Parque Natural de la Sierra de Salinas

Sierra de Salinas rises as a natural border between the northern edge of Murcia (Yecla) and the Alto and Medio Vinalopó districts of the Valencian Community, spanning the municipalities of Villena, Salinas, Monóvar, Pinoso and Yecla. Covering some 7,735 hectares with altitudes ranging from 600 to 1,238 metres at Pico de la Capilla — a second-order geodetic benchmark where the boundaries of Villena, Pinoso and Yecla converge — the range combines Mediterranean mountain landscapes with unusually dense pine-forest ecosystems given the aridity of the surroundings.

The area belongs to the Natura 2000 network as a Special Conservation Zone (ZEC), a designation protecting habitats of community interest. Aleppo pine forest dominates the north-facing slopes and ravines, forming continuous woodland that provides dense, cool shade even in summer when temperatures outside the canopy exceed 35 °C. On drier, sunnier ground, Mediterranean scrub of rosemary, thyme, lavender, kermes oak and juniper covers the terrain with a fragrance that accompanies every step. The dampest north-facing pockets retain stands of holm oak and Portuguese oak that represent the original potential vegetation before the pinar expanded.

Wildlife includes raptors of conservation interest such as golden eagle, short-toed snake eagle and eagle owl nesting on the rocky ledges and cliffs. Iberian ibex, reintroduced across several ranges in south-eastern Spain, is increasingly visible on the limestone escarpments. Forest-dwelling mammals — genet, badger and red squirrel — benefit from the tree cover. Temporary pools that form in depressions after autumn rains serve as breeding habitat for amphibians including natterjack toad and common frog, and attract wildlife photographers.

Hiking routes start mainly from Villena and Yecla. The ascent of Pico de la Capilla (1,238 m) is the most popular route, covering about 12 km return with 600 metres of elevation gain in four to five hours. From the summit the panorama takes in Sierra de Aitana, the Vinalopó valley, the Manchegan plateau and, on the clearest days, a sliver of the Mediterranean to the east. The combination of mountains, pine forest and aromatic scrubland, together with the proximity of the Yecla and Villena wine regions — both with denomination of origin status — allows days that pair physical activity with wine and food culture. Local inns in Villena and Yecla serve gazpachos manchegos, gachasmigas, cured meats and Monastrell red wines, the flagship grape of this corner of south-eastern Spain.