New Blue Trail named in the Jumilla mountains of Santa Ana

The Botanic Trail of Santa Ana is a route in the picturesque pine forests of northern Murcia

The Region of Murcia already boasts 32 entries in the catalogue of 194 “Blue Trails” in Spain, and that list has now been added to by the recognition of the Botanic Trail of Santa Ana in the northern municipality of Jumilla.

The Blue Trails are named in recognition of their contribution to the recovery of paths and routes which promoted environmental education and the sustainable enjoyment of our natural surroundings, and like the Blue Flags which fly at many beaches it is an award managed by the national Association of Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC). These public spaces invite members of the public to discover and protect our natural heritage while enjoying educational, tourist and recreational activities.

This is the first time that one of the awards has been achieved by Jumilla and the “Sendero Botánico de Santa Ana” is a charming route in the mountains which stand a couple of kilometres south of the town. Among the pine trees and other typical Mediterranean vegetation is the Franciscan Monastery of Santa Ana, from where there are great views looking north to Jumilla and beyond, and the mountains are also home to the archaeological site of Coimbra del Barranco Ancho, where the Iberians inhabited a settlement between 200 and 400 years before the birth of Christ.

Those walking in the area can also see numerous native plant species and, if they are lucky, birds such as the peregrine falcon, the golden eagle and the red-billed chough.

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