What are the national parks in spain. National parks and reserves
On the territory of Spain there are more than 400 nature reserves that protect the main ecosystems of the peninsula and islands.
Coto de Doñana National Park. Spain's legendary Doñana National Park (Coto De Doñana), with an area of 50,000 hectares, serves as a spring bird airport that receives hundreds of thousands of birds flying from Africa to Europe and stopping in these swampy wooded places to nest and breed ( figure 17).
In 1965, the territory on which the national park is now located was declared a biological reserve. Four years later, in 1969, these territories received the status of a national park. For this, the state even bought vast territories. In 1980, Doniana entered the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Currently, the Coto de Doñana Park covers an area of 77,260 hectares on the Atlantic coast, 55 km southwest of Seville.
Outstanding global importance is due to the exceptional diversity of its ecosystems and the unique combination of natural attractions. About 250 thousand people visit the park every year. However, such attention not only indicates an increased interest in the national park. Unfortunately, tourism is a poorly controlled tourism business that poses a real threat to the existence of the national park. Hotels, golf courses, and farmlands that have sprouted like mushrooms around after the rain are pumping out so much water that the park is in danger of dying. Over the past 15 years, these structures have already taken so much water that its level has fallen by 2-9 meters, and some lagoons have dried up. “If anything else is built here,” said the director of scientific research of the park, “Donyana” will come to an end.
Figure 17 - Coto De Doñana National Park
Canary Islands. The most southern province The country is also the most protected natural area in Spain, which is not surprising - in terms of their environmental performance, these islands can compete with the world-famous Galapagos, and in proximity to unique natural objects to first-class recreation areas overtake them by a wide margin. The island of Tenerife is home to the most famous protected area of the archipelago - Teide National Park (Cañadas del Teide), covering 135 sq. km of slopes around the volcano of the same name and the giant (25 by 15 km) Cañadas caldera. A large elevation difference, a mild climate, fertile volcanic soils and long-term isolation from the mainland made it possible to form here unique natural complexes, which also have a pronounced zonality. There are 57 species of plants alone, not found anywhere else in the world! And in total there are 169 species of flowering plants, and even those that belong to widespread species are often completely different from their relatives from the mainland. The park clearly traces the traces of geological processes that determine the evolution of oceanic islands, which, together with amazing nature allowed UNESCO to include Cañadas del Teide in 2007 on the World Heritage List of Humanity. 76 km have been laid here hiking trails, good highway with many viewing platforms, and you can climb to the top of Teide (3550 m) by cable car.
On the island of La Palma, there is the National Park of La Caldera de Taburiente (46.9 sq. Km), protecting a huge (approximately 10 km in diameter, the height of the walls reaches 2545 m) the caldera of an ancient volcano, formed approximately 2 million years back. The crater has been greatly altered by erosion and is now a vast mountain circus, indented by riverbeds, covered with amazing Canarian vegetation (here, as in Tenerife, almost a third of the species are endemic) and has a modest but very peculiar fauna (95% of local animal species are birds). The most ancient rock formations of the archipelago (the so-called "Basalt complex", about 1.9 million years old) and many unique intrusive formations were also found here. In terms of its parameters, the Caldera de Taburiente is considered the largest erosion crater in the world. There are several companies that organize walking tours of the caldera, however solo travelers must obtain permission from the local information office to visit the area.
Timanfaya National Park (area 51 sq. km) is located on the island of Lanzarote. This land of fire-breathing mountains (the island's name can be translated as "Land of a Hundred Volcanoes") is included in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves list as an example of a volcanic landscape, which, in addition to undoubted geological interest, also has unique natural complexes. Suffice it to say that in the 18th century the eruption local volcanoes lasted almost without interruption for three years, which completely changed both the appearance of the island and its nature. Until now, the underground heat in many places is so strong that new geysers appear and disappear almost every day, and locals manage to fry meat right on the ground (however, this is more tourist attraction than the general trend). Therefore, the nature of the island is scarce, but those species that manage to survive in such difficult conditions are of undoubted interest for both science and travelers. Of great interest, as in Tenerife or La Palma, are the unique geological forms of the island - from amazing lava tubes to simple sea pebbles formed from multi-colored volcanic rocks.
The Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve occupies about 40% of the island's area and covers almost all local ecosystems - from mountain peaks to beaches and marine areas, including even valleys occupied by Agriculture. No wonder the island is called a "continent in miniature" - there are so many different types of climate, landscapes and natural complexes that can hardly be found anywhere else in such a limited space (the area of the island itself is only 1560 sq. Km). It includes 32 protected areas, including the unique Maspalomas Dunes Reserve (area 250 hectares, the length of the dune section is more than 3 km), the Nublo rural park and the rock monolith of the same name 80 meters high, the Doramas jungle, the Asuaje, Tamadaba and Pino Santo gorges , two reptile parks, archaeological park Cueva Pintada and many other unique objects.
The Carajonay National Park, which occupies the central and northern regions of the island of La Gomera (area of 39 sq. km), is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. calling card The reserve is "laurisilva" ("laurel selva") - a relict tropical rainforest that covered all of Europe in the Tertiary period, but now it is preserved only here, in the Azores and Madeira. The most prominent representative of the local flora are two subspecies of the common laurel - Laurus azorica and Laurus canariensis, which are noticeably different from their "mainland" counterparts (primarily in size - local laurels can reach 40 meters in height, unlike ordinary laurel, which rarely reaches " growth" more than 6 meters). Many other representatives of the rich vegetation of the island are also endemic, but the fauna is not rich, but also peculiar - there are two local species of reptiles, two species of amphibians and two species of birds. Entrance to the territory of the park is possible only with the permission of the Juego de Bolas tourist office in La Palmita.
Spain ranks second in the world in terms of the number of territories that are recognized by UNESCO as biosphere reserves. Nature has generously endowed this country with all sorts of beauties - travelers can admire forests, valleys, lakes, sea coast, islands, mountains, volcanoes ... There are about 400 protected natural sites. Net national parks consists of 15 unique reserves. The reserves of Spain are its true wealth. In this article we will talk about the most famous and popular of them.
| Name of the park | Autonomous Community | What is interesting about the park in the first place? |
| "Volcano Teide" | Canary Islands | dormant volcano |
| "Peaks of Europe" | Cantabria, Leon, Asturias | Most big park in Spain |
| "Garajonay" | Canary Islands | Dense relict forest |
| "Monfrague" | Extremadura | Huge number of rare birds |
| "Ordesa i Monte Perido" | Aragon | The terrain is similar to the Grand Canyon in the USA, but more vegetation, many waterfalls |
| "Sierra de Guadarrama" | Madrid, Segovia | rich animal and vegetable world |
| "Sierra Nevada" | Andalusia | 60 endemic plant and animal species, Tibetan monastery, ski resort |
| "Cabrera" | Balearic Islands | Well preserved seabed |
| "Somiedo" | Asturias | Kingdom of brown bears |
| "Aiguez Tortes" | Catalonia | 200 lakes |
| "Donyana" | Andalusia | Sand dunes, unique flora and fauna |
"Teide"
The Teide National Park is the most visited. On its territory is the dormant volcano of the same name. Since the landscape near Teide resembles the surface of Mars or the Moon, filming was also made here. star Wars”, and “Millions of years BC”. Here you can see the rarest plants, for example, the Dragon tree. It is considered the plant symbol of the island of Tenerife.
The volcano is the highest point in Spain (3718 m). From the platform of the upper crater, a breathtaking view opens not only on Tenerife, but also on all the Canary Islands.
