The Best Natural Landscapes in Spain:
For nature lovers to add to their Spain Itinerary
Originally published August, 9, 2021. Updated March 6th 2024
All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team, unless otherwise stated.
Cabo de Gata in Almería province.
Spain is home to incredibly diverse regions and stunning natural landscapes. The diversity within its numerous regions keeps visitors returning to this part of the Iberian peninsula again and again. Be sure not to miss out on the incredible natural landscapes on your trip here!
Here, at Spain Less Traveled, we love helping our clients visit some of the best natural landscapes of Spain.
Read on for inspiration and if you are interested in personalized tips and help to make the best natural landscapes a part of your Spain travel itinerary, be sure to check out the professional Spain travel services that we offer.
We’d love to help you plan the Spain travel itinerary of your dreams to see the best natural landscapes and beyond.
Top tip: Traveling by train or by car are the two best ways to see natural landscapes around Spain as some locations are very remote and others are best accessible mainly by train, depending on your departure point. That makes it easy to add some of these to your Spain travel itinerary.
Now, let’s explore the best natural landscapes in Spain!
Where should nature lovers go near Madrid?
View of the Manzanares in winter time. Photo by Salina Owens.
The most central region of the country, Madrid offers its visitors with top urban vibes but also great outdoor sights. Most of the best landscapes in Madrid can be found in the northwest part of the region. Located in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, the Peñalara lagoon is a fantastic escape from the big city. It is popular to visit both in the summer and winter where you can go hiking and also snowshoeing. This lagoon is located in between a mountain range along the border of the community of Madrid and Castile and León.
Located close by in the Manzanares nature park, discover the stunning granite hiking range of La Pedriza and its numerous trails. Be sure to check out the viewpoints at Chorros del Manzanares and Collado de los Pastores. Head up further north in the community of Madrid and discover the charming town of Rascafría which is famous for its waterfalls and outdoor spaces. Stop by and visit the waterfalls and swim in the lakes, especially in the summertime.
The towns of Navacerrada and Cercedilla are two gems just along the border of Madrid and Castile and León that you should not miss while in this region. Both are great day trips or weekend getaways from the big city. Visitors can enjoy long hikes and incredible views of the Manzanares mountains.
(You can find more of our favorite Madrid day trips here!)
Best Natural Landscapes in Andalucía
Sierra de Grazalema views.
The vast landscape of Andalucía offers so many beautiful natural spaces to its visitors. One prominent site that is a must-see is the Caminito del Rey. A highly visited location in the province of Malaga, the Caminito del Rey is a guided hiking tour along trails, footpaths, and boardwalks with the full length of the path at 7.7 kilometers.
Of course, you can do whichever portion of the hike you please depending on your ability. Visit the visitors’ information site here.
This is one of the top day trips from Málaga city.
If you are looking for something more off the beaten path in Andalucía there are many options.
And we would love to help you plan your trip!
For starters, the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in Cádiz province. It is ideal for hiking and biking. This incredible natural park stretches over one million acres of land and is accompanied by caves and beautiful pueblos blancos (hilltop villages) such as Grazalema. Just east this beautiful pueblo blanco, check out the historical landmark of Cueva del Gato, where you can swim in the natural pools and see cave paintings.
Head over east a bit more and you’ll find Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park in the province of Almería, a UNESCO biosphere reserve with pristine beaches and a desert-like climate.
Another top spot in the southern region is the Sierra Nevada mountains in Granada. Not only are these the tallest mountains in mainland Spain, but this is the southernmost part of Europe where you can go skiing in the winter months. In the summer months, you can enjoy camping and hiking. The best of both worlds!
If trying your luck at spotting an Iberian lynx* is in the cards, you will not want to miss Donaña National Park. This vast area in three provinces (Huelva, Cádiz, and Seville) also boasts a wide variety of birds, including flamingos.
It is also where the Guadalquivir River, the longest in Andalucía, meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating a delta with sand dunes and a natural barrier. (Full disclosure: spotting a lynx is difficult)
And if you are looking for nature in the city, be sure to add Málaga to your Spain travel itinerary. The Montes de Málaga are a mountain range technically within the city limits, and offer an abundance of hiking, cycling, and more!
Finally, if you want to see where the Guadalquivir River begins, head to Jaén province’s “three Sierras” The Sierras de Cazorla, Segura, and Las Villas make up Spain’s largest protected area as well as one of the largest in all of Europe. Hikers and climbers will find endless trails leading to beautiful viewpoints. Make sure to pick up a route map at the tourist office in the town of Cazorla.
Andalucia is great for heading off the beaten path!
Best Natural Landscapes in Extremadura
Monfragüe National Park. Photo: Getty Images
One of the lesser-known regions of Spain, think of Extremadura as the wild wild west of Spain, where you’ll find valleys, waterfalls, cherry blossoms in the springtime, and the natural springs of Madrigal de la Vera. In the Valley of Jerte, there are tons of hiking trails and some fantastic miradores (lookout points). North of the capital of Cáceres, discover La Garganta de los Infiernos and its cascading waterfalls natural pools. Don’t miss out on this underrated region of Spain!
Monfragüe National Park is a large protected area known for its birdlife. An important breeding ground for storks, this park boasts a lot of biodiversity. With so much history too, there’s even an abandoned medieval castle.
Extremadura is full of abundant nature. And it is a must for nature lovers who really are looking for Spain off the beaten path!
Best Natural Landscapes in Cataluña
Montserrat. Photo from Canva Pro.
The region of Cataluña is much more than its capital, Barcelona.
You will find eighteen nature reserves, parks, valleys for hiking, and epic gravel biking. In the Catalan Pyrenees, discover the Aigüestortes National Park and the Lake of Sant Maurici, a protected natural area. In the central part of the region, you’ll find the mountain of Montserrat with jagged peaks and uphill climbs, ideal for cycling.
