Full of contrast, the different altitudes and associated climates of the sierra create a verdant island in a sea of semi-desert. The average altitude of the park is around 800m above sea level reaching 1583m at its summit.
Above 700m the forest is mostly Aleppo pines with Pinaster and Corsican pines on the higher slopes. Oaks and Maples are also found in some protected areas such as the Leyva valley and Rio Espuña.

Protected area. A “lunar landscape” of deep ravines, dry river beds and canyons, devoid of trees, here we observe the constant battle between vegetation and erosion. The continually shifting gypsum sands have prevented both agriculture and forestation, creating a wild dramatic landscape and uniquely varied flora.

Nestling in the sierra are the towns of Aledo, Alhama de Murcia, Pliego and Totana and villages such as Santa Leocadia, El Purgatorio, El Berro, Gebas and Casas Nuevas, all nearby and well worth a visit.

The hotel is in El Berro, a small mountain village of little more than 100 inhabitants at an altitude of 650m. The village has a variety of amenities and is an ideal base for hiking and other outdoor activities.