Spain is famous for its sundrenched beaches, whitewashed villages, and vibrant cities, but it also boasts some of Europe’s most stunning desert landscapes. From the surreal badlands of the Bardenas Reales to the cinematic panoramas of the Tabernas Desert, these regions offer an unexpected side of Spain that will captivate any traveler seeking unique experiences. The Bardenas Reales, located in the northern region of Navarre, is an otherworldly semidesert landscape stretching over 42,000 hectares. Its barren, lunarlike terrain is characterized by dramatic plateaus, deep ravines, and peculiar rock formations like Castildetierra, a striking natural monument shaped by centuries of erosion. Despite its desolate appearance, the Bardenas Reales is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, including griffon vultures, golden eagles, and the endangered Dupont’s lark, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The best way to explore this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is by hiking or cycling along its wellmarked trails, which reveal breathtaking vistas at every turn. The Tabernas Desert in Almería, known as Europe’s only true desert, is famous for its cinematic history. Its rugged, arid landscapes have served as the backdrop for countless films, including classics like Lawrence of Arabia and Sergio Leone’s iconic spaghetti westerns. Today, visitors can step back in time by exploring the remnants of movie sets scattered across the desert, such as the Westernthemed mini Hollywood village, where live shows recreate scenes from the Wild West. But beyond its film legacy, the Tabernas Desert offers much more: its striking geology features dramatic canyons, windsculpted rocks, and dry riverbeds, best experienced by hiking, driving, or even taking a guided tour by 4×4. In the heart of Spain’s southern region lies the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, a hidden gem that combines desertlike landscapes with lush forests and deep gorges. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from arid foothills to dense woodlands of Spanish firs, one of the rarest trees in the world. Hikers can explore the park’s many trails, which lead to breathtaking viewpoints, hidden caves, and waterfalls. The highlight is the hike to the summit of Torrecilla, the highest peak in the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, from the Costa del Sol to the distant Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The Monegros Desert, located in the Aragon region, is a lesserknown but equally fascinating destination. Often referred to as the Spanish Arizona, this semiarid steppe is characterized by vast open spaces, rolling dunes, and striking rock formations. Despite its harsh conditions, the Monegros is home to a surprising array of flora and fauna, including over 100 species of birds, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. The area also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with ancient ruins, prehistoric cave paintings, and traditional villages like Sariñena, where visitors can learn about the region’s history and traditions.
Another remarkable desert landscape in Spain is the Los Monegros Desert, located between the provinces of Zaragoza and Huesca. Often referred to as the Spanish Arizona, Los Monegros is a vast steppe region characterized by its unique combination of arid plains, rolling sand dunes, and striking geological formations. Despite its harsh conditions, the area supports a surprising variety of life, from hardy vegetation to a diverse array of wildlife, including foxes, hares, and numerous bird species. The region is also home to some of the oldest human settlements in Europe, with ancient cave paintings and prehistoric ruins scattered throughout the landscape. For visitors, Los Monegros offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to more adventurous pursuits like offroad driving and sandboarding down the dunes. One of the most iconic features of Los Monegros is the Sierra de Alcubierre, a mountain range that divides the desert into two distinct regions. The northern part, known as the Monegrillo Desert, is dominated by barren hills and rugged terrain, while the southern part, the Sariñena Desert, is characterized by its flat plains and extensive steppe. The contrast between these two landscapes is striking, and exploring the area reveals a fascinating mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Among the highlights are the medieval castle of Sariñena, perched on a hilltop overlooking the desert, and the Laguna de Sariñena, a seasonal lake that serves as a vital refuge for migratory birds. One of the best ways to experience the desert is by following the Ruta de los Monegros, a scenic driving route that takes in the region’s most spectacular sights. Starting in the town of Sariñena, the route winds through the desert, passing by ancient castles, traditional villages, and breathtaking viewpoints. Along the way, visitors can stop to explore the area’s many hidden gems, from the mysterious Cuevas de la Ballabriga, a series of sandstone caves carved by centuries of wind and water, to the haunting ruins of the village of Rodén, abandoned during the Spanish Civil War. For those seeking a deeper connection with the desert, Los Monegros offers a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life of the region’s inhabitants. Many of the small villages scattered throughout the area still maintain their traditional customs and crafts, and visitors can learn about the local culture by participating in workshops or staying in rural accommodations. In the village of Farlete, for example, visitors can join a pottery workshop and learn the ancient techniques used to create traditional Monegrino ceramics, while in the village of Alcubierre, they can try their hand at making traditional Aragonese bread in a woodfired oven. Despite its remote and rugged nature, Los Monegros is surprisingly accessible, with several wellmarked trails and routes for hikers and cyclists. The GR261, part of the European longdistance walking network, passes through the region, offering a challenging but rewarding trek through the heart of the desert. For those with a taste for adventure, the annual Baja España Aragón rally, one of the most prestigious offroad races in Europe, takes place in Los Monegros, attracting competitors from around the world who come to test their skills against the desert’s challenging terrain. Beyond its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Los Monegros is also a region of scientific interest, with several research projects focused on studying its unique ecosystem and the effects of climate change. The Estación Experimental de Aula Dei, a research center located in the heart of the desert, conducts studies on desertification and sustainable agriculture, while the Monegros Observatory monitors the region’s climate and biodiversity. For visitors, this offers a chance to learn more about the challenges facing the desert and the efforts being made to preserve its fragile ecosystem for future generations.
