Collaborative Post¦ Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits, and with good reason! We all need a bit of sun after a long winter, the prices are good, it doesn’t take long to get there and it is beautiful! If you’re travelling to Spain, I strongly recommend visiting one of Spain’s many national/natural parks. While hiking is popular, there are often other activities available too. Spain and its islands have an abundance of breathtaking landscapes and some of its plants and animals are unique to the park they’re in. Many are also dotted with gorgeous little villages where you can get a taste of history, as well as local cuisine and wine. Let’s take a look at some of the best parks to visit!
Almeria
Cabo de Gata-Níjar
Cabo de Gata-Níjar natural park is the largest protected coastal area in Andalusia. It has a lot to explore, with beautiful unique volcanic geology and salt flats populated with migratory birds. It also has stunning beaches with crystal clear water, perfect for relaxing or diving.
When you get hungry, you can enjoy local seafood dishes in one of the many small fishing villages.
Andalusia
Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas
Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas is the biggest natural park in Spain. It contains two of Andalusia’s most important rivers; Guadalquivir and Segura. This park has a lot of diversity to explore, from mountains, to limestone formations, waterfalls, woodland and lush shrubland. The charming mountain villages of Segura de la Sierra and Cazorla within the park are also well worth visiting.
Sierra Nevada
Did you know that the Sierra Nevada is the highest mountain range in Europe after the Alps? Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, this national park is very popular for skiing from around late November until the beginning of May! In fairer weather, hiking and mountain biking are popular. It is dramatic and rugged with its mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, springs, gorges and stony scree slopes. There is an abundance of flora and fauna – you might see mountain goats! There are also a number of cute mountain villages to visit. Barranco del Poqueira is incredibly picturesque with a panoramic view across the valley. If history is more your thing, go to Puente de Tablate!
Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama
200 years ago, Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama would have looked very different. The mountains were used for mining, shepherding, coal merchants and wine production. Today, the area has long been reforested. However, as you make your way up there is perhaps a greater variety of plants as you reach the original vegetation. You will also see ravines and hidden caves!
As you would probably expect on the Costa del Sol, there are also outstanding views of the coastline and white villages where you can enjoy tapas and sip on local wine.
Ordesa y Monte Perdido
Located in the Pyrenees, this national park is highly rated. You can expect to see pine forests, waterfalls, ancient glacial lakes and gorges. There are also interesting limestone formations and high peaks, including the highest calcaerous massif in Europe! As you traverse this national park, you’re sure to see some animals who call it home. There are over 150 different species including eagles and goat-like antelopes. The Valle de Ordesa is one of the most beautiful and famous parts of the park – the Río Arazas River flows through this valley. Nearby, is the picturesque medieval town of Torla, which is also well worth visiting.
Asturias
Picos de Europa
If you’re a fan of hiking, this famous nature reserve is officially the best park in Spain for it! There are actually 156 amazing trails. That’s a lot, but makes sense when you realise it actually spreads across three provinces: Asturias, Cantabria and León. Its name comes from its dramatic rock formations, but it also boasts magnificent waterfalls and gorges.
Don’t miss the Covadonga glacial lakes and the Real Sitio de Covadonga in Cangas de Onís. This pilgrimage site contain the Holy Cave and the Basilica, commemorating the battle of Covadonga in 722.
There are also many local dishes worth trying. If you’re a fan of blue cheese, make sure you try Bejes-Tresviso, Cabrales, Gamoneu and Valdeón.
Canary Islands
Teide
At the heart of Tenerife is the Teide volcano in the middle of Teide National Park. You could almost be on another planet, as the landscape of volcanoes, craters and rivers of petrified lava look like they’re from the set of a Star Wars film! There are interesting plants and creatures to look out for, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It’s a fantastic location for stargazing. Night time hiking tours are available and there is also an observatory.
If you’re planning on going up Teide volcano, you may be pleased to know you don’t have to walk, as there is a cable car (which has amazing views). However, if you want to follow the trail to the crater you will need to obtain a free licence from Teide National Park ahead of time.
Corona Forestal
Corona Forestal is another gem in Tenerife. This natural park has breathtaking scenery, making way from the blue ocean to subtropical laurel and pine forests, mountains and native flowering plants. There are impressive ravines – if you’re an adrenaline junkie, you may want to try canyoning! If you’re more faint of heart, there are also sweet mountain villages and ancient structures built by the indigenous population to capture your heart and imagination. Enjoy local foods and fine wine grown in the vineyards in this area as you breathe in the forest air. Bliss!
Castilla y Leon
Sierra de Guadarrama
Sierra de Guadarrama national park is easy to reach from Madrid. There are a variety of landscapes here, with forests, mountains, granite rock formations, scrubland and floral mountain meadows with an abundance of colour. There are also a multitude of animals to look out for. The most well-known is the Iberian wolf. However, you may also spot vultures, deer and lizards!
Within the area are several monasteries, including El Escorial monastery which dates back to the 16th century and has an abundance of art for you to pore over. Nearby is also the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, it dates back to the 18th century and has phenomenal gardens and fountains.
Catalonia
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici
If you’re a feline fan, lynxes and mountain cats are native to this national park. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of one! Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici is the only national park in Catalonia and it is abundant with water. It is a paradise of streams, lakes and rivers. The mountains pair with it in some stunning ways – you must check out Valle del Río San Nicolás. This alluring river valley is in a gorge surrounded by mountains. Make sure you don’t miss the Saint Maurici Lake either, which is just as stunning and surrounded by high mountain peaks and a glorious pine forest.
If you are looking to explore these mesmerizing places with your family, search for a place to stay with cozycozy.com, where you can choose from all kinds of family-friendly accommodation options.