El Berro Camping
(Sierra Espuna)
El
Berro is a village located in the foothills of Sierra Espuña. It is situated 14
kilometers northwest of Alhama de Murcia and about 47 Kilometres from the
central city of Murcia. Although around 200 people inhibit El Berro, its
population swells during the summer season due to its importance for rural
tourism in the area.
Although
we can not call El Berro quaint an enchanting mountainside village, it is
located in a beautiful place. Therefore, it is naturally suited as a base for
walking and exploring the beauty of Sierra Espuña.
It is
also a popular place for lunch in the countryside, with various restaurants
serving well-priced and flavorsome mountain cooking. It is also an ideal stop
off after a morning in its pine forests and the mountains.
Sierra Espuna
Sierra
Espuña has the most significant extensions of the forest of Murcia. Besides, it
is one of the most emblematic areas of natural beauty. Moreover, its current
verdure is a significant part of reforestation campaigns near the end of the
19th Century. These campaigns were carried out by Murcian philanthropist
Ricardo Codorníu, known by the Tree Apostle's nickname.
Location of Siera
Espuna
Sierra
Espuña ( Totana, Alhama de Murcia,and Aledo) and Río Mula (Mula and Pliego) are
the districts that border this area. Pliego and Mula nestle between the Ricote
and Espuña ranges and are places steeped in culture and local tradition.
The area's scenery makes them a stopping place on inland routes in this region.
The district is also renowned for its pottery manufacturing. In this regard,
Totana is Spain's second most popular area for pottery production.
Top ten things you
must-do during El Berro Camping
This
area possesses an overstory taken as the biggest in the region and is also one
of its most enchanting natural settings: Sierra Espuña Regional Park. Sierra
Espuña is among one of the greenest and thickest areas in the southeast of
Spain and a natural destination for nature enthusiasts.
Green Paths
If you
are looking for some fresh air, consider visiting the Sierra Espuña Regional
Park. You can enjoy any route for orienteering, and hiking activities are
prevalent here. And if you come across a wild boar or an array -barbary sheep,
you should keep in mind that they have the right of way over you.
Rock
Climbing
Climbing
shoes are expected in Sierra Espuña. At the Leyva Ravine, a magnificent
limestone wall with a height of 200 meters is waiting for you. It has above one
hundred climbing tracks; climbers of every level come here since this place is
considered an essential climbing school due to the variety of the tracks, the
quality of the stone, and the beautiful scenery. This will give you a rush of
adrenaline.
Paragliding
Alhama
is the best place to fly in Spain. The take-off runway is a mountain slope, and
the landing runway is the surrounding multicolored field. There are tandem
flights available, so you need not have any former experience; all you need is
enthusiasm. Flying without any engine noise and enjoying the fresh air around
you will leave you speechless. If you do it in the afternoon, you will never
forget this memorable sunset.
Unique
spots
The
more you explore, the more spots you find to enjoy in Sierra Espuña, such as
the Torre del Homenaje, the Castle, and Calle del Agua street, the Castle in
Alhama de Murcia, El Berro. Indulge yourself and visit these enchanting places
where time has not passed; take the opportunity to taste this area's excellent
cuisine.
Art of Pottery
If you
enjoy being at the most famous handicrafts and pottery centers in the Iberian
Peninsula, you are at the right place. First, however, don't miss the
opportunity to witness an exhibition at the various workshops of the Ollerías
Quarter in Totana, where some of Spain's most crucial pottery craftsmanships
used to be in the past.
Art and
culture
Mula
has the most important museum of Iberian culture in the world: El Cigarralejo.
It houses 80 grave goods from a nearby Iberian necropolis and other ceramic
pieces, sculptures, and weapons. Another emblem of this popularity is the Casa
Pintada -Painted House-: a house-palace of 1770 called the Contemporary Art
Interpretation Centre. It is among four venues in the world, together with the
ones in New York, Valladolid, and Barcelona, exhibiting sculptures and
paintings by Cristóbal Gabarrón, the famous artist from Mula.
Archaeological
routes
In La
Bastida de Totana site, continental Europe's most powerful city during the
Bronze Age -4,200 years ago- is waiting for you, as well as is a fortified
square, comparable to Troy's second city. Of particular interest are the
dwellings, graves, and ceramic objects found. A classical touch characterizes
Los Villarico's old Roman villa in Mula.
Local
festivals
Every
year, at midnight on Holy Tuesday, which
is continued until 4 pm the following day. This is the Night of the Drums:
anyone can participate in this celebration, as long as they bring a drum and
wear a black tunic. Other festivities in the area are the Holy Week in Totana
and Los Mayos in Alhama de Murcia.
Snow
wells
Some of
the most famous curiosities in Sierra Espuña Regional Park are the snow wells.
These constructions have been used since the 16thC to keep snow and supply it
to people in Alhama and the nearby areas. Now, they act as a witness for a way
of ancient life. There are 25 snow wells among the summits of the Regional
Park. You have to climb up about 1,400m to enjoy them—quite an experience.
La
Santa
Inhabitants
know Santa Eulalia Monastery in Totana as La Santa. It is one of the greatest
treasures of the municipality. The Baroque altarpiece of the shrine, the
Mudejar coffered ceiling, and the 17thC paintings are the factors that make
this church a treasure within the region of the artistic heritage of Murcia. It
is surrounded by extensive pine forests, vegetable gardens, and orchards; once
you are here, you will understand the true nature of this remarkable place. We
recommend you going to the Virgen Blanca Viewpoint, from which you will admire
one of the most beautiful views in the area.
