Spain is the most popular holiday destination among British holidaymakers. The country is synonymous with warm weather and gorgeous beach resorts, as well as a series of distinctive city breaks. Spain holidays can, in many cases, offer something a little bit different.
But if you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, there are also a number of wonderful national parks to consider. So, which are the best of them?
Teide National Park, Tenerife
The highest peak in Spain is to be found, not on the mainland, but in the Canary Islands. Teide, and the park that surrounds it, is home to an astonishing variety of species, and countless natural wonders. You’ll be able to hike over lava-formed fields, or ride a cable car all the way to the top. Of course, if you’re staying in the area, there are plenty of other natural wonders to consider, including Timanfaya, in Lanzarote; Garajonay, in La Gomera; and the sea itself.
Picos de Europa National Park
Being the only inhabited park in the country, Picos de Europa offers something a little bit different. What characterises the area are the mountains. You’ll find deep gorges and soaring peaks, sprinkled here and there by remote villages. For experienced hikers, there are plenty of challenges awaiting here. At the same time, there are also leisurely, scenic walks to enjoy.
Doñana National Park
For those in search of rare wildlife, it’s difficult to look beyond Doñana. This park, just to the southwest of Seville, is home to a number of amazing rare bird species. But if you’re looking for the most impressive and elusive of all species, then the amazing Iberian lynx might be what you should keep an eye out for.
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park
Not far from the border with France, in the heart of the Pyrenees, you’ll find the dizzying clifftops and waterfalls of this wonderful park. This is another location that’s sure to appeal to hikers. There are countless amazing viewpoints that can only be accessed on foot. At the same time, there are a number of wonderful cycling routes, too.
Sierra Nevada National Park
This national park is perhaps best known for snow-capped mountains. But during summer, it’s a reliable draw for hikers. Not to be confused with the area of California that shares its name, this mountain range is among the most impressive in the country. It’s here that you’ll find the mainland’s highest peak, in the form of Mulhacén. Being less than an hour’s drive from Granada, it’s also a highly accessible part of the country for those who’d like to combine skiing and beaches on the same holiday.
Image: Unsplash, Pedro Sanz
