Other protected areas

Other protected areas in Spain include regions designated for conservation outside the formal national or natural parks. These areas preserve unique ecosystems, habitats, and species, often focusing on regional biodiversity, geological formations, or cultural landscapes. Visiting these areas allows travelers to explore less-known but ecologically significant sites, participate in conservation activities, and enjoy nature responsibly while supporting local environmental initiatives.

The Tabernas Desert

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The Tabernas Desert

The Tabernas Desert is located in the province of Almería, in the southeast of Andalucia. It is a semi-arid desert that covers an area of approximately 280 square kilometers (110 square miles). The landscape of the Tabernas Desert is characterized by its rugged terrain, barren hills, and dry riverbeds.

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El Chorro Gorge and the Caminito del Rey

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Although, strictly speaking, the Natural Reserve only included the Gaitanejo River Dam, we would be unable to understand the dynamics and complexity of the open area without the river dams that surround it which are the Conde de Guadalhorce, Guadalteba, Guadalhorce y Tajo de La Encantada), that make up, as a whole, one of the most important hydraulic complexes in Andalucia.

El Chorro Gorge and the Caminito del Rey, an impressive gorge formed by river erosion through the limestone mountain. In Spanish it is called El Desfiladero de los Gaitanes and is a well known natural attraction as the towering cliffs are around 200m high while only 10m wide at some points. The river below has been dammed, the Embalse Gaitanejo is one of the smaller reservoirs of five in this area. Alongside this reservoir sits the small village of El Chorro, built in the shadow of the mountain around the railway station.

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Ten of the best natural parks to observe birds and wildlife in Spain

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Ten of the best natural parks to observe birds and wildlife in Spain

Spain has to rate as one of the best countries in in Europe for bird and wildlife watching. A destination with over 15 million hectares of protected areas and natural parks plus Spain is a strategic location on the avian migratory routes between Europe to Africa. So Ten of the best natural parks to observe … Read more

Ciudad Encantada in Cuenca

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La Ciudad Encantada in Cuenca
  • Region: Castilla la Mancha
  • Province: Cuenca
  • Declared a Natural Site of National Interest on June 11, 1929
  • Privately run

I first stumbled across the Ciudad Encantada in Cuenca whilst on a long road trip over 20 years ago and, I remember then being totally awed by the amazing formations on this 3 km stroll through pine forest and rock. Finally, many years later in July 2022, I had the opportunity to visit again with my family. What a treat, this place is as fantastic as I remembered!

Los barcos at the Ciudad Encantada
the scale of these formations can be seen when a person is also in the picture! In this case, my kids by “Los barcos” (The boats)

90 million years ago, this area was part of the shallow, and most importantly, calm seabed of Thetis which led to the deposition of minerals and salts creating limestone and dolomite.

Cuenca: Enchanted City, Devil’s Window and Medieval Quarter

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