Spain is one of Europe’s top destinations for nature lovers, home to the continent’s most diverse range of wildlife, with more than 50% of its land covered in woodlands, mountains, and sparsely populated areas. Beyond its rich marine life, Spain’s varied geography is home to a wide variety of animal species that roam freely through its forests, mountains, and rugged landscapes. Many of the world’s most iconic and endangered animals still inhabit these wild places, making Spain a mustvisit destination for nature enthusiasts. There are more than 50 protected natural parks in Spain, where rare and endangered species like the Iberian lynx, Spanish ibex, Cantabrian brown bear, bearded vulture, and imperial eagle find refuge. These parks are not only home to these unique animals but also provide safe havens for an impressive array of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. For those who love the great outdoors, Spain offers a multitude of longdistance walking routes, especially in the north and northwest of the peninsula, many of which follow routes used for centuries by shepherds and their flocks. These trails are perfect for wildlife watching, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Spain’s natural beauty. One of the best places to observe the majestic imperial eagle, Spain’s national bird, is the Cabañeros National Park in the Toledo Mountains, located in the heart of the Meseta Central, between Madrid and Seville. This park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with a population of about 150 imperial eagles that thrive in its unspoiled, wild terrain. In the spring, the park’s plains come alive with a spectacular display of wildflowers, while in the autumn, visitors can witness the rutting season of the park’s 20,000 deer. The landscape is filled with the sounds of stags bellowing and clashing antlers as they vie for the attention of the does. Cabañeros National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, not only home to the imperial eagle but also to other rare bird species such as the black stork, black vulture, and the endangered Iberian lynx. The park’s diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and open plains, provide ideal conditions for these animals to thrive. For those looking to explore the park’s varied landscapes, there are several wellmarked walking routes, ranging from short hikes to longer treks that take you deep into the heart of the wilderness.
In the Doñana National Park, one of Europe’s most important wetlands, you’ll find a refuge for the endangered Iberian lynx, a species that once roamed much of the Iberian Peninsula but now survives only in a few isolated pockets. Doñana is a biodiverse paradise, home to a vast array of wildlife, including over 300 species of birds, many of which migrate here from Africa and Europe. The park’s varied ecosystems, from sand dunes and marshes to pine forests and lagoons, provide a haven for these birds, as well as for mammals like the red deer, wild boar, and the elusive lynx. A visit to Doñana is a journey into a world of natural beauty and ecological importance. Visitors can explore the park through guided tours, which offer the best chance to spot the lynx, or by taking one of the many walking or cycling routes. These trails lead you through the park’s diverse landscapes, where you might also see flamingos, storks, and other waterfowl in the lagoons, or perhaps catch a glimpse of an imperial eagle soaring overhead. Doñana’s importance as a wildlife sanctuary cannot be overstated, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ecological significance. The lynx population in Doñana has been recovering slowly, thanks to conservation efforts that have focused on habitat restoration and increasing the population of rabbits, the lynx’s primary prey. The experience of walking through this natural wonder, with the chance of encountering such rare wildlife, is something that cannot be missed. Further north, in the Picos de Europa National Park, you’ll find one of Spain’s most dramatic mountain landscapes, where rugged peaks and deep valleys provide a habitat for the Cantabrian brown bear. This park, which straddles the regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castilla y León, is home to one of Europe’s last remaining populations of these bears, making it a mustvisit for wildlife enthusiasts. The Picos de Europa is a haven for mountain lovers, offering a network of trails that take you through some of the most stunning scenery in Spain. As you hike through the park, keep your eyes peeled for bears, as well as other wildlife like chamois, wolves, and the rare bearded vulture. The park’s diverse flora and fauna make it a biodiversity hotspot, with over 1000 species of plants and a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. One of the best ways to experience the Picos de Europa is by taking the Cares Gorge Route, a spectacular hiking trail that follows the path of the Cares River as it winds through a deep canyon. This route offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and is also a great place to spot wildlife, with chamois often seen on the cliffs and eagles soaring overhead. The Picos de Europa is also home to several traditional mountain villages, where you can experience the local culture and cuisine, including the famous Cabrales cheese, which is made from the milk of local cows, sheep, and goats. In the far north of Spain, the Basque Country is a region of stunning natural beauty, where rugged coastlines, lush forests, and rolling hills provide a rich habitat for wildlife. The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, located just a short drive from Bilbao, is one of the best places to experience this natural beauty. This reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds recorded here, including ospreys, herons, and the rare white stork. The reserve’s diverse habitats, from wetlands and estuaries to woodlands and sandy beaches, also support a wide variety of other wildlife, including otters, deer, and wild boar. One of the highlights of a visit to Urdaibai is the chance to explore its beautiful coastline, where you can find hidden coves, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs. The reserve is also home to several walking and cycling routes, which take you through its diverse landscapes, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. The Basque Country is also known for its rich cultural heritage, and a visit to Urdaibai is not complete without exploring the charming town of Gernika, which is famous for its historic oak tree, a symbol of Basque identity. Finally, in the heart of Andalusia, the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is a mountainous region of limestone peaks and deep gorges, where you can find one of Spain’s most important populations of the Spanish ibex. This park is a paradise for hikers, with a network of trails that take you through its rugged landscapes, where you might also see griffon vultures, golden eagles, and the rare Bonelli’s eagle. The park’s diverse habitats, from pine forests and oak woodlands to rocky outcrops and open meadows, provide a rich environment for wildlife, making it a mustvisit for nature lovers. One of the best ways to experience the Sierra de Grazalema is by taking the Garganta Verde Route, a spectacular hike that takes you through a deep canyon, where you can see the impressive vultures’ colony that nests on the cliffs. The park is also home to several traditional whitewashed villages, where you can experience the local culture and cuisine, including the famous payoyo cheese, which is made from the milk of local goats. A visit to Grazalema is not complete without exploring the charming village of Zahara de la Sierra, which is perched on a hilltop overlooking a turquoise reservoir and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
