Enjoy a stroll on and around the volcanic plug of El Carmolí which looks out over the Mar Menor

The small village of El Carmolí is a quiet place, fairly well off the beaten track considering its location on the inland shore of the Mar Menor, but its main landmark is easily visible from the AP-7 motorway as you drive past and consists of a 7-million-year-old volcanic plug which rises to an altitude of 113 metres above sea level.

This is one of a series of andesite plugs which includes those of Isla Mayor and Isla Perdiguera in the Mar Menor and the Cerro de Calnegre in La Manga, and its largely undeveloped nature makes it an interesting climb for walkers. While the flora is characterized mainly by thyme and rosemary the fauna includes bird species such as stilts and curlews, and it goes without saying that the views from the top are spectacular, both east over the Mar Menor and west towards the crop farming of the Campo and the city of Cartagena.

During the Civil War tunnels were dug into the rock to store weapons, and during some periods of history agricultural terracing and over-grazing have had an adverse affect on the natural environment.

This free guided walk in El Carmolí is an easy one, covering a distance of just 4 kilometres, and is suitable for children aged 9 and over as well as adults. It starts at 10.00, finishing around 3 hours later, and although it is completely free of charge prior registration is required online here as of 9^th March at 9.30.

For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today.

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