Parque Natural de Sierra Espuna
Murcia Region
Costa Calida
Spain

If you thinking of getting away from the crowds of tourists on the coastline of the Costa Calida or even the southern Costa Blanca, a peaceful picnic or just a nice stroll in the "Parque Natural de Sierra Espuna" cannot be bettered. I have resided south of Torrevieja in Orihuela Costa for seven years and this is withour a doubt, one of my favourite day trips, it will take about one hour to drive there from the coastal resorts and is about twenty minutes drive from Murcia City.

The steep drive up into the Parque Natural de Sierra Espuna is amazing with great views, as the narrow road rises sharply up from the wide coastal plain. With hairpin bends a plenty and sheer drop offs, sometimes on both sides of the road, it is not a drive for the timid. I always take a picnic with me as the only cafe that I have located in the park always seems to be either closed or jam packed. There are several purpose built picnic sites and some with barbeque facilities and public toilets. On my last visit, in one of the main picnic areas, we were the only visitors there and were actually visited by a family of the wild boar much to the delight of my grandson, who then proceeded to feed the piglets our picnic from the safety of the top of the picnic table!

I understand that there are many other species of interesting birds and animals there, including wildcats and eagles, although I have not actually seen any for myself. There are marked trails and short walks through the pine forests so make sure that you have some comfy and sensible shoes. Due to the great height and the cooling breeze the temperatures there are not quite as high as the Murcia beaches, so it can be a welcome break. On Spanish bank holidays the parking can be a pain as hundreds of local families arrive for family parties and feasts.

Although I personally would not care to myself, climbers and cyclists do make full use of the park roads, trails and cliffs. The quickest way to get to the Sierra Espuna is to stay on the motorway ( A - 7, E - 15) south-west from Murcia to Alhama de Murcia then follow the signs. You will see the steep sided mountain from many kilometres away with its covering of pine woods and you will be amazed that it is even possible drive there. There are no charges to visit the park so why not go and see it for yourself and have a lovely day away from the bustling crowds and the hot beach.

For more ideas, advice and information please see Parque Natural de Sierra Espuna