Discover the ultimate list of Spain’s top natural wonders! The Iberian Peninsula is home to an astonishing variety of landscapes – far beyond what most travelers expect. From surreal pink and green lakes to otherworldly deserts, steaming volcanoes, ancient forests, and bizarre rock formations, these jaw-dropping natural sights prove that Spain is so much more than beaches and tapas. Prepare to be amazed by the wild side of Spain you never knew existed.

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Top 13 Natural Wonders in Spain (2025)

What kind of landscape does Spain have

Spain is often celebrated as a top holiday destination for its sunny beaches, scenic islands, and Gaudí’s iconic architecture in Barcelona – but for nature lovers, it offers far more than meets the eye. This country is home to one of the most diverse landscapes in Europe, thanks to its unique geography across the Iberian Peninsula.

Spain’s natural scenery is full of striking contrasts: the arid plains of central regions like Castilla-La Mancha stretch out into the distance, while the north boasts lush green valleys and dense forests. Towering over the northern border, the Pyrenees offer rugged peaks perfect for hiking and skiing. In the south, you’ll find palm-fringed coastlines, semi-arid deserts like Almería’s Tabernas, and even subtropical microclimates in regions like the Canary Islands.

But perhaps the most unexpected surprise is just how many places in Spain look like they belong on another planet. Think vibrant pink and green salt lakes, surreal volcanic landscapes in the Canary Islands, vast wind-swept dunes, ancient forests, and bizarre rock formations sculpted by time and erosion.

So, in addition to my guides on Fairytale Places, Dreamy Spanish Castles, and Game of Thrones Filming Locations, I’ve put together this ultimate list of the country’s most otherworldly landscapes. Let’s explore the wildest natural wonders Spain has to offer – many of which you may never have heard of.

Top Natural Wonders & Spain’s Most Beautiful Landscapes

1. Las Tabernas Desert in Almeria

Did you know that many iconic Hollywood Westerns were actually filmed in Spain? The Tabernas Desert in Andalusia is often dubbed Europe’s Wild West, and it’s easy to see why. Its wide, sun-scorched landscapes have starred in countless legendary films. If you’ve read my guides on Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain or the Almeria Holiday Guide, you might recognize this striking scenery – Season 6 scenes set in the land of the Dothraki were shot right here.

Almeria is the only place in Europe where you can truly feel like a cowboy, wandering through authentic Wild West towns used in classic films. Its cinematic legacy is unmatched in Spain, with the Tabernas Desert featured in global blockbusters like Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Cleopatra (1963), The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Dance of the Vampires (2001), and Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014). No wonder filmmakers keep coming back to this one-of-a-kind desert landscape.

2. The Enchanted City of Cuenca

When it comes to extraordinary rock formations, the Enchanted City (Ciudad Encantada) in Central Spain stands out as one of Spain’s most fascinating natural wonders. Just 28 km from the city of Cuenca, this surreal landscape is filled with limestone formations that resemble everything from animals to human figures – shaped over millennia by wind and water. It’s a must-visit stop on any road trip from Madrid to Valencia, offering an experience that feels almost otherworldly. You can read more about my visit here.

3. Teide National Park in Tenerife

While virtual trips to the moon are possible these days, the Canary Islands offer a real-life alternative that’s just as surreal. Their dramatic, otherworldly landscapes deserve a post of their own – but one place that immediately comes to mind is Teide National Park in Tenerife. Home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide (rising over 3,700 meters), it’s a must-see landmark that belongs on every adventurous bucket list.

Equally impressive is Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote. Both parks, born from volcanic activity, captivate visitors with their raw, lunar-like terrain – reminding us that you don’t need to leave Earth to feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.

4. Europe’s Highest Cliffs in Galicia

Spain boasts countless stunning cliffs, but none quite like those in Galicia, Northern Spain – home to some of the highest cliffs in all of Europe. The Finisterre coast, in particular, feels almost mystical. Its name, Finis Terrae, meaning “end of the earth,” was given by the Romans who believed this westernmost point of Galicia marked the edge of the known world. For more breathtaking cliffscapes across Spain, be sure to check out this post.

5. Millenary Olive Trees

One of Spain’s most unique – and often overlooked – natural wonders is the millenary olive trees scattered across the Mediterranean landscape, especially in Jaén and the small towns between Barcelona and Valencia. In the quaint, off-the-beaten-path village of Canet Lo Roig in Castellón, some of these ancient olive giants are over 2,000 years old, dating back to the Roman Empire.

Strolling through a 200-year-old olive grove is a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, local shops offer bottles of millenary olive oil, making for an authentic and delicious souvenir from Spain. The Route of the Millenary Olive Trees is one of the Valencia Region’s best-kept secrets and ranks among the most captivating hikes in Castellón. You can read more about my visit in this post.

