National Parks in Cataluña

Cataluña, in northeastern Spain, boasts diverse landscapes and vibrant ecosystems within its national parks. Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in the Pyrenees is famous for its rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and alpine meadows, offering hiking, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking scenery. Cap de Creus Natural Park, located along the Mediterranean coast, combines dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and unique flora and fauna, making it ideal for walking, birdwatching, and water activities. Cataluña’s national parks provide a mix of mountain, forest, and coastal environments, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Wildlife & Walking Regions of Spain | Natural Parks by Region

by

Spain’s diverse regions offer some of Europe’s best wildlife and walking experiences. From the wetlands of Andalucía to the forests of Galicia and the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, each region has its own natural character.

Use this guide to explore Spain by region and find guided tours from trusted partners. Discover national parks, reserves, and the wildlife of Spain.

Andalucía – Wildlife, Mountains and Wetlands

Walking in the Sierra de Grazalema
Explore southern Spain’s most diverse landscapes, from Doñana’s wetlands to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and Grazalema. This region is perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and year-round nature travel.
Explore Andalucías Natural Parks
View Guided Tours in Andalucía


Read more

Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park

by
The Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park was created is the only protected area with National Park status in Catalonia
  • Region: Catalonia
  • Province: Lérida
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1955 (National 1995)
  • Park surface area: 40,000 hectares
  • Towns and Villages: Alto Aneu, Valle de Bohí, Espot, Esterri de Aneu, Alto Arán, Sort, La Torre de Cabdella and Vilaller

Points of interest

The Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is the only protected area with National Park status in Catalonia. It is located in the central part of the Pyrenees and divided into four regions (Alta Ribagorza, Pallars Sobirá, Pallars Jussá and Valle de Arán) in the province of Lérida.

The geography of the area is high mountain and a large part of the territory exceeds 1000 metres and including some peaks that exceed 3000 metres. Two spectacular valleys stand out. To the west the valley of the San Nicolás River with its characteristic meadows and meanders from which the name “Aiguas Tortas” (tortuous waters) comes and to the east the valley of the river Escrita with the beautiful lake of San Mauricio.

Within the national park there are around 80 lakes. The main ones are: Llebreta, Serradé, Contraix, Llong, Mussoles, Ribera, Morrano, Dellui, Redó, Negro de Portarró, Ratera, Barbs, Munyidera, lakes of Amitges, San Mauricio , Negro de Peguera , Monges, Travessani, Mangades.

The area has also become famous as a starlight destination. The Starlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 to promote the protection of the night sky and the development of “astrotourism” and there is an ever growing list of starlight destinations in Spain to visit.

Read more