Los Tábanos del Pinar, located in Manilva, is a natural area of significant ecological value characterised by a forest predominantly composed of stone pines (Pinus pinea), originally planted between 1912 and 1916. Despite having experienced fires in the past, this pine forest shows impressive resilience, with many young saplings and shoots thriving beneath the older trees.
The forest’s undergrowth features a variety of typical Mediterranean shrubs, including kermes oak, juniper, broom, gorse, rockrose, olive shrubs, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, dwarf palms, and various aromatic plants.
Scattered throughout the area are also cork oaks, holm oaks, wild olives, carob trees, and eucalyptus. Wildlife in the region includes lizards, geckos, snakes, Egyptian mongooses, genets, small rodents, owls, and little owls, all finding refuge within this diverse habitat.
Los Tábanos del Pinar is accessible via hiking trails starting from the Aldea Hills urbanisation in Calle Martagina, extending toward Cerro de los Castillejos, an archaeological site dating back to the Bronze Age. These trails offer visitors panoramic views of the coast and the Guadiaro valley, along with opportunities to explore the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
This natural space exemplifies Mediterranean biodiversity and provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography within a scenic and tranquil environment.
