La Costera

La Costera

La Costera is an enclave historically linked to the enjoyment of nature by the residents of Puçol, as it is the only natural refuge within a densely populated and urbanized area. It covers 66 hectares and is formed from Triassic materials, reaching a height of 162 meters. Located just 4 kilometers from Puçol beach, it comprises the last foothills of the Sierra Calderona mountain range. La Costera embodies the slogan "Puçol, between sea and mountains."

The vegetation consists of typical Mediterranean scrubland, accompanied by pines, holm oaks, carob trees, and olive trees. All of this makes it an area of great scenic, botanical, ecological, and geomorphological value.

Given this situation, and to protect it from the urban development so common today in areas near the Mediterranean coast, appropriate protection was requested for this green lung of the town. Being designated as a Municipal Natural Area, it is protected from urbanization and any other use that could endanger its integrity as a green space, and ecological activities and environmental promotion will be encouraged.

Vegetation

Most of the hill is covered by Mediterranean scrubland typical of warm climates, composed mainly of (kermes oak, mastic, juniper, rockrose, rosemary, and thyme). We will also see carob, olive, fig, and almond trees, evidence of the agricultural use the area once had.

There are quite a few white pines, which form forests in some areas, and in recent years several reforestation efforts have been carried out to introduce holm oaks, which surely dominated the mountain centuries ago.

Fauna

The proximity to inhabited areas means that the fauna is limited to insects and some reptiles such as lizards. Various bird species also use it as a stopover and a place to scavenge for food scraps left by visitors, something that also occasionally occurs with small carnivores such as foxes and ferrets. Other mammals found in the area include shrews and rabbits.

How to get there

To enjoy the La Costera landscape, take the Cementerio road and go under the highway, where it changes its name to the Molí de Vent road.

About 2 km from the start, you will see the first houses of the Alfinach residential area and the old industrial buildings, now transformed into the Aula Natura (Nature Classroom), a multi-purpose room, and other public facilities.

Aula Natura

Aula Natura is a former warehouse of 200 square meters, restored by the "workshop schools." This site is intended for organizing visits and excursions with groups of children and young people to explore the area. The hostel will be ready to organize visits and excursions with groups of children and young people to showcase the natural beauty of the La Costera natural area.

Another green space we have is the La Costera Municipal Estate.

It is located in the western part of the town and is accessed via the Camí Molí de Vent road (continuation of Avenida Molí de Vent).

The estate covers 517,245 m² and is owned by the municipality. It has a hostel (currently unused) with a capacity for 25 people, recreational areas, and areas replanted with pine trees and native vegetation.