Category Archives: National Parks of Spain

Spain has 16 national parks, each with its own unique landscape and biodiversity. Some of the most famous national parks in Spain include Doñana National Park, which is home to a diverse range of bird species and wetland habitats; Teide National Park, which features a volcanic landscape and the highest peak in Spain; and Sierra de las nieves National Park. Other National Parks of Spain offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring cultural and historical sites. Overall, Spain’s national parks are a testament to the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

Discover Wildlife Watching in Spain: A Journey into Nature’s Heart

Discover wildlife watching in Spain and embark on an extraordinary adventure, where the wonders of wildlife await you. Delve into the heart of nature as you witness the splendor of our most cherished creatures in their natural habitats: the majestic brown bear, the regal Spanish imperial eagle, the awe-inspiring lammergeier, the elusive Iberian lynx, and the enigmatic Iberian wolf. Immerse yourself in magical experiences set amidst accessible landscapes and uncover the secrets of many successful conservation programs, dedicated to preserving these precious species.

Aiming for the Return of the Iberian Lynx in Aragón
Iberian lynx
Wildlife watching in Spain

In Spain, birdwatching becomes a thrilling pursuit, with the country’s strategic location between Africa and Europe attracting millions of migratory birds and boasting numerous globally unique species. Prepare to be captivated by the wealth of biodiversity that spans across the nation. With over 1,500 protected areas—comprising a quarter of the country—Spain offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration. Dive into the depths surrounded by fields of posidonia oceanica seagrass, sail alongside playful dolphins and majestic whales, and gaze upon the stars from breathtaking vantage points. The options are as diverse as they are enchanting.

Black Vulture - aegypius monachus - Birds and Birdwatching in Spain
Black Vulture – aegypius monachus

Journey through Spain’s national and natural parks and embark on an unforgettable odyssey. From the dramatic alpine landscapes to the lush Mediterranean forests, each park offers a unique experience tailored to every adventurer. Discover the beauty and magic of lakes, valleys, and mountains beyond your wildest dreams. Recognized by UNESCO for its abundance of biosphere reserves and geoparks, Spain stands as a beacon of environmental preservation and sustainable development. Within its borders you’ll find numerous Protected Natural Areas that adhere to the principles of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST), ensuring a harmonious coexistence with nature.

The Natural Park of the Sierra de Grazalema - Walking and Wildlife Holidays in Spain
The Natural Park of the Sierra de Grazalema has also been declared a Biosphere Reserve, this is due to the diverse geography with high limestone mountains and deep gorges such as Garganta Verde
Continue reading Discover Wildlife Watching in Spain: A Journey into Nature’s Heart

16 stunning national parks in Spain to visit.

Now that the Sierra de las Nieves has been declared a National Park, there are 16 stunning national parks in Spain to visit. Ten are in the Iberian Peninsula, four are in the Canary Islands and one is in the Balearic Islands. National parks are different to natural parks in that the area they cover is predominantly wilderness with less human impact in their history and evolution. Natural parks on the other hand are areas of outstanding natural beauty and biodiversity that have also been shaped in someway by human occupation, agriculture etc.

16 stunning national parks in Spain to visit
National parks on mainland Spain and the Balearic islands.

It goes without saying that they are obvious destinations for wildlife enthusiasts like myself but until one visits one or all of these parks it is hard to imagine the incredibly biodiversity of these areas located on the iberian peninsular and Spanish islands.

16 stunning national parks in Spain to visit
There are four national parks in the Canary islands.

I hope this article is of use and please share with your friends and family. Any and all comments are always welcome!

About Wildside Holidays: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/about-wildside-holidays/

Continue reading 16 stunning national parks in Spain to visit.

Islas Atlánticas National Park

  • Region: Galicia.
  • Province: Pontevedra and La Coruña).
  • Declared a National Park: 2002.
  • Park surface area: 8,480 hectares.

The Parque Nacional Islas Atlánticas are known in English as the Galician Atlantic Islands Maritime-Terrestrial National Park. They are located on the southern coast of Galicia and are made up of four archipelagos, Cortegada and Sálvora in the Arousa estuary, facing the Estuary of Pontevedra and the Cíes, in the Vigo estuary.

In the past they were known as a pirate haunt but today they are uninhabited and only open to the public in the summer.

Points of interest

In Ons don’t miss the mysterious “furnas”, granite sea caves cut by the waves, such as the mythical “Burato do Inferno”, which was “believed to go all the way down to hell, and on stormy nights the voices of the dead could be heard”.

Continue reading Islas Atlánticas National Park

Preserving Spain’s Natural Paradises: Unveiling the Threats to National Parks

In the wake of a groundbreaking agreement between the Junta de Andalucía and the Spanish Government concerning the renowned Doñana National Park, a stark reality surfaces for all 16 of Spain’s ecological gems.

Despite a substantial multi million-Euro investment in Doñana, the remaining national parks in Spain grapple with a spectrum of challenges, spanning from drought and unbridled tourism to wildfires and the encroachment of invasive species.

Continue reading Preserving Spain’s Natural Paradises: Unveiling the Threats to National Parks