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Date Published: 13/04/2026

Sierra Escalona near Orihuela Costa moves closer to becoming a protected Natural Park

The protected mountain range, just inland from Campoamor and San Miguel de Salinas, edges towards official status

One of the most important natural areas in southern Alicante, located just inland from Orihuela Costa, is a step closer to becoming an official Natural Park.

Sierra Escalona, a mountain range that stretches between San Miguel de Salinas, Orihuela and Pilar de la Horadada, sits only a short drive from coastal areas like Campoamor, Cabo Roig and La Zenia. It also borders the Campo de Cartagena and the Mar Menor. For many residents, it forms the familiar backdrop of hills and pine forest visible from the coast.

Now, the area has reached a key milestone after the approval of its Natural Resources Management Plan, an essential step in securing full protected status.

This plan sets out how Sierra Escalona and its surrounding land will be managed in the future. It identifies which areas require the highest level of protection and outlines rules for farming, leisure activities and any potential development nearby.

Far from being a routine piece of paperwork, this approval is a legal requirement before Natural Park status can be granted. It brings the area significantly closer to receiving stronger, long-term protection.

Sierra Escalona is widely recognised for its rich biodiversity, particularly its population of birds of prey, as well as its mix of forests, scrubland and open spaces. These habitats support a wide range of wildlife and have made the area a focus for conservation efforts over many years.

There are also clear benefits for nearby communities. Areas with Natural Park status often attract sustainable tourism and investment, helping local economies grow in a way that protects the landscape rather than damaging it. Traditional activities can continue, but within a more structured and carefully managed framework.

With this latest development, Sierra Escalona is firmly on track to become one of the Valencian Community’s protected natural spaces, bringing long-awaited recognition to a landscape that many locals already value highly.

Image: Amigos de Sierra Escalona

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