- Above Image by Heparina1985 – Valley of Ordesa, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Spain
Walking and wildlife holidays in Aragón
- Capital: Zaragoza.
- Area: 47,719 km²
- Provinces: Huesca, Zaragoza, Teruel
Aragón is a region that boasts some of the most stunning natural parks in the world.
For starters, the Pyrenees mountain range in Huesca is home to the highest peak in the range, “Aneto,” which towers at an impressive height of 3,404 meters.
Skip straight to hotels and amazing places to stay in Aragón here. (booking.com.)
Additionally, Aragón is home to the oldest National Park in Spain, Ordesa, which was founded by Royal decree in 1918.
Listen to me (Clive) talking about Aragón
Discover the beauty of Aragón and its wildlife
As you explore these parks, you’ll have the opportunity to witness an incredible array of wildlife, including majestic Eagles, Lammergeyer, Brown bear, playful Otters, Wild boar, charming Alpine marmot, and nimble Chamois. If you’re a bird lover, you’ll be pleased to know that more than 170 species of birds also call Aragón home.
Whether you’re an avid nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Aragón’s natural parks are sure to leave you breathless.
The Aragón tourist board short film
Take a few minutes and absorb the stunning landscapes, gastronomy and clutural sites of Aragón.
Contrasting to these high peaks, snow, waterfalls, meadows and glacial valleys is the 14.4 km² saline lagoon at Gallocanta which is an important reserve and wintering ground to cranes plus more than 200 bird species throughout the year.
The Iberian highlands rewilding project
If this project is a success it will create an impressive backdrop and opportunity for sustainable wildlife tourism in Spain. Hides for bird photography in steppe environments, Iberian lynx, raptors and other birds of prey along with large mammals will certainly draw the attention of companies that offer this type of wildlife holiday. Hopefully (and perhaps most importantly) many local companies will also be able to take advantage of this extra protection given to this massive and impressive area in Eastern Iberia. Read more here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/the-iberian-highlands-rewilding-project/
Tours in Aragón from Get Your Guide
Aragón has a vast array of sites to visit and enjoy. Below are some of the options listed on the Get Your Guide website. (We recieve a small commission if you book a tour which doesn’t cost you more and helps us to keep Wildside Holidays up to date with the best information.)
The Bardenas tour looks fantastic!
Walking Northern Spain
Walking North Spain is a mountain travel company specialized in walking and hiking holidays that offers different kinds of trips (guided, self-guided and tailor-made), as well as leisure and free time activities that complement walking routes with cultural, gastronomic, wildlife and natural history interests.
The plain on which Gallocanta is situated is 1000m above sea level It is dissected by the Ebro river and contains many other lakes, both saline and fresh water. This plateau is surrounded by mountains. Those to the east (Moncayo), west (Montes Univerales) and south (Sierra de Javalambre) do not reach the incredible height of those in the Pyrenees but are never the less very rugged. In further contrast to the lush depression of the Ebro the foot hills in the southern area create a buffer zone to the clouds driven in from the Mediterranean. The result is semi arid steppe with dried out water ways.
All this only adds to the rich diversity to the flora and fauna of Aragon.
Aragón Active Holidays close to the Ordesa National Park
The province of Aragón – Natural Parks in Aragón
Covering an area of 47720 km2 (18420 sq mi), the region’s terrain ranges diversely from permanent glaciers to verdant valleys, rich pasture lands and orchards, through to the arid steppe plains of the central lowlands.
Aragon is home to many rivers, most notably, the river Ebro, Spain’s largest river in volume, which runs west to east across the entire region through the province of Zaragoza. It is also home to the highest mountains of the Pyrenees.
Just click the links below to read more about each natural, national park and other important protected areas of Aragon.
On each page you will find useful information to help you get the best out of a visit to the area including visitor centres area highlights and hotel booking.
Please use the links to book your hotels and other accomodation. The small commission we receive helps to keep Wildside Holidays – Spain updated and current. Thankyou!
Aragón has 3 natural Parks and one National Park
- Ordesa y Monte Perdido (National Park)
- Posets Maladeta Natural park
- Sierra y Cañones Natural park
- Moncayo Natural park
A proposal has been made to create the Estepa de los Monegros National Park.
