Calar De La Santa: Juniper Forest and Rock Art

Route 31 begins and ends in Calar de la Santa. It passes through Cañaica del Calar and Fuente del Sabuco, as well as other waypoints, before returning to the starting point. This makes it possible to consider the landscape and rock art as themes along a named route. If you are looking for a destination that combines nature and culture, these places and their different features offer a specific starting point for planning your trip.

Juniper forest on a rocky plateau

Cañaica del Calar is distinguished by a striking juniper forest on a rocky plateau, where there are several streams. Forest, rock and water are all part of the landscape. Route 31 also passes through some of the best juniper forests in the Region of Murcia. So the focus is not just on one forest: the route description also highlights juniper forests as a feature of the route.

When choosing your destination, you can consider these landscape features alongside the rock art. If you are primarily looking for a natural setting, the juniper forest, plateau and streams offer specific points of interest. If you are more interested in archaeological depictions, you can consider the information about the two rock art ensembles. These are different areas of interest within the destinations and route described.

Rock art at Cañaica del Calar and Fuente del Sabuco

There are two rock shelters at Cañaica del Calar, some of which feature rock art. The description of Rock Shelter I mentions 60 anthropomorphic and animal figures arranged in several scenes. Rock Shelter II is described as having 14 motifs, most of them human. The information therefore distinguishes both the number and the character of the depictions at the two sites.

Fuente del Sabuco also has two described rock shelters, whose images differ from one another. Rock Shelter I contains more than 70 figures, including archers, quadrupeds, and male and female human figures. Rock Shelter II has two panels. They depict horizontal and vertical lines, human figures and quadrupeds. A comparison of the two shelters therefore reveals different collections of images: a group of figures described in numerical terms at one site and two panels with several types of motifs at the other.

The information about the Fuente del Sabuco I and II ensembles can help you focus your interests more precisely. If you are interested in particular groups of figures, the archers and human depictions mentioned offer a specific point of reference. If you would rather look at panels and line motifs, the description of Rock Shelter II provides a different perspective. The information classifies the motifs without assigning them any further interpretation.

Route 31 and a five-kilometre walking route

There are two different route details to consider when planning. Route 31 is described as running from Calar de la Santa through Cañaica del Calar and Fuente del Sabuco, as well as other waypoints, and back to Calar de la Santa. An official announcement dated 29 August 2026 also describes the Moratalla Experience: Rock Art as a five-kilometre walking route that begins in Calar de la Santa. These details answer different questions: Route 31 is described by its sequence of waypoints, while the Moratalla Experience is given a length and starting point. Check local conditions on Route 31 before setting out. If you plan to take part in the Moratalla Experience, check the date and route details before your trip; if it is rescheduled, it is advisable to confirm the route details again.

Planning visits to the rock art

Visits to the Fuente del Sabuco I and II rock art ensemble are arranged through the Centro de Interpretación de Arte Rupestre Casa de Cristo. Check the arrangements for visits before your trip. This will help you match your interest in the depictions with the relevant visiting arrangements, rather than treating the two rock shelters merely as names in a route description.

First consider whether you are primarily interested in the juniper forest and plateau, the motifs in the rock shelters, or the walking routes described. For specific outing plans, the visit arrangements for Fuente del Sabuco and the relevant route information are important practical considerations.

For the broader travel overview: Moratalla.