espuña you will find this monastery built in honour of Santa Eulalia de Mérida, patron saint of Totana, the nearest town.
Surrounded by extensive gardens with fruit trees such as orange and lemon trees, flowers and pine trees, the interior walls of the hermitage belonging to the monastery preserve paintings from the 17th century which have been restored.
These paintings evoke different religious scenes, mainly of Santa Eulalia. A real jewel of sacred art.
Surrounded by extensive gardens with fruit trees such as orange and lemon trees, flowers and pine trees, the interior walls of the hermitage belonging to the monastery preserve paintings from the 17th century which have been restored.
These paintings evoke different religious scenes, mainly of Santa Eulalia. A real jewel of sacred art.
11.6 mi
25 min
18:155 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
Before returning home, make a brief stop in the town of Alhama to get to know one of the great Arab legacies of the region.
0.3 mi
10 min
18:3045 min
Los Baños Archaeological Museum
Museum
Open Details
From the beginning, the Arabs were the civilization that made the best use of water. The spring from the melt water of Sierra Espuña was used to establish their Arab baths, although previously they had also been well-used by the Romans.
Although they are no longer in use, these baths still have their vaulted rooms and courtyard with views of the castle of Alhama.
Although they are no longer in use, these baths still have their vaulted rooms and courtyard with views of the castle of Alhama.
0.4 mi
10 min
19:301 hr 30 min
Gastrocervecería La Abadía
Restaurant
Open Details
Ideal for a bite to eat before returning home, it has a wide variety of starters, elaborate salads, toasts and tapas.
Its distinctive feature is the variety of beers on offer, more than 20, including regional, national and international brands, many of which are not available in supermarkets.
After filling your belly, it is time to return to the car park and head back home.
Its distinctive feature is the variety of beers on offer, more than 20, including regional, national and international brands, many of which are not available in supermarkets.
After filling your belly, it is time to return to the car park and head back home.