Listen to the podcast about Aragón
Join Mike and Sarah on Discovering Spain: Wildlife, Culture and Travel Insights as they dive into Aragón’s stunning natural parks. From the Pyrenees’ Aneto peak to the bird-filled Gallocanta Lagoon and the semi-arid steppe of Los Monegros, this episode highlights key insights from Clive Muir’s article on Wildside Holidays.
Other important protected areas in Aragón
- The Laguna de Gallocanta (Famous for migrating common cranes).
- Sitio Nacional de San Juan de la Peña. (Protected landscape of San Juan de la Peña and Monte Oroel. The Royal Monastery of San Juan de la Peña was the most important monastery in Aragón in the high Middle Ages. It is an important part of the Aragonese way of the Camino de Santiago. See bearded vultures here! :))
- Selva de Oza, Valle de Hecho. The Selva de Oza (Selba d’Oza in Aragonese) is a protected natural space located in the Hecho Valley (Huesca province), in the western part of the Aragonese Pyrenees
- Valles de Zuriza y Anso. Zuriza’s forest (Selva de Zuriza) spreads deep in the valley, with its large woods of fir and beech trees and its high pasture fields showing a splendid ecological richness. This area is close to the Selva de Oza and Valle de Hecho. Anso is a particularily beautiful village and well worth the visit.
- Valle de Tena. A must visit for this area is the Lacuniacha Wildlife Park of the Pyrenees. here you can see Cervidae (deer, reindeer, roe deer and fallow deer), goats (chamois or chamois and ibex ), European bison, wild boar, mouflon, lynx, bear, Przewalski’s horse and European wolf, and other native animals.
- Refugio de Fauna Silvestre de la Laguna de Sariñena. (This is the second most important wetland in Aragón after the Gallocanta)
- Los Monegros. The Sierra de Alcubierre mountain chain crosses the comarca from Northwest to Southeast. Its maximum elevation is 822 meters, at the mountain called Oscuro. The climate is semiarid with scarce rainfall and high temperatures in the autumn. The area has numerous saltwater and freshwater lakes, including the Lake of Sariñena and the Lake of la Playa. The area’s cultural heritage includes several historical monasteries, including the Monasterio de Santa María de Sigena and the Charterhouse of Las Fuentes. (Last two links lead to Wikipedia)
- Reserva Natural de los Galachos de la Alfranca de Pastriz, La Cartuja y El Burgo de Ebro. A bit of a mouthful even by Spanish standards but the Reserva Natural de los Galachos de la Alfranca de Pastriz, La Cartuja y El Burgo de Ebro is well worth a visit if you are in the area. The nature reserve is located in the middle of the Ebro valley in the province of Zaragoza.
- Refugio de Fauna Silvestre de la Lomaza de Belchite. The Lomaza de Belchite Wildlife Refuge is recognised as a Zona de Especial Protección para las Aves (ZEPA) and is an important nesting area for steppe birds. The main species found here are Stone curlew, Dupont’s lark, Pipit and Calandra lark
- Paisaje Protegido de los Pinares de Rodeno. The centre of the park is the town of Albarracín and the surroundings of this medieval villa stand out as a remarkable geological, paleontological and archaeological heritage. Albarracín, surrounded by a vast pine forest holds one of the biggest amounts of post-Palaeolithic prehistoric art in South West Europe. There are over 20 sites to visit in the area visiting sites containing painting representations in Albarracín, Bezas and Tormón. There are also two large areas with engravings in Pozondón and Ródenas.
- Rio Vero Cultural Park Discover the villages and stunning scenery of Aragón. This is perfect territory for a road trip staying one or two nights in selected villages and towns of the Aragonese Pyrenese.
FAQ – Exploring Natural Parks and Protected Areas in Aragón, Spain
Aragón is a top-tier destination for nature tourism in Spain due to its extraordinary geographical and ecological diversity. It’s home to Aneto (3,404m), the highest peak in the Pyrenees, and to Spain’s oldest National Park, Ordesa y Monte Perdido, established in 1918. The region features everything from alpine glaciers and lush valleys to semi-arid steppe plains and saline lagoons like Gallocanta. This wide range of ecosystems supports rich biodiversity and offers some of Spain’s most breathtaking landscapes for hikers, photographers, and wildlife lovers.
