High mountains and exuberant nature
Spain has 16 national parks scattered all over the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. They are areas of significant natural value that are important for their biodiversity and are protected by the government to preserve their flora and fauna. Come discover these ecological treasures: the variety and charm of the scenery will take your breath away.
Spain’s first national park
Covadonga National Park was recognized as the first national park in Spain on 22 July 1918. Now known as Picos de Europa National Park, it is located in northern Spain, between Asturias, Cantabria and the province of Leon.
The Picos de Europa nery features extensive wooded areas, mountain pastures in cattle-farming areas, and rocky outcrops typical of limestone massifs. The endemic species in the park include flowers typical of high mountain areas and the Cantabrian capercaillie, while the chamois goat and brown bear are also resident.
This park has unique scenery, such as the Lakes of Covadonga, one of the most popular places for visitors, and spectacular gorges, including the Cares gorge.
Spain’s largest national park
Covering 33,159 square miles, the Sierra Nevada National Park in Andalusia is the largest in the peninsula. This mountainous massif, which stretches from the southeast of Granada to the western end of Almeria, is home to the highest peak in the Iberian peninsula, and the second highest in Western Europe, Mulhacén, at 11,423 ft.
After the end of the last ice age, the Sierra Nevada’s location enabled it to become a refuge for a large number of endemic and Nordic species from the area. More than 2,000 plant species have been recorded, 66 of which are endemic, including the royal chamomile and the Sierra Nevada poppy. The undisputed queen of its fauna is the ibex, which is common in the high peaks.
This park is an ideal place to visit in any season, both for hiking and for rural tourism in the remote villages of the Alpujarra.
Spain’s newest national park
Sierra de las Nieves National Park lies inland in the region of Malaga, Andalusia, very close to the famous Costa del Sol and cities such as Malaga and Ronda. Recognized as a national park since 2021 and a biosphere reserve since 1995, it is home to 1,500 different types of plants and the tallest Spanish fir tree on the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo) is a species of fir tree that is found only in very specific mountain areas of Andalusia.
Come discover is warmer and more inviting.
