Despite the fact that Spain has a few National Parks, they deliver a powerful punch! These parks have become known for their natural abundance, as well as the drama and beauty of some of the world’s most pristine and intriguing landscapes. Spain’s national parks include everything from luscious green pastures, azure streams, and dense forests to snow-capped mountains and dry alpine regions.
Desolate volcanic deserts, tropical islands, and undersea havens for marine life can all be found there. Many of the country’s parks have made commitments to long-term conservation and tourism, with some even receiving accolades and designations as a result of their efforts.
No matter which park you visit, the flora and fauna are abundant, and several parks have been rated as having some of the best bird of prey viewing chances in the world. So grab your binoculars and head out to one of Spain’s breathtaking national parks.
1: Picos de Europa National Park
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The Picos de Europa (European Mountains) have one of the most beautiful sceneries on the planet. The park is named after three separate mountain ranges in northern Spain: the Central, Western, and Eastern ranges. River-filled canyons cut across each of them. For men at sea in the old days, their stature was the first indicator of land. The park has well-marked and easy-to-navigate pathways that have proven to be the greatest way to take in the natural beauty of the area.
Because the sea is only 20 kilometres away, several perspectives of the sea may be seen from the park. The park is otherwise characterised by grasslands, lush beech and oak forests, rugged crags, streams, high summits, and deep ravines. Nothing is off bounds in Europe’s highest point. It is simply remarkable. Also, read Most Beautiful National Parks in Croatia.
2: Teide National Park
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Teide National Park, in the Canary Islands, is home to Spain’s tallest mountain. Mount Teide stands in dramatic contrast to the park’s other low-lying areas. With over 3 million people each year, it is Europe’s most frequented national park, and for good reason.
The terrain is reminiscent of another universe, with volcanic soil dominating the entire area, and the park is rarely crowded due to its immensity. In this location, caves, craters, and lava rivers have been petrified in stone, but tourists will still be wowed by the variety of landscapes around every bend.
3: Ordesa National Park
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Ordesa was the first national park in Spain, and its beauty is unquestionable. Waterfalls, rivers, and streams abound here. They are interspersed among lush green fields, deep woodlands, and rocky peaks. The park’s greatest reward, though, is the Pyrenees mountain range. They make a stunning skyline that attracts both tourists and locals.
Mount Perdido, which stands at almost 3330 metres above sea level, is the highest peak in this range. It is Europe’s highest limestone peak and stands out against the skyline. The bearded vulture, griffon vulture, and golden eagle that fly overhead are among the many species that reside amid Mount Perdido and his neighbouring massifs. Also, read Best National Parks in Malaysia.
4: Cabrera Archipelago National Park
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Because of its distant location, this national park has been essentially unspoiled for millennia. The islands are covered in fields of Neptune Grass and are home to a variety of indigenous plant species.
The richness of the island does not stop there; numerous animals that are difficult to find in other regions of the Balearics, such as the black lizard and sea snails, thrive here. Large populations of turtles, dolphins, and whales can be seen in the surrounding seas, while amazing sea bird colonies can be found around the shores.
5: Caldera de Taburiente National Park
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This gorgeous national park is characterised by massive mountain peaks, a spectacular caldera, and rare native Canary Pines. The park’s namesake, the caldera, is a huge flat valley between rugged mountain ranges that spans 10 kilometres. A volcanic eruption and severe erosion formed the area over 2 million years ago.
Mornings at the park are often bright and clear, but afternoons bring seas of cloud that descend upon the caldera, creating a very different scene. The highest peak face in the caldera rises 2000 metres above the crater floor, making visitors feel incomparably small at any time of day. Also read, Banff National Park.
6: Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park
The Atlantic Islands of Galicia are a maritime-terrestrial park consisting of four uninhabited islands. In addition, it is a pioneer in sustainable tourism. To preserve the natural nature, the park is only open to the public during the summer months. Above the lake, the terrain is dominated by white sand beaches, beautiful blue skies, and pine forests.
Over 200 varieties of seaweed, as well as thriving coral reefs and fascinating sea caves, live in the crystal clear seawater. Diverse shellfish, dolphins, whales, and basking sharks are among the marine fauna that make these waters home. Because this series of islands was formerly a famous pirate hangout, there are plenty of seafaring stories to be recounted.
7: Monfrague National Park
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Monfrague Park is absolutely one-of-a-kind. It is well-known for its classic Iberian scenery, which is rich in vegetation and fauna. It is believed to be one of Europe’s premier bird-watching spots, as well as being steeped in history.
Monfrague is home to about 400 raptors. Vultures and eagles can be seen breeding in the mountains, while kingfishers and nightingales can be seen along the Tagus and Tietar rivers, which run through the park. On-site, the remnants of Monfrague castle, which are linked to local mythology, are still visible, as are prehistoric cave drawings.
8: Timanfaya National Park
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This national park’s backdrop is extremely surreal, and it might easily be mistaken for Mars in photographs. The red and black terrain was created over time by the park’s resident volcanoes, which coated the area with now solidified lava.
The majority of the volcanoes are dormant today, but visitors may still feel the earth’s heat emanating from the ground. So much so that pouring water on the ground causes a geyser effect in some spots.
Rare flora and fauna have discovered unique methods to thrive in this area, prompting conservationists to urge for the area’s protection. This park has even piqued Nasa’s curiosity. They exploited the bleak scenery to assist the Apollo 17 crew in their training. Also read, Mesa Verde National Park.
9: Aiguestortes National Park
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This national park epitomises pristine natural beauty. As snow-capped mountains give way to lush forests and crystal clear waterways, the scene is dominated by vistas of green, blue, and white.
There are about 200 lakes within the park’s boundaries, and the woodlands are home to an ancient variety of pine, birch, beech, and conifer trees. This national park is Catalonia’s only one of its sort, and it’s a great representation of the Spanish Pyrenees mountain range.
The park’s wild goats, bearded vultures, and marmots will captivate visitors, despite the fact that wildlife can be difficult to observe in this area.
10: Cabaneros National Park
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Cabaneros Park is known as the “Spanish Serengeti” because of its large number of wildlife. Deer, Iberian lynx, wild boars, foxes, otters, and a variety of bird species, including the uncommon black stork, endangered Spanish Imperial Eagle, colourful bee-eaters, and the Eurasian black vulture, call the park home.
It’s not uncommon to witness male deer locking horns and fighting for female attention during mating season. The area is one of the last remaining instances of pristine Mediterranean forest with luxuriant vegetation. The rest of the park is savannah-like, with intertwining mountain ranges that provide breathtaking views of the park from their peaks.