"Peaks of Europe"
The Peaks of Europe is the oldest and most extensive Spanish national park, created back in 1909. It is located on the territory of Cantabria, Leon and Asturias. The name "Peaks of Europe" is associated with the fact that these mountains were the first to see ships that arrived from America to Europe.
lovers active rest will be able to climb above the clouds, go down in a raft along a seething mountain river, take part in a mountain safari. Be sure to visit the cave of Covadonga and the Basilica of Our Lady of Covadonga (de Santa Maria la Real de Covadonga). Gorges, glacial lakes with clear water, cows and sheep that graze in the meadows nearby... All these are the "Peaks of Europe".
"Garajonay"
Garajonay is located on the island of La Gomera (that was the name of Noah's grandson). The visitors of this natural park will see a fantastic relict forest. Evergreen trees reach a height of 40 meters! Once such dense vegetation covered most of the European continent, but now it is preserved only in the Canary Islands.
The park is named after Gara and Honay, whose sad love story could have been the subject of a Shakespearean drama.
"Monfrague"
Monfragüe is a real gem of Extremadura. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come here for the opportunity to watch birds - imperial eagles, black storks, kites. Many fish species live in the waters of the Tagus River, and martens, deer, wild cats, badgers, mongooses and foxes live in the forests. 
The beauty of Monfragüe can be fully felt during a walk, since there are a lot of routes for different levels of physical fitness. One of the best viewing platforms in the park is the castle of Monfragüe, which was built during the wars with the Arabs.
Ordesa i Monte Perido (Pyrenees National Park)
In the Spanish part of the Pyrenees, the Ordesa y Monte Perido park is organized. The mountain range in this part of the Pyrenees resembles the back of a dragon. Here are the deepest canyons in Europe. They are different from the Grand Canyon in the USA big amount vegetation. In the mountainous parts of the park grow beech, pine, Asia Minor oak, ash, boxwood. And the symbol of the park is edelweiss.
Ordesa y Monte Perido has many majestic waterfalls. The mountain peak of Monte Perido has become the most popular attraction in the park. To climb this mountain, serious training in the field of mountaineering is necessary.
"Sierra de Guadarrama"
The Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range is adjacent to Madrid and Segovia. Therefore, for a long time, members of the royal family went on vacation here. These mountains are depicted in the paintings of Diego Velasquez and Francisco Goya. The territory received the status of a national park only in 2013, although this proposal was first made in 1920.
Almost half of all representatives of the animal world of Spain live here, among which 13 species are considered endangered. About 1500 names of plants grow in the park. Lovers of history and architecture are advised to visit the monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Sierra Nevada National Park
The name of the park is translated as "snow-covered ridge". "Sierra Nevada" has become home to 60 species of plants and animals that are not found anywhere else on the globe.
The ski resort is very popular. There is also a mysterious Tibetan monastery, Botanical Garden and a wonderful observatory.
"Cabrera"
This national park includes the entire archipelago of the Cabrera Islands (19 islands). On the main island, you can visit a fortress dating from the 14th century, a museum, and a souvenir shop.
Due to the remoteness from the mainland of the country, the territory has been preserved almost in its original form. Of greatest interest is the seabed of the park. Yachts and boats must obtain a special permit to cross the park boundary. Boats anchor only in the harbour. Cabrera is real island paradise with white sand and rocky shores.
"Somiedo"
Somiedo is called the "kingdom of brown bears". Even rare for Europe grizzly bears live here. Their neighbors are wild boars, wolves, numerous amphibians, more than 100 species of birds.
On the territory of the village of Somiedo, archaeologists found Iberian coins - direct evidence that life was in full swing here even before the advent of our era. Among the few surviving architectural monuments are the Church of San Pedro de La Riera (18th century) and charming houses shepherds with thatched roofs. Despite the fact that they were built in the century before last, shepherds still live in some of them.
"Aiguez Tortes"
Aiguez Tortes Park is located in Catalonia. The literal translation of the name - "whirlpool" - perfectly reflects its essence. About 200 lakes are located on the relatively small area of the park (141 sq. km). The real kingdom of the water element!
