Paratge Natural Municipal Arenal de l’Almorxó

Paratge Natural Municipal Arenal de l'Almorxó is a small but remarkable protected natural area in the municipality of Petrer, in the province of Alicante, within Spain's Valencian Community. What makes it stand out is that it contains the largest active inland sand dune field on the entire Iberian Peninsula — a phenomenon rarely found so far from any coastline. The site sits only about 3 kilometers from the center of Petrer, making it an easy destination for a short outing.

How did this landscape form?

The sand that built these dunes did not come from the sea, but from the Vinalopó river valley. Over thousands of years, the mountains and hills surrounding the valley were eroded by the combined action of water and wind. The fine rock particles released by this process were carried by the wind and gradually deposited here, forming an extensive sandy field over time. Research carried out by the University of Alicante traces the origin of this formation to the Little Ice Age, roughly the 15th to 17th centuries.

How large is the protected area and what is its legal status?

The Paratge Natural Municipal covers a surface of 80.50 hectares. It was officially declared a Municipal Natural Site by an agreement of the Generalitat Valenciana dated February 8, 2002, under Law 11/1994. Unlike natural areas managed directly by the regional government, this one is managed by the Petrer municipal authorities.

What plants and animals live here?

The vegetation is described as psammophilic — adapted to loose, sandy soil, similar to what grows on coastal dunes, though here it develops far inland. The plant cover is arranged in layers depending on the type of substrate beneath it. Within the site, a flora micro-reserve protects aromatic species along with plants such as pegamoscas, sea holly, Aleppo pine, blackthorn and juniper. The fauna includes numerous species of beetles, reptiles, arachnids and birds that have adapted to this unusual microhabitat.

Can visitors explore the site?

Yes — every Sunday of the year except during July and August, free guided visits start at 11:00 from the information booth located within the natural area itself. This is a good way to learn about the site's geological history and unique ecosystem from someone familiar with the terrain. Outside of the guided tours, visitors can also explore the marked trails on their own.

Is it worth a longer hike here?

The wider trail network around Arenal de l'Almorxó is generally rated as a moderate hike, with the fuller route covering a distance of several kilometers and a few hundred meters of elevation gain, which for an average visitor can take a few hours to complete. Visitors don't need to walk the entire route, though — the dune core itself can be seen in a much shorter time along the marked paths closer to the entrance.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Arenal de l'Almorxó located? In the municipality of Petrer, Alicante province, about 3 km from the town center.

What makes this site unique? It is the largest active inland sand dune field on the Iberian Peninsula, formed from material eroded in the Vinalopó valley.

How large is the protected area? 80.50 hectares, protected as a Paratge Natural Municipal since 2002.

Is entry free? Yes, free guided tours run on Sundays (except July and August) starting at 11:00.