The Sierra del Segura is situated between the plains of La Mancha and the
crop-growing regions of Murcia.
Together with the Sierra de Cazorla and La Villa Natural Park, the Sierra del Segura forms the largest protected area of Spain (over 2000 square kilometers).
Visitors will find themselves surprised with the infinity of different types of landscapes: from rural areas to natural parks to idyllic medieval villages.
It's a very green part of Spain, where two rivers, el Mundo and la Tabilla, originate and two others, the Segura and the Tus flow with some swift currents.
All of this is surrounded by an eco system which offers various possibilities for the traveller to admire the diversity of the nature and wildlife.
Visiting the numerous historical treasures in the local culture,like ancient
cave drawings or visiting the Arab towers all over the region like in Bogarra, Yeste, Nerpio and Molinicos is also a great way to spend your time in the Sierra del Segura.
Some of the towns and villages are described further below. The wildlife, although not very noticeable at first, is splendid. The area has many protected reserves which allow thw wildlife to flourish.
Some of the more spectacular animals include the European Genet, foxes, wild cats (gato montes),the Beech Marten, the European Polecat, wild boars, mountain goats, deer, otters, lizards, snakes and turtles. Read more about birds on the Things To Do page and links at he foot of the page. The Sierra del Segura is marked by a number of very beautiful towns and villages.
Here are some highlights:
In Elche de la Sierra there is a great market every Thursday. There are a number of excellent shops and bakeries, as well as a supermarket.
In the summer months, the town has a splendid outdoor restaurant in the beautiful town square.Be sure to visit the old centre which has still an ancient public launderette with water literally rushing in from the mountains.
Also be sure to visit the town of Yeste, with its fortress and beautiful streets and surroundings. Driving in this directions guarentees you breathtaking views.
Just south of Yeste is Lagraya situated, halting place of the GR 68, a hiking track of several days in the Sierra del Segura.
Another great town to visit is Riopar, 30 km.to the west, which provides a different scenery altogether, with dense forests and the origin of the Rio Mundo,
a (not always) spectacular waterfall at a height of 100 metres. Travelling into this part of the region means transgressing from the Mediterranean into the Continental climate.
Ayna is a small village an hour drive heading north. It's a popular vacation destination due to its pleasantscenery and climate. Ayna is referred to as "Spanish Switzerland" because of it's location between the mountain ranges and green surroundings.
In caves (Cueva del Nino) close to Ayna, Paleolithic art (10000-15000 BC) can be seen, which is listed on UNESCO heritage list. You can take guided tours to the cave, driving up there by car, or taking a 45 minute hike from the village through the forest. Don't forget to wear proper walking shoes and bring water!
See the Ayna website for more information!
Via Bogarra, Paterna del Madera and Riopar you can make a magnificent tour.
The towns and villages discussed above are only some of many more picturesque places in the region. Others in teh area worth visiting include Molinicos, Nerpio
(for the castle) and Letur. Be sure to keep an eye out for all the different fiestas that are going on, well, all the time. Spaniards love to party!
In short, the region is very surprising and quite unknown to outside tourists. There is too little space here to describe it all. See the links for more information.
Come visit us and experience this piece of paradise for yourself!