The most famous glacial lake - San Mauricio - is located at 1900 m above sea level. With numerous lakes and mountain peaks local landscapes are considered among the most attractive in Spain.
"Donyana"
The park is organized at the confluence of the Guadalacquivir in Atlantic Ocean. This area was once a royal hunting ground. Now Doñana is a national park protected by the state, in which unique flora and fauna have survived. About half a million waterfowl come here for the winter. The colony of herons living here is considered the largest in the Mediterranean. Pink flamingos and some other rare birds can be found in local swamps and lakes.
There are many backwaters, lagoons, swamps, sand dunes, pine forests and other beauties of nature on the territory of Donyana.
Please enable JavaScript to view theThe nature of Spain is unique. This is confirmed by the numerous national parks and reserves of the country, which can be visited in any region of the country, no matter in which province you rest. Connoisseurs of the natural beauty of nature can choose Spanish national parks, as they say "for every taste", with different types of landscapes. People come here specifically to take a break from the noise of megacities, from crowds of people, to enjoy the wonderful views of virgin nature.
Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe) is located in Spain in the Cantabrian mountains. In 1918, a royal decree was issued declaring Mount Covadonga and its surroundings a National Park. In 1995, the whole mountain range The peaks of Europe, spread over the territory of Asturias,
The Ebro Delta National Park, established in 1986, is a natural mosaic of snow-white deserted beaches, large lagoons with fairly clear water, long sand dunes and a variety of tropical trees.
Aiguez Tortes y Lago San Mauricio, which means "Reserve of Rough Waters", is located in the Catalan Pyrenees, at the foot of the Aneto peak. This is the only full-fledged Aiguez Tortes y Lago San Mauricio, which means "Rough Waters Reserve", located in the Catalan Pyrenees,
In the upper reaches of the Catalan river Fluvia, near the towns of Santa Pau (Santa Pau) and Olot (Olot), there is a zone extinct volcanoes, which received the status of a national park in 1982. There are more than seven dozen volcanoes, 40 of which are considered active.
The natural park of Cazorla, Segura and Las Billas, which is simply called Cazorla, is the largest nature reserve in Andalusia (an area of 2143 sq. km) is located northeast of Jaen. This is a vast expanse of heavily eroded mountains, spectacular cliffs, wide valleys, elevated plains ("navas"),
Cabo de Gata - occupies 340 sq. km in the east of Andalusia. These are dry but scenic spots with a large number of coastal cliffs, dunes, salt lagoons and lakes are a traditional nesting place for birds and are protected by several reserves at once - the Special Bird Conservation Area (SPA),
When planning your next trip to Spain, check out our ranking of the 10 most beautiful Natural Parks in Spain. Each of them deserves a separate trip to our country. Don't miss your chance to see the very best in Spain!
Teide National Park, Tenerife
National Park Teide is organized on a dormant volcano, last eruption which occurred in 1909, but not from the main crater, but from lateral ruptures.
Mount Teide is the most high point Spain. Its height is 3718 meters above sea level. If we measure the height of the volcano from its foot at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, then the height will be 7,500 m.
Teide Park impresses first of all with its lunar landscapes. Traveling through the Park is an immersion in another reality. A cable car operates from the track to the crater of the volcano. If you do not want to stand in line for the lift for 3 hours, order e-tickets the day before.
If you feel the strength in yourself - rise to the highest crater, the impressions will be for life. You will have at a glance not only the whole island of Tenerife, but also all the Canary Islands. But keep in mind that at such a height, breathing is already difficult, and if you have heart problems, then it is better to be content with just an observation deck on the lift. It also offers magnificent landscapes, and you will have pure lava under your feet.
The Teide National Park is the most visited in Spain. More than 3 million people use the cable car every year. The park is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its uniqueness.
If you are planning your holiday in the Canary Islands, Teide National Park is a must-see!
Peaks of Europe National Park, Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and Leon
Peaks of Europe National Park is the first National Park organized on the territory of the Kingdom of Spain back in 1909.
