Sierra Maria
Almeria - Andalucia - Southern Spain
The Sierra Maria mountains, a leading destination for outdoor interests in nature with unique mountain scenery. 
Sierra Maria - Velez
Natural Park
Located in the far north of Almeria province the Sierra Maria - Velez Natural Park is a widespread area of contrasting landscapes, the rocky summits of the Sierra Maria mountains, snow covered in winter time, fall to the arid southern slopes of the range, with surprising woodlands and pine forests covering much of the park to the north.
This nature lovers paradise is home to many bird species, including the magnificent Golden Eagle, it has an 
outstanding butterfly population and displays many plant species, some of which are endemic to the region.
Not without its history, the parks natural cave formations offer evidence of prehistoric man.
The spectacular mountain scenery provides an impressive backdrop for the designated nature walking and cycling routes within the parks limits. Besides Sierra Maria, the natural park also incorporates the 
Sierra del Maimon and Sierra Larga.
The park is located to the north of the A-92N motorway and its main entry point is from the town of Velez Rubio, via the A-317 that runs through the park.
Velez Rubio is dwarfed by Mount Maimon, its highest peak is a formidable 1761m above sea level, while the highest peak of Sierra Maria stands at an incredible 2045m above sea level.
Quick link - Sierra Maria:
- Indalo caves Cueva de los Letreros historical cave site
Choose Sierra Maria - Velez for breathtaking scenery and mountain landscapes
Velez Blanco village - a whitewashed pueblo in a dramatic mountain setting...
Cueva de los Letreros - an important archaeological cave and home to the Indalo man cave drawings...
Sierra Maria - Velez Natural Park is almost split into two sections, with the charming village of Velez Blanco at the central point. The parks boundaries, along with particular places of interest, are detailed on the map below.
Maria Velez Natural Park Map
Velez Blanco
The picturesque mountainside village of 
Velez Blanco sits at more than 1000m above sea level and is overlooked by the imposing Velez Blanco castle. An exceptional choice for a rural holiday destination, it also offers a perfect base for day trips and excursions in one of Almerias beautiful natural parks. The traditionally narrow streets lead to the information and visitors centre of Almacen del Trigo, the access road in and out of the village offers some remarkable views of the Muela Grande mountain, its highest peak reaching 1554m above sea level.
There are a couple of hotels within the villages itself and a small but inviting selection of restaurants and tapas bars.
A highly recommended destination in a sensational setting that is both striking and natural.
Tourist Information
Almacen del Trigo Visitors Centre
Signposted from within the village, this tourist information centre provides an informational exhibition on the region, documented in Spanish, along with complimentary maps highlighting the places of interest and walking trails.
When I visited the centre it was closed on my arrival, 
even though it was within the scheduled opening hours, not to worry, a few moments later the receptionist arrived to let me in, it was as though she had spotted my arrival from one of the neighbouring houses, perhaps she lives there and on quiet days just opens up when visitors arrive, or maybe she was having coffee with a neighbour, quite possibly. Anyway, if the centre is closed when you get there, be sure to hang around for a moment in case she appears!
A prime example of the laid back Spanish way that just makes me smile to myself, though it can often be frustrating for visitors.
ADDRESS: Avenida Marques de los Velez, Velez Blanco.
External links
Provided to help visitors make the most of the area. The link will open in a separate page.
Further information from the Junta de Andalucia website, in English, of the information available at the parks visitors centre. The opening times of the visitors centre are detailed on the HORARIO DEL CENTRO link.
Almacen del Trigo Visitors Centre
The Junta de Andalucia website offers information on available activities in the park, emphasising the authorisation required for certain activities, such as mountaineering and paragliding.
Exploring the Natural Park of Sierra Maria
The north eastern area of the park, incorporating the mountains of Muela Grande and Sierra Larga, includes two signposted walking trails and the Almohalles Centro de Recuperacion de Especies Amenazadas, a recovery centre for threatened species, in particular for birds of prey and reptiles such as the Greek tortoise. This section of the park is reached via local roads and is signposted from Velez Blanco.
The western section of the park and a further five walking trails, 
several places of interest, a second visitors centre, the town of Maria itself and the northern slopes and woodlands of Sierra Maria are reached from the A-317, the main road that passes through the park.
