Serra Mariola Natural Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Serra de Mariola Natural Park |
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| Parque Natural de la Sierra de Mariola | |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Path to the Montcabrer 
Map of the Serra Mariola Natural Park
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| Location | Alcoy, Valencian Community, Spain |
| Nearest city | Valencian Community: Alcoy, Cocentaina, Muro de Alcoy, Agres, Alfafara, Bocairent and Banyeres de Mariola. |
| Area | 17.257 ha |
| Established | 2002 |
| Governing body | Generalitat Valenciana |
The Serra Mariola Natural Park (also known as Parque Natural de la Sierra de Mariola in Spanish) is a beautiful mountain area in the Valencian Community, Spain. It's part of a bigger group of mountains called the Baetic System. This special park was created in 2002 to protect its amazing nature.
The park covers a huge area of 17,257 hectares, which is about 42,643 acres! It's surrounded by towns like Cocentaina and Bocairent, and cities such as Ontinyent and Alcoy. The park has a rectangular shape and many peaks are taller than 1,000 meters (about 3,280 feet).
The highest point in the park is Montcabrer, which stands at 1,389 meters (4,557 feet) tall. To the north, you can find the Benicadell Mountain Range, with its own peak reaching 1,104 meters (3,622 feet). The mountains here are mostly made of a type of rock called limestone. The weather in the park is mostly Mediterranean, meaning it has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
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Exploring Serra Mariola Natural Park
This park is a fantastic place to explore nature. It's home to more than 200 different kinds of aromatic and medicinal plants. You can also find hundreds of different trees here. One special tree is a type of yew that only grows in this area.
What Makes Serra Mariola Special?
The park is known for its incredible variety of plants. Many of these plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine or to make special drinks. Imagine walking through forests where the air smells like herbs!
The unique climate and limestone rock create a perfect home for these plants. This makes the park a very important place for scientists and nature lovers. It's like a giant outdoor classroom where you can learn about different types of plants and how they grow.
Animals of the Park
While the text doesn't list specific animals, natural parks like Serra Mariola are usually home to many creatures. You might find wild boars, foxes, and various birds of prey soaring above the mountains. Smaller animals like rabbits and different types of reptiles also live here.
Activities for Visitors
The Serra Mariola Natural Park is a great place for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy hiking on the trails that wind through the mountains. You can explore different routes, from easy walks to more challenging climbs up to peaks like Montcabrer.
It's also a wonderful spot for photography, bird watching, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. Remember to always stay on marked paths and respect the wildlife when you visit.
See also