In 2003, the Peaks of Europe were declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, which protects the unique populations of the Cantabrian brown bear and partridge. Also on the territory of the National Park there are many other representatives of the fauna.
The Peaks of Europe National Park is the most visited in Cantabria and the second most visited in Spain, after Mount Teide. About 2 million people visit the Park every year.
From the side of Cantabria, in the village of Fuente De, a cable car is organized to the peaks of the Peaks of Europe. There are also many hiking trails to the top. So observation deck cable car in Fuente Dé you will see stunning mountain landscapes. Here you can observe the diversity of the feathered world.
The information boards at the top will guide you through the options. hiking trails, the length of which is 14 and 20 km.
From the side of Asturias, the most visited is the sacred place of Covadonga for every Spaniard, where, according to legend, the first victorious battle of the Reconquista took place. If you climb even higher along the asphalt road from the cave of Covadonga, then you can enjoy the scenery of two alpine lakes. And the road to the lakes itself impresses with its landscapes of intermountain valleys.
Plan to visit Peaks of Europe for at least 2 days.
Monfragüe National Park, Extremadura
Extremadura is a very beautiful region rich in history and landscapes, but, unfortunately, very little visited. Russian tourists. But in vain! There is something to see and admire here!
One of the gems of the province of Cáceres in Extremadura is the Monfragüe National Park. This real paradise for bird watchers.
Every year, thousands of tourists come to the Park to enjoy the flight of black storks, vultures, kites and a very rare species of imperial eagle, of which there are only 12 individuals left in these places. Griffon vulture was more fortunate. There are more than 1,000 of them in the Monfragüe Park.
The main artery of the Park is the Tagus River, which cuts a canyon between mountains made of soft rocks and surrounded by magnificent meadows. In the waters of the river there is a wide variety of fish: carp, barbel, chub. And snakes, lizards, frogs, newts live along the banks.
In total, more than 200 species of vertebrates live in the Montfragüet Park.
Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, Madrid, Castile and Leon
The Sierra de Guadarrama National Park is the fourth largest National Park in Spain, located between Madrid and Segovia.
Eleven different ecosystems coexist on the territory of the National Park, giving it a unique look. There are more than 1,500 native plants on an area of about 33,000 hectares.
Deer, roe deer, wild boars, badgers, birds of prey live on these lands. Among the rare species of birds, the presence of the imperial eagle can be noted here. And it should also be noted that 45% of all known animals in Spain and 18% in Europe live in the National Park.
Cabrera Archipelago National Park, Balearic Islands
Although the Canary Islands have the largest number of Natural Parks, the Balearic Islands also have vast protected areas.
The National Park of the Cabrera Archipelago is, first of all, virgin nature, ecosystems that developed independently, in isolation from the mainland and other islands.
The seabed in the territory adjacent to the archipelago is the dream of many divers from all over Europe. If you are one of them, then do not forget to request a diving permit from the Government of the Balearic Islands at least a month in advance.
Ordesa National Park and Monte Perdido, Aragon
Coniferous forests, glaciers, karst landscapes - this is what nature lovers come to enjoy here.
Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park is located in the Pyrenees in the northern part of Aragon. It has many titles: UNESCO World Heritage of Humanity, Biosphere Reserve, Special Bird Protection Zone, European Diploma. And it should be noted that the 15,600 hectares of magnificent landscapes of the Park rightly deserve these titles.
And when you decide to visit this unique corner, do not forget to look in all eyes on the sides. If you are lucky, you can see different types of mountain chamois, wild boars, hares, marmots and many kinds of birds.
More than 620,000 people visit the Ordesa Park and Monte Perdido in Aragon every year.
Aiguestortes National Park and Lake Sant Maurici, Catalonia
If Ordesa Park and Monte Perdido seemed beautiful to you, then you should definitely visit Aiguestortes Park and Lake Sant Maurici in Catalonia.
