Wildlife Holidays

Wildlife holidays in Spain offer the chance to explore one of Europe’s most biodiverse countries. With landscapes ranging from wetlands and forests to deserts and mountains, Spain provides habitats for rare and iconic species. Travelers may spot the Iberian lynx in Andalucía, the brown bear in the Cantabrian Mountains, or the Spanish imperial eagle soaring overhead.

Over 10% of Spain’s land is protected, with national parks such as Doñana, Sierra Nevada, and Ordesa y Monte Perdido safeguarding spectacular scenery and wildlife. These destinations combine nature with culture, allowing visitors to enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and guided tours while experiencing Spain’s rich heritage.

Sierra de Andujar

July 15, 2025 by clive

Region: Andalucia
Province: Jaén
Declared a Natural Park: 1989
Park surface area: 73.976 hectares

Points of interest

The Sierra de Andujar natural park is located in the central part of the Sierra Morena and is a semi-mountainous area with peaks ranging between 500 to 1290m, the highest peak being Burcio del Pino.

clive

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.

Sierra Norte de Sevilla

July 12, 2025 by clive

Sierra norte de Seville - Cerro del Hierro - Autor - Arturo Menor

Region: Andalucia
Province: Sevilla
Declared a Natural Park: 1989
Park surface area: 177,484 hectares
Declared a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2011
Towns and villages: Alanís, Almadén de la Plata, Cazalla de la Sierra, Constantina, Guadalcanal, El Real de la Jara, El Pedroso, La Puebla de los Infantes, Las Navas de la Concepción, San Nicolás del Puerto

Points of interest

A semi-mountainous area, set between two other natural parks, which together form an extended protected range. To the east is Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche in Huelva province. To the west is Sierra de Hornachuelos in Cordoba province.

clive

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

20 Essential Questions to Plan the Perfect Wildlife and Walking Holiday in Spain

January 4, 2025 by clive

Guided wildlife tours in the The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Wildlife, natural parks and culture in Spain

Embarking on a wildlife and walking holiday in Spain offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. To help you plan your adventure, here are 20 essential questions to plan the perfect wildlife and walking holiday in Spain.

clive

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

El Hierro: The Untamed Canary Island

October 8, 2024 by clive

While mass tourism transforms the nearby islands, El Hierro—the most westerly and wildest of the Canary Islands—has quietly embraced a different path. This remote island has carved a reputation for its commitment to sustainable tourism, its rugged landscapes, and its distinct charm.

A Geological and Ecological Wonder

El Hierro, a heart-shaped formation off the west coast of Africa, is the youngest and second smallest of the Canary Islands. It emerged from the Atlantic Ocean around 1.2 million years ago, the result of undersea volcanic eruptions. This violent geological history has created a strikingly varied landscape, from fertile valleys and evergreen forests to sky-high cliffs and lunar-like volcanic cones.

Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2000 and a Geopark in 2014, El Hierro is home to more than 100 endemic species of flora and fauna, including the critically endangered El Hierro giant lizard. Photo El Hierro tourist board.

clive

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

Points of interest

Points of interest

A Geological and Ecological Wonder

The Caminito del Rey