protected Landscape of the Maigmó Mountain Range and the Sit Mountain Range

The Protected Landscape of the Maigmó and Sit Mountain Ranges is a large mountain conservation area in the province of Alicante, covering over 15,000 hectares across five municipalities: Tibi, Castalla, Sax, Petrer and Agost. It received protected status in February 2007 through a decree issued by the regional government of the Valencian Community, making it one of the more significant natural areas in eastern Spain.

Where exactly are these mountains located?

The area sits at the meeting point of four traditional regions (comarcas): Alt Vinalopó, Vinalopó Mitjà, l'Alacantí and l'Alcoià. Right on the edge of these territories, next to the town of Petrer, rises a mountain complex made up of several distinct ridges — besides Maigmó and Sit, it also includes Despenyador, l'Argüenya, Serra de Castalla, Serra del Flare and Sierra del Caballo. The highest and most recognizable peak of the whole range is Maigmó, reaching 1,296 metres above sea level, its distinctive silhouette visible from much of the surrounding lowland.

Why was this area given protected status?

The mountains form a natural core of considerable ecological value, hosting habitats and species of flora and fauna typical of a Mediterranean mountain landscape. The area carries several overlapping conservation designations: it is listed as a Site of Community Importance (LIC), a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA), and it also contains flora micro-reserves along with catalogued heritage sites, including old ice wells and gunpowder mills. Among its wildlife, the reptile population stands out — seven snake species live here, six of them colubrids, plus the meadow viper.

What is the economic history of these mountains?

Long before conservation status was granted, the Maigmó-Sit range served for centuries as an economic backbone for the surrounding towns. Wood, charcoal and grazing land were drawn from the mountains, supporting the development of neighbouring municipalities. The region also had mining significance, particularly around Agost and Biar, and it developed a distinctive "snow trade" — ice was harvested and stored in purpose-built wells, remnants of which survive today, such as the Cava de Planisses and the Pozo de Carrascalet.

What should visitors know before heading there?

The protected area borders the town of Petrer directly, making it an easily reachable destination for day trips, both for locals and for tourists visiting the Costa Blanca. A network of hiking trails crosses the range, including sections of the regional GR long-distance path that runs through the mountains of Alicante province, offering close contact with typical Mediterranean vegetation as well as the old industrial structures scattered across the slopes.

Frequently asked questions

How large is this protected area? The Protected Landscape covers approximately 15,842 hectares spread across five municipalities in the province of Alicante.

Which is the highest peak? Maigmó, at 1,296 metres above sea level, is the most prominent and highest point of the entire range.

Since when has the area been protected? Protection was established in February 2007 by decree of the regional government of the Valencian Community.

What traces of past activity can still be found there? Old ice wells and remnants of former mining and gunpowder production survive within the area, now under heritage protection.