Experience the essence of Palencia in its natural park
Palentina Mountain was declared a Natural Park in 2000, bordering León to the west and Cantabria to the north and east, and has 78,360 hectares. This natural corner includes treasures such as the Covalagua Protected Landscape and the Covalagua Waterfall Natural Monument and the Las Tuerces Protected Landscape and Las Tuerces Natural Monument.
This environment stands out for its high peaks, such as the Curavacas peak and the Espigüete peak, exceeding 2,400 meters. There are also lower peaks such as Murcia, Tres Provincias and Peña Prieta.
From this magical corner are born rivers that give life to the region; the Carrión river from the lagoon of Fuentes Carrionas and the Pisuerga river from the copper cave. In both rivers water plays a crucial role, showing different reliefs. On the one hand, the Carrión river with steep slopes and rocky predominance and, on the other hand, the Pisuerga river with extensive forests in a gentler relief.
There is a great diversity of rocks, such as slate, limestone, conglomerate and sandstone, among others. The Montaña Palentina Natural Park contributes to a great environmental variety, promoting an outstanding biodiversity in Europe. Forests such as holm oak, melojares and calcareous forests, as well as scrub and herbaceous species, such as Echium cantabricum or Cantabrian sagebrush, enrich the landscape.
The fauna includes emblematic species such as Egyptian vulture, partridge, medium-sized woodpecker, honey buzzard, golden eagle and mammals such as brown bear, Iberian wolf, otter, wild cat, Iberian frog, among others.
Cattle ranching is the main activity in the area, while mining had a socioeconomic impact that favored the territory in the eastern sector in the 19th century.
Popular architecture, such as "La Benina" in Valcobero, and Romanesque jewels such as the Church of San Salvador de Cantamuda, highlight the cultural heritage. In addition, remains of past cultures are preserved, such as Roman infrastructures in Velilla del Río Carrión, where a type of consecrated stone is found next to a fountain called "La Reana".
In Palentina Mountain Natural Park you will not stop to be amazed by its high peaks and its mosaic of landscapes. It is a privilege to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature at a time when many destinations are overcrowded.
- Aguilar de Campoo
- Brañosera
- Castrejón de la Peña
- Cervera de Pisuerga
- Dehesa de Montejo
- La Pernia
- Polentinos
- San Cebrián de Mudá
- Triollo
- Velilla del Río Carrión
For more information about Palentina Mountain Natural Park you can visit:
https://patrimonionatural.org/espacios-naturales/parque-natural/parque-natural-montana-palentina