- Region: Murcia
- Declared a Regional Park: 1992
- Park surface area: 8,836 hectares
- Towns and villages: Molina de Segura, Abarán y Blanca, Fortuna, Jumilla, La Garapacha, Fuente Blance, Hoya Hermosa, Peña de Zafra, and Las Casicas
Points of interest
The relatively small Sierra de la Pila Regional Park is located in the northeastern region of Murcia. Its steep reliefs are part of the limestone, dolomite and gypsum mountain ranges made up of medium-altitude massif. The park is divided into two halves separated by the Barranco del Mulo: The western part where the Caramucel summit is located at 1023 meters of altitude and the eastern part with peaks such as La Pila (1264 meters) and Los Cenajos (1200 meters ).
Like almost all the Regional Parks in Murcia, this area is included in the Natura 2000 Network and is a Site of Community Interest (SCI). A large part of the park is also a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA).
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).
Find a hotel close to the Sierra de la Pila Regional Park
Booking.comThe area has a good amount of juniper groves, pine and holm oak woodland as well as much vegetation typical of the Spanish southeast such as palm hearts, strawberry trees, black hawthorn and lentiscus. As in the Sierra Espuña, snow was also produced here and near the summits of Cenajos there are the ruins of two snow wells.
There is also a large network of forest tracks that are great for discovering the scenery and wildlife of the area. (more than 50 kilometers).
Information/Visitors Centers
The information point “Fuente la Higuera” is well signposted but seems only to open on Fridays and Saturdays so the best place to head for is the visitor centre in El Valle. Here you can get plenty of information about the natural parks of Murcia
El Valle Visitor Center
Carretera El Valle, 61, La Alberca, Murcia
From Murcia take the A-30 towards Cartagena, turn off towards La Alberca, exit 148 and follow the signposts marked “El Valle“
Centro de visitantes de la Luz
Carretera. El Valle, s/n, 30151 Santo Ángel, Murcia
La Luz Visitor Center seamlessly blends into the natural landscape, thanks to the materials used in its construction. Situated in a location that offers captivating views in every direction, it has been designed externally to serve as an exclusive observation point. Its interior layout is thoughtfully organized to showcase the historical and natural significance of the area. The center spans across three levels:
- Ground Floor: This level features an exhibition space dedicated to various thematic and historical topics.
- First Floor: On the first floor, you’ll find an audiovisual room.
- Second Floor: The second floor houses panoramic terraces, providing breathtaking vistas.”
https://www.turismodemurcia.es/en/la-luz-visitor-center
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I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain.