Paratge Natural Municipal Bec de l'Àguila

Paratge Natural Municipal Bec de l'Àguila is a 467.26-hectare mountainous area in the northeastern part of the municipality of Mutxamel, in the province of Alicante, within the l'Alacantí region. It occupies the most rugged, hilliest stretch of the municipal territory, and despite its modest size it is a favourite destination for hikers and mountain bikers looking to get away from the coast for a few hours.

How did the site come to be protected?

The protection story starts in 1999, when an order dated 4 May designated the area a flora microreserve. Nearly a decade later, in 2008, it also gained status as a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). Local authorities in Mutxamel judged that this still wasn't enough, and in 2016 they began the administrative process to raise the level of protection further. That process concluded in 2022: a decree published in the official gazette DOGV on 16 August 2022 made Bec de l'Àguila the first Municipal Natural Site (Paraje Natural Municipal) in the municipality's history — and only the second such site in the entire l'Alacantí region, after Els Plantadets in Xixona.

What makes it ecologically significant?

The main driver behind the protection is a rare plant found here: Vella lucentina. It's an endemic species with an extraordinarily narrow range — worldwide, it grows essentially only in the stretch between the Bec de l'Àguila flora microreserve and the neighbouring municipality of Monforte del Cid. That single fact gives the site a conservation relevance that reaches well beyond the local scale.

The area also draws birdwatchers: among the species recorded here is the trumpeter finch, a bird typical of dry, rocky Mediterranean terrain. Rounding out the landscape are the remains of a former mining operation, which add a layer of industrial history to what is otherwise valued for its natural richness.

What can visitors do at Bec de l'Àguila?

The site functions as a recreational area for the municipality of Mutxamel. The most common way to experience it is on foot, following trails that wind through the stony, hilly terrain typical of inland Alicante. Mountain biking is also popular, thanks to the varied and demanding ground.

The Mutxamel town council regularly organises themed activities on site, including bird-watching outings and botanical sessions centred on Vella lucentina and other protected plant species. Joining one of these guided events is a good way to learn about the site's unique ecosystem rather than simply passing through on a self-guided walk.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Bec de l'Àguila located? In the northeastern part of the municipality of Mutxamel, in its most mountainous zone, within the province of Alicante.

Since when has the area been protected? Protection began in 1999 as a flora microreserve, was extended in 2008 with ZEPA bird-protection status, and reached Municipal Natural Site status in August 2022.

Which plant species is specially protected here? Vella lucentina, an endemic plant whose only known distribution worldwide is limited to the area around Bec de l'Àguila and the municipality of Monforte del Cid.

Can visitors hike or cycle here? Yes, the site is officially presented by the town council as a recreational area for hiking and mountain biking, with nature-themed events organised periodically.

How large is the protected area? 467.26 hectares.