Valles del Jubera, Leza, Cidacos y Alhama (Spain)
The eastern mountain ranges of La Rioja have been shaped by the rivers Leza Jubera Cidacos and Alhama These rivers course through valleys covered with Mediterranean forest canyons rocky beds and gorges that provide the perfect habitat for communities of birds of prey to nest particularly griffon vultures Along the rivers different tree species succeed one another to form a landscape dominated by ash groves In addition to its castles and villages such as Arenedillo Enciso and Cervera del río Alhama the region is also famous for its outstanding palaeontological sites thermal springs and the Celtic remains of Contrebia Leukade The Leza Jubera Cidacos and Alhama Valleys were designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2003