On the trail of smoked cave.

Spain is a beautiful and diverse land. The sea here, mountains there, huge open spaces everywhere. Well, after 5 years in Denmark, everything seems huge to me. Nature and the cities, the fields and the roads, the beaches, and even markets. And I like it.

From Ciudad Quesada, you can see various mountain ranges. The nearest is called Sierra de Callosa de Segura. There is also a town with the same name. And a cemetery. Next to Cementerio de Callosa de Segura, there is a park Paraje Natural la Cueva Ahumada (‘ahumada‘ means ‘smoked’) with a big car park. At first, you may only notice a small area for maybe 5 cars, but if you drive a few meters up the path that doesn’t look like a driveway, you’ll find plenty of places. It’s a great place for family barbecue, with grills, running water, tables and a very nice playground.

We are already in the car park but I wanted to mention how amazing was approaching Sierra de Callosa de Segura. It’s a massive range and it becomes bigger and even more massive with every kilometer you take. And then suddenly you are at its foot. Looking at the houses built under the enormous mountain is terrifying. Would you dare to live there?

We walked a little up and down the easy paths. Ahumada cave looked appealing to me but impossible to reach with a child. I am very curious how it looks inside. And I’ve seen two people up there so it may be explored. Later home though, I couldn’t find any helpful information on the internet.

We encircled the cemetery and climbed the hill. It started to rain. Just a drizzle. We continued to the other side where we found a heliport. There were steps from the street up to that point. We made a break for lunch and then retreat.

I came back to this place sometime later with my parents. Together we went to the cemetery. There’s something mystical about graveyards and I tend to visit them in different countries. So far, the most appealing ones I found in Denmark. The one here has the advantage of the picturesque location. Otherwise, it is impressive but also depressive in a way. I know, it’s a cemetery, so there’s nothing strange in depressing feeling I had. But this is the thing I like so much about Danish cemeteries. They are green, they are colorful, they are like a park and you may feel nostalgic but good at the same time. You think about people you lost and you smile. Anyway, Spanish graveyards are totally different. Lets the photos speak for this huge amazing diverse and surprising one we had visited.

Callosa de Segura