Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park, Natural park in Almería Province, Spain
Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park is an expanse of limestone mountains with deep gorges and steep cliffs, covered in pine forests and varied vegetation. The terrain is crisscrossed by walking paths that lead through different landscapes shaped by the elevation and geology.
Archaeological evidence shows that people inhabited this region during the Stone Age, establishing settlements and leaving traces of their presence. Remnants of hilltop fortifications indicate that the area remained strategically important in later periods.
The Cueva de los Letreros holds ancient rock paintings that have survived for thousands of years on its walls, showing how people lived here in prehistoric times. You can walk to these artworks and see directly how early inhabitants expressed themselves.
The park can be explored on many marked paths suitable for different abilities that wind through the mountain terrain. Information points are available, and it helps to wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water for your visit.
The area hosts a breeding facility for spur-thighed tortoises, working to support the survival of this species through careful breeding programs. Additionally, a rare butterfly species found in only a few European mountain regions makes its home here.
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