Sorbas Gypsum Karst

The Karst of the Sorbas Gypsum Karst is a karst landscape of gypsum of great geomorphological interest, formed by the prolonged action of water on gypsum deposits. In this area more than 600 caves and numerous forms of subway and surface modeling have been described, such as dolines, canyons and geodes, associated with a very unique relief of the southeast of Almería. Although the name of the resource is associated with Lucainena de las Torres, official sources place the Paraje Natural Karst en Yesos de Sorbas in the municipality of Sorbas, in the province of Almería, within a sub-desert area of strong geological and biological value. Therefore, it is convenient to pay attention to the specific location provided to avoid confusion with other nearby enclaves or similar tourist denominations. What can be seen during the visit is a white and cut out territory, with cavities, galleries and gypsum outcrops where the crystalline formations and the contrast between the arid exterior and the subterranean world stand out. It is of special interest because of the rarity of the gypsum karst, considered one of the most remarkable examples of this type in Spain. Its environmental relevance is reinforced by its protection as a Natural Site since 1989 and by its subsequent declaration as a Natura 2000 Network area in the form of a ZEC. In addition, the sources describe it as an enclave of reference for speleology and landscape interpretation, with a very high scientific and informative value.