Montnegre

Montnegre is a natural area in the province of Alicante, spread along the valley of the river that shares its name, straddling five municipalities: Xixona (Jijona), Tibi, San Vicente del Raspeig, Muchamiel and Alicante. It's a landscape of dry hills and deep ravines, forming one of the few extensive green corridors in this stretch of the region.

Where does the Montnegre river come from?

The watercourse that gives the whole area its name rises in the Sierra de Onil, where it's known as the Río Verde. It changes names more than once along its course — near its mouth at El Campello it's also referred to as Río Seco. The river winds through clay terrain, carving jagged, badlands-like erosion formations. The valley is flanked by two summits, Cabezo de Monnegre (515 m) and La Escobella (693 m), which mark the natural boundaries of the area and offer viewpoints over the surrounding countryside.

Why is it a protected area?

In 2009 the site was designated a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA, code ES0000460), part of the European Natura 2000 network. The protected zone covers 3,844 hectares spread across the five municipalities mentioned above. That status is one reason Montnegre has stayed relatively wild despite sitting close to larger towns.

What plants and animals live here?

The vegetation is typical of a semi-arid Mediterranean climate: esparto grass, thyme and rosemary dominate, with patches of pine groves and holm oak. Among the birds, the golden eagle stands out, alongside the trumpeter finch — a species expanding here from North Africa — the eagle owl, and various warblers and pipits. Foxes and wild boar roam the scrub, and herds of Barbary sheep can be spotted on the rocky slopes.

What can visitors see along the valley?

The area's best-known landmark is the Tibi Dam, built between 1580 and 1594 and considered one of the oldest dams still standing in Europe. Along the trails there are also two chapels: an upper one dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, and a lower one, Ermita Salvador de Horta. Traces of past settlement survive in an abandoned rural schoolhouse that once taught as many as sixty children, and in the remains of ochre mines worked from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.

Is the valley still inhabited?

Today around 821 people live in the area (2024 figures) — far fewer than in the 1960s, before economic shifts triggered widespread depopulation of the valley. Local identity has nevertheless endured: festivities honoring the Virgen de los Desamparados are held every year, in September for the Xixona side and in August for the Alicante side.

Is anything new planned for the area?

A green corridor project is in the works, aiming to link the Tibi Dam with the river's mouth via a route for sustainable mobility — walking and cycling — designed to promote eco-tourism in the valley. For visitors, Montnegre is already a rewarding destination: the ravines of Silim, Salines and Mascuna, fed by water flowing down from the Sierra de la Moleta and the southern slope of Penya del Migjorn, are a popular choice for hikers exploring the Alicante region.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Montnegre located? On the border of the municipalities of Xixona, Tibi, San Vicente del Raspeig, Muchamiel and Alicante, in the province of Alicante.

Can you go hiking there? Yes — popular routes run through the Silim, Salines and Mascuna ravines.

What protection status does the area have? Since 2009 it has been a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) under the Natura 2000 network.