Wildlife and walking holidays in Murcia
- Capital: Murcia.
- Area: 11,313 km

In Murcia, vineyards cover many of the open fields in the north east of the region. In the north west there are mountains and a plateau which is cut by the Segura river.
The Segura is used to irrigate crops such as rice, citrus and peaches and the irrigation canals here date back to Moorish times. They are some of the best preserved in Spain.
Murcia is naturally a drier zone given its geographical position and this old water network allows a greater range of crops to be grown even to this day.
The highest mountain is Revolcadores at 2015 m, situated near the border to Andalucia and Castilla la Mancha in the west.
The largest forested area is the Sierra Espuña with a peak of 1585m bearing the same name. The Aleppo pine has a stronghold, with Kermes oak, Lentisc, Strawberry tree, Honeysuckle, Rockrose and Rosemary forming the mix of lower shrubs. This is a perfect hotel base to explore the Murcia countryside and the Sierra Espuña.
Small groups of Barbary sheep live in the dry rocky areas. This is an African species which was introduced in 1970 and can survive on little grazing. Wild boar are plentiful here as are Red squirrel.
Birds often encountered in Murcia include Common Crossbills, Crested Tits, Firecrests, and Golden Eagles. The region also supports species such as Bonelli’s Eagle, Sardinian Warbler, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Thekla Lark, Little Owl, and Bee-eater. Wetlands attract waders like Black-winged Stilts, Greater Flamingos, and Squacco Herons. These birds thrive in Murcia’s contrasting habitats—from arid steppes and Mediterranean scrub to mountain forests and coastal wetlands—making it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers year-round.
Tours in Murcia from Viator
Murcia has a vast array of sites to visit and enjoy. Below are some of the options listed on the Viator website. (We recieve a small commission if you book a tour which doesn’t cost you more and helps us to keep Wildside Holidays up to date with the best information.)
Natural parks in Murcia

The Mar Menor is a coastal saltwater lagoon separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a 24-kilometre sandbar known as La Manga. This unique formation creates a shallow, calm “small sea”—a direct translation of its name.
While much of the surrounding area has been developed for beach tourism, the Mar Menor remains an ecological jewel, supporting rich marine biodiversity and serving as a vital stopover for migratory birds.
1 The Sierra Espuña Regional Park. At the end of the 19th century, this entire mountain range was in a lamentable ecological state, with the almost total loss of its tree mass and presenting serious desertification processes. In 1889, the forestry engineer Ricardo Codorníu undertook the enormous task of reforesting the entire mountain range. This reforestation project became a model for its time and was then carried out in many other areas across Spain. A fantastic hotel perfectly placed to explore the area around the Sierra Espuña is the Jardines de la Santa in Totana. I have stayed here three times and the service, rooms and food have been fantastic.
2 Due to its proximity to Murcia, the Carrascoy y El Valle Regional Park (Parque Regional Carrascoy y El Valle) constitutes the main “green lung” of the capital and its entire metropolitan area and It is made up of the extensive chain of mountains that close the valley of the Segura river and a part of the Guadalentín valley to the south.
3 The protected area of Calblanque Monte de las Cenizas and Peña del Águila Regional Park presents a great ecological and environmental diversity with systems of dunes, sandy areas, salt marshes, salt ponds, coves. The Humedal de las Salinas de Rasall is located in the southern part of the lagoon.
4 The Calnegre y Cabo Cope Regional Park (Parque Regional Calnegre y Cabo Cope) is located in the south of the Murcia Region close to the border with Andalucia. The Lomo de Bas constitutes the northern barrier of the park and the eastern flank has a coastline length of around 17 km.
Adventure tourism in the province of Murcia
Other Regional parks in Murcia (Parques Regionales)
- Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar See Espacios abiertos e islas del Mar Menor)
- The regional park of the Sierra del Carche at just under 600 hectares is surrounded by the small towns of Raspay , La Alberquilla and El Carche. The highest peak in the area is 1372 metres and has a characteristic snow pit of the seventeenth century similar to those of other nearby mountains like Sierra Espuña or Sierra de Mariola.
