| National Parks and Places of Interest in Spain |
| National Parks and Places of Interest in Spain National ParksSpain has 15 National Parks, of which 10 are on the mainland, 1 in the Balearic Islands and 4 in the Canary Islands. Cabo de Gata Nature Park An area of volcanic rock formations on the Costa de Almeria coastline. Doñana National Park Situated in a triangle between Cadiz, Sevilla and Huelva, this is the largest and most important wetland area in Spain, amounting to over 1,300 sq Km. Los Alcornocales Nature Park 170,000 Ha of Cork forest (one of the worlds largest) straddling the borders of Cadiz and Malaga. Sierra de Grazalema Nature Park The highest rainfall in the Iberian peninsula has shaped this landscape where there are forest of Spanish Pine and over 1300 other plant species, including some that are unique. Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park Covering 18,000 Ha with some of the deepest caves in the world, forests of the rare Spanish Pine, and 90 species of birds breeding here in the backdrop to Marbella. Sierra Nevada National Park Covering 86,000 Ha and including the two highest peaks of mainland Spain. Aragon Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park Stunning valleys, forests, meadows with wild flowers and one of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees complete with glacier. Asturias Redes Natural Park Near the Picos de Europa, this rugged partially forested area is an extremely picturesque area for walking. Picos de Europa National Park Said by many to be the most picturesque mountains in Spain, also is home to the deepest caves. There is something for everyone here. Balearic Islands Archipiélago de Cabrera National Park An island with 100 inhabitants and 18 surrounding islets, 10 Km south of Mallorca, with a well preserved land and sea environment. Castilla La Mancha Cabaneros National Park 41,000 Ha of varied landscape which some have described as African in nature - a birdwatchers paradise, particularly for birds of prey . Tablas de Daimiel National Park A unique wetland on the migration route for many waterfowl.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. MadridSaid to be one of the best private collections of paintings in the world. The Prado of MadridThe Prado of Madrid is said to be one of the best museums in the world The Prado has the most detailed collection of Spanish art from the 11th-18th centuries and extends to some world's most famous masterpieces by great universal artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Tiziano, Van Dyck and Rembrandt. Places to Visit in MurciaThe region of Murcia is steeped in history and offers everything from Roman Amphitheatres and fortresses, to national parks, stunning coastlines and cosmopolitan cities. The major cities of Murcia, Lorca, and Cartagena offer a wide range of historical buildings, bars, restaurants, clubs and entertainment, while the vineyards of Yecla and Jumilla, natural spa in Archena, and the local crafts of Lorca, offer a chance to see a different side of the region. Murcia City – Cathedral and old city Cartagena - Roman amphitheatre and port Lorca – Mediaeval Fortress Caravaca – Historic churches Yecla – Wine region Archena – Hot spas in the beautiful Ricote Valley Moratalla – 15th Century Castle, Running of the Bulls, Waterfalls and mountain scenery La Manga Club – Europe's premier sporting resort Sierra Espuña – Natural park Calblanque – Nature reserve Areas to holiday in Spain Holiday in Costa Blanca The Costa Blanca had a modern, cosmopolitan feel while retaining much of its traditional culture. It is an area of tremendous natural beauty, flanked by mountains and varied terrain there is a huge amount of things to see and do - from mountain hikes, nature reserves and parks, islands, authentic Spanish villages to beautiful beaches. Many visitors to the Costa Blanca are drawn by the cuisine, with a range of local and international restaurants offering some of Spain's best cuisine, emphasizing fresh fish and meat dishes. Holiday in Costa Brava The Costa Brava is a hundred mile stretch of rugged, spectacular coastline in the region of Catalonia in the North East corner of Spain where there is an abundance of summer sunshine, natural beauty and miles and miles of sandy beaches. You'll find modern, international tourist resorts with all the amenities beside medieval towns with ancient castles, unspoilt fishing villages, and secluded rocky coves. Holiday in Costa del Sol The Costa del Sol stretches from Gibraltar in the west to Nerja in the east and boasts a host of sandy beaches. The Costa del Sol has long been a popular holiday destination. Whether you are looking for culture, museums & historical sights, an elegant cuisine & vibrant nightlife, or sporting facilities of almost any type, they are here in abundance. The area is also well known for having some of the most beautiful white washed villages in the world; most of them looking out to sea from high up on the mountainsides. These villages still follow Spain's traditional, slower place of life and provide an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle. The Costa del Sol is well known for its mild climate, making it an ideal destination for visitors year round. Holiday in Costa Dorada The Costa Dorada (Golden Coast) is named after the