walking routes – COSTA CALIDA SCENE

A guide to the best walking routes on the Costa Calida. Here you can enjoy hiking in the mountains, coastal walks, trekking in the natural parks or forests, and discovering some of the most impressive viewpoints in Spain.

CIERVA RESERVOIR MULA

As it passes through the north of the town, the Mula River meets the spectacular Cierva reservoir. At the beginning of the 20th century, the construction project for this reservoir was being developed, but it was not until 1915 that the works were inaugurated. It was officially put into service in1929, and was filled for the first time in 1946. Today it is a popular hiking or cycling route for nature enthusiasts, and a beautiful place of interest for tourists. There is a parking lot with picnic benches to enjoy a nice packed lunch located at Área Recreativa Pantano de la Cierva, 30194 Mula, Murcia.

MOUNT ARABÍ YECLA

The spectacular Mount Arabí in Yecla is a protected natural space and classified as a Natural Monument of the Region of Murcia, due to its geological landscape and environmental characteristics. There is a fantastic hiking trail starting at the Casa del Guarda, where you can park the car and start your picturesque walking route. From here, you will discover different points of interest clearly marked, such as the Cueva del Tesoro or the Cueva de la Horadada. As an extra surprise, on the slopes of the mountain there are some amazing rock shelters with prehistoric cave paintings, which have been declared a World Heritage Site. The perimeter that surrounds these shelters is fenced, and it is necessary to make a reservation for a guided tour. You can check availability, schedules and rates by calling 968 79 09 01 Monday to Friday from 9am-1pm.

ABARÁN WATERWHEEL ROUTE

In Abarán and on both banks of the Segura River you will find the Region of Murcia’s most fascinating set of traditional waterwheels, or norias, which are still in use today to irrigate orchards. This pleasant pedestrian route known as the Ruta de las Norias, stretches just over one kilometer and runs along a river and a picturesque agricultural landscape in the heart of the Ricote Valley. Along the walking route you will come across the four famous waterwheels, including the Noria Grande located in the Parque de las Norias. This waterwheel which dates back to 1805, was rebuilt in 1951 and is known to be Europe’s largest functioning waterwheel. It is at this waterwheel where the walking route starts, located at Parque de las Norias, Av. de la Constitución, 30550 Abarán, Murcia.

SALTO DEL USERO

The Salto Del Usero is one of the most beautiful and natural wonders in the Murcia region. A magical place where water, vegetation and erosive processes have created an environment with a special atmosphere well worth visiting. Salto Del Usero is located in the town of Bullas, in the bed of the Mula River, where you can bathe in natural pools during the summer months and appreciate the spectacular waterfalls. During the cooler climates, wooden walkways and discovery trails with railings guide you through this hidden paradise on a magnificent walking route.

ESTRECHO DE LA ARBOLEJA

Located close to the historic town of Aledo, on the southern slopes of Sierra Espuña, you will discover an impressive natural canyon known as the Estrecho de la Arboleja. It is an enchanting and magical place hidden in the most remote part of the Murcian Region. This natural space, full of charm and beauty, is a small canyon that has been formed over thousands of years where the water has been sculpting the limestone rock. Between ten and fifteen meters in height, they house small sources of water, spectacular limestone formations and small lagoons, turning this area into a unique paradise. The walk takes around an hour, and there are a few steps and some gentle slopes. As you arrive, there is a parking area, picnic benches, and signs to guide you along the route. Location: Parking Estrecho de la Arboleja, 30859 Aledo, Murcia.

EL VALLE NATURE TRAIL

The Sendero El Valle is a simple walking nature trail, suitable for children, and runs through a magnificent forest style regional park. It is a comfortable and pleasant tour that allows you to soak up all its natural beauty, while learning about the values of its cultural heritage in this spectacular part of the Murcia region. The walking route begins at the El Valle visitors centre (Carr. del Valle, 61, 30120 Murcia) where there is ample parking and explanatory signs. As you walk through the enchanting forest, you can take in the delightful scents of pine, rosemary and thyme, come across ravines and a waterfall, and visit the Castillo de la Luz.

JAVALÍ NUEVO COUNTRYSIDE WALK

The Contraparada walking and cycling route located in the picturesque area of Javali Nuevo, is just under 2km long and starts at the Visitors Centre. From here, you will find all the useful information you need about the route and its surrounding countryside, with signposts to direct you along your way. It runs through an area of high scenic, environmental and historical value, with the River Segura and bird spotting huts being some of the highlights. As you pass over wooden bridges and stroll along riverside pathways, you notice various species of birds, ducks and typical plant life of the Murcian countryside. The Contraparada walking route takes you on a cultural journey through the history of nature and agriculture in the Murcia region, and is popular with school excursions for its many educational elements for young children. MORE INFO

SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR PARK

El Coterillo is a pleasant and simple walking route which takes about an hour at a steady pace. It is a circular path that runs through the beautiful regional park of Salinas de San Pedro, with sea views, salt lakes, picturesque landscapes and an abundance of wildlife to spot on the way. The route begins at the information point and parking area marked El Coterillo, where you first come across a bird watching observatory looking onto a lake. From here you continue as the pathway takes you along the Torre Derribada beach close to the port, before you end back at the car park. Location: Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia.

ABANILLA RIVER ROUTE

The Chícamo River route in Abanilla is a place of great natural beauty, with an incredible geological and botanical landscape. As you meander through this tranquil paradise, you will observe the splendid rock formations, canyons, an old mill, and be able to refresh yourself as you walk through the trickling streams. Access to the route is from the Abanilla road towards Macisvenda MU 410. After passing this village take a junction on the right that will take you to the A-9 road. From there take a left towards the village of Chícamo and after about 300 metres, you will see before crossing the river, an esplanade-viewpoint on your right. This is the place to leave your vehicle for the starting and ending point of the 6km route.

SOMOGIL BATHING POOLS

This hidden treasure can be found on the outskirts of Moratalla, where the Alhárabe river flows and cascades, creating a very picturesque hiking trail. An ideal walk to take especially during autumn or spring, when there is an abundance of water flowing, accompanied by lots of floral richness and colour. To start the route you can park your vehicle at Camping La Puerta, Carretera La Puerta S/N Moratalla, and head to the banks of the Alhárabe River. As you advance along the right hand side bank you can appreciate the calm waters, rock pools and ravines. Following the course of the river, you will then approach an area where the river bed and its banks become more irregular and steep, with sublime pools and waterfalls. After a few minutes, you arrive at the Somogil Baths, which have two pools, where the underground water current provides a constant temperature of 26 degrees. Historically considered a natural spa, these pools are a very beautiful and unique place to bathe at any time of the year.

SIERRA DE LA PILA REGIONAL PARK

The Sierra de la Pila Regional Park is located in the north-east of the Region of Murcia in the municipalities of Abarán, Blanca, Fortuna and Molina de Segura. Its enormous environmental, biological, and cultural richness, as well as its good state of conservation, more than justifies its protection. This steep and rugged mountain range, whose maximum altitude is at “La Pila”, a peak of 1,265 metres, boasts some of the most incredible views on the Costa Calida. There are picnic areas, signposts to guide you, and a parking lot which can be found at the following location: Aparcamiento Sierra La Pila, 30629 Sierra de La Pila, Murcia.