- The relatively small Sierra de la Pila Regional Park is located in the northeastern region of Murcia. Raptors are well represented here and include Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Bonelli’s Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus), Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) and Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo).
Nature Reserves in Murcia (Reserva natural)
Sotos y Bosques de Ribera de Cañaverosa Head for Las Lomas de la Virgen lookout point (with your binoculars) where there are great views of the rice fields of Calasparra.
Protected Landscapes in Murcia (Paisajes protegidos)
- Barrancos de Gebas From Alhama de Murcia head toward the tiny village of Gebas and look out for the signs directing you to the “Mirador de Gebas“. This viewpoint offers fantastic views over the badlands.
- Cuatro Calas Among its fauna, the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) is present in good numbers. There are also wetland birds such as stork, steppe birds such as black wheatear and coastal birds such as little tern.
- Espacios abiertos e islas del Mar Menor This area has suffered some pretty huge environmental issues over the years with uncontrolled building projects and human projects etc but now seems to be experiencing an welcome respite with the help of local ecologists and the EU. As recently as July 2020 the “recovery and protection act of the Mar Menor” expanded the protected area with the inclusion of seven new wetlands in the environment of the lagoon. (Saladar de Los Urrutias, Mouth of the Rambla de la Carrasquilla, Saladar of Punta de Las Lomas, Punta del Pudrimel, Lagunas del Cabezo Beaza, Los Alcázares Lagoon and the Lagoons of El Algar.
- Humedal del Ajauque y Rambla Salada The Ajauque and Rambla Salada wetland is a protected landscape with an area of 1632 hectares and belongs to the municipalities of Fortuna, Molina de Segura, Santomera and Abanilla.
- Sierra de las Moreras This area is included within the limits of the Calnegre y Cabo Cope Regional Park ZEPA special area for birdlife.
- Islas e islotes del litoral mediterráneo The Natural Area Islands and islets of the Mediterranean coast is made up of 18 islands and islets along the coast of Murcia.
Natural monuments in Murcia (Monumentos naturales)
- Monte Arabí The Cantos de la Visera are two shelters with cave paintings that were discovered in 1912, both shelters are located on the eastern cliff of Mount Arabí. The paintings are in the naturalistic style of Levantine art and are approximately 7,000 years old. The site has been a World Heritage Site since 1998 under the name Rock Art of the Mediterranean Arch of the Iberian Peninsula .
- Gredas de Bolnuevo Las Gredas de Bolnuevo, also called El Ciudad Encantada (enchanted city) are eroded sandstone formations along the beach of Bolnuevo.
- Sima de la Higuera La Sima de la Higuera (Cave of the fig) is the third natural monument to be declared in the Region of Murcia. It is located north of Sierra Espuña, in the municipality of Pliego and has over 5 kilomtres of extension.
Marine reserves in Murcia
There are two marine reserves in Murcia that are famous worldwide for the quality of the diving available. The purpose of marine reserve areas is to protect marine ecosystems with differentiated ecological characteristics and which are of special interest for the regeneration of fishery resources.
Other places of Interest in Murcia
- Cañón de Almadenes This area covers two kilometers on the Quípar river and nine on the Segura river and is around 116 hectares close to the towns of Calasparra and Cieza
- Sierra de la Muela, Cabo Tiñoso y Roldán The natural area of the Sierra de la Muela, Cape Tiñoso and Roldán is located to the west of the municipality of Cartagena and extends to the Bay of Mazarrón. Of great ecological importance, over 11,000 hectares have been declared a ZEPA (Special Protection Area for Birds) and SCI (Place of Community Importance). In 2016 it was also declared a marine reserve of fishing interest which makes it the second marine reserve in Murcia after the Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve.
- Saladares del Guadalentín Los Saladares del Guadalentín is a Protected Natural Area along the Guadalentín river close to the towns of Alhama de Murcia and Totana. It is an extensive and unusual alluvial steppes plain but with saline wetlands which makes the area an ideal habitat for steppe-type birds, such as the Montagu’s harrier.
- Sierra de Salinas This area forms a natural border between the north of Murcia in the municipality of Yecla and the towns of Villena and Saladares in the region of Valencia.
