Special Areas of Conservation Serra do Careón

Serra do Careón is a protected natural area in Galicia, northwestern Spain, covering the mountain range of the same name along with the valleys of the Furelos and Seco rivers, which flow into the Ulla river to the south. The site spans six municipalities — Toques, Melide, Santiso, Agolada, Friol and Palas de Rei — and stretches across nearly 6,700 hectares. It's a corner of Spain where nature still sets the pace of the landscape, offering visitors quiet, open spaces and a geological rarity found almost nowhere else on the Iberian Peninsula.

What makes this area geologically remarkable?

Serra do Careón is recognized as the largest outcrop of ultrabasic (ultramafic) rock in the entire Iberian Peninsula — a rock formation originating from deeper layers of the Earth's crust, low in silica but rich in magnesium and iron. This distinctive mineral composition of the soil sets the vegetation that developed here apart from the rest of Galicia — the ground is harsher for many common species, which has created room for plants specially adapted to demanding mineral conditions.

What does the terrain look like?

The range belongs to the so-called Galician Dorsal (Dorsal Galega), an inner mountain backbone of the region, and is defined by gentle, plateau-like relief rather than sharp peaks or steep slopes. Elevations within the protected area range from 320 to 798 meters above sea level, with an average elevation of around 550 meters. This profile makes the terrain approachable for hikers, without extreme climbs, while still offering wide views over the surrounding valleys.

What kind of vegetation dominates Serra do Careón?

A defining feature of the landscape is its extensive scrubland and heath, including the area known as Gándaras de Melide — wetland meadows and heathland of significant ecological value. It's on the ultrabasic rock that a specific, rare vegetation develops, adapted to serpentine soils, which makes this area a point of interest for botanists across Europe.

What role do the Furelos and Seco rivers play?

Both rivers originate within the protected area and flow toward the Ulla river, one of Galicia's more significant waterways, which eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean. The river valleys complete the mosaic of habitats found here — from dry heathland on higher ground to damp riverside terrain in the lower valleys.

Who administers this protected area?

The site's protection stems from its designation within the Natura 2000 network as a Zona Especial de Conservación (ZEC) — the Spanish equivalent of the EU's special area of conservation status. Management and oversight fall to the Xunta de Galicia, the regional government of Galicia, through its Directorate General for Nature Conservation.

Frequently asked questions

Can Serra do Careón be visited? Yes, the area is open to visitors — it isn't a strict nature reserve with restricted access, though as with any protected area, it's best to stick to marked paths and respect local wildlife and plant life.

Which municipalities does the area cover? Serra do Careón extends across six municipalities: Toques, Melide, Santiso, Agolada, Friol and Palas de Rei.

What makes this place unique in Spain? Above all, its geology — it is the largest outcrop of ultrabasic rock on the entire Iberian Peninsula, giving rise to unique, rare vegetation.

What is the highest point within the protected area? The peak elevation reaches 798 meters above sea level, with an average terrain elevation of around 550 meters.