6. Sand Dunes in Fuerteventura

When it comes to its islands, Spain hides another breathtaking natural wonder that defies expectations – Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo in Fuerteventura. Though the Canary Islands lie much closer to Africa than to mainland Europe, many assume these vast sand dunes are Sahara sands carried by the wind. In reality, Fuerteventura’s dunes are made up of finely crushed local shells, creating a landscape that feels truly otherworldly. This stunning natural park is without doubt one of Spain’s most extraordinary and unforgettable sights.

7. Enchanted Forest of Anaga

One of my favorite natural wonders in Spain is Parque Rural de Anaga in Tenerife. While we all cherish a good walk in nature, some places seem to pulse with a special kind of magic. Certain forests in Spain will make you question whether enchanted forests truly exist – and Anaga is definitely one of them.

The Sendero El Bosque Encantado trail, nestled within Anaga Rural Park, is one of the most breathtaking hikes in Spain. It’s the park’s most iconic route, but there are plenty of other trails to explore in the area. Anaga is just one of Spain’s many enchanted forests – you can find my full list in this post.

8. Green Lake in Lanzarote

Spain is home to many beautiful and unique lakes, but Lago de los Clicos – also known as Charco de los Clicos – stands out for its striking green hue. Nestled in the crater of an ancient volcano on Lanzarote, this lake owes its mesmerizing color to a special type of algae thriving in its waters. Connected to the ocean through underground channels, the lake’s water level is naturally maintained, adding to its fascinating and ever-changing character.

9. Caribbean Blues in Formentera

When it comes to Caribbean-style beaches in Europe, it’s hard to top the island of Formentera. While the Mediterranean boasts stunning turquoise waters – from Cyprus’s Blue Lagoon to Ibiza’s trendy shores – Spain’s paradise coastlines are truly led by Formentera’s pristine, crystal-clear beaches. Want to know more about my unforgettable weekend on this magical island? Check out the full story in this post.

10. Pink Lake of Alicante

One of Spain’s most surprising landscapes is Alicante’s Pink Lake, also known as Las Salinas de Torrevieja. Its captivating pink hue is caused by bacteria and algae, though the exact shade varies with the season and time of day. While it may not always appear as vibrantly pink as social media suggests, the lake remains an impressive sight.

Despite popular belief, swimming in the Pink Lake is generally prohibited – in fact, during my last visit in April, officials were actively patrolling and asking visitors not to touch the water. The surrounding Torrevieja Natural Park is also a haven for wildlife, attracting flamingos during their breeding season, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching in Spain.

11. Palm Grove in Elche

Europe’s largest palm grove can be found in the charming town of Elche, nestled in Spain’s Valencian Community region. Home to around 200,000 palm trees, El Palmeral has shaped Elche’s distinctive urban landscape for over a millennium. Its origins trace back to the 10th century when the Arabs moved the city to its present location, planting the seeds for this extraordinary grove. You can learn more about Elche and its iconic palms in this post.

12. The Zumaia Beach in The Basque Country

Zumaya Beach is one of the Basque Country’s most striking natural wonders, famous for its dramatic vertical strata formations that jut out from the sea, creating an almost otherworldly landscape. These layered rock formations, formed over millions of years by sediment settling from water and air, tell a fascinating geological story. Adding to its allure, Zumaia Beach also served as one of the most unique Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain and can be visited on a day trip from Bilbao or San Sebastian.

13. The Pyrenees

The Pyrenees, a majestic mountain range straddling the Spain-France border, is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking regions on the Iberian Peninsula. It boasts stunning alpine landscapes, crystal-clear glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush, verdant valleys.

On the Spanish side, it’s home to two of the country’s most extraordinary national parks: Ordesa y Monte Perdido and Aigüestortes. As one of my all-time favorite destinations, I return to the Pyrenees often. You can find all my tips and itineraries for exploring this incredible mountain range right here.

Other Spanish natural wonders

Discover even more of Spain’s unique natural wonders – explore them all on the map below:

• Las Medulas / Leon
• Bardenas Reales / Navarra
• Erosiones de Bolnuevo / Murcia
• Rio Tinto / Andalusia
• Playa de Aguila / Fuerteventura 
• Hayedo de Otzarreta / The Basque Country
• Timanfaya National Park / Lanzarote
• Torcas de Palancares / Cuenca
• Lunar Vineyards / Lanzarote
• Los Gigantes / Tenerife
• Los Callejones de las Majadas / Cuenca
• Garganta de los Infiernos / Extremadura
• The Painted Forest of Oma / The Basque Country
• Montserrat Rocks / Catalonia
• Congost de Mont-rebei / Catalonia – read the full story
• Cuevas de Zugarramurdi / Navarra
• La Laguna Negra de Urbion / Soria
• Piramides de Güimar / Tenerife
• Fragas do Eume / Galicia
• Los Mallos de Riglos / Huesca
• Roques de la Villa / Huesca

Map of Spanish natural wonders

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