Get in touch with nature
Surprising, diverse and full of contrasts, Spain’s outdoors has a wonderful effect on visitors. With mountains, volcanoes, wetlands, forests, rivers, valleys, cliffs, and lakes, there are myriad natural wonders to enjoy all year round.
A visit to Spain’s 16 national parks opens up an incredible world of natural diversity: the summits of the highest mountains in the Pyrenees in Ordesa-Monte Perdido Park and the Picos de Europa; the volcanic formations of the Teide or Timanfaya; the rugged slopes of the Caldera de Taburiente; and the fabulous Garajonay laurel forest. There are also the dense forests and waterfalls of Aigüestortes; the marshlands of Doñana; the wetlands at Tablas de Daimiel, Cabañeros‘ mountain ranges and plains; the sweeping plains of Monfragüe; the unforgettable rock fields and glacial cirques of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains; paradisical beaches at Islas Atlánticas National Park; and the cliffs in the Cabrera Archipelago. Four of Spain’s national parks are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites: Doñana, Teide, Garajonay, and Monte Perdido.
1. Doñana, Andalusia
Located on the Atlantic Coast of Andalusia, Doñana has the greatest biodiversity in Europe. Discover the abundant variety of ecosystems featuring the natural wealth of the marshlands, the arid landscapes of the moving dunes, the placid lagoons, fragrant pine groves and unspoiled white beaches. These freshwater plains reach their maximum splendor in spring and in summer when seabirds come here to feed and build their nests. If you are lucky and very patient, amongst the pine trees and scrub you may catch a glimpse of the king of Doñana: the Iberian lynx. The most threatened feline on the planet shares its territory with the Iberian golden eagle, also in danger of extinction.
2. Teide, Tenerife
Take a trip up to the slopes of the Teide, an enormous dormant volcano on the island of Tenerife and the highest mountain peak in Spain, where you will see many volcanic cones and lava flows. It is the oldest national park in the Canary Islands, the most-visited in the whole of Spain, and one of the most important in the world. Discover its incredible biodiversity at ground level: the thousands of species of invertebrates and reptiles that live only here.
3. Garajonay National Park, La Gomera
Everything on the islands will surprise you. A trip into the forests on the island of La Gomera in Garajonay National Park, will take you into a unique ecosystem. The lush vegetation features the laurel forest, a unique remnant of the predominant subtropical forests of the Mediterranean region millions of years ago.
4. Ordesa-Monte Perdido National Park, Huesca
You’ll be amazed by the contrasts in Ordesa-Monte Perdido National Park with its abundance of beech forests, waterfalls and ravines. Camp on the crest of Monte Perdido, the highest peak in the Aragonese Pyrenees, or climb from the Ordesa meadows up to the Cola de Caballo waterfall and discover a natural area of exceptional beauty. Find all the information you need to visit Spain’s National Parks.
