Sierra de Ricote-La Navela

Information

This natural area is part of the Natura 2000 network and has been designated as:
• Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA)
• Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
The Sierras de Ricote and La Navela form a limestone mountain range located in the Ricote Valley, in the centre of the Region of Murcia. It is a mid-mountain landscape characterised by steep relief, deep ravines, and pronounced slopes. The Sierra de Ricote is the most prominent formation within the system, while La Navela extends it naturally towards the west. The terrain features numerous rocky cliffs, gullies and steep hillsides, creating a highly varied and contrasting landscape. Vegetation is dominated by Aleppo pine forests and Mediterranean scrub, adapted to the semi-arid conditions of the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. In the lower areas and foothills, traditional terraced orchards appear, especially in the municipality of Ricote, where citrus fruits and other typical valley crops are grown. The contrast between the mountainous terrain and the traditional agricultural landscape makes this area one of high scenic, ecological, and cultural value.

The Protected Area recommends: The Sierras of Ricote and La Navela offer a range of outdoor activities linked to nature and active recreation. Hiking is one of the most popular options, thanks to a well-marked network of trails that cross mountains and ravines and connect with the Ricote Valley. Mountain biking is also widely practised, with forest tracks running through the area providing routes of varying difficulty. Wildlife and plant observation is another highlight, as the area supports rich biodiversity, particularly birds of prey and species typical of Mediterranean ecosystems. Nature photography is especially rewarding, thanks to the varied landscapes, the contrast between mountains and traditional agricultural land, and the distinctive light of south-eastern Spain. Overall, it is an excellent place to enjoy the outdoors in a respectful way, combining sport, learning, and appreciation of the landscape.

Sierras de Ricote and La Navela
Ricote, Ojós, Ulea, Blanca and Mula.

Features

Type: Otros Espacios Naturales
Surface: 8900ha

Nature

Flora

The Sierras de Ricote and La Navela contain a range of habitats of Community interest, typical of semi-arid Mediterranean environments that support a rich botanical diversity adapted to water scarcity.
The most representative habitats include:
• Dry Mediterranean scrub.
• Esparto grasslands and thyme scrub.
• Scrub associated with gypsum-rich substrates.
• Rock-dwelling plant communities on cliffs and rocky outcrops.
• Aleppo pine woodlands on slopes and shaded areas.
The vegetation is made up of highly specialised species capable of withstanding drought, high temperatures, and nutrient-poor soils. These sierras act as an important refuge for plant species characteristic of the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula, including aromatic, medicinal, and endemic species. Slope orientation plays a key role in vegetation distribution. South-facing slopes, which receive more sunlight, tend to have low, sparse vegetation dominated by esparto grasslands and thyme scrub. North-facing slopes, which are cooler and more humid, support denser plant cover, with pine forests and more developed Mediterranean scrub. The most representative species include: • Esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima), a key plant in these ecosystems, traditionally used for making ropes and household items.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris), both very common, strongly aromatic, and of high ecological and medicinal value.
• Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) and kermes oak (Quercus coccifera), typical components of Mediterranean scrub.
• Dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis), the only native palm species in Europe, found in warmer, sheltered areas.
• Strawberry tree, with its striking red berries.
• Rockrose species, with eye-catching white or pink flowers.
• Lavender, notable for its purple tones and use in perfumery.
• Everlasting flowers, adapted to dry, rocky environments.

Fauna

The rugged relief of these sierras, together with the presence of ravines, rocky cliffs, and areas of Mediterranean scrub, supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife. Despite human pressure in nearby areas, this landscape remains an important refuge for many species.
Birds are the most representative group, which is why this area is included in the Natura 2000 network as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA). Among the most notable species are various birds of prey that use the rocky cliffs for nesting, such as the golden eagle, Eurasian eagle-owl, peregrine falcon, and griffon vulture. Forest-dwelling birds of prey, such as the booted eagle, can also be observed, along with numerous insect-eating bird species.
Among reptiles, the ocellated lizard stands out as one of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula, perfectly adapted to rocky, sun-exposed terrain.
As for mammals, the area is home to species such as the fox, wild boar, and small rodents. The rabbit is particularly abundant and plays a key ecological role in Mediterranean ecosystems, serving as prey for many predators.

Usos

Historically, these sierras have been used by humans through traditional activities such as grazing, esparto grass harvesting, and various forestry uses. These practices have helped shape the current landscape.
There are also ancient paths, terraced agricultural plots, and small rural structures that reflect long-standing human use of the territory.
In addition, numerous infrastructures linked to hydrological and forestry restoration works can be found across the area.
Today, the site has significant recreational, educational, and landscape value, and is used for hiking, environmental interpretation, and nature tourism.