color gold - warm, bright and soft - which is predominant in the area, in the southern part of Catalonia. The twenty towns and villages that comprise the Costa Dorada encompass a stretch a hundred and fift miles long, with plenty of uncrowded beaches with clean fine sand and transparent shallow water. Sandwiched between the mountains and the see, visitors will find many areas clustered with sleepy towns and villages and peaceful farmland, where olive trees, hazels, carobs, vineyards and almond trees grow. Holiday in Ibiza Ibiza is a great place if your looking for nightclubs but contrary to popular belief its not just a party island. This island has around 125 miles of coastline and some of the best beaches in the Balerics. Being only 125 miles from the Spanish mainland its also just a relatively short hop from the UK. Holiday in Fuerteventura Fuerteventura is a gorgeous island in the Islas Canarias (Canary Islands) and has the oldest history and the longest beaches in the islands. Fuerteventura is a beautiful island with some of the best beaches in Europe and is well known for a wide range of water sports activities from whale watching to surfing. Holiday in Gran Canaria Gran Canaria is in many ways a continent in miniature, offering verdant forests, exotic fauna and flora, desert dunes, mountains, volcanic craters, occasional snow on the highest peaks, the most lively capital city in the Canary Islands, stunning coastlines and beautiful beaches. Holiday in Lanzarote This sundrenched island boasts some of the best beaches in the Canaries and spectacular inland volcanic landscapes. It lies a mere sixty miles off the coast of Africa and the warm winds that blow from there make it a perfect choice for windsurfing. Whether you want to relax on soft sands and soak up the sun or enjoy some great watersports, Larzarote is an ideal destination. Holiday in Madrid Madrid, the capital of Spain, is in the heart of the country and is a perennial favorite for tourists who find the city to be a very friendly, beautiful and relaxing place. In the centre Madrid, the old part of the city whisks visitors back to years gone by, with winding cobbled streets and old buildings. There is no shortage of things to see and do in Madrid from restaurants, bars, theme parks, and huge range of historical attractions. Whether you prefer to spend your time relaxing in the cafes and bars or admiring the scenery and art, Madrid has something for everyone. Holiday in Majorca Most visitors to Majorca seek out the plentiful sunshine, unspoilt beaches and warm sea, but the island also has a lot more to offer. Majorca has great examples of gothic architecture, old villages, olive groves and secluded beaches. For those seeking something a little wilder, twenty-four hour parties and clubbing are the norm on Majorca. Palma, Majorca's capital city is especially lively, with many cultural sights and a great nightlife. Holiday in Menorca The quite jewel in the crown of the Balerics this beautiful island is smaller than Majorca but has many beautiful beaches and coves. The pace of life is slow and relaxed and there are a large number of resorts suitable for families. The short flight time from the UK is an extra bonus. Holiday in Tenerife Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and enjoys almost constant good weather, making it an ideal holiday destination year round. The North of the island is a topical paradise, full of palm trees and banana plantations and breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Inland, you'll find yourself in traditional rural towns the hillside villages and extraordinarily unusual landscapes formed from the twisted lava-rock of the largest mountain in Spain, Mount Tiede. One of Tenerife's most popular resorts is Playa de Las Americas, known for not only its nightlife, but its many beaches, some composed of black volcanic sand. Enjoying a great variety of shops, bars and restaurants, Playa de Las Americas is definitely the pulsating heart of the island. Places of Interest BenidormPlaces to visit in Spain Peacock Island named after the birds there is a 10-minute boat ride from the port and you get splendid views of Benidorm’s skyline. Boats go back andf forth about every hour. The waters around the island are a marine reserve so there is abundant underwater life. There is no shade on the island except for one small cafe. You can go snorkleing in the sea and take a glass boat ride to see the fish. The Costa Blanca Casino is one of the largest casinos in Spain. There’s also a restaurant and bar. Games tables featuring French roulette, American roulette, black jack, chemin de fer, punto y blanco. Photo ID / Passport is required to enter; smart casual dress; entrance fee. Open from 8 pm to 4 am, near Villajoyosa on the Road to Benidorm (10 km from Benidorm). The Medieval Tournament on the outskirts of Benidorm offers you a chance to watch armoured knights on horseback joust and duel before the king and queen. plus feasting and merrymaking medieval-style for all ages Terra Mitica is a large theme park set out in different periods of time such as Egyptian and Roman and the rides there are set accordingly (Such as a Minator ride in Greece). Just five minutes from the centre of Benidorm, Terra Mitica is a popular attraction for those who like a bit of adventure.
