Spain boasts 16 national parks, each offering a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, wildlife conservation, and opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore its diverse ecosystems. It also has several UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO Global Geoparks Network

Understand

Spain is blessed with a diverse range of natural landscapes, each protected and celebrated within its network of exquisite national parks. From soaring mountains to serene coastlines, these parks offer a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Spain's national parks.

Whether you seek outdoor adventure, serene landscapes, or unique flora and fauna, Spain's national parks offer an array of experiences that capture the essence of this diverse and captivating country. Remember to respect the environment and adhere to park regulations to ensure these natural treasures endure for generations to come.

History

Spain boasts a rich history of national parks that stretches back to the early 20th century. The country's first national park, Picos de Europa, was designated in 1918, setting a precedent for the conservation of its stunning natural landscapes. However, it wasn't until 1954 that the National Parks Law was enacted, establishing a framework for the creation and protection of these pristine areas.

In the subsequent decades, Spain expanded its national park network to encompass diverse ecosystems. Ordesa y Monte Perdido, established in 1918, was later incorporated into the Ordesa-Viñamala Biosphere Reserve, showcasing the country's commitment to preserving both biodiversity and cultural heritage.

The Canary Islands, with their unique flora and volcanic landscapes, saw the creation of Garajonay National Park in 1981, emphasizing Spain's dedication to safeguarding its extraordinary natural treasures.

Today, these parks stand as testament to Spain's commitment to environmental preservation and the celebration of its natural beauty.

Mainland & Balearic islands

1 Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park In Lleida in the heart of the Pyrenees this Park is a tapestry of crystal-clear lakes, verdant valleys, and rocky summits. Embark on trails that lead to secluded lakeshores or challenge yourself with high-altitude routes.

2 Cabrera National Park Off the coast of Mallorca this Park boasts crystal-clear waters, underwater caves, and a rich maritime history. Explore the seabed through snorkeling or diving, and discover the remnants of a Napoleonic-era fortress.

3 Cabañeros National Park is a natural haven brimming with diverse ecosystems. Spanning lush woodlands, meadows, and rugged hills, the park offers a sanctuary for an array of wildlife, including Iberian lynxes and imperial eagles. Its intricate hiking trails beckon adventurers to explore the enchanting landscapes, from dense forests of cork oak to pristine river valleys. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of biodiversity and untamed beauty that defines it .

Estany de Sant Maurici

4 Doñana National and Natural Park Spanning marshes, dunes, and woodlands, Doñana National Park in Huelva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a critical stopover for migratory birds. Birdwatchers will be in their element here, spotting species like flamingos and Spanish imperial eagles. The park's pristine beaches and shifting landscapes create a haven for biodiversity.

5 Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park Located off the northwestern coast of Spain, in Galicia, the Park is a maritime haven of lush landscapes and diverse marine life and offers a tapestry of unspoiled beaches, rocky shores, and verdant woodlands. Explore trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, where you can spot seabird colonies and dolphins in the pristine waters. Camping, snorkeling, and kayaking opportunities abound, making this park a paradise for nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive coastal experience. Note that park access is regulated to preserve its delicate ecosystem.

6 Monfragüe National Park Nestled in Extremadura in the heart of Spain, this Park is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. This rugged landscape of cliffs, rivers, and Mediterranean forests is renowned for its impressive avian population, including majestic eagles and rare vultures. Embark on well-marked trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, offering breathtaking vistas of the park's diverse ecosystems. Keep an eye out for the iconic Monfragüe Castle, perched atop a hill and offering a glimpse into the region's history. With its remarkable biodiversity and stunning vistas, Monfragüe beckons those seeking an authentic Spanish wilderness experience.

Valle de Ordesa

7 Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park In the heart of the Pyrenees in Aragon, this Park is a natural masterpiece that enchants hikers and mountaineers alike. Towering peaks, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls create a dramatic backdrop for exploration. The park's crown jewel is Monte Perdido, one of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees. Traverse well-maintained trails that lead to viewpoints offering awe-inspiring panoramas. Discover the iconic Ordesa Valley with its sheer cliffs and emerald forests. From wildflower meadows to glacial lakes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquility amidst breathtaking alpine beauty.

