Natural Parks in Murcia

Nature Parks and Reserves

Murcia is blessed with some magnificent nature parks, both inland an on the coast.

Parque Natural de Sierra Espuña

This amazing park, with its limestone peaks, hiking trails, carrasco pine forests and remote mountain villages, is more than a highlight of Murica – it's a highlight of eastern Spain.

Throughout the park you'll see numerous birds, including large birds of prey. There is also a healthy population of large mountain goats, foxes, wild cats and genets. There is great hiking and walking, as well as mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing and kayaking. In the winter, you'll see its mountain precipices gleaming white with fresh snow.

Salinas y Arenales Nature Reserve

Part of the fabulous 170-sq-km Mar Menor (Europe's largest saltwater lagoon), this 2250 acre reserve comprises some of eastern Spain's most important wetland.

Most of it is off-limit to the public, but the sections that are open comprise dramatic dunes, pine forests, stunning sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. From these confines, you'll have the chance to witness the extraordinary migration of flamingos in September when they rest here on their African migration.

During the rest of the year there's always a plethora of other bird species on display. If bird watching doesn't float your boat, we're sure sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling in the lagoon will.

The water's high salt and iodine concentrations are also reputed to have medicinal properties – feel free to cover yourself in the therapeutic mud of the Mota de la Calcetera near Lo Pagan beach (it's supposed to work wonders!).

Calblanque Nature Reserve

Set on the coast south of Mar Menor and east of Cartagena, this reserve hosts large dunes, desolate beaches, azure sea and unique flora.

Combing the shoreline is a vast array of birdlife. It's a great spot for walking, bicycling and horseback riding. The best beach must be the 3km-long Playa Larga – it has three glorious empty kilometres of golden sand. Though be warned... clothing is optional!

Sierra de la Pila Regional Park

This 8836 hectare mountain park sits just north of Fortuna and hosts a wide variety of wildlife and 50 km of hiking trails. Birdlife is especially prolific and there are several areas within the park officially protected to care for certain species like the chova piquirroja (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax).

During your walks through the carrasco pines and large oaks, you'll undoubtedly witness eagles, hawks and the odd owl hunting. Though they exist in the park, carnivorous animals like the wild cat, beech martin, tejón and genet are notoriously hard to spot.

Humedal del Ajauque y Rambla Salada

The protected landscape of Humedal del Ajauque and Ramba Salada is another interesting park near Fortuna that is worth exploring. Although the harsh conditions from the water's high salinity (the highest in Europe) has stunted most vegetation, there's plenty of wildlife around.

Like Sierra de la Pila, it has been officially protected as a bird habitat. Herons and ducks lurk in the channels, common kestrels sit on the shores and large eagles patrol the sky.

Have a look at Murcia's beaches and cities or take a look at a selection of Murcia property.