The Sierra de Las Moreras is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in the vicinity of Mazarron. It is a natural space of particular scenic beauty and of high landscape, biotic, and ecosystem value. For this reason, it has been declared a Protected Landscape.
Bird protection
Additionally, the area is included among the ZEPA areas. It is considered, among the member countries of the European Union, as one of the "Natural Zones of Singular Relevance for the Conservation of Avifauna threatened with extinction". Therefore, the State undertakes to safeguard bird habitats, prohibiting or limiting hunting and regulating possible commercialization.
In 2006, its radius of protection was extended to the occasional channels called ramblas, formed by the rains in the mountains, as adult specimens of species such as the ferruginous duck and the white-headed duck were observed in them. The latter is internationally endangered.
It is also common to find European bee-eaters, a coraciiform bird characterized by the polychromy of its plumage. It feeds on bees and wasps that it traps in the air. Periodically, these birds visit the walls of the ravines of Sierra de Las Moreras to prepare their nests.
Bolnuevo erosions
Due to its geomorphology, the Sierra de Las Moreras is a coastal mountain range with abundant sedimentary rocks, composed mainly of calcium carbonate. The Morron Blanco, at 492 meters, is its highest elevation. This rocky and raised coast forms attractive cliffs with beautiful coves.
At the foot of the mountains is a beautiful spot, in the village of Bolnuevo, where limestone formations are found, eroded by whimsical shapes known as the Erosions or “Gredas” of Bolnuevo. These are mixed detrital rocks comprised in equal parts of components of different granulometry from clay, sand, silt, and silica.
The air, often accompanied by sand and water particles, has shaped the unique profiles of the “Gredas de Bolnuevo”, thus giving presence to what has been known as the "enchanted landscape of Bolnuevo". Without a doubt, it is the most outstanding landscape of the town and one of the most peculiar and attractive in the entire province of Murcia.
It is a natural architecture of singular beauty that, on occasion, and during the patron saint festivities, is used as the setting for the celebration of local, religious, artistic festivals.
Flora
The most characteristic plant communities of the Sierra de Las Moreras are the Periploca angustifolia, the European fan palm, and the bushes. The flora of the mountains also presents species typical of the Mediterranean, such as the arborescent thickets of Zyzhiophus and thickets of genistas and grasses.
The ramblas of the Sierra de Las Moreras is one of the notable geographical features in the mountains, with unique plant characteristics. In the boulevard, there are species such as oleanders and French tamarisk, common in these silty soils. Reeds are also often found.
Wildlife
As for the fauna of Sierra de Las Moreras, the Bonelli's eagle stands out, nesting in the highest points of the mountain range. Also found are the eagle owl, the largest of the nocturnal birds of prey; the peregrine falcon; the common kestrel; and the Greek tortoise. Additionally, the white-headed duck, as well as the marbled duck and the western swamphen, have been incorporated in recent years.
The Sierra de Las Moreras has various routes on which to enjoy the splendid landscape, with possibilities for visiting the striking and emblematic places. One of the most visited routes is the Barranco de los Algezares, in which one can ascend to the Morron Blanco.
The route is classified as medium difficulty and allows one to go back in time, to be in contact with old mining roads and the remains of the quarry and furnace infrastructure. Upon reaching the top of Morron Blanco, one can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the coast and sea.
