In celebration of World Environment Day, there’s no better time to appreciate the natural beauty and biodiversity that our planet offers. Spain, with its diverse landscapes and ecosystems, is home to some of the most stunning natural parks in the world. These parks not only showcase the breathtaking beauty of nature but also play a crucial role in preserving wildlife and natural habitats. Here are the top five natural parks in Spain that every nature lover should visit to reconnect with the environment and embrace the spirit of conservation.

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Picos de Europa National Park

Location: Asturias, Cantabria, and Castilla y León

Highlights:

• Towering limestone peaks, deep gorges, and lush valleys.
• Covadonga Lakes, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains.
• Rich biodiversity, including the rare Cantabrian brown bear and Iberian wolf.

Picos de Europa is Spain’s first national park, established in 1918. It’s a paradise for hikers and mountaineers, offering challenging trails and stunning viewpoints. Don’t miss the cable car ride at Fuente Dé for panoramic views.

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Teide National Park

Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands

Highlights:

• Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain at 3,718 meters.
• Unique volcanic landscapes with craters, lava flows, and rock formations.
• Stargazing opportunities in one of the world’s best locations for astronomy.

Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Canary Islands. The stark, otherworldly landscapes are reminiscent of a sci-fi movie, and the cable car ride to the summit offers incredible views over the island.

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Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

Location: Aragón

Highlights:

• Dramatic canyons and cliffs, particularly the Ordesa Valley.
• Monte Perdido, the third highest peak in the Pyrenees.
• Abundant waterfalls and rich flora and fauna.

This park is part of the Pyrenees and Mont Perdu UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching. The Cirque de Soaso and the Cola de Caballo waterfall are particularly popular.

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Doñana National Park

Location: Andalucía

Highlights:

• Extensive wetlands, sand dunes, and scrubland.
• Important bird migration stopover, with species like the Spanish imperial eagle.
• Home to the endangered Iberian lynx.

Doñana is one of Europe’s most important wetlands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a variety of guided tours, including 4×4 trips and horseback rides, allowing visitors to explore its diverse ecosystems.

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Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park

Location: Cataluña

Highlights:

• Over 200 lakes, including the iconic Estany de Sant Maurici.
• Rugged peaks and lush meadows.
• Rich biodiversity, with species like the Pyrenean chamois and capercaillie.

This park is a haven for hikers, with numerous trails leading through its scenic landscapes. The park’s beautiful lakes, especially during the autumn when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold, offer stunning photo opportunities.

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Spain’s natural parks offer a range of landscapes and activities for nature fans. Whether you’re looking to hike rugged mountains, explore volcanic terrains, or observe rare wildlife, these five parks provide unforgettable experiences. Celebrate World Environment Day by visiting these natural treasures and embracing the beauty and importance of our natural world.

Let us know in the comments if you have been to any of these national parks…