June 1 Guided walking tour of the prehistoric rock art at Monte Arabí in Yecla

Visit the legendary mountain and the 10,000-year-old prehistoric artwork of Yecla

This guided hike at the legendary mountain of Monte Arabí in Yecla, in the north of Murcia, is of special interest not only to palaeontologists and archaeologists, due to the inclusion of visits to the famed Visera I and II rock art sites, but also to lovers of the great outdoors who enjoy an instructive tour of the countryside.

There are prehistoric paintings here dating back to the earliest era of European rock art more than 8,000 years ago as well as petroglyphs and "cazoletas", both forms of prehistoric carving, spread across different areas of Monte Arabí.

The PR-MU91 circular route followed by the group is approximately 6 kilometres long and is described as being of medium difficulty, the highlights including both the spectacular landscape and the prehistoric paintings which have been included by UNESCO as part of a World Heritage site.

The tour on Sunday May 5 begins at 9.30 alongside Bodegas Castaño on the northern edge of Yecla (click for map), from where participants will make their way in their own vehicles to the start of the walk. The walk itself lasts around 3 and a half hours.

All those taking part are advised to bring sturdy footwear, drinking water or juice and a snack, and although the route costs only 2.50 euros prior registration is required and is now available online here .

If visiting Yecla don’t forget to make sure one of your first ports of call is the tourist office (Plaza Mayor, 1, telephone 968 754104, email turismo@yecla.es).

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Yecla Today.