Nature of Spain - national parks and reserves for active recreation

The relief of Spain is diverse. There are about 400 different national parks and reserves in the country. Here, you can find desert and mountain landscapes, marine and tropical zones, as well as a volcanic terrain. Most national parks and reserves are in the Canary Islands and the Balearic archipelago. One of the most popular among tourists is Teide Park on the island of Tenerife belonging to the Canary Islands. The park is located around the highest point of the country, the volcano Teide. The reserve features a desert landscape. Travelers are usually eager to make an ascent to the vent of the volcano. The funicular is waiting for those who do not want to go on foot.

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The Canary Islands boast another national park, Garajonay. It preserves moist laurel forests, which covered the whole of Europe in ancient times. One of the best natural reserves is the National Park of the Cabrera Archipelago. More than 80% of its territory falls on the water surface. The archipelago is located away from the mainland. It's uninhabited, due to which its flora and fauna practically did not change. It's prohibited to sail there. Tourists are given a license to visit, which is active during 1 day only. Colonies of seagulls live in the archipelago; dolphins inhabit the water around isles. Tourists will also be able to visit the fortress built in the 14th century, a museum, and a souvenir shop.

Perhaps the most picturesque national park in Spain is in Aragon. In Ordesa and Monte Perdido, you can see the classical landscapes of the Pyrenees, which include mountains, canyons, gorges, waterfalls, and glaciers. The highest point of the park is the mountain of Monte Perdido. There are picturesque lakes with glacial water, beech and poplar forests at its foothills. Canyons of the park resemble the rocks of the Grand Canyon. The waterfall of the Cola Caballo can be found in the gorge of Anisko. Brown bears and vultures live in the park. There are pedestrian and horse routes featuring picturesque views. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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Picos de Europa Park is no less popular among fans of walking tours. There is a huge number of routes for trekking, mountaineering, and hiking trails. Different kinds of birds of prey, wild boars, Iberian wolves, and colonies of bats live in the gorges. The park is equipped with observation platforms, one of which, Fuente De, has a glass floor. You can climb it by the cable car. Another mountain park, Sierra Nevada, is known primarily for its ski resorts. On the territory of the park, there is also a Tibetan monastery, where believers make pilgrimages.

The National Park of the Atlantic Islands in Galicia is another place with an amazing landscape. The park is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal part is occupied by picturesque beaches with white quartz sand. The rest of the territory is overgrown with laurel and beech forests. Along the coast dolphins, seagulls, crested cormorants, and auks live. Rodas Beach located on the junction of the islands, is one of the most beautiful in the world. An amazingly rich flora waits for tourists in the Cabaneros Park in the central part of the country. The Iberian lynx lives in the forest of the park. You can also meet unique birds, including the black stork and Adalbert's eagle. You can get to Cabaneros, as well as to most other parks, during tours.

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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Spain

Reference information

Map of all parks

National and city parks of Spain
♥ Natural Park 'Aiako Harria' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Natural Park 'Aiguamolls de l`Empordà' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Nacional Park 'Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Natural Park 'Aizkorri-Aratz' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Natural Park 'Alt Pirineu' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Natural Park 'Alto Tajo' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Natural Park 'Aralar' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Nacional Park 'Archipielago de Cabrera' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Natural Park 'Archipiélago de Chinijo' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Natural Park 'Armañón' . On the map Show on the map

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Famous places and sights of Spain

Ronda

From the series “Amazing Cities on the Rocks”

The town of Ronda is located in the province of Malaga in Spain. It is located at an altitude of about 760 meters above sea level in a very beautiful and inaccessible mountainous area. Guadalevin River flows through the town. This makes the atmosphere even more unique here. The very first town was formed in this mountainous area during the Roman Empire. Its visitors can admire historical monuments of various eras today. You can enter the town via one of three bridges. They were built over a deep canyon.

