The Sierra del Segura, in the far south of Albacete province, is a world of its own: deep valleys, rivers lined with poplars, terraces of olive and almond trees, and white villages that look more Andalusian than Castilian. Letur is one of the most beautiful, a village of Moorish origin built on a rock above a stream, with narrow alleys, arches and gardens watered by old irrigation channels. Las Covachicas, a group of shelters, lies in the hills nearby, between Letur, Socovos and Férez.
The Sierra del Segura is rich in rock art. Its shelters contain Levantine paintings of hunters and animals, and schematic figures, part of the UNESCO-listed Mediterranean rock art group. The name Covachicas, meaning little caves, is typical of how local people named these places. The sites are small and protected, and the local councils and tourist offices can provide information on visits.
Letur's old town is a protected historic site, and its layout reflects its Muslim past, with houses climbing the rock and paths descending to the gardens along the stream. The village is surrounded by water, with springs and waterfalls, unusual in this dry region. Nearby, the Taibilla and Segura rivers have carved deep valleys, and the reservoirs of the Cenajo and the Taibilla are popular for fishing and swimming.
The riding in the Sierra del Segura is superb. The roads that link Letur, Socovos, Férez, Elche de la Sierra, Yeste and Nerpio wind through the mountains with endless bends, climbs and descents, through pine forest and past olive terraces, with very little traffic. The surfaces are mixed, sometimes excellent, sometimes rough, with gravel and potholes. The road from Letur toward Yeste and the Segura valley is particularly good. In summer, it is hot in the valleys, and in winter, snow can close the higher roads.
Services are limited. Letur and Socovos have small shops and bars, and Socovos has fuel. Moratalla, about twenty-one kilometres away, is the nearest town of size. Plan fuel carefully. Local food includes the gazpacho of the region, cured meats, cheese and honey. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for riding.