Sierra de Carrascoy

Southwest of the Autonomous Community of Murcia this mountainous massif, located between the municipalities of Murcia, Alhama de Murcia, and Fuente Alamo de Murcia. It is integrated into the Carrascoy and El Valle Regional Park, jointly adding an area of 16,742 hectares, of which 10,769 are considered a Site of Community Importance (SCI).

The Sierra de Carrascoy has an approximate area of 10,500 hectares, constituting a mid-mountain area with a diverse and irregular relief, with steep slopes and notable geological diversity.

Although the peaks of Las Breñas and Los Filos should be highlighted, the highest point is the Carrascoy peak: an elevation of 1,065 meters that gives the mountain its name. In addition, abounding in the Sierra de Carrascoy are large ravines that cross it from the summits: Roy, Tia Ginesa, and Pimpollar, among others.

Flora

The Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) is present mostly in the wooded areas of Sierra Carrascoy. There are also the thermophilic holm oaks, which are very extensive and very well preserved. Additionally, there are seven native species of cork oak.

As one ascends, plant species diversify and increase in quantity. After 500 meters, the variety of plants increases, forming part of the shrub layer composed mainly of chaparral. These are caper bushes, mastic trees, oleanders, hearts of palm, honeysuckles, and some lichens.

There are thickets of species typical of the Mediterranean dry land. Standing out are the rock rose, the Anthyllis cytisoides, and the esparto grass, as well as aromatic plants such as felty germander, rosemary, mountain savory, and thyme.

Wildlife

Among the fauna specimens in the Sierra de Carrascoy is a wide variety of butterfly species. Birds of prey include the common buzzard, the peregrine falcon, the golden eagle, the Bonelli's eagle, and the kestrel, which find places that favor nesting in the profusion of cliffs and trees.

In addition, we can find the showy crested tit, European serin, red crossbill, great tit, European green woodpecker, and long-tailed tit. In the Sierra de Carrascoy, studies are carried out on the life and behavior of the eagle owl, a permanent inhabitant.

Among the mammals, the fox, the marten, the genet, the bat, the rabbit, the badger, the wild cat, and the weasel stand out. The Sierra de Carrascoy is a regular hunting ground due to the abundance of rabbits, wild boars, and partridges.

Meanwhile, among the reptiles in the Sierra de Carrascoy are a variety of species such as the ocellated lizard, the Iberian lizard, the long-tailed lizard, the Montpellier snake, and the ladder snake, among others. In wet areas, amphibians such as the natterjack toad and the common toad are easily found.

Nature Interpretation Center

Located in the Sierra de Carrascoy is a Nature Interpretation Center, whose equipment works with alternative energy. It is located within the “El Majal Blanco” estate, which has been owned by the Murcia City Council since 1986.

In this center, children and young people are educated about nature and the resources it provides. Under a didactic plan, the characteristics of flora and fauna are described. This center is accessible by foot or bicycle.

In the Sierra de Carrascoy, there are various routes for hiking. Along them, you can have an encounter with the past, observe fabulous views of the Murcian landscape, and explore small corners of biodiversity.

On public holidays, a large number of paragliders are thrown into the void from the northern slope. Declared a regional park in 1992, the Carrascoy and El Valle Regional Park serves as a backdrop for the city and some of its districts and neighboring municipalities.