7 exciting nature holidays in Spain

When asked about Spain as a holiday destination, most people will think about the sun, sea, flamenco dancers and overcrowded beaches. While some beaches in the South of Spain do match the description, what most people don’t know is that Spain is also a country with many Nature Reserves, Natural Parks and with such a varied, wild scenery that two days hiking or cycling will never be the same.

So if you are planning to go green for your next holiday, then the suggestions below will help you plan your next nature holiday.

Green holidays in Andalusia

Costa de la Luz in Andalucía stretches from Tarifa to the mouth of the Guadiana River, along the provinces of Cadiz and Hueva. The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park was the first natural park in Andalucia in 1984. The limestone landscape with cliffs, caves and gorges is home to a Griffon Vulture colony. The area is also popular for its white villages or pueblos blancos. The white paint was used to reduce the effect of the heat on the walls.  One of the prettiest one is Zahara de la Sierra, with gorgeous views of El Gastor Mountain and the valley surrounding the village. The area is perfect for hiking through the farms and is great for a family holiday in the nature. Another natural park to consider is the Natural Park Breña y Marismas de Barbate. The scenery will be slightly different with a mix of forests, cliffs and wild beaches. There are several routes which you can take to visit the park and discover its five ecosystems. Don’t miss the Torre de Tajo, a tower 100 m high above the sea level, which has stunning views of the Gibraltar strait and the African continent.  There is a wide choice of nature holiday accommodation on the Costa de la Luz. If you choose to stay in a mobile home by the sea, then the Bungalows La Rosaleda will be ideal. They are located in the village of Conil de la Frontera and about 1.5 km away from the beach. But if you are looking for something a bit different, then have a look at Chozas Karen in the small seaside resort of Canos de Meca. There you can sleep in traditional huts with thatched roofs, which were typical of the area in the 18^th century.

Wildlife & Nature Holidays in Cantabria

If you prefer a cooler region, then Cantabria on Spain’s north coast will be perfect. It is known as Green Spain with many preserved areas, prehistoric caves (Altamira), its beaches and the Picos de Europa Natural Park. The Picos de Europa is a range of mountains across the three provinces of Cantabria, Asturias and Léon. It is a spectacular area, with gorges, valleys, glacial lakes, and forests. The routes in the Park are well signposted for visitors. Don’t miss the lakes of Covadonga, the views of the Naranjo de Bulnes, Desfiladero de la Hermida and the Cares gorges. The park is accessible to all level of hikers and cyclists. There are a few lovely locations where you can stay when visiting the Picos de Europa. The Bungalows Playa de Oyambre are located in the Oyambre Nature Reserve, close to the beach and with amazing views of the Picos de Europa. The lakes of Covadonga are also nearby. The Bungalows El Helguero are close to the Altamira prehistoric caves, and a short drive away from the city of Santander.

Walking and activity holidays in the Basque Country

The Basque country is also a good destination for a holiday in the nature in Spain. Same as the region of Cantabria, it has a cooler climate which makes it ideal for hiking or cycling all day. The Biosphere of Urdaiba has been a biosphere since 1984. It has many places of interest, such as the Santimamiñe caves and their prehistoric paintings, the Forest of Oma, the village of Ibarrangelu and the town of Gernika, made famous by Picasso. The Casa Rural Arboliz are located in the reserve and will be a great starting point to many hikes. The Bungalows Angosto, in the Valderejo Natural Park is another option. The area has a very low population and benefits from a rich flaura and fauna. Hikes will take you through the valleys where you will come across many megalithic monuments (the tumulus of San Lorenzo, the monolith on Mount Lerón), churches and small villages.

Nature holidays in Toledo

If you are planning a nature holiday with a group, then the Cabañas Finca Atajacadenas in Toledo, Castille La Mancha will be ideal. They can provide accommodation for groups, and they are dedicated to eco-tourism. They can organise activities around nature, such as canoeing in their private lake, hiking or horse-riding along the river.

There are many other areas of Spain that will be perfect for a green holiday or a short break in the nature. You can find the best nature accommodation on BungalowsClub.

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