The territory of the town is divided into two parts today – the old and the new one. The Puente Nuevo Bridge is a kind of border between them. This bridge was built in the early 18th century. It remains unchanged from the moment of construction. Many travelers prefer to climb down into … Read all

Castellfullit de la Roca

From the series “Amazing Cities on the Rocks”

The amazing town of Castellfollit de la Roca is located in Catalonia. It is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the region. This miniature city is located on a basalt cliff. Its length is about 1,000 meters. The first village was formed in its place in the middle ages. Locals used volcanic rock to build their homes. Many of the buildings in this town are located on the very edge of the cliff. Therefore, it seems that they can fall at any time.

Castellfollit de La Roca is located on a basalt plateau. Its height is about 50 meters. There is only one street in the town. The houses are arranged in two rows here. About a thousand people live in this unusual stone town permanently. Many travelers visit it as part of a sightseeing tour in the nature reserve of the Garrotxa zone. This … Read all

All unique sightseeing Spain

Cultural sights in regions of Spain

Barcelona

The excursion to Historical Museum (Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat) will leave only positive memories. This museum is located in an old palace of the 15th century. In the museum you will see most unusual collections - kitchen utensils, historical artifacts, ancient paintings and portraits of famous people of Catalonia. Fans of ecotourism will definitely enjoy a walk in the foothills of Montseny. A beautiful National Park is located here, so you will find numerous hiking trails in the region. The … Read more

Madrid

Parque del Retiro is simply the best place for hiking and outdoor recreation. The park is located in the heart of the city and covers an area of 140 hectares. Several centuries ago Philip IV liked having rest in this beautiful garden. It is also worth making a walk in the picturesque quarter named La Morera. This is the place where first settlers of the city built their homes. Until the 11th century a large Arab fortress was located on the site of the quarter. Even nowadays tourists will see … Read more

Sevilla

Among the historical attractions that have managed to survive we should definitely mention the famous Gold Tower. Nowadays this place of interest houses the exhibition of Maritime Museum. The tower was built in 1120. Its roof was laid out with bricks made of clay, which shone like gold under the sun rays. This is where the name of the tower comes from. Reales Alcazares palace is a beautiful architectural attraction. Nowadays everyone can walk through beautiful rooms and spacious corridors of … Read more

Benidorm

Iglesia de Sant Jaume is widely known among the religious sites of the city. The beautiful cathedral is distinguished not only by its unique architectural shape and skillful design of the facade, but also by the richest selection of valuable artifacts and ancient icons that decorate its halls. Aigera Park is a no less interesting object of excursions. The design of the park is the result of work of the renowned architect Ricardo Bofill. Visitors of the park continuously praise its original … Read more

Granada

Vacationers should definitely not forget to visit Architect's Garden. Every year this sight attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers. The garden, which is a former residence of the Moorish rulers, was built in the first half of the 14th century. Antique doors are the symbolic entrance to the garden. Right behind the doors you will find the beautiful palace complex of Alhambra. While walking in the territory of the palace, you will find a stunning cypress grove that is called Paseo de los … Read more

Valencia

Vacationers should definitely not forget to visit Science Center, which is located just a few steps away from the pond. This is a beautiful hemispherical building. The total square of the large-scale complex of is more than 350 thousand square meters. Every day Science Center holds interesting lectures and laser shows devoted to natural science topics. Here you can watch films about mysteries of nature and great discoveries of scientists, visit the local planetarium and see interesting … Read more

Salou

Another remarkable historical landmark is the Catalan Farmhouse (La Masia Catalana of Salou). The farmhouse is executed in keeping with the best traditions of country life. The house is a typical dwelling of local farmers. The complex offers a completely restored decoration of the premises being usual a few centuries ago. The farmhouse keeps a collection of ancient farm implements and things of daily life of farmers. An essential part of the historical complex is cattle. Tourists visiting the … Read more

Lloret de Mar

However the travelers have a chance to visit another place of tourist interest – Castle of Sant Joan which was built in 11th century. The castle had frequently protected and rescued the city from invaders. In the course of the history the castle has been severely harmed and partially destroyed. Recently the total reconstruction of the castle was finished. The architects have managed to renovate the tower of the castle and equip an observation platform there. Those who crave to catch a … Read more

Nature of Spain - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Spain

Famous places and sights of Spain

Ronda

Castellfullit de la Roca

Photogallery of Spain

Cultural sights in regions of Spain

Spain: Map of sightseeing in regions