8 Picos de Europa National Park - Nestled in Asturias, the Park showcases rugged peaks, deep gorges, and picturesque villages. Popular among hikers and mountaineers, this park boasts thrilling trails like the Ruta del Cares, which winds along a stunning gorge. Keep an eye out for rare wildlife, including the Iberian ibex.

9 Guadarrama National Park Near Madrid, its striking landscapes encompass rugged peaks, verdant valleys, and pristine rivers, forming a haven for various wildlife like the Spanish ibex. Hikers can trace ancient trails, while winter adventurers relish in snow-covered slopes.The park houses charming villages and historic sites, creating an enticing blend of natural splendor and cultural heritage in Guadarrama.

Las Tablas de Daimiel

10 Sierra de las Nieves National Park situated in southern Spain, is a captivating expanse renowned for its stunning mountain vistas and diverse ecology. Its rugged terrain features limestone peaks, deep gorges, and ancient forests home to the rare Spanish fir. The park's network of trails invites nature enthusiasts to discover its wealth of flora and fauna, including wildcats and golden eagles

11 Sierra Nevada National and Natural Park - Draped across southern Spain,the park is in Sierra Nevada mountain range, and is a paradise for snow enthusiasts and sun seekers alike. In winter, hit the slopes at Spain's southernmost ski resort. In summer, explore meadows adorned with wildflowers and conquer Mulhacén, the Iberian Peninsula's tallest peak

12 Tablas de Daimiel National Park A wetland oasis in Castile-La Mancha, Tablas de Daimiel National Park is a sanctuary for waterbirds and a testament to the importance of conservation efforts. Meander along elevated walkways to observe thriving ecosystems and delicate water lilies.

Canary Islands

13 Caldera de Taburiente National Park In La Palma island , unveils a mesmerizing volcanic crater sculpted by eons of natural forces. The park's vast basin is adorned with dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and crystalline streams, enthralling hikers and nature enthusiasts. Unique flora and fauna, such as the endangered Barbary partridge, thrive in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Traverse the intricate trails and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring geology and biodiversity

14 Garajonay National Park On the island of La Gomera this Park transports visitors to an otherworldly laurisilva forest. Misty and mystical, the park features ancient trees, mossy paths, and panoramic viewpoints that offer glimpses of neighboring islands.

15 Teide National Park Dominating the landscape of Tenerife, Mount Teide, is Spain's highest peak, and has a dramatic volcanic terrain that surrounds it. Take a cable car to the summit for breathtaking views of the Canary Islands archipelago.

Timanfaya landscape

16 Timanfaya National Park Found on Lanzarote,the park is a captivating testament to the raw power of volcanic activity. Its otherworldly terrain features dramatic lava fields, multi-hued craters, and geothermal wonders, creating an unparalleled landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet. Visitors can explore this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve by guided tours, showcasing the park's volcanic origins and the tenacity of life that thrives amidst the desolation.

UNESCO Biosphere Reseves in Spain

UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves are large landscapes with significant biodiversity and important ecological systems. Each reserve is a focus for environmental collaboration and sustainable development, and offer travellers an opportunity to appreciate and understand unique parts of the natural environment.