Don’t miss out on La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, a vast volcanic scenery with surprisingly green vegetation that is unique to the entire Iberian peninsula. Many of these beautiful places can be day trips from Barcelona!
Best Natural Landscapes in the North of Spain
Ribeira Sacra area of Galicia.
Bordering France, the region of Aragón hosts the Spanish side of the Pyrenees mountains, every outdoor lover's dream. In the winter, enjoy skiing in the towns Panticosa, Baqueira Beret, and Cerler. In the spring/summer time visit the Sea of Aragon and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. Also, you can’t miss out on the glaciers of Posets-Maladeta Natural Park.
Straddling the regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castilla Y León, the Picos de Europa mountains is a 20 kilometers long mountain range that has lakes and hiking trails perfect for exploring in the summertime. Hike along the Cares trail inside of a gorge and visit the lakes at Covadonga.
In the famous Basque Country between Bilbao and San Sebastian on an islet is the monastery of San Juan Gaztelugatxe.
Only connected to the mainland by a bridge, these natural rock formations along with its hiking trails are not only unique to the Northern region but to all of Spain.
It is free to visit, but you will need to reserve a time to go.
Make sure to book ahead here and make your Basque country trip complete.
Galicia is well known for some of the most beautiful sites in all of Spain. Its national park along the Atlantic Islands is one of the top destinations in the entire region for the diversity of plant and animal species. Take a dip in Rodas beach and explore the sea caves in Ons. You can’t leave without experiencing the view from Monte Faro, the highest point of the islands. And if you are a hiker you do not want to miss the Ribeira Sacra area.
The region of Asturias there are countless “jumps of water” that come up through the cliff edges as you walk along the trails. You’ll find the majority surrounding the town of Llanes. Among its vast beaches, Asturias has several unique ones that are must visits, including Playa de Gulpiyuri and Playa de Cuevas del Mar.
The Best Natural Landscapes of Valencia
Boats docked in a peaceful lagoon of the Albufera.
Just 30 kilometers from the the city center of Valencia under an hour by car, and even the public bus is the natural paradise of the Albufera.
You can really get away from it all in the rice paddies, lagoons, and woods. Hiking, biking, and even taking a sunset boat ride are just a few of the things that L’Albufera Natural Park has to offer.
But if you are interested in trying Valenciano culinary staples, the Albufera is the place to go. In the town of El Palmar, located right in the middle of the Albufera, the many restaurants serve up regional gastronomical delights such as stews and of course paella!
A visit to the Albufera is the perfect way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of urban life. And it’s so close to the center of Valencia!
Best Natural Landscapes of the Spanish Islands
Mallorquín Cala
The Balearic Islands are in the Mediterranean and can be reached by ferry or flight from various points in mainland Spain. Mallorca is the biggest of the islands and is a hiking and cycling paradise.
Cap de Formentor in the most north is a must-see. Rent a car and drive up to the far north part of the island and marvel at the incredible view of the Mediterranean sea. There is also a lighthouse lookout point on the edge of the cliffside that’s ideal for a great 360-degree view.
Visit the huge stalactites of the Coves d'Artà in Capdepera, Mallorca (northeast side of the island) and marvel at this natural wonder that formed after a mountain collapsed. This impeccable natural site is about 25 meters tall, at its tallest point, and an easy day trip from Palma de Mallorca by car.
For insider, recommendations check out Visit My Mallorca.
Moving to the other set of beautiful islands of Spain, the Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco have some of the most diverse landscapes in the country.
The seven island archipelago has both black and white sand beaches and is famous for its water and adventure sports. Each island is unique and diverse, we can’t just recommend one. Here are the best natural landscapes in the Canary Islands!
Teide Volcano in Tenerife is a given! As Spain’s highest mountain, you can visit the Teide National Park in Tenerife and immerse yourself in a volcanic landscape over 3000 meters above sea level. This national park is one of the top locations when visiting the Canaries and one not to be missed.
Lesser-known islands like Gomera are visited for their lush green landscapes and Fuerteventura is the prime location for white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
A long walk in nature
Camino de Santiago. Photo from Canva Pro.
The Camino de Santiago, or the way of Saint James, is a compilation of pilgrimage routes across the Spanish countryside. There are numerous routes you can walk or cycle across and explore the diverse terrain of Spain. Whether you choose to go from south to north or east to west, it is certain you will find yourself immersed in beautiful scenery.
Often discussed as the most scenic route, the Northern Way (Camino del Norte), runs along the entire northern coast of Spain from east to west (hence the name). The view of the Cantabrian sea is endless on this journey west and you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and an epic coastline. Some important landscapes to take note of along this route are, beautiful beaches running from San Sebastian to Oviedo, the Urdaibai biosphere, and the fantastic cliff sides in Cantabria.
Yosmar Martinez is an expert and has walked the Camino de Santiago six times on various routes. She was so inspired by the landscapes and the food that she wrote an award-winning cookbook inspired by the Camino! To eat your way through the Camino from your own kitchen, check out her website Whisk and Spatula.
Inspired to visit the best natural landscapes Spain has to offer?
There’s even more to discover beyond this distinct list and so many more places to add to your Spain travel itinerary! We’d love to help you explore Spain’s best natural landscapes!
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About the writer
Salina Owens is originally from Texas and moved to Madrid, Spain in the fall of 2018. She’s been teaching English and adventuring around Spain since she arrived. She has been blog writing for 5 years for her site, Salina Searching, where she documents her time in Spain and several other of her past travels.
She has a masters in International Education and continues to do freelance travel content writing with a plan to make content writing a full-time career. You can also follow her beautiful photos on Instagram and hear her speak on Clubhouse.