It is also located on the territory of the Pyrenees, but is less visited, approximately 330,000 people a year.
The scenery in this park is simply breathtaking. And nothing will help you restore your speech: neither black woodpeckers, nor ermines, nor other unprecedented game. This is a true paradise for nature lovers!
Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park, Castile La Mancha
The National Park of Las Tablas de Daimiel in Castile La Mancha is one of the unique examples of a river ecosystem and the main reason to visit this natural area.
On its 3,000 hectares, you can find nutria, otters, ducks and various waterfowl and small animals. In summer, the river surface is decorated with numerous water lilies.
Also in these parts is a wonderful Natural Park Cabaneros, located a few steps from Toledo. When planning your trip to this region of Spain, do not miss the opportunity to visit both of these Natural Parks.
National Natural Park Las Islas Atlanticas de Galicia, Galicia
Although Cies is the most famous, Las Islas Atlanticas National Park is spread over two archipelagos and two islands: Cies, Ons, Salvora and Cortegada.
According to legend, on the famous map of Ptolemy, these islands were designated under the name of the Dwelling of the Gods, the Celtic gods. The gods, as you know, left, but their beautiful apartments remained, and today we can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of these places.
The total area of Las Islas Atlanticas Natural Park is 8,000 hectares, of which only 1,200 hectares are land. In the protected area, you can see more than 200 species of algae, bizarre corals and curious seagulls.
The islands are located in close proximity to the entrance to Vigo Bay, being a natural breakwater. You can visit the islands by boat, which departs regularly from the Sea Pier in Vigo.
Due to the unprecedented popularity of the islands, visiting it is limited. So if you want to visit them in high season tickets must be booked in advance.
The beauty of the landscapes of the National Park has been recognized not only by the Kingdom of Spain. In 2007, the British newspaper The Guardian published a list of the most beautiful beaches peace. So, according to this respected publication, the list of the most beautiful beaches in the world was headed not by the Caribbean, but by Rodas Beach, located on the island of Cies.
Doñana National Park, Andalusia
Doñana National Park is a huge wetland with estuaries and dunes, located on the border of the provinces of Huelva and Seville.
Doñana National Park is home and refuge for endangered species such as the swan, the coot, the Iberian lynx, which many tourists come to see.
If you are not lucky enough to see rare animals live, you have a unique opportunity to watch them on monitors in the Observation Center. Numerous video cameras have been installed in the Park to monitor animals.
UNESCO declared Doñana National Park a Biosphere Reserve and included it in the World Heritage Lists of Mankind. The park is the 10th most visited in Spain. About 300 thousand people visit it every year.
Doñana Park's closest neighbor is the Sierra Nevada National Park, which during the winter is a paradise for lovers skiing.
One of the points of “doubt” of real estate buyers in Spain is nostalgia for native Russian nature, its forests, lakes and rivers, wild nature and tourism.
That is, our clients say that they doubt whether they will be able, having moved to Spain, to get used to a different nature, so distant and alien. They think they will miss Russia, its nature.
BUT, you will be pleasantly surprised!
Spain is different.
There are areas national parks of spain, nature in which is very reminiscent of the nature of different parts of Russia. Of course, they will not replace the Russian nature by 100%, but for “out-of-town” outings they will fit perfectly.
National and distinguished by their diversity of ecological and natural resources: mountains and wetlands, beaches and forests, volcanoes and lakes.
nature in these unique places occupies a central place, and some of them are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Do you want to get to know them better?
Stretching from the Pyrenees to canary islands, Spain's national parks are a must-see for all wildlife lovers. They cover a total of more than 325,000 hectares of land and are of great natural and cultural value, because nature here has been practically untouched by man for centuries, and enjoys special state protection.
These areas all share some common features such as their breathtaking scenery, although each national park has its own distinct character, natural and landscape features, which makes them unique.
There are well-designed tourist routes for every taste and age. Explore all the offers and choose the ones that interest you.
And don't forget your camera!
