A visit to the Peñón de Ifach

A group of Volunteers of La Mata – the Asociación de las Rutas y Caminos de la Sal – recently went to visit the Peñón at Calpe.  Greeted by Fran Lucha, we were taken up the rocky hill, where the wonderful views stretched out in front of us.  Our guide explained the significance of the plants and bushes and told us how in the past they were commonly used for medicine, cooking and making articles; now they have fallen mainly into disuse in modern times.  We saw many gulls flying overhead and two fluffy gull chicks.  Fran pointed out the many flowers tucked into the rock face, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world.  Great efforts are being made to encourage these to propagate and increase.  The entire area is only 45 square metres and holds many treasures.  The latest of these to be highlighted   is the medieval city which had been covered by an hotel, and is now in the process of being revealed.  With a bit of history thrown in, plus the many interesting features of the Peñón, we enjoyed a wonderful day of pleasure and discovery.