Exploring the Diverse Beauty of Spain: A Journey Through Its Wildlife, Geography, and Protected Areas

Los Barruecos (Malpartida de Cáceres, Caceres)

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.

The village of Riglos, a hidden gem in the Hoya de Huesca
The village of Riglos, a hidden gem in the Hoya de Huesca

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La Breña y Marismas de Barbate

Halfway between The Bay of Cadiz and El Estrecho between Mediterranean and Atlantic waters is the La Breña y Marismas de Barbate Natural Park
  • Region: Andalucia
  • Province: Cadiz
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1989
  • 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.

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El Estrecho (The Strait of Gibraltar)

El Estrecho (The Strait of Gibraltar) natural park covers the southern most tip of Spain
  • Region: Andalucia
  • Province: Cadiz
  • Declared a Natural Park: 2003
  • 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.

Naturatours
Natura Tours can organise guided tours for you in the estrecho natural park. More info here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/natura-tours-cadiz/

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.

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Montes de Málaga

Montes de Malaga Natural park in Andalucia
  • Region: Andalucia
  • Province: Malaga
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1989
  • Park surface area: 4,996 hectares
  • Towns in the Montes de Malaga Area: Casabermeja, Colmenar, Málaga

Points of interest

The Montes de Málaga natural park is just 5km from the city of Málaga. It consists of rolling hills and mountains with a high point of 1031m. The highest road pass is Puerto de León at 960m.

There are many streams that cut through the park and fall into the Guadalmedina river to the west. The slopes are planted with pines and offer beautiful views of the Mediterranean countryside and coast.

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