While Spain is generally known for its dry landscapes (unless you head to the northern coast, which is full of greenery), you may be surprised to discover that there are quite a few magical forests across the country offering travelers a storybook experience.

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Exploring Enchanted Forests in Spain

Are there any forests in Spain?

While Spain is largely known for its Mediterranean coast and epic beaches, you might be surprised to find that the country is home to many beautiful and diverse forests. While much of southern and central Spain is known for its dry landscapes, in the northern areas of the country you can find epic natural settings like the Irati Forest in Navarra or Fragas do Eume in Galicia.

What is the largest forest in Spain?

The largest forest in Spain is the Irati Forest (Selva de Irati), located in the region of Navarra, in the Pyrenees. It spans about 17,000 hectares and is one of the best-preserved beech and fir forests in Europe. Irati Forest is considered one of the most unique spots for hiking in the Pyrenees and one of the most epic Spanish destinations to enjoy fall foliage.

What is the famous tree in Spain?

There are several famous trees in Spain that are real-life monuments. For example, the Drago Milenario in Tenerife, the millenary olive trees, El Roble Valentin in Asturias, La Encina La Terrona in Caceres, and El Tejo de Barondillo near Madrid. All of these trees are among the oldest and most spectacular in the country. Additionally, the Tree of Gernika, which I recently visited near Bilbao, deserves a special mention.

Forest is officially one of the best places for walks with nature and finding your inner peace. Who said enchanted forests don´t exist in real life? – Here are my favorite magical forests to visit in Spain.

tenerife family holidays drago milenario
Drago Milenario in Tenerife
Parque del Drago tenerife canary islands
Drago Milenario in Tenerife

The most beautiful forests in Spain

Forest is one of the best places for walking in nature and finding inner peace, but who said enchanted forests don’t exist in real life? Here are my favorite magical forests to visit in Spain.

Hayedo de Otzarreta / The Basque Country

hayedo de otzarreta nature spain

Hayedo de Otzarreta in Gorbeia Natural Park is an absolute must-stop on any Northern Spain road trip. While many claim that this spot is especially charming during the autumn months, I had the chance to visit Hayedo de Otzarreta during the summer peak season. This place truly feels like something out of a storybook. You can find more details about my visit during the Basque Country road trip in this post.

Anaga Forest Nature Reserve / Tenerife, Canary Islands

Anaga Forest Nature Reserve in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Anaga Forest Nature Reserve / Tenerife, Canary Islands

Anaga Forest Nature Reserve is one of the hidden gems on the Spanish island of Tenerife and one of the most unique natural settings of the Canary Islands. It is a beautiful forest, home to some of Spain’s top hiking trails, varying in difficulty and length. Keep in mind that some trails, such as Sendero El Bosque Encantado, may have limited access and require online permission in advance. However, the most visited trail, Sendero de Los Sentidos (near a parking lot and visitors center), does not require any prior permissions and is suitable for kids, with parts adapted for disabled visitors and baby strollers. So, it is one of the easiest Spanish forests to visit on this list. Another location similar is Garajonay National Park on the nearby island of La Gomera, which even features a romantic legend.

The Painted Forest of Oma / The Basque Country

oma painted forest basque country
The Painted Forest of Oma

Painted by the Bilbao sculptor and artist Agustín Ibarrola in 1984, the Painted Forest of Oma represents the ultimate connection between nature and art. Thousands of pine trees are covered with vibrant colors, revealing different images and compositions depending on the angle from which you view them. Unlike the first two magical forests, where you could literally park your car nearby, the Painted Forest of Oma involves a circular route (about 7 km long). It can be done with kids, but it is not adapted for disabled people or strollers, at least for now.

Bosque de Carlac / The Pyrenees

bosque de carlac spanish forest
Bosque de Carlac

One of the most secret magical forests in Spain is Bosque de Carlac, as it is located deep in the Pyrenees mountains, almost on the Spain-France border. It is a truly magical spot, but reaching it requires a hike. You will start your journey in the tiny village of Bausen and walk all the way up. The hike feels quite unique since you begin at a higher altitude, walking through bushes with no tall trees in sight. Eventually, the trail takes you to Bosque de Carlac, an area filled with ancient trees. You can read more about visiting this secret forest here.

Selva de Irati /Navarra

autumn in Spain destinations
Selva de Irati (photo by Ana Cruz)

Selva de Irati, located in the Navarra region of northern Spain, is one of the most unique forests in the country. As one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved beech and fir forests, it covers over 17,000 hectares of lush greenery. What makes Selva de Irati particularly unique is its untouched, ancient character, where centuries-old trees stand side by side with the forest’s vibrant plant life.

More Spanish magical forests:

  • Fageda d en Jorda / Catalonia
  • Monumento Natural de las Sequoyas del Monte Cabezon / Cantabria
  • El Rivet / Castellon
  • Fragas do Eume / A Coruña
  • Fageda de la Grevolosa / Catalonia
  • Bosques de Ambroz / Caceres
  • El bosque de Muniellos / Asturias
  • Faedo de Ciñera / Leon
  • Hayedo de Tejera Negra / Castile-La Mancha
  • Parque Natural De Carrascal la Font Roja / Alicante

Map of the most unique Spanish forests

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