Highlights

The Sierra del Segura is undoubtedly one of the most surprising corners of Castilla-La Mancha. The province of Albacete is often associated with endless plains, but here the landscape is completely transformed: mountains over 2,000 meters high, deep valleys, river canyons, waterfalls, and forests where the green seems endless. This territory is part of one of the largest protected areas in Europe, with more than 140,000 hectares included in the Natura 2000 Network, making it a true refuge for biodiversity and a privileged destination for those seeking pure ecotourism.

The most emblematic protected area is the Calares del Mundo y de la Sima Natural Park, which covers more than 19,000 hectares and offers a unique combination of water, rock, and wildlife. Its main attraction is the source of the Mundo River, one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in Spain. From the Cueva de los Chorros cave, the water bursts forth in waterfalls over 100 meters high. When the famous "reventón" phenomenon occurs, thousands of liters of water gush out in a burst of life and sound that surprises everyone who witnesses it.

The limestone platforms that give the park its name are enormous limestone formations which, after thousands of years of erosion, have been transformed into a veritable karstic labyrinth with chasms, sinkholes, torcas and caves. The Cueva de los Chorros cave stands out, with more than 40 kilometers of explored galleries and many still to be discovered, making the area a benchmark for caving in Spain.

Biodiversity is another of its great attractions. Its forests are home to black pines, junipers, holm oaks, and centuries-old walnut trees. Among the fauna, the mountains are home to mountain goats, deer, mouflons, and wild boars, as well as a significant population of birds of prey: golden eagles, griffon vultures, eagle owls, and bearded vultures, the latter of which is in the process of recovery thanks to conservation projects.

The park and its surroundings have marked trails for all levels: from family walks through the forests and pools to demanding climbs to peaks over 1,800 meters. The viewpoints offer spectacular panoramic views of canyons, limestone caves, and reservoirs, and are ideal places for nature photography, bird watching, or simply enjoying the calm of the landscape.

But the richness of the environment is not limited to nature. The area has a large concentration of World Heritage rock art, with more than 50 sites scattered throughout caves and shelters, allowing you to combine hiking with unique cultural visits. Added to this are active tourism activities such as canyoning, climbing, and mountain biking, as well as astro-tourism experiences, as the Sierra del Segura is one of the places with the clearest skies in Europe for stargazing.

Visiting the Calares del Mundo y de la Sima Natural Park and its surroundings is like entering the heart of the Sierra del Segura, a protected area that preserves spectacular landscapes and reminds travelers of the importance of preserving these environments. Here, every corner speaks of the power of water and the patience of nature, every stone bears traces of past civilizations, and every starry night reminds us that there are still places where life finds its way in a thousand different ways.