Tag Archives: featured

The Best Paradors in Natural Parks of Spain

The Best Paradors in Natural Parks of Spain are a collection of state-run hotels that offer a unique and unforgettable experience to their guests. They were founded in 1928 by King Alphonso XIII, who wanted to promote tourism and preserve the country’s cultural heritage. The paradors are located in historic buildings that reflect the rich and diverse history of Spain, such as medieval castles, Moorish fortresses, ancient monasteries, palaces and stately homes. Each parador has its own charm and personality, as well as modern amenities and services.

Listen to the podcast about the Best Paradors in Natural Parks of Spain

Many paradors are set in the heart of town and city centres, where they blend in with the local architecture and culture. Others are situated within large estates and stunning natural parks, where they offer spectacular views and access to nature. There are now over 90 paradors in Spain, covering different regions and landscapes. They all have a commitment to environmental protection and cultural restoration projects, which makes them an ideal addition to the Wildside Holidays project. By staying in a parador, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: comfort and luxury in a historic setting, as well as adventure and exploration in a natural setting.

Continue reading The Best Paradors in Natural Parks of Spain

Discover Authentic Spain with G Adventures: Immersive Small Group Tours

Looking to explore Spain beyond the typical tourist routes? G Adventures offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, local experiences, and guided exploration for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Spain. With small-group tours spanning Madrid, Barcelona, and Andalusia, each itinerary brings you closer to Spain’s vibrant heritage, from traditional flamenco nights to local culinary workshops.

A Few Tour Highlights in Spain

Just click the links to find out more on the G Adventures website.

Best of Northern Spain: Vibrant Barcelona, unhurried San Sebastián, Bilbao’s fabulous architecture, Logroño’s famous cuisine, cosmopolitan Madrid, and the mighty Pyrenees. Find out more here.

Vibrant Cities & Countryside Walks: Throw yourself in the vibrant culture of southern Spain’s historic cities, delectable cuisine, and picturesque landscapes on this active eight-day adventure. Find out more here.

Barcelona’s Architectural Wonders: Explore Gaudí’s masterpieces like Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Find out more here.

Flamenco and Tapas in Andalusia: Delve into Andalusian traditions with vibrant flamenco performances and a taste of regional tapas. Find out more here.

Why Choose G Adventures for Your Spain Tour?
Discover Authentic Spain with G Adventures: Immersive Small Group Tours
Discover Authentic Spain with G Adventures: Immersive Small Group Tours. There are quite a few trips across Spain to choose from. Have a look on the G Adventures website.
  • Local Expertise: Each tour is led by local guides who bring the destinations to life with insider knowledge and cultural insights. Whether you’re delving into Catalonia’s distinct architecture or Andalusia’s scenic landscapes, these experts ensure a meaningful and informed experience.
  • Small-Group Focus: With a maximum of 12 travelers, G Adventures’ tours emphasize quality interactions, allowing for spontaneous exploration and deeper cultural connections. This format also means less impact on the environment and greater engagement with local communities.
  • Sustainable Tourism: Aligning with G Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism, tours in Spain incorporate eco-conscious travel choices, helping support local economies and reduce ecological footprints. Endorsed by initiatives like the Jane Goodall Collection, each trip strives to preserve the natural and cultural beauty of Spain for future generations.

Discover Authentic Spain with G Adventures: Immersive Small Group Tours. With G Adventures, your journey through Spain goes beyond sightseeing. It’s an opportunity to live the culture, meet locals, and travel responsibly. Ready to experience Spain in a whole new way? Discover more on G Adventures.

Find out everything you need to know about prices and availability over at the G Adventures website.

Ronda Today

Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/

Visit Cádiz

Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/

The Caminito del Rey

Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/

Wildside Holidays – Spain

Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.

Iberia Nature Forum

Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/

Walking and Wildlife Holidays in Spain: A Unique and Unforgettable Experience

Spain is a country rich in natural beauty, culture, and wildlife. Whether you’re an avid hiker, wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and rewarding holiday experience, a walking and wildlife holiday in Spain is sure to meet your expectations.

At Wildside Holidays, we’re passionate about promoting sustainable rural and wildlife tourism in Spain, and we’ve put together this website to help you plan and prepare for your walking and wildlife holiday. From the iconic species and stunning landscapes to the cultural experiences and top walking routes, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the most of your holiday in Spain.

Continue reading Walking and Wildlife Holidays in Spain: A Unique and Unforgettable Experience

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 birds and wildlife in Spain?

Spain hosts huge forests and rocky mountain peaks where large birds of prey soar freely. There are wetlands where waterfowl find their home. Hundreds of nature parks and nature reserves teeming with birds and other wildlife.

If you need a bucket list for Spain then here is my top 10 for bird and wildlife watching in Spain. I have visited them all and would gladly return many times to all of them!

Just click the name of the park to find out much more information.

