Out of the 727 nominated locations, I visited 4 or 5 panels in the Sierra de Albarracín. I say “4 or 5”, as I couldn’t identify the 5th on the long list of sites. But they are all in the same area, in a protected zone called Pinar del Rodeno. This is a popular hiking and climbing destination for Spanish tourists.

I started at the “Abrigo de la fuente del Cabrerizo”. This one is located about 4km south of the town of Albarracín. There’s a sign from the road and a small parking lot. You then have to hike downhill for about 20 minutes. First, you pass a good viewpoint with views of the red rocks and the maritime pines that are characteristic of this landscape. Then the path worsens and gets muddy and narrow. I wondered how many people go out all the way to see the rock paintings here. Fortunately, there are red arrows that show the way so you will not get lost. The paintings are protected by a red fence, and there is an information panel (in Spanish) about what you see. If you are able to see them at all, as they have no colour and are merely the outlines of animals. Pretty disappointing, but I had my daily exercise in getting there and would get some more climbing back up the steep hill for 20 minutes.

The other 4 panels are near the more busy Prado del Navazo recreation area. It is the starting point of several hiking trails and a place where rock climbers gather. You’ll recognize these individuals as they are carrying what looks like mattresses on their backs (the “crash pads”). There is a hiking trail, Sendero 2, that will lead you past several rock paintings. However, I opted to visit the ones quite close to the entrance. This also involves some hiking, but on a more pleasant and flat path than I experienced earlier in the day. To get in front of the rock paintings, you will have to scramble up the rocky slope for a few minutes.

Two out of the four panels here were very difficult to see also, and not really of interest. The other two at last gave me a feel for Mediterranean Rock Art. The first was the Abrigo de los Toros. This is a rather large panel, over 4 meters wide, showing 19 painted objects. Their colour is white, and mostly the group of bovines stands out. This is Spain, so no wonder the Toros are the main elements! The other panel is the Abrigo del Tio Campano. This one was only rediscovered in 1981. It has a triangular shape and shows red-painted animals.

In general conclusion, I would say that I wasn't really taken by these expressions of rock art: there are much better examples around the world. I found them quite primitive, both in style and in subjects (the common hunting themes). However, this region warrants a visit for its fine natural surroundings and the pretty Moorish town of Albarracín.