Explore Spain's Best National Parks for Hiking • Our Globetrotters

Spain is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful national parks, making it an excellent destination for hikers. From the lush forests of Picos de Europa National Park to the rugged mountains of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, there are plenty of trails and breathtaking views to explore.

With springtime in full swing, it’s the perfect time to dust off your hiking boots and spend some time in nature. If you want to travel to Spain it’s the ideal time of the year to explore the many natural parks of this amazing country.

The temperatures haven’t yet reached the scorching summer heat, so it is ideal to experience the lush greenery of Spain’s national parks. With an immense variety of landscapes, Spain has amazing hiking experiences to offer for hikers of all levels.

This post is part of our series Discover Europe

Picos de Europa

Picos de Europa National Park is a stunningly beautiful natural area in northern Spain’s Cantabrian Mountains. It is one of the most visited national parks in the country, and it offers visitors a wide range of activities – from hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing and paragliding.

The park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe, with its towering limestone peaks, lush green valleys, and azure lakes. The glacial lake of Covadonga and the Real Sitio de Covadonga are considered the most famous attractions in this amazing national park.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the impressive mountain landscapes during your hike. You’ll also be able to enjoy wildlife watching as the park is home to many birds and other animals like the Iberian wolf. Picos de Europa National Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers looking for an unforgettable experience in one of Europe’s most beautiful places.

Some of the top recommended trails are Los Lagos Itinerario Largo which is 5.5km long, and the Cares Trail or Garganta Divina, which is a whopping 21.4km long.

Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas

Nestled in the valleys of the Jaen and Albacete provinces, you can visit the protected natural park Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas. With more than 830,000 hectares of forests and mountains, it is the largest national park in the country.

The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Iberian lynx and Spanish imperial eagle. The park also features stunning landscapes with mountains, rivers, lakes, gorges and forests.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and bird watching. The park also has several cultural attractions, such as ancient ruins and archaeological sites.

The park is a great destination for nature lovers looking to explore its diverse ecosystems and experience its unique beauty. The recommended trails for this park are Río Borosa which is 9.2 km long, and Huelga Utrera – Cueva del Agua – Pontones, which spans 12.1 km.

Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada National Park is a stunningly beautiful park located within the Spanish provinces of Granada and Almería in Andalusia. It is home to some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain scenery, with its rugged peaks and deep valleys.

The park covers an area of over 1,500 square kilometres and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

This Southern Spanish park also offers educational programs for children and adults alike. Sierra Nevada National Park has something for everyone: enjoy a peaceful hike through the valley or choose a more challenging trail. You can even hike all the way up to the highest peak.

Besides rugged mountains and high peaks, there is a myriad of waterfalls and rivers to uncover, which are especially beautiful when the snow melts in spring. Make sure you wear a sturdy pair of water hiking shoes before you venture out on one of these excursions.

Since this park is full of surprises, you might even get the chance to spot a mountain goat or other animals and critters while strolling along the trails. The top trails you should consider are Sendero del Río Monachil, which is 8 km long, and Vereda de la Estrella, which spans 20.9 km.

Teide

Teide National Park is a stunning natural wonder located on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It is home to the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, which stands at an impressive 3,718 meters above sea level.

This volcanic natural park is one of the most unique in Europe, with incredibly varied landscapes ranging from lush green forests to barren volcanic deserts. Thanks to the clear skies all year round, you can even bring a telescope to explore the sky even further. The observatory located inside the park also offers guided visits and special events during which you can observe the night sky accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

There are also several observation points throughout the park that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Visitors can take part in educational programs provided by the park’s visitor centre or visit one of its many museums and cultural centres.

With its stunning scenery and rich history, Teide National Park is a must-see destination for any traveller looking to experience nature at its finest.