Unlock Spanish secrets of nature
Are you a nature lover? Are you passionate about mountains and seas, forests and wildlife? In Spain, you will experience the country with the greatest biodiversity in the European Union, with 13 different climates that are home to 54% of the continent’s living species, including animals exclusive to the Iberian Peninsula, such as the Iberian lynx and the imperial eagle.
Excursions following in the tracks of the brown bear in the Cantabrian Mountains, safaris in search of the lynx in Doñana, boat trips for whale spotting and migratory bird watching, or blissful nights surrounded by stars and nocturnal butterflies — how do these sound? They are only a few ideas from Wildlife Spain, an association of several specialized companies and nine Spanish regions that share the aim of highlighting the gems of Spain’s nature and contributing to conservation.
Iberian fauna: following the tracks of the “big guys”
Observing the “big” Iberian mammals in the wild, such as the lynx, the wolf, or the brown bear, isn’t so easy. Go with the experts at Wildlife Spain and the experience will be unforgettable.
In Somiedo Natural Park in Asturias, the lush forests of oak and beech trees serve as a refuge for some of the last bears in Western Europe. In the Sierra de la Culebra (Zamora, Castile and Leon), you can still hear the magnificent howl of the wolf. Also in the north, between Castile and Leon and Cantabria, you can see new, semi-wild herds of European bison and complement your visit by admiring the famous cave paintings of Altamira, where very similar species were painted 14,000 years ago.
In Andalusia you will find Doñana National Park, one of the most important nature areas in the European Union. It is the habitat of the Iberian lynx, one of the rarest felines in the world. Respectful safaris are available to try and spot it.
Another option is to embark on a nine-day trip to see the Iberian “big five”: bear, wolf, lynx, imperial eagle, and black vulture in different regions of Spain.
Birdwatching: the excitement of binoculars
Wildlife Spain also offers more specific tours about the royalty of the skies. This is a unique opportunity for birdwatching enthusiasts, as Spain has some of the best places in Europe to birdwatch.
In the Picos de Europa, you will be able to see the beautiful flight of the golden eagle, the bearded vulture, or the wallcreeper. In the marshes of Santoña, Victoria and Joyel, you can take birdwatching excursions in small boats. Especially during the winter season, this wetland is home to up to 20,000 specimens of various species, from loons to a wide variety of ducks and herons.
Nights between heaven and earth
Spanish nature does not fade at night: it shines under some of the best night skies on the continent. In the province of Badajoz, experts will guide you in stargazing and listening to the sounds of the nocturnal fauna. In the province of Granada, the same stars will capture your attention as much as the astonishing nocturnal butterflies.
