In Spain, we enjoy a spectacular network of natural parks where we try to preserve nature as much as possible. Most of these parks offer tours or organise activities, and this time of year is ideal to get to know them. We have selected five nature parks that are not too crowded so that you can plan a getaway with your family and friends and experience being surrounded by nature.
Remember to visit without leaving a trace. Please take everything with you when you leave to minimise your impact on the environment.
Naturally, we've also recommended rural houses close to the parks, so you can feel at one with nature.
Pagoeta Natural Park
This natural park in the Basque Country owes its name to the 678-metre-high Mount Pagoeta, which in Spanish means "place where beech trees abound". Nestled between Guipuzcoa's coast and inland valleys, it exudes the perfect balance between nature and humankind. If you are in the area, it is ideal for a day trip, especially for children, with wooden picnic tables, a playground and a botanical garden. Children will learn a lot about the way water is used, and they will love the Agorregi mill. They will also get to know many rare indigenous species, such as the peregrine falcon, the Egyptian vulture and the grey dormouse, and if it is your first time in the park, the best thing to do is to go to the visitor centre to find out what you can do. Then, depending on your preferences, you can choose from a wide range of hiking trails, museums, heritage sites, etc.
Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park
The Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park is the second largest in Andalusia, after the Sierra de Cazorla, and occupies the western part of the Sierra Morena. It has a mild climate with high rainfall, resulting in many tree varieties: holm oaks, cork oaks, chestnut trees, black poplars, ash trees, willows, etc. If you enjoy foodie-centric getaways, the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park is for you. The vast dehesas that predominate in the area have promoted Iberian pig farming, making it one of the best places in Spain to enjoy Iberian ham. Moreover, you can also enjoy game, charcuterie, chestnuts and many wild mushroom varieties.
Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Natural Park
The beauty of Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Natural Park stems from water's influence on its landscapes, shaping rocks and canyons. This natural park has two climates – the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, offering strikingly different vegetation in the north and south of the region. Moreover, given its strategic location between the Ebro steppes and the Pyrenees, numerous vegetation species are unique to this area, and the singular orography has preserved the most ancient examples of art found in the region of Aragon. Cave paintings, churches, bridges, castles and medieval villages are examples of its historical wealth. If adventure getaways are your thing, take note because in the Sierra and Canyons of Guara, you can enjoy many activities: climbing peaks, hiking, water trekking, canyoning, wild swimming... the list is endless!
Arribes del Duero Natural Park
The Duero River has formed the natural border between Spain and Portugal, and the Arribes del Duero Natural Park is located between Salamanca and Zamora, sculpting one of the deepest and most extensive canyons in the Iberian Peninsula, creating a spectacular landscape. Explore some of the main viewpoints and take photos, or take a boat trip to get another perspective of the impressive canyons. You can check the timetables and book your river cruise online, and be sure not to miss the Pozo de los Humos waterfall!
Sierra Calderona Natural Park
Being only 20 km away, the Sierra Calderona Natural Park is considered the lungs of Valencia city. In fact, it is very well connected to the city by the CV-35 motorway and the A-23 road. Of all the parks we have listed, this one has the greatest human influence, so the natural vegetation has been combined with crop fields, pastureland and mining. You will also see that it is a beautiful landscape with its reliefs, ravines and valleys.
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