Els Plantadets

Els Plantadets is a Municipal Natural Site (Paraje Natural Municipal) in Xixona, in the province of Alicante, formally declared as such in 2006. It covers around 254 hectares of hills covered in Aleppo pine forest, making it one of the most important green spaces near this town best known for its turrón production.

What defines this natural area?

Most of the pine forest at Els Plantadets originated from reforestation efforts, but over the decades it has become highly naturalized, forming a dense and fairly uniform woodland. The terrain is hilly, and from its higher points visitors get sweeping views toward the Aitana, Font Roja and Puig Campana mountain ranges, with the coastline sometimes visible in the distance on clear days. This mix of greenery and panoramic outlooks has earned the area a reputation as a kind of green lung for Xixona.

What traces of past rural life remain here?

Beyond its ecological value, Els Plantadets also holds ethnological significance. Two caves once used for human shelter and livestock housing still survive within the park, along with an old water cistern — remnants of the traditional rural lifestyle once practiced in this dry, rocky landscape. These features offer a glimpse into how earlier generations made use of the land long before it became a protected natural space.

What wildlife can be found in the park?

The vegetation across the site is quite homogeneous, dominated by Aleppo pines interspersed with lower Mediterranean scrub typical of this part of eastern Spain. In the more open sections of pine woodland, birdwatchers may spot species associated with dry, sun-exposed habitats, including the common kestrel, the crested lark, the woodchat shrike and the European bee-eater.

How can visitors spend time at Els Plantadets?

The area is a popular outdoor destination for residents of Xixona and the surrounding towns. Several hiking trails cross the site, including circular routes that link viewpoints, the historic caves and other landscape features. Walking through Els Plantadets offers an easy way to experience Mediterranean nature without straying far from town, making it a favorite for both local walkers and travelers looking for a quieter alternative to the coast.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Els Plantadets located? It is a natural area within the municipality of Xixona (Jijona), in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community.

Is Els Plantadets suitable for families with children? The trails through the park are generally gentle and don't require advanced hiking experience, though the terrain is hilly, so it's worth adjusting the route length to suit younger visitors.

What makes this park stand out from other natural sites in the region? The combination of a dense, uniform Aleppo pine forest with preserved ethnological heritage — the caves and the cistern — which testifies to how the land was once used by the people of Xixona.

What views can be seen from Els Plantadets? From the higher parts of the park, visitors can see the Aitana, Font Roja and Puig Campana mountain ranges, and on clear days, a glimpse of the coastline in the distance.