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October 1 Free guided walk around the magic mountain of Monte Arabi in Yecla
Discover some of the mysteries which surround Monte Arabí in the far north of Murcia
“Paseando por la Montaña Mágica” is a guided ramble in the area of Monte Arabí in the municipality of Yecla, beginning at the car park of the Casa del Guarda information point and featuring explanations of some of the most important plant and animal species of the far north of the Region of Murcia.
The route takes in the Arabilejo and the Campos de Cazoletas, where the rocks are marked with mysterious ancient petroglyphs, the meaning and purpose of which are unknown. However, the guides offer theories about why they were created in prehistoric times.
On the way back walkers pass the Cueva del Tesoro, which has inspired various local legends, before visiting the quarry which provided stone for many of the most important buildings in Yecla.
The excursion, which does not include the prehistoric rock art of the Cantos de la Visera, begins at 9.30 at the Explanada Rotonda Ronda Norte alongside Bodegas Castaño (click for map). The walk is an easy one and is designed for families with children: participants will need their own transport to reach Monte Arabí from the meeting point.
Online bookings can be made here.
For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia visit the What’s on section of Murcia Today.
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia which is home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture 
production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and in many ways an identity quite different from the more coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla La Mancha and the Region of Valencia, so is closer for visitors from the Alicante coastal areas than those living in many parts of Murcia itself. However, it's well worth a visit, the historic old town itself an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history, the natural areas of Monte Arabí 
offering stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the wine routes taking visitors straight into the heart of wine production in the area and the gastronomy varied.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking directly opposite the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park alongside the Basílica which is easy to find.
Click for full information about visiting Yecla including the wine routes, where to go and what to see; Yecla
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 08:00 (8am) to 15:00 (3pm).
Saturday: 10:30 to 14:00 (2pm) and 17:00 (5pm) to 19:30 (7.30pm)
Sunday: Closed
Click for map, Yecla tourist office
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