Top 12 Natural Monuments around Paterna Del Río
Best natural monuments around Paterna Del Río are situated within the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This region features dramatic mountain landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The area offers significant ecological value and opportunities for outdoor activities. Its natural features include high peaks, river confluences, and ancient forests.
Best natural monuments around Paterna Del Río
- The most popular natural monument is Chullo Peak, a summit that is the highest peak in Almería. At over 2,600 meters above sea level, it offers extensive panoramic views of Sierra Nevada and Almería.
- Another must-see spot is Confluence of the Rivers (Cruce de Los Ríos) – El Horcajo, a river that marks the meeting point of waters from the Sierra to form the Benéjar River. This location serves as a starting or ending point for various routes.
- Visitors also love Source of the Benéjar River in El Horcajo, a river source perfect for taking a break to enjoy the landscape. It offers opportunities to cool off during warmer seasons.
- Paterna Del Río is known for its diverse natural features, including high mountain summits, river confluences, and ancient forests. The area provides a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from challenging peaks to tranquil river spots.
- The natural monuments around Paterna Del Río are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 upvotes and over 20 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Chullo Peak
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Confluence of the Rivers (Cruce de Los Ríos) – El Horcajo
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Source of the Benéjar River in El Horcajo
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Abrucena Holm Oak Forest
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Sulayr Trail GR-240
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Tips from the Community
a wonder to behold with the Sierra Nevada in the background
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The trail follows the route of the GR-240, the long-distance trail named after Sulayr, the “mountain of the sun”, as the settlers who inhabited these magnificent mountains called it centuries ago. The name of the Lastonar pass describes the type of alpine pasture that usually covers these rough mountain terrains, accompanied by pilgrims, hawthorns and barberries. The GR-240 section is the most comfortable part to run, ideal for lovers of fast and easy tracks, without unevenness. The path passes by the cattle buildings of the Corral de Prado Largo and continues skirting the mountains along the edge of the pine forests. At Morrón del Tío Justo, the track turns to the left and descends from the mountains. The trail continues straight ahead through the Sulayr and returns to the technical and fun trail, passing through the bottom of a ravine and down to Refugio de las Chorreras, suitable for hikers and mountaineers. At the door of the refuge there are signs for the GR-240 and signs for the PR-A 333 path that goes down to the town of Aldeire. Las Chorreras is the lowest point of the trial, now it remains to go up to the Cabañuela pass through the pine forests of the mountains. The hardest slope is the forks of La Rinconada, then the path leaves the forest and ends the ascent on the slope of Morrón de la Cabañuela.
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Mega beautiful view of the Sierra Nevada and a great short tour from the parking lot. Here in the video you can marvel at the whole tour in short: https://youtu.be/DxUrMbFJmow
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Place where the Benéjar river is born, perfect for taking a break to enjoy the landscape and, in very hot seasons, take the opportunity to cool off.
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The path through the Abrucena holm oak offers an incredible variety of ravines of great natural beauty. The entire area is included within the Network of Protected Natural Areas of Andalusia, with the figures of Sierra Nevada Natural and National Park.
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From El Chullo, at 2612 meters above sea level, you have very good views of Sierra Nevada and Almería.
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This holm oak forest is included in the Network of Protected Natural Areas of Andalusia, with the figures of Sierra Nevada Natural and National Park. It can be visited in spring, summer and autumn.
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It is the highest peak in Almería. The views of Sierra Nevada and Almería from the top are beautiful and you can even see the Mulhacén peak.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments to visit around Paterna Del Río?
Visitors frequently enjoy Chullo Peak, the highest peak in Almería, offering extensive panoramic views of Sierra Nevada. Another popular spot is the Confluence of the Rivers (Cruce de Los Ríos) – El Horcajo, where waters meet to form the Benéjar River, serving as a key point for various routes.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or trails in the area?
Yes, the Source of the Benéjar River in El Horcajo is considered family-friendly. It's a perfect spot to take a break, enjoy the landscape, and cool off during warmer seasons. The Senda del Agua – Castañar de Paterna (Water Path - Chestnut Grove of Paterna) is also generally accessible and offers an immersive experience in the local forest and riverine environment.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Paterna Del Río?
The region, nestled within the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, boasts dramatic mountain landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and significant ecological value. You'll find high mountain summits like Chullo Peak, river confluences, ancient forests such as the Abrucena Holm Oak Forest, and unique springs like Fuente Agria with its sulphurous waters.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
Paterna Del Río offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore extensive hiking trails, enjoy mountain biking, or even cross-country skiing at higher altitudes like Puerto de la Ragua in winter. For specific routes, you can find many options in the Hiking around Paterna Del Río guide or the MTB Trails around Paterna Del Río guide.
What is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Paterna Del Río?
The region is beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly spectacular for trails like the Senda del Agua – Castañar de Paterna, when the chestnut leaves display vibrant yellow and orange hues. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking and enjoying the rivers, while winter offers opportunities for cross-country skiing at Puerto de la Ragua.
Are there any long-distance trails or challenging routes for experienced hikers?
Yes, the Sulayr Trail GR-240 is a significant long-distance trail that passes through the area. It features varied terrain, including alpine pastures and pine forests, with sections that can be quite challenging. You can find more challenging routes in the Hiking around Paterna Del Río guide, such as the 'Aguadero Trail'.
Can I find any natural springs or places to cool off during my visit?
Absolutely. The Source of the Benéjar River in El Horcajo is a great spot to cool off during warmer seasons. Additionally, Fuente Agria (Sour Spring) is known for its underground, sulphurous, and ferruginous waters, and features a recreational space perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
What kind of flora and fauna can I observe in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park near Paterna Del Río?
The Sierra Nevada Natural Park is characterized by its diverse flora and fauna. You can find ancient holm oak forests, junipers, torvisco, barberries, and hawthorns. The park is also an excellent location for bird watching, especially at higher altitudes like Puerto de la Ragua, and offers a rich variety of mountain wildlife.
Are there any circular walks available around the natural monuments?
The Senda del Agua – Castañar de Paterna (Water Path - Chestnut Grove of Paterna) is a well-known circular hiking route that allows you to enjoy the constant flow of the Paterna River and the local forest. Many other circular routes can be found in the Hiking around Paterna Del Río guide.
What are the views like from the natural monuments in Paterna Del Río?
The views are often breathtaking. From Chullo Peak, you get extensive panoramic views of Sierra Nevada and Almería, even seeing Mulhacén. Higher points like Puerto de la Ragua also offer stunning mountain vistas, sometimes including distant glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea.
Is there parking available near the natural monuments?
While specific parking details for every monument are not always listed, many popular trailheads and recreational areas, such as Fuente Agria, typically offer parking facilities. For routes originating from specific points, parking is usually available nearby.
What makes the Abrucena Holm Oak Forest special?
The Abrucena Holm Oak Forest is a significant natural monument included in the Network of Protected Natural Areas of Andalusia, within the Sierra Nevada Natural and National Park. It's one of the best reserves of native oak forests in Sierra Nevada, featuring an incredible variety of ravines and an attractive natural ecosystem in contrast to the surrounding pine forests.
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