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

November 9, 2025 by clive

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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Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain

I’ve been living in western Andalucía for more than 20 years and spend much of my time researching and running English-language travel websites about Spain. My work covers destinations including Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema and the Caminito del Rey, as well as Wildside Holidays, which focuses on walking, wildlife and nature travel in Spain.

Through Wildside Holidays, I share practical information about Spain’s natural parks, mountains, wildlife and walking destinations, drawing on many years of living and travelling in the country. The aim is to help visitors discover Spain’s natural landscapes responsibly and plan rewarding walking and wildlife experiences.

El Chorro Gorge and the Caminito del Rey

November 9, 2025 by clive

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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Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain

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

July 10, 2024 by clive

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

The Ciudad Encantada in Cuenca

November 14, 2026October 17, 2023 by clive

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

I first came across the Ciudad Encantada in Cuenca more than 20 years ago, while travelling through the area on a long road trip. I remember being completely awed by the extraordinary rock formations along the 3 km trail through the pine forest.

It took many years before I had the opportunity to return, but in July 2022 I finally visited again with my family. What a treat! The place was just as fantastic as I remembered, and it was wonderful to be able to share it with the children.

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)

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Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain

The Caminito del Rey