Castilla y Leon Sierra de Gredos Nature Park A mountain range west of Madrid, running along the southern border of Castilla y Leon and extending into Extremadura, with spectacular scenery and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Catalunya Aiguestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park A truly stunning area in the Pyrenees with many lakes and rivers. Ebro Delta Natural Parque At the mouth of the great river Ebro, half way between Valencia and Barcelona, this is Spain's second most important wetlands where a wide variety of waterfowl may be seen. Extremadura Monfrague National Park A varied and attractive landscape - a bird watchers paradise, particularly for birds of prey and waterfowl. Galicia The Fragos do Eume Nature Park An important Atlantic forest which has survived from the late stone age with very little change. The Dunes of Corrubedo National Park An important sand dune complex, including one very large moving dune, lagoons, wetlands, and the important associated ecosystems. The Islas Atlanticas National Park Four groups of islands off the south west coast of Galicia and an important sea-land ecosystem supporting many colonies of birds. Murcia Sierra de Espuña A mostly forested park offering a contrast of terrain in this dry region. Valencia L'Albufera Natural Parque Running south almost from the outskirts of Valencia, these wetlands have been the site of rice production for Valencias famous dish, the paella and provides some important aquatic habitats. Canary Islands Caldera de Taburiente National Park on the island of La Palma, one of the worlds largest sunken volcanic craters, 10Km across and upto 2Km deep creates a unique landscape with indigenous flora. Garajonay National Park on the island of La Gomera, shows how each of the Canary Islands can be very different, this is a humid subtropical forest of the type that would have covered most of southern Europe before the last ice age. Mount Teide National Park on the island of Tenerife, the volcanic crater 15 Km across and the peak of Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain and any Atlantic island at 3,718m. Timanfaya National Park on the island of Lanzarote, 5,000Ha of a luna like landscape formed from solidified lava, where there are geysers, hot springs, and the rock below are hot enough to cook food over a hole in the ground. Southeast Spain along the Costa de Almeria is an unspoilt paradise. A world away from the high-rise hotel blocks and apartments that are associated with some other coastal areas of Spain, this Costa is subdued and altogether much more inviting. Mile upon mile of sandy beach stretches out along the coastline, truncated ever so often by headlands that crash out into the sea. For discerning families looking for a quiet Spanish holiday getaway, the Costa Almeria is the place to go. Beyond the beaches There are a wide variety of places to visit that are within a short drive of the Costa de Almeria coastline. Here are some of the best… Tabernas - Home to the 'Westerns' of the 1960s and 1970s, TTabernas is formed of desert-like rocky outcrops and canyons that have played host to some of the most memorable movies of this era. Clint Eastwood's A Fist Full of Dollars, A Few Dollars More and The Good, The Bad & The Ugly were filmed here, as was The Magnificent Seven. The movie sets (there are three 'wild west' towns to visit) are now tourist attractions, with live wild west shows, stagecoach rides and working saloon bars to enjoy. Calar Alto Observatory - The province of Almeria lays claim to one of the sunniest spots in Europe. On average there are over 3100 hours of sunshine to be had in the area each year. Taking advantage of the exceptionally clear skies in this part of Spain is the Calar Alto Observatory - a collection of five giant telescopes, three of which are operated by the Max-Plank Institute in Germany. Although chiefly a scientific research establishment the white telescope domes are a spectacular sight at any time of the day or on a moonlit night. It is also possible to arrange visits to one or more of the domes by appointment in the Sierra de los Filabres. Sierra Nevada Mountains - When on the Costa de Almeria you cannot fail to notice the magnificent peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west of the province. Snow capped for some six months of the year, the Sierra Nevada Mountain range is an all-year-round paradise. During the summer and autumn, hiking is the #1 activity, the mountainside yielding a fine network of paths to explore. During the winter and spring the Sierra Nevada becomes Europe's most southerly ski resort. Granada - A short distance downslope from the Sierra Nevada mountains is the beautiful town of Granada and its most famous of attractions - the Alhambra. A palace residence of Moslem kings that dates back to the 9th century, the Alhambra is a fortress (alcazaba), palace (alcazar) and a city (medina) all rolled into one. Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park - On the south-easternmost tip of Almeria is the 29,000-hectare Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. Pristine beaches, jagged cliffs, salt flats and lagoons await all who explore this natural paradise. With eagles, peregrines, cormorants and razorbills on show, this is the place to come if you enjoy wildlife.
Things to do and see on El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain Apart from the wide range of sports and outdoor activities you can do here, there are plenty of spectacular natural sites to be seen, some excellent cuisine to be sampled and lots of other things to do and see.
Places to Visit Almeria
Roquetas Castle
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