This natural park in the hills behind La Herradura is a project originated and managed by the local municipal government to create a wildlife area and tourist venue. Being the highest accessible point in the area, it offers stunning views and good hiking opportunities, making it an attractive destination for visitors on a day's outing from the coast.

Perched high in the Sierra Almijara, Peña Escrita offers a completely different environment to the tourist centres of the coast. Its spectacular mountain scenery, perfumed with the heady scent of herbs and wild flowers, is being stocked with deer and the Spanish mountain goat, as well as other animals natural to the area. On entering the park, visitors can stop and see a number of holding pens for the animals which, for some strange reason, also include a number of ostriches.

Walking routes of varying length and difficulty have been marked for visitors to follow and there's a small riding stables for those who would prefer to ride around the area. A restaurant bar provides sustenance and refreshments, and is especially busy on weekends. Being at a reasonable altitude, don't forget that it can be extremely hot in summer and unexpectedly cold out of season, so be prepared.

Various cabins are available for overnight rental should you wish to stay in the area.

For more information about the area as well as how to get to Peña Escrita, see our Closeup on El Rescate, Peña Escrita and Inland..