Starting in Andalusia, perhaps the most idyllic and beautiful of all of the Spanish regions, this route travels through a land of beauty and contrasts in the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park. The mountain rocks are quite spectacular, with limestone formations sculpted by the elements and caves in the hillsides. There are many species of pine trees, as well as gall oaks and maples, which are not often found in Andalusia. As for the fauna, there are wild boar, mountain goats, squirrels, rabbits, hares, foxes and mountain cats, amongst many other species. Eagles and vultures circle the skies, along with a host of other birds of prey and smaller birds, including the familiar robin. In short, this is a nature lover's paradise and is also extremely popular with photographers, who can capture incredible scenes throughout the seasons with distinct seasonal changes to the landscape, from a blanket of snow in winter, to a myriad of colours in spring, dry heat in summer and a blaze of leaves in autumn.
There are many viewpoints to stop at that have stunning vistas for some great photos. The A-317 road twists and turns and climbs and falls for 45 km as you head for the small mountain village of Santiago de la Espada situated an altitude of 1,340m. We stopped here for fuel and had a coffee and snack of the most delicious Pan con Tomate at Bar Avenida. A few km south from here, the A-317 narrows and becomes even more twisty and hilly as you cross over the Rio Zumeta and enter into the province of Granada. The next 30 km will take your breath away, pine trees, twisty road that has no edge protection with a steep drop off on one side or gnarly limestone rock encroaching onto the road and the views - wow, the views that make Andalusia my favourite region.
The route gradually descends from an average altitude of about 1,500m to 1,00m as it reaches Puebla de Don Fabrique. This town is steeped in history and an abundance of ancient relics have been found there from prehistoric to medieval times. There are significant archaeological remains from the Iberian-Roman and Muslim eras, in the 13th and 14th centuries. According to historic documentation dating back to 1241, this area was once called La Bolteruela. Since this was a main regional border, there were many battles fought here between the Moors and Christians.
The route leaves the spectacular A-317 and joins the much faster A-330 that travels across a plateau taking you out of Andalucia and into Murcia. The level road is arrow straight in places, a big contrast to the 80 km from the start. An hour on from Puebla de Don Fabrique is a great roadside restaurant for lunch called Asador Murciano Restaurante, I recommend the garlic prawns and belly pork.
After lunch, a 30 minute ride takes you to the Sierra Espuña Regional Park. This beautiful regional park has an average altitude of around 800 metres with some peaks over 1,500 m. The uneven relief of the Sierra Espuña range is precisely one of its main attractions, as this is what gives it its unique and imposing landscapes. There's even a series of 18 tight hairpin bends to negotiate!
The Regional Park of Sierra Espuña is absolutely stunning covering 25,000 hectares it has been protected since 1930. Pine trees cover most of the park and the views over the top of the pine forests are magnificent. It takes its name from its highest mountain, the Espuña at 1,583 m. The park has quite an intriguing history. The region of Murcia enjoyed great prosperity during the 18th century when it plundered its natural resources including most of its pine forests. When Ricardo Codorniu, a passionate nature lover and forest engineer returned to the region in 1889, he was devastated by the destruction which the years of economic boom had caused. He set about restoring the forest, replanting some 19,000 hectares and he becoming known as the ‘apostle of trees!
As you drive through the park you’ll notice evidence of his hard work as a lot of the pine trees are planted in straight lines. The mountain road is very well maintained and there are numerous panoramic viewpoints, as well as some great picnic areas. If you’re lucky you’ll see the Moufflon mountain goats, wild boars and circling eagles during your scenic ride.
40 minutes from the park and you'll have reached the end of the route at the beautiful and historic city of Cartagena.
It’s only when you reach the old part of town down by the port, with its narrow medieval streets, packed with bars and restaurants that the city’s real character emerges. The port of Cartagena, in the Mediterranean's Costa Cálida, has been prized since Carthaginian times. Thanks to its strategic position on the Murcia coast, it has been inhabited by several cultures which have left their mark on its artistic heritage. Cartagena is a city with more than 2,500 years of history. Each corner, street and square of the city offers travellers monumental examples of its splendorous historical past and of the civilizations that put in at its port.
Enjoy