The lush forests of pines and holm oaks of the Sierra María-Los Vélez shape the spectacular scenery which can be seen from Vélez Rubio. From here, following the C-321, in the direction of Vélez Blanco, is the Cerro del Maimón, where we can find the Cave of los Letreros, an important archaeological site, which, thanks to the importance of its cave paintings, has been declared a Heritage of Mankind.

This hill is the most easterly of the Sierra María and its southern exposure, which was completely defoliated, is being repopulated with forests of pines. It is an ideal zone for grazing land with abundant rosemary and thyme bushes and other aromatic plants, which are covered in snow during the winter. We pass through an area of old mills, taking a route which can be followed either on foot or by bicycle, accompanied by the gentle sound of running water. Next to an olive grove with beautiful century old trees is the ?Pinar del Rey? campsite, with charming views of the village.

In Vélez Blanco is the Reception Centre for visitors to the Natural Park, and nearby is a protection area for the griffon vulture and the "Unela" nature reserve which is working on the preservation of the Cordoban-Andalusian donkey, which is in danger of extinction.

Leaving the village in the direction of María, we reach Montalviche which is surrounded by the arid landscape of Las Muelas, with mountainous terrain showing signs of extensive erosion, but with splendid forests of swamp pines in the more sheltered parts. Here we find the Coto de Montalviche.

Going east, we arrive in Taibena, between Sierra Larga and Sierra del Gigante, on the border with Murcia, a very picturesque area particularly when the almond trees are in flower. Access to the Sierra Larga is restricted, but it is here that the densest areas of pines and steepest terrain is to be found.

In the northernmost part of the area, near to Taibena and Los Gázquez, is the Estrecho de Santonge, a landscape of unique beauty which in other times was a site of ecological importance. It is traditionally rich in water and one can see the Fuente de los Pastores. There are also remains of cave paintings in the Cave of Ambrosio, an important Palaeolithic site next to the river, downstream from the Cerro del Gabar hill, where there are also small caves with cave paintings.

Following the course of the river we come to the area of Las Almohallas, once a nursery and foresters house, and now a preservation and breeding centre for the spurthighed tortoise. Our route takes us to María, where one can sample the typical pork products and take a well-earned rest.