Bec de l'Àguila

Bec de l'Àguila is the highest peak of the Llofriu mountain range, rising to 475 metres at the point where the municipalities of Mutxamel, San Vicente del Raspeig, and Alicante meet. Its Valencian name literally translates as "Eagle's Beak," a reference to the sharp, pointed silhouette the summit presents when viewed from the surrounding valleys. Geologically part of the Prebetic system that runs through eastern Spain, the peak is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the outskirts of Alicante, despite its modest elevation.

Why is this area protected?

The land surrounding Bec de l'Àguila has held the status of a flora micro-reserve since 1999, and since 2022 it has additionally been designated a Municipal Natural Site (Paraje Natural Municipal) of Mutxamel. The area also falls within the Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) of the Montnegre river valley, underlining its importance for local birdlife. The rocky, sparsely wooded slopes and distinctive microclimate have turned the range into a refuge for a number of endemic and protected plant species.

What makes the flora here so significant?

The area's most notable botanical feature is Vella lucentina, a plant species whose entire known world distribution stretches from the Bec de l'Àguila micro-reserve to the municipality of Monforte del Cid. The presence of such a rare endemic makes this unassuming massif disproportionately important for biodiversity conservation in the Alicante region, even though the mountain itself is neither tall nor extensive.

What historical traces remain in the area?

Within the Barranco de los Cocons ravine, at the foot of the range, the remains of old ochre mines can still be found. This reddish clay pigment was extracted here in the past and used as a natural dye. These mining remnants add a cultural-historical layer to a landscape otherwise defined by its natural values.

Who is this place suited for?

Bec de l'Àguila appeals mainly to hikers and nature enthusiasts looking for an alternative to the busier trails along the Costa Blanca coastline. The peak's modest height makes it accessible to walkers of varying fitness levels, while the views from its slopes take in both the Llofriu range and the wider Alicante area. Anyone interested in Mediterranean geology and flora will also find extra appeal here, given the presence of a plant found nowhere else on Earth outside this small stretch of land.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Bec de l'Àguila? The summit reaches 475 metres and is the highest point in the Llofriu mountain range.

Which municipalities share the area around the peak? The territory is shared by Mutxamel, San Vicente del Raspeig, and Alicante.

Is the surrounding area protected? Yes — it has been a flora micro-reserve since 1999, and since 2022 it has held the status of a Municipal Natural Site of Mutxamel; it also lies within the ZEPA protected bird area of the Montnegre valley.

What else is there to see besides the summit itself? The remains of old ochre mines in the Barranco de los Cocons ravine, and the habitat of the rare endemic plant Vella lucentina.