Peña Rubia and El Nevazo in Caravaca de la Cruz

A popular walking and picnic area and home to a sleeping giant named Tomir!

Peña Rubia is a vertical limestone peak in the Cerro Gordo area of mountainous terrain, surrounded by pine forest and a perfect mountain ecosystem. The escarpments reach a maximum altitude of 1306 metres above sea level, and as well as offering fantastic views to those who maki it to the top are also a perfect habitat for mountain goats!

Close by in the municipality of Moratalla is the peak of El Buitre, reaching 1427 metres above sea level, and between Peña Rubia and El Buitre is a beauty spot known as El Nevazo de Arriba. This is home to a wide range of trees including Spanish firs, maples, poplars and cedars, and the beautiful forest setting makes it a popular picnic area and destination for those spending a day out in nature.

El Nevazo de Arriba is reached by a serviceable forest track from Caravaca, passing through the picnic area of Nevazo de Abajo, which is equipped with stone tables and benches, barbecue grills, a fountain and shade.

A local legend in Caravaca tells that a giant named Tomir sleeps in the countryside west of the city, and some claim to be able to see his silhouette in the evening against the setting sun from Camino del Huerto, with the outcrop of Peña Rubia seen as his head. Tomir will awake, the myth goes, when Caravaca is invaded, at which point he will rise from his slumbers and liberate the city!

Further information about Caravaca is available from the tourist office (Plaza de España, 7, telephone 968 702424, email turismo@caravacadelacruz.es).

Or for more local information, including the Holy Jubilee Year as well as local news and what’s on, go to the home page of Caravaca Today.