Brief overview of existing tourist routes in the national parks of Spain.
Alpine National parks.
lovers hiking cross country and mountain hikes worth paying attention to mountain tourism. Apart from excursion routes, you may be offered: fishing, mountain biking, extreme views sports and even skiing.
The list of ideas for a holiday in the mountains is dominated by water sports sports, aerobic exercise, both in summer and winter.
In the mountains of Picos de Europa (Picos de Europa, literally - "Peaks of Europe") - this mountain range in the north of Spain, located in the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and Leon, endangered various species of animals live, such as the Cantabrian brown bear, capercaillie, and the Spanish goat and chamois live only here.
Tourist routes will take you through the deepest gorges in Spain, waterfalls, mountain rivers and canyons.
The Aigüestortes y Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, with about 200 lakes and ponds, is the largest in terms of the total area of lakes in the Pyrenees. A crystal clear paradise in a peaceful, tranquil setting.
It is this park that is close in its properties to Russian nature, with its crystal clear waters and dense forests of black pine, spruce, birch and beech trees.
This is a true paradise for nature lovers.
In this mountain range, you will also find the oldest national park in the Pyrenees, Ordesa y Monte Perdido, crowned by the peak of Monte Perdido, 3355 meters above sea level, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its contrasting landscapes are breathtaking. A great way to enjoy your holiday in the mountains by exploring its trails, a real paradise for nature lovers.
Here you can see the most high peaks in the Iberian Peninsula, Mulhacen (3482 m) and Veleta (3398 m). if you love skiing, then you are here. These mountains in Spain are "home to skiing" and ski resort Sierra Nevada, the southernmost of its kind in Europe.
the nature of Spain in the Sierra Nevada mountains is very reminiscent of the Altai Territory
Birdwatching.
Spain is one of European countries with extensive ornithological territories, and in six national parks you can observe birds in the wild from a fairly close distance.
The main seabird colonies build their nests in Islas Atlánticas National Park (Marine National Park Atlantic Islands Galicia).
The park consists of four clusters of rocky islands, with cliffs on the western side, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, beautiful beaches on the east side, and overlooking the estuaries.
In addition to birds, you can see other types of marine life here.
The islands of the park were declared a National Park in 2002 as one of the best examples of the marine ecosystem.
The biodiversity of Doñana National Park (in Doñana - nature reserve in Andalusia, southern Spain, in the provinces of Huelva and Seville) also has a UNESCO World Heritage designation: it is the only place in Europe that is home to numerous migratory birds and other animals such as the Pyrenean lynx.
National Parks National Park Tablas de Daimiel, or Cabañeros, are located in Castile-La Mancha (Spain's wine region), where you can explore their wetlands and forests, inhabited by many bird life species, crossed by numerous walking trails and routes.
The same can be said for the Monfrague of the Extremadura National Park, home to the largest black vulture colony in the world.
Contrasts of the Canary Islands
In addition to the luxury real estate of the Canary Islands, you will be surprised to find other riches here - magnificent natural contrasts in their maximum splendor of national parks in the Canary Islands.
Return to the "roots" of humanity, to the enchanting beauty of one of the last, real relic Mediterranean subtropical forests preserved to this day in its original form of the Garajonay reserve, included in world heritage UNESCO.
Only here on small island archipelago of the Canary Islands, this wonderful green splendor has been preserved!
The craters of volcanoes and solidified lava in Timanfaya create magnificent "lunar" landscapes.
The Taburiente National Park, with its almost sheer gorges and cliffs and the "sleeping" volcano, form one of the most breathtaking geological monuments in the world, with a vertical drop of almost 3,000 meters.
Remember that each national park has its own routes and rules for visiting. In some parks there are restrictions on visits by tourists, both in terms of time of day and the total number of one-time stays.
But, as mentioned above, national parks will open up a completely different side of Spain to you, which is significantly different from the front facades of cities and the resort facilities of the "beach" Spanish coasts.