Official name	Location	Year of designation	Periodic review	Notes
1 Grazalema	Andalusia	1977	2004
2 Ordesa-Viñamala	Aragón	1977	2000, 2011	Extended in 2013
3 Montseny	Catalonia	1978	2000, 2011
4 Doñana	Andalusia	1980	2004
5 Mancha Húmeda	Castile-La Mancha	1980	2002
6 Las Sierras de Cazorla y Segura	Andalusia	1983	2004
7 Marismas del Odiel	Andalusia	1983	2004
8 La Palma	Canary Islands	1983		Extended and renamed 1997, 2002
9 Urdaibai	Basque Country	1984	2000, 2011
10 Sierra Nevada	Andalusia	1986	2000
11 Cuenca Alta del Río Manzanares	Community of Madrid	1992	2006
12 Lanzarote	Canary Islands	1993	2007
13 Menorca	Menorca	1993	2006	Change in zonation 2004
14 Sierra de las Nieves y su Entorno	Andalusia	1995	2007
15 Cabo de Gata-Nijar	Andalusia	1997	2011
16 Isla de El Hierro	Canary Islands	2000	2013
17 Bardenas Reales	Navarre	2000	2011
Muniellos	Asturias	2000		Extended in 2003
18 Somiedo	Asturias	2000	2011
Redes	Asturias	2001	2013
19 Las Dehesas de Sierra Morena	Andalusia	2002
20 Terras de Miño	Galicia	2002
21 Valle de Laciana	Castile and Leon	2003
22 Picos de Europa	Asturias	2003
23 Monfragüe	Extremadura	2003
24 Valles de Jubera, Leza, Cidacos y Alhama	La Rioja	2003
25 Babia	Castile and Leon	2004
26 Alto Bernesga	Castile and Leon	2005
27 Área de Allariz	Galicia	2005
28 Gran Canaria	Canary Islands	2005
29 Sierra del Rincón	Community of Madrid	2005
30 Los Valles de Omaña y Luna	Castile and Leon	2005
31 Los Argüellos	Castile and Leon	2005
32 Las Sierras de Béjar y Francia	Castile and Leon	2006
33 Os Ancares Lucenses y Montes de Cervantes, Navia y Becerra	Galicia	2006
34 Los Ancares Leoneses	Castile and Leon	2006
35 Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean	Andalusia	2006		Shared with Morocco
36 Rio Eo, Oscos y Terras de Buron	Galicia	2007
37 Fuerteventura	Canary Islands	2009
38 Geres/Xures	Galicia	2009		Shared with Portugal
39 La Gomera	Canary Islands	2012
40 Las Ubiñas-La Mesa	Asturias	2012
41 Mariñas Coruñesas e Terras do Mandeo	Galicia	2012
42 Real Sitio de San Ildefonso-El Espinar	Castile and Leon	2013
43 Terres de l’Ebre, Catalonia	Catalonia	2013
44 Meseta Ibérica Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Portugal/Spain)	Castile and Leon	2015		Shared with Portugal
45 Macizo de Anaga	Canary Islands	2015
46 Tejo/Tajo Internacional Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Portugal/Spain)	Extremadura	2016		Shared with Portugal
Ponga	Asturias	2018
Alto Turia	Valencian Community	2019
La Siberia	Extremadura	2019
47 Valle del Cabriel	Castile-La Mancha, Aragón, Valencian Community	2019
48 Ribeira Sacra e Serras do Oribio e Courel Biosphere Reserve	Galicia	2021

UNESCO Geoparks in Spain

UNESCO Global Geoparks Network are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.

Official name	Location	Area (km2)	Year	Notes
1 Cabo de Gata - Níjar UNESCO Global Geopark	Andalusia	500	2006
2 Sierras Subbéticas UNESCO Global Geopark	Andalusia	320	2006
3 Sobrarbe UNESCO Global Geopark	Aragon	2202	2006
4 Sierra Norte de Sevilla UNESCO Global Geopark	Andalusia	1774.84	2011
5 Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark	Basque Country	89	2010
6 Villuercas-Ibores-Jara UNESCO Global Geopark	Extremadura	2544.4	2011
7 Central Catalunya UNESCO Global Geopark	Catalonia	1300	2012	Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park |
8 Molina and Alto Tajo UNESCO Global Geopark	Castile-La Mancha	4520	2014
9 Las Loras UNESCO Global Geopark	Castile - León	950.76	2017
10 Conca de Tremp–Montsec UNESCO Global Geopark	Catalonia	2050	2018
11 Courel Mountain UNESCO Global Geopark	Galicia	577.85	2019
12 El Hierro UNESCO Global Geopark	Canary Islands	595	2014
13 Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands UNESCO Global Geopark	Canary Islands	2500	2015

Birdwatching

the best nationals parks for birdwatching are:

• Cabañeros National Park
• Monfragüe National Park
• Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park
• Doñana National and Natural Park
• Tablas de Daimiel national park

Go next

Visit Nature parks in Catalonia