Cabezo Gordo Rock Formation

El Cabezo Gordo. This protected area, with an elevation of 312 meters, has a structure made mostly of marble from the Triassic era (oldest geological periods).

 

This zone, one of great botanical value due to the presence of rare Iberian-African species such as the European Apteranthes and many different types of bats, is known for its archaeological site, housing some of the main Homo Neanderthalensis remains in the world, with  over 150 human skeleton fragments belonging to 8 or 9 individuals.  There are also remains from animals that lived here in the Upper Pleistocene, such as panthers, lions, hyenas, deers, goats, rabbits and some birds. The site is also home to many quartzite, limestone, marble and silex utensils and tools from the same period.

 

Getting to Cabezo Gordo

Freeway from Murcia to San Javier (RM-19). Near Balsicas, take the Torre Pacheco exit (RM-F22). At the second roundabout, which is some 3.3 kilometers from the final destination, take the road to Los Alcázares (RM-F26). Some 800 meters later, take the road on your left that has the sign “Semilleros Agromark” (picture 5). After 2.5 kilometers of lemon- and orange-tree orchards, you will get to the Cabezo Gordo parking lot.