Wildlife and Walking Holidays in Murcia – FAQs
Murcia offers surprising geographical diversity. The northeast features open farmland and vineyards, while the northwest boasts rugged mountains and high plateaus cut by the Segura River. The southeast is home to arid plains and coastal wetlands like the Mar Menor. Despite being Spain’s driest region, ancient Moorish irrigation systems allow for lush crops such as citrus, rice, and peaches.
Yes, Murcia has several mountainous areas ideal for hiking. The highest peak is Revolcadores at 2,015m near the borders with Andalucía and Castilla-La Mancha. Sierra Espuña is the largest forested mountain range, with extensive trails and altitudes reaching 1,585m. These regions offer diverse habitats and sweeping views across the province.
Murcia is a top destination for birdwatchers, thanks to its range of habitats. Mountain forests host species like Crested Tit, Common Crossbill, and Golden Eagle. Coastal wetlands attract Greater Flamingos, Black-winged Stilts, and Squacco Herons. Other notable birds include Bonelli’s Eagle, Sardinian Warbler, Thekla Lark, Little Owl, and Bee-eaters.
Murcia supports varied wildlife, from Barbary sheep in rocky outcrops to Red squirrels and Wild boar in its forests. Wetlands and steppe regions host amphibians, reptiles, and a rich variety of bird species. The arid south offers a chance to spot rare species adapted to dry Mediterranean conditions.
The Mar Menor is a shallow saltwater lagoon separated from the Mediterranean by a 24km sandbar known as La Manga. Despite tourism development, it remains a vital ecological site, supporting marine life and migratory birds. Its calm, warm waters make it unique among Europe’s coastal wetlands.
Murcia has several important protected areas:
Sierra Espuña Regional Park – A major reforestation success, now rich in wildlife and walking routes.
Carrascoy y El Valle Regional Park – A green escape close to Murcia city.
Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas y Peña del Águila – Coastal dunes, salt flats, and rare flora.
Calnegre y Cabo Cope – A scenic mix of mountains and unspoiled Mediterranean coastline.
Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar – Salt flats and lagoons ideal for flamingos and waders.
Yes, Murcia has two famous marine reserves:
Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve – One of the best diving spots in Europe.
Cabo Tiñoso Marine Reserve – Declared a fishing interest zone, now protected for biodiversity and underwater exploration.
Absolutely. Sierra Espuña Regional Park is Murcia’s hiking hotspot. With forests of Aleppo pine, Mediterranean scrub, and rewilded trails, the park offers well-marked routes for all levels. It’s also rich in flora like Rockrose, Rosemary, and Lentisc, and home to raptors, mammals, and rare butterflies.
Barbary sheep were introduced in 1970 and thrive in dry, rocky regions of Murcia. Though not native, these African ungulates have adapted well and are now a common sight in places like Sierra Espuña. They coexist with native species like Wild boar and Red squirrels.
Flamingos are commonly seen at:
Mar Menor
Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar
Las Salinas de Rasall in Calblanque Park
These coastal wetlands offer the right mix of shallow waters and saline conditions for Greater Flamingos to feed and rest during migration.
Top natural monuments include:
Monte Arabí – A UNESCO-listed site with 7,000-year-old cave paintings.
Gredas de Bolnuevo – Eroded sandstone formations on the coast, also known as the “Enchanted City”.
Sima de la Higuera – A vast cave system near Pliego with over 5km of explored passages.
Yes. Murcia includes unique steppe and badland landscapes, such as:
Barrancos de Gebas – A dramatic eroded area ideal for photography and viewpoints.
Saladares del Guadalentín – A saline steppe known for Montagu’s Harrier and other steppe birds.
Cuatro Calas – A mix of dry terrain and coastal habitats with species like the Spur-thighed tortoise.
Yes. Notable nature reserves include:
Sotos y Bosques de Ribera de Cañaverosa – Riverside woodlands ideal for birdwatching near Calasparra.
Humedal del Ajauque y Rambla Salada – A wetland area rich in amphibians and birds.
Espacios abiertos e islas del Mar Menor – Recently expanded with new protected wetlands thanks to EU efforts.