The Natural Wonders of Spain with iBestTravel
Spain itself is a natural wonder. The Pyrenees and Picos de Europa are as beautiful as any mountain range on the continent, while the snowcapped Sierra Nevada rises improbably from the sun-baked plains of Andalucía. The wildly beautiful cliffs of Spain’s Atlantic northwest are offset by the charming coves of the Mediterranean. Here are Spain’s top natural wonders.
Editor’s note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before visiting any destination and always follow government advice.
Playa de la Concha
Fulfilling almost every idea of how a perfect city beach should be, Playa de la Concha (and its westerly extension, Playa de Ondarreta) in San Sebastian is among the best city beaches in Europe. Tanned and toned bodies spread across the sand throughout the long summer months, when a fiesta atmosphere prevails. The swimming is almost always safe. At night, the view of the bay’s twinkling lights and illuminated monuments is magical.
Picos de Europa
Jutting out in compact form, just back from the rugged and ever-changing coastline of Cantabria and Asturias, the Picos de Europa comprise three dramatic limestone massifs. Unique in Spain, these are geologically similar to the Alps and jammed with inspiring trails.
These peaks and valleys form Spain’s second-largest national park, featuring some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the country — no small claim considering the presence of the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. The Picos de Europa deserve their spot in such elite company.
Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido
This area showcases the Spanish Pyrenees at their most breathtaking. The national park extends south from a dragon’s back of limestone peaks along the French border and includes Monte Perdido (3355m/7398ft), the third-highest summit in the Pyrenees.
The magnificent scenery of plunging canyons, towering cliffs, thick forests, rivers, waterfalls, snow peaks, mountain lakes, and high-level glaciers makes this the ideal destination for anyone able to visit one key location in the Spanish Pyrenees.
Among the valleys and canyons slicing down from the heights are the Valle de Ordesa (west), Cañón de Añisclo (south), Valle de Escuaín (southeast), and Valle de Pineta (east). The main access towns include Torla for the Valle de Ordesa; Aínsa for Añisclo and Escuaín; and Bielsa for Pineta.
Cueva de Tito Bustillo
Some of Spain’s finest cave art, featuring magnificent horse paintings probably created around 15,000 to 10,000 BCE, resides within this World Heritage-listed cave in East Coast Asturias. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so early planning is essential.
Of the cave’s 12 clusters of paintings, only the Panel Principal (Main Panel; dominated by deer, horses, goats, and bison) is accessible. The one-hour guided visit (conducted in Spanish) includes some slippery stretches, and children under seven are not permitted.
Acantilados de los Gigantes
These astonishing dark rock cliffs soar 600m (1969ft) above the ocean, creating a magnificent natural spectacle on the edge of Los Gigantes. Try to visit during sunset for an added wow factor. The best views of the cliffs are from out at sea, where numerous companies offer short cruises. From Playa de los Gigantes, you can make your way along Calle Tabaiba to a natural lookout point for superb views.
La Geoda de Pulpí
In 2019, the world’s second-largest geode opened to the public in northeastern Almería’s Sierra del Aguilón. Measuring an astounding 8m (26ft) long by 2m (7ft) tall, this rare geological marvel was discovered by Madrid-based mineralogists in the abandoned Mina Rica, where iron, lead, and silver were mined until the Spanish Civil War. Guided tours lead visitors 60m (197ft) underground through corridors and metal steps, culminating in a chance to enter the geode and view its dazzling collection of translucent gypsum crystals.
Asturian Coast
The emerald-green northern Spanish region of Asturias is said to have over 600 beaches. While the coolness of the Atlantic may deter some sun-seekers, the beauty of these wild and unspoiled stretches is utterly breathtaking. The coastal villages are among the prettiest anywhere along the Spanish shoreline, and the outstanding local cuisine is renowned throughout Spain.
Sierra Nevada
Providing a dramatic backdrop to Granada, the snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada range house the highest point in mainland Spain (Mulhacén, 3479m/11414ft) and Europe’s most southerly ski resort at Pradollano. The range extends about 75km (47mi) from west to east, featuring 15 peaks over 3000m (9843ft). The bucolic white villages in the lower southern reaches are collectively known as Las Alpujarras.
Some 862 sq km (333 sq mi) are encompassed by the Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada, Spain’s largest national park, designated in 1999. This vast protected area is home to 2100 of Spain’s 7000 plant species, including unique types of crocus, narcissus, thistle, clover, and poppy, as well as Andalucía’s largest ibex population (around 15,000). Adjacent to the national park at lower altitudes is the 864-sq-km Parque Natural Sierra Nevada (334 sq mi).
Cueva de los Verdes
The Cueva de los Verdes, located in Malpais de la Corona in Northern Lanzarote, presents a spectacular scene with its mile-long chasm, part of an almost 7km-long lava tube (23ft) formed by an eruption 5000 years ago. As the lava flowed towards the sea, the top layers cooled and formed a roof, while the liquid magma continued beneath until the eruption halted. Guided 50-minute tours, conducted in Spanish and English, run every 30 minutes, allowing visitors to explore two chambers, one below the other.
The cave’s ceiling features points that resemble miniature stalactites; in reality, these unique formations are where gas bubbles from the boiling lava hardened as they dripped back down.
Piscinas de Punta Mujeres
One of the most enchanting swimming spots on Lanzarote, this collection of glittering turquoise natural pools is located in the quaint fishing village of Punta Mujeres, just 2km (1.2mi) northeast of Arrieta. Accessible via a few ladders, these pools are perfect for sun-soaking.
A delightful tapas bar, La Piscina, overlooks one of the most frequented pools.
