Declared a Natural Park: 1969 reclassified in 1978
In1963 WWF and the Council of Scientific Research bought land (6,794ha) and set up a research station
In 1994 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Natural Park surface area: 54,200
National Park surface area: 50,720 hectares – Total area: 77,260ha:
World Heritage and Special Bird Protection Areas: 50,720ha.
National Park and Ramsar site; buffer zone 26,540ha.
Towns and Villages
Huelva: Almonte, Hinojos, Bollullos Par del Condado, Rociana del Condado, Bonanes y Lucena del Puerto, Palos de la Frontera, Moguer, La Puebla del Río and the Isla Mayor
Sevilla: Aznalcázar, Pilas y Villamanrique de la Condesa.
Cádiz: Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Points of interest
The Doñana National and Natural Parks occupy the northern area of the Guadalquivir river where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Six thousand years ago it would have been a wide estuary, but this has mostly been closed off by a long, natural sand bar. This in turn created a large saline lake which gradually collected silt leaving a huge wetland area with lagoons, marshlands and semi-permanent sand dunes.
Spain, a land of rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, beckons travelers from around the world. While many are familiar with its vibrant cities and historical landmarks, Spain’s wild side often remains hidden. In this article, we embark on a journey through the wilderness of Spain, exploring its diverse wildlife, captivating geography, and the importance of its protected areas.
The Breathtaking Geography of Spain
Spain’s geography is a testament to nature’s grandeur. From the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees in the north to the sun-soaked beaches of the Costa del Sol in the south, Spain offers a striking variety of landscapes.
Park surface area: 5.077 hectares (3.925 land plus 1.152 marine.)
Declared a Zone of Special Protection for Birds: 2002
Towns and Villages: Barbate, Vejer de La Frontera
Points of interest
Halfway between The Bay of Cadiz and El Estrecho between Mediterranean and Atlantic waters is the La Breña y Marismas de Barbate Natural Park.
Although one of the smaller parks in Andalucia it has 28km of marked pathways and covers both land and marine areas. 100 metre cliffs drop vertically into the powerful Atlantic ocean. Above the cliffs is a dense woodland of Stone pines (Pinus pinea) which create a naturally rounded canopy of shade. As well as the pine woods and marine zone there are moving dunes and wetland where the Barbate river reaches the Shore.
Park surface area: 18.887 hectares (9,640 terrestrial and 9,247 marine)
Towns and Villages: Algeciras, Tarifa
Points of interest
El Estrecho (The Strait of Gibraltar) natural park covers the southern most tip of Spain, containing within it environs a richness of history, vegetation and especially bird and marine life.
The coast of Morocco is just 14km away and this offers the shortest span for birds migrating from Europe to the African continent. Birds funnel into this area throughout the year with spring and autumn offering the most amazing sights. More than a million birds of over 200 species congregate in the area each year, this natural phenomenon is observed by many keen birdwatchers and researchers.
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies in Spain.