Read more about birdwatching holidays in Spain here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/birds-and-birdwatching-in-spain/

Cabañeros National Park, Ciudad Real (Castilla la Mancha)

The Cabañeros National Park (in Spanish: Parque Nacional de Cabañeros) is a NATIONAL park and is located within the two provinces of Ciudad Real andToledo
The Cabañeros National Park (in Spanish: Parque Nacional de Cabañeros) is a NATIONAL park and is located within the two provinces of Ciudad Real andToledo

Cabañeros is considered a Special Protection Area for Birds and is protected within the framework of the Natura 2000 Network. Famous for black vulture, griffon vulture, Iberian imperial eagle, Bonnelli’s eagle and black stork. With summer residents this park teems with birdlife.


Monfragüe National Park, Cáceres (Extremadura)

The area of Monfragüe National Park is noted for its importance as a breeding area for a selection of rare and protected birds,
The area of Monfragüe National Park is noted for its importance as a breeding area for a selection of rare and protected birds,

Monfragüe is, without a doubt, one of the best places in Spain for bird watching and especially for birds of prey. Every year this area also hosts the International Ornithological Tourism Fair, which attracts bird lovers from all over the world. Top of the list here is black stork, griffon vulture, imperial eagle, eagle owl, Egyptian vulture and short-toed eagle.


Atlantic Islands National Park (Galicia)

The Islas Atlánticas National Park are known in English as the Galician Atlantic Islands Maritime-Terrestrial National Park.
The Islas Atlánticas National Park are known in English as the Galician Atlantic Islands Maritime-Terrestrial National Park.

A Special Protection Area for birds. And, although there are many species, this national park can boast of being home to the largest colonies of shag and yellow-legged gull in the entire country. The park has strategically located hides.


Doñana National Park, Huelva and Seville (Andalucia)

The Doñana National and Natural Parks occupy the northern area of the Guadalquivir river where it meets the Atlantic Ocean
The Doñana National and Natural Parks occupy the northern area of the Guadalquivir river where it meets the Atlantic Ocean

The Doñana National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are more than 300 species listed. Some are sedentary and others migratory so the time of year greatly influences what species you will see. In spring there are organized visits and every year the International Bird Fair of Doñana is held. The ecosystems are varied between dunes and marshes and it is home to black storks, flamingos, purple herons, coots, bee-eaters and a seemingly endless number of different birds.


The Gallocanta Lagoon, Zaragoza and Teruel (Aragon)

Gallocanta laguna in Aragon, Spain
De Secretaria – http://www.xiloca.com/xilocapedia/index.php/Imagen:Atardecer_6_Gallocanta.jpg, CC BY 3.0 es, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19561884

The Gallocanta Lagoon is around 1,000 meters above sea level and is one of the most important saline lakes in Western Europe. This lake is on the migratory route for the common crane. October / November and February / March are the best times to visit this area. Guided tours of the nature reserve are also organized from the Gallocanta Lagoon Interpretation Center.


Hoces del Duratón Natural Park, Segovia (Castille y Leon)

Hoces del Rio Duratón Natural Park Parque Natural de las Hoces del Río Duratón is a natural park close to the town of Sepúlveda in the province of Segovia
Hoces del Rio Duratón Natural Park Parque Natural de las Hoces del Río Duratón is a natural park close to the town of Sepúlveda in the province of Segovia

The gorges of the Duratón river are home to one of the largest population of griffon vultures in Europe. Canoe trips here are a great way to get a bit closer to the wildlife of the area.


Ebro Delta Natural Park, Tarragona (Catalonia)

The Parque natural del Delta del Ebro holds a great importance internationally as more than 300 species of birds
The Parque natural del Delta del Ebro holds a great importance internationally as more than 300 species of birds

An absolute biological jewel and the most important wetland in Catalonia. Famous for its large and permanent colony of flamingos plus an excellent number of aquatic birds totaling more than 325 species


Marismas de Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Natural Park (Cantabria)

Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel Natural Park
Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel Natural Park

This Cantabrian natural park is considered one of the places with a huge biological diversity containing around 120 different species including grebes, cormorants, herons, loons, terns, ospreys, coots and white storks.


Lagunas de Villafáfila Nature Reserve, Zamora (Castille y Leon)

Reserva Natural de Lagunas de Villafáfila
Reserva Natural de Lagunas de Villafáfila

The best time to visit the Villafáfila Lagoons is in winter or spring. This is an area of ​​special protection for birds that make their home in the wetlands amongst the arable farmland. There are several viewpoints and hides. Grebe, white stork an cranes can be seen but the area is famous for the geese that use the area as a rest stop during their winter migration.


L’Albufera Natural Park (Valencia)

Albufera natural park - Valencia
Albufera natural park – Valencia

L’Albufera holds a great variety of aquatic birds. Its shores are protected for nesting and shelter for birds and the best months to find them are May, June, July, November, December and January. Look out for European rail, Purple galinule, common tern and black-footed tern.

So, there you have my ten of the best natural parks to observe birds and wildlife in Spain


Ronda Today

Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/

Visit Cádiz

Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/

The Caminito del Rey

Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/

Wildside Holidays – Spain

Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.

Iberia Nature Forum

Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/