About the destination
The Sierra Espuña Regional Park is a protected area in southeastern Spain. These mountains are covered by dense masses of pine forests that are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna species. The park is home to 38 species of mammals, 7 types of amphibians, and over 123 species of birds. Due to the presence of the Euroasian eagle-owl and the Golden eagle, the area has been declared as a ‘Special Protection Area for Birds” (SPA).
More than 40% of the plant diversity of the region of Murcia live in the Sierra Espuña, with almost a thousand different species in less than 20,000 hectares.
Regarding cultural heritage, 26 snow pits (ice houses), built in the 16th century, can be found in the park, as well as remains of the reforestation efforts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Ecotourism experiences
The Sierra Espuña is known as the “Mountain of the Sun”, as it is sunny most of the year. This makes the park a perfect place for ecotourism experiences all year round.
Guided walking is one of the highlights of the destination. The great forest of Espuña leads to a path crossing the village of El Berro taking you to impressive gorges and cliffs. Unmissable local heritage can be found along the trail. Your local guide will explain the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
If you like local traditions that are connected to nature the Sierra Espuña invites you to explore the world of shepherds and enjoy a day as a “shepherd’s apprentice” with real shepherds whose families have been in the trade for generations. Surrounded by cowbells and orders being given sheep, goats and dogs, a real ecotourism experience begins, helping visitors to learn about the past and present of a shepherd’s life, both in the corrals and on his journey around the mountains.
For further information and bookings
You can live this experience together with our local ecotourism host. Please enquire to Ecoturismo Granada AV on +34 666 405 811 or by email at ecoturismogranada@gmail.com to check availability and your preferred dates.
This experience is part of the 2022 Ecotourism Escapes Brochure (only in Spanish)
The Ecotourism Club in Spain groups together destinations and companies which guarantee, by fulfilling a series of requirements, their commitment to conservation and local sustainable development. That is why it has created its own brand “Ecotourist in Spain” and the website www.ecotouristinspain.com, where you can find protected areas, accommodation and companies which offer their tourism services, as well as experiences and activities committed to the preservation of the area in which they take place.
