Wild Spain: An Overview of Its Parks and Wildlife

From the snow-capped Pyrenees and the rugged Picos de Europa in the north, to the storm-swept Islas Atlánticas in the west; from the Doñana wetlands to Europe’s only desert in Almería; from the forest-clad peaks of Sierra de las Nieves and Sierra Nevada, to the sun-kissed volcanic summits of the Canary Islands; Spain boasts an impressive array of natural landscapes that reflect its rich diversity and beauty.

Approximately one-third of Spain is designated as protected land, with its national parks highlighting the country's natural treasures and conservation success. Spain's rugged terrain serves as a playground for hikers, climbers, horseback riders, and outdoor enthusiasts, showcasing a rich variety of wildlife, including lynx, wolves, and brown bears, alongside Europe’s most abundant and diverse bird species.

National Parks of Spain

Covering parts of southeast Asturias, southwest Cantabria, and northern Castilla y León, the 1918-established Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa – Spain’s inaugural national park – features some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Spain (and Europe). Towering at 8,000 feet, the peaks of Macizo El Cornión, Macizo Ándara, and Macizo Central dominate the landscape, with dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking sparkling lakes and lush meadows, while steep rock faces plunge into deep river gorges. The park’s natural wonders are accessible through a vast network of marked hiking trails; August sees the highest number of visitors, while winter offers a more tranquil experience of the park.

Facing the crashing Atlantic waves, Atlantic Islands National Park consists of four small archipelagos along Galicia’s windswept coast: Illas Cíes, Ons, Sálvora, and Cortegada. The highlight is the trio of Illas Cíes, with two islands forming a natural barrier that shields one of Spain’s most beautiful white-sand beaches from the Atlantic's relentless surf. Once there, well-marked paths lead to the scenic lighthouse and stunning viewpoints, perfect for day hikes. To the north, the more tranquil Illa de Ons offers sandy coves and a network of gentle trails. Between May 15 and September 15, visitor numbers are capped, so securing permits and ferry tickets online well in advance is crucial, especially for July and August.

With its dramatic canyons, alpine lakes, dense forests, waterfalls, and limestone ridges, Ordesa y Monte Perdido in Aragon stands as Spain’s joint-oldest national park. Its stunning scenery rivals that of the Picos de Europa, yet it attracts only a fraction of the visitors.

Further east, Catalonia boasts the rugged 55-square-mile Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, a paradise of alpine landscapes featuring mountain meadows, forests, granite peaks, and over 200 lakes shaped by glaciers over the last two million years.

Just north of Madrid, the 130-square-mile Sierra de Guadarrama National Park is Spain's sole wilderness area with high Mediterranean mountains and forests that provide habitat for the Iberian ibex, roe deer, and golden eagles. In addition to hiking, the region features small ski resorts and the impressive 15th-century Castillo de los Mendoza in the main town of Manzanare El Real.

To the west, Extremadura boasts the dramatic 70-square-mile Monfragüe National Park, which stretches across the Tajo River valley and is teeming with birdlife, including 175 species like black vultures, the Spanish imperial eagle, and black storks. While hiking from the charming village of Villareal de San Carlos, you might spot deer, badgers, wild boar, and otters.

Just south of Madrid in Castilla-La Mancha, the expansive grasslands, mountains, and holm-oak and cork-oak forests of the 390-square-kilometer Cabañeros National Park, known as 'Spain's Serengeti', are home to roe deer, wildcats, and various raptors. In the same region, the tiny 8-square-mile Tablas de Damiel protects one of Spain’s last remaining floodplains, a crucial habitat for both endemic and migratory bird species, where you can see ducks, geese, kingfishers, flamingos, and herons from boardwalks and observation hides.

In Andalucía, the extensive coastal wetlands of the 230-square-mile World Heritage-listed Doñana National Park provide refuge for the elusive lynx and a wealth of birdlife. The mountains of the 140-square-mile Sierra de las Nieves National Park are home to Spain’s only remaining pinsapo (ancient fir tree) forest, while the towering peaks of the magnificent 330-square-mile Sierra Nevada National Park are a major draw for hikers.