Wildlife enthusiasts can expect an incredible array of species. Aragón hosts over 170 bird species, making it ideal for birdwatchers. Raptors such as golden eagles and lammergeiers (bearded vultures) soar across the skies, while mammals like brown bears, wild boars, otters, chamois, and Alpine marmots roam the mountains and forests. Laguna de Gallocanta serves as a critical wintering ground for thousands of common cranes and attracts more than 200 bird species throughout the year. Meanwhile, steppe zones like Lomaza de Belchite provide nesting habitats for rarities such as the stone curlew, Dupont’s lark, and calandra lark.
Beyond its four major parks—Ordesa National Park and the Natural Parks of Posets-Maladeta, Sierra y Cañones de Guara, and Moncayo—Aragón boasts a vast network of additional protected sites:
Laguna de Gallocanta – A key stopover for migrating cranes.
Selva de Oza – A pristine forest area in the Hecho Valley.
Valles de Zuriza y Ansó – Noted for ecological richness and hiking trails.
Valle de Tena – Home to Lacuniacha Wildlife Park and alpine scenery.
Laguna de Sariñena – Aragón’s second most important wetland.
Los Monegros – A unique semi-arid steppe with endangered bird habitats.
Galachos de la Alfranca – A riverine ecosystem near Zaragoza.
Pinares de Rodeno – A protected landscape known for prehistoric cave art.
Rio Vero Cultural Park – Blending natural beauty with archaeological heritage.
Together, these areas form a biodiversity-rich mosaic crucial for conservation, ecotourism, and cultural heritage.
Aragón’s dramatic topographical contrast—from glaciated Pyrenean peaks to arid lowlands—creates distinct microclimates and varied habitats. The Ebro River, Spain’s largest by volume, supports riverine and wetland species, while semi-desert zones in the south act as a rain shadow, producing dry, open plains ideal for steppe species. The variety of elevation, soil types, and water sources makes Aragón a hotspot for endemic plants and diverse fauna, particularly in transitional zones between mountain and Mediterranean ecosystems.
The Iberian Highlands Rewilding Project aims to restore and enhance natural habitats across eastern Iberia, including parts of Aragón. The initiative supports the return of iconic species like the Iberian lynx, raptors, and wild herbivores, and promotes habitat restoration through sustainable land use. For tourism, this project could:
Create dedicated wildlife hides for birdwatching and photography
Boost Aragón’s appeal to international nature tour companies
Offer new ecotourism opportunities for local businesses
Enhance sustainable travel options across lesser-known landscapes
If successful, Aragón could emerge as a flagship rewilding region in Spain.
Aragón caters to both active explorers and relaxed nature travelers. Experiences include:
Guided or self-guided walking holidays in the Pyrenees or steppe areas
Wildlife watching tours focusing on birds, butterflies, or large mammals
Cultural hikes connecting remote villages and heritage sites
Gastronomic routes through wine-producing and artisanal food regions
Small group nature trips with qualified local guides
Companies like Walking Northern Spain and Aragón Active Holidays specialize in these niche experiences, offering deep insights into Aragón’s landscapes and heritage.
Wildside Holidays is your go-to resource for planning nature tourism in Aragón. The website features:
In-depth guides to each natural park and reserve
Practical info on visitor centers, access points, and trails
Wildlife guides, walking holiday options, and local expert contacts
Accommodation booking links that help support the site
Regional overviews to combine Aragón with other Spanish ecotourism regions
Whether you’re interested in wildlife, botany, hiking, or cultural heritage, Wildside Holidays simplifies your trip planning with curated, trustworthy information.
Several of Aragón’s natural spaces hold deep cultural and historical importance. Notable examples include:
San Juan de la Peña – A royal monastery linked to Aragón’s medieval heritage and the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Pinares de Rodeno – Home to over 20 post-Palaeolithic prehistoric art sites, some of the largest in southern Europe.
Rio Vero Cultural Park – Combines archaeological treasures, ancient cave art, and scenic landscapes in one of Spain’s most culturally rich valleys.
These sites offer visitors a layered travel experience, blending natural beauty with centuries of history.
About the author of this article.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain.
Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions for more protected areas in Aragón. Spain.
Any and all feedback is most welcome! Just leave a comment below! 🙂