Ecotourism: 4 Of The Best Natural Parks To Explore In Spain

With the threat of climate change and global warming, Spain has joined a number of other countries in promoting ecotourism. In fact, there are several natural areas in the country that have been given the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. Under this banner, the areas offer eco-friendly touristic activities, quality accommodation and more. Meanwhile, the natural parks of Spain preserve some of the most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes in the country, along with ecological richness and wildlife.

When taking a vacation, go a step further in helping to promote ecotourism and sustainable travel practices. Here we look at four national parks in Spain that offer unspoiled landscapes and more.

1. Picos de Europa National Park

The Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe) form part of the Cantabrian Mountains in northern Spain. Meanwhile, the mountain range lies between the autonomous communities of Cantabria, Castile and Leon, and Asturias. The park features three distinct mountain ranges, the central, eastern and western chains, which all stand tall over river gorges.

Moreover, the park features easily followed and well-marked hiking trails where visitors can experience the natural beauty of the park. Along the way, a number of viewpoints offer panoramic views over the nearby ocean. Meanwhile, the park also features grasslands, lakes, deep ravines and beech and oak forests, offering incredible and Instagrammable vistas.

2. Sierra de Nevada National Park, Andalucia

Heading to Andalucia, the Sierra Nevada National Park lies in the provinces of Almeria and Granada. Meanwhile, this is the biggest park in Spain and features some of the highest mountains in Europe. Moreover, the park features incredible natural diversity making it ideal for ecotourism practices. In the lower park, lush valleys, waterways and forests are to be found.

Meanwhile, up in the mountains, hikers can head through alpine forests and mountain peaks. Among the diversity of nature, a number of plants thrive in harsh conditions including the barberry, juniper and the Sierra Nevada violet. As for the fauna, here it is possible to see the Iberian ibex. Meanwhile, when the snow hits the mountains, Sierra Nevada is a great ski location.

3. Mt. Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Located in Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, Teide National Park offers the highest mountain in the country, Mt. Teide. The park seems like another world, with its volcanoes, volcanic craters, caves and rivers of petrified lava. The park is so stunning and unique, it attracts more than 3 million visitors every year, drawn by ecotourism. Everywhere you look offers an impressive landscape, while Mt. Teide itself is often crowned by snow.

4.Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Staying in the Canary Islands, Timanfaya National Park lies on the island of Lanzarote. Similar to Teide, the park resembles another planet, with its red and black colors, formed by volcanoes and volcanic lava. These days, most volcanoes here are inactive. However, in certain areas of the park, visitors can feel the heat radiating from the ground.

Meanwhile, the park features much rare flora and fauna, each of which has adapted to thrive in this harsh scenery. Lanzarote, generally, offers ecotourism and sustainable travel, with a rule that no concrete blocks of apartments or multi-floored hotels can be built on the island.

Find out more about the beautiful national parks of Spain and ecotourism practices on the official tourism website here.