Between Velez Blanco and Maria, the main road offers a a separate cyclist track with access to a signposted cycle route, off limits to vehicles, that heads off into the hills and returns to civilisation in the town of Maria.
After passing through Maria, the Ermita de la Virgen de la Cabeza chapel and the Jardin Botanico Umbria 
de la Virgen botanical centre are signposted to the left. Set against a backdrop of woodlands and mountains the chapel is indeed a very pretty picture, and the botanical centre, which offers examples of the plant species to be found within the natural park is also in a setting of surreal beauty, it is open from the 1st of May until the 30th of September every day except Mondays. The hours of opening are 10am till 2pm then 6pm till 8pm.
Continuing along the A-317, through the woodland panoramas, offers access to two recreational areas within the forests. 
The first, Los Alamicos, is signposted along a three kilometre track from the starting point of the Pinar de la Alfahuara signed walking trail. The second, La Piza, is located along a local road just before the A-317 takes a sharp right turn, the local road continues straight ahead. La Piza is situated at the starting, and ending, point of the circular Norte de la Dehesa walking route, there is plenty of shaded parking available under the trees.
I was completely surprised when I visited 
La Piza, I mean this place is practically in the middle of nowhere, and yet there, amid the density of the forest trees, was a cafe bar serving snacks and meals to visiting families and groups of cyclists, I am sure too that it is a welcome oasis for walkers after completion of the 5.4 km Dehesa trail. This restful spot is just idyllic, with wooden tables and benches dotted under the cover of the woodland canopy, and the buzz of happy people enjoying their leisure time.
Choose Sierra Maria - Velez for mountain nature walks
The are nine signposted walking trails within the natural park, ranging from 0.7km to 16.7km ...
Walking trails in the Sierra Maria - Velez natural park 
Indalo Man Cave Site
Cueva de los Letreros
This archaeological cave site, one of the most visited attractions of the Natural Park, is home to some of the most important rock paintings in Europe, dating back to times when prehistoric man found shelter in the caves. These sketches, consisting mainly of human and animal forms, hunting scenes and symbols, include an Indalo, a figure that depicts a man with outstretched arms and an arch shape above his head, the local legend is that the Indalo was a ghost or a god that could carry a rainbow in his hands a provide protection for mankind. This Indalo image has been adopted as a logo and good luck token for the province of Almeria, many homes and businesses display the image on their property and it can also be found adorning jewellery pieces, printed on t-shirts, embellishing key chains and made into decorative pottery. 
It is said that to carry the charm will only bring luck if it has been giving to you as a gift.
The caves are signposted from the main A-317 between Velez Blanco and Velez Rubio.
It is very important to note that the cave site is situated at the end of a thirty minute, very steep, signposted uphill hike on one side of Sierra Maimon, the walking trail starts a further twenty minute walk from the main road and once at the site there is a further climb, where steps and handrails have been provided, up the side of the 
rock face to the cave entrance.
Even more importantly, it is essential to be aware that the cave site is locked offering protection for the significant historical drawings, and access is limited to certain times of the day dependant on the season. There is an information kiosk at the entrance of the Pinar del Rey camp site which situated on the opposite side of the A-317 from where the caves are signposted, the opening times are detailed here and it is recommended to check at the kiosk before setting out on the journey.
How do I know all this, well, yes, you guessed it, I was one of the unlucky persons to make the trip to the 
caves only to find that the opening times and details of the information kiosk are presented at the locked cave entrance! I am sure I was not the first to do this, and I am certain I will not be the last, but my experience and information can now be passed on even if I don't have any photos of the cave drawings this time.
Indalo cave visit times
Summer: 12 noon and 6pm
Winter: 12.30pm and 4.30pm
Walking trails in the Sierra Maria - Velez natural park
The natural park of Sierra Maria - Velez offers a truly exceptional location in which to indulge in your favoured recreational activity, walking, cycling, painting, mountain biking, photography, climbing, caving, horse riding, even paragliding...
While I visited the park in early summer I am told that the winter snow transforms the landscapes creating magical settings and adding an extra dimension to the terrain, I have seen photos and the mountains look amazing.
The Sierras of Almeria
An introduction to the mountains of Almeria including location map