Over 40 percent of the Canary Islands is designated as protected natural areas, featuring four national parks—the highest number in any Spanish region—showcasing a mix of extraordinary and diverse landscapes. Stroll through the hauntingly beautiful laurel forests of La Gomera’s Garajonay National Park, or marvel at the surreal and rugged terrain of Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park, a stunning natural palette of shimmering grays, earthy reds, and vibrant pine greens against the vivid blue sky.

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts

Home to the towering 11,500-foot Mulhacén, the highest mountain in mainland Spain, Andalucía's Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada offers breathtaking hiking options. From extensive long-distance trails to challenging climbs of peaks like Mulhacén and Alcazaba, as well as more moderate walks through the charming Alpujarras valleys, there's something for everyone. Adventure companies provide thrilling via ferrata and canyoning experiences, along with horseback riding on ancient muleteer paths. Sierra Nevada is also home to Europe's highest ski resort, offering excellent skiing conditions from late November to April.

Located in the Pyrenees near the French border, Parque Nacional Ordesa presents a challenge for serious trekkers aiming to conquer the impressive 11,000-foot Monte Perdido, which overlooks stunning glacial valleys. Popular hikes from Pradera de Ordesa include a day trek to the spectacular Circo de Cotatuero waterfall, while the town of Torla serves as a hub for exciting white-water rafting activities.

Compact yet stunning, Parque Nacional Sierra de las Nieves invites hikers during the snow-free months from January to March. The towns of El Burgo and Tolox provide excellent bases for hiking, with popular routes including ascents of the 6,300-foot Torrecilla peak and the Cañada de los Cuernos gully leading to the high pass at Puerto de los Pilones.

The Picos de Europa offers trails for hikers of all skill levels, from leisurely strolls around the scenic Lagos de Covadonga to the challenging three-day GR 202 high-mountain route that cuts through the park. The breathtaking hike through the Cares gorge is a favorite among visitors. Local outfitters in Cangas de Onís, Potes, and other areas provide opportunities for rock climbing, horseback riding, caving, and canyoning, while Arriondas is the go-to spot for kayaking.

The glacial valleys of Parque Nacional Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, adorned with pine and fir trees, offer excellent hiking opportunities. Whether tackling the 19-mile Espot–Boí route or shorter climbs to stunning spots like Estany Gran d’Amitges (7,800 feet) and Estany de Monestero (7,200 feet), adventurers will find plenty to explore.

Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts

The critically endangered Iberian lynx (lince ibérico) has made a remarkable recovery from near extinction, thanks to successful captive breeding programs. Now, over four hundred roam freely, with some inhabiting Extremadura's Parque Nacional de Monfragüe and many more across Andalucía's Parque Nacional de Doñana. Spotting these elusive nocturnal creatures requires a bit of luck on guided tours.

Similar populations of brown bears (oso pardo) inhabit the Cordillera Cantábrica (covering Cantabria, Asturias, and northern Castilla y León), with a small but growing population in the Pyrenees. Due to rigorous conservation efforts, sightings of these bears are becoming more common in the Picos de Europa.

Iberian wolves (lobos ibéricos) number between 2,200 and 2,700 and are scattered in small groups throughout northwestern Spain, notably within the Picos de Europa. The highest concentration can be found in the Sierra de Culebra, located southwest of León.

Spain's diverse ecosystems support the largest and most varied bird population in Europe, hosting around 25 species of raptors. The mountains and forests of Parque Nacional de Monfragüe shelter 280 bird species, making it the prime location in the country to see the golden eagle (águila real), griffon vulture (buitre leonado), and Egyptian vulture (alimoche), alongside western Europe’s sole breeding population of the black stork (cigüeña negra).

Massive flocks of flamingos paint the skies pink above the vast wetlands of Parque Nacional de Doñana, which serve as a crucial stop on the migratory route between Africa and Europe. Meanwhile, Galicia’s Islas Atlánticas offers refuge for the great cormorant, northern gannet, and razorbill, as well as being home to the world's largest yellow-legged gull colony, along with the European shag and storm petrel.

The flourishing diverse wildlife within Spain’s national parks highlights the nation’s dedication to safeguarding these precious natural habitats.