La Alfahuara Pine Forest

La Alfahuara Pine Forest (which means "spring" in Arabic) is located in Sierra de María-Los Vélez Nature Reserve.

This pine forest was an old hunting ground of the Marquis of Los Vélez, protected by the regulations of King Philip II. After the Moors were expelled at the end of the 16th century, a deforestation process took place and it was so worrying that in 1590 the "Ordinances to safeguard and preserve the forest and the meadow of La Alfaguara" were established.

Among other attractions in the area, the path lets you see one of the few native pine forests that still survive in the province of Almería. You can also learn about interesting aspects of the socioeconomic history of the Sierra María-Los Vélez Nature Reserve, always linked to the use of the natural resources of the Mediterranean forest.

Most of the path crosses the forest, with different types of vegetation: pines (Aleppo and Laricio), rockrose, holm oaks, hiniestas and junipers. If you are lucky you may spot vultures or eagles in the sky.

On this path you can understand more about the beautiful synthesis of the natural and cultural history of these mountains.

The trail begins at a junction of the A-317 road with a forest track. The information panel on the trail is next to the forest track, a few metres from the road.

Nearby is also the Viewpoint of La Umbría Visitor Centre, with information on the Sierra María-Los Vélez Nature Reserve. You can also get to it from a crossroads on the A-317, about 2 km from María.