The unique diversity of Spanish landscapes never fails to amaze me. After all these years of traveling across the country, I still can´t believe the Southern charm of sunny Andalusia and the Northern ocean cliffs with its rigorous weather could actually exist within the same borders of the Iberian Peninsula. Let´s check these must-see magical forests in Spain to fuel your wanderlust!
Must– See Magical Forests in Spain
Forest is officially one of the best places for walks with nature and finding your inner peace. As I´ve already confessed to you in my Huesca travel story – after years of hiking and nature getaways, I´ve recently started to develop a connection between my current mood and the landscapes I seek to experience (no matter how strange it might sound).
No wonder that one of my current nature obsessions is finding the unique ancient trees, like the millenary olives of Canet Lo Roig or Tenerife´s Drago Milenario. Can you imagine these silent giants, rooted deep in the earth and stretching to the sky, the eternal witnesses of things that happened long before either of us were even born? If you´re feeling the same way don´t miss – El Roble Valentin in Asturias, La Encina La Terrona in Caceres, El Tejo de Barondillo in Madrid.
Also read: The Largest Palm Grove in Europe – Elche
If you´re reading this post, you might already be suspecting that Spain is the land of mystical legends, dreamy castles, fairytale locations, and landscapes that look out of this world. Right you are. Being an expat in this beautiful country for so long has made me rediscover my inner beliefs in magic while exploring countless secret villages and beautiful gardens on the Iberian Peninsula.
As Albert Einstein once said “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Let´s go for the second option, shall we?!
Who said enchanted forests don´t exist in real life?
Hayedo de Otzarreta / The Basque Country

Hayedo de Otzarreta at Gorbeia Natural Park is absolutely a must-stop on every Spanish Road trip through the Basque Country. While everyone claims that this place is especially charming in the autumn months, I got a chance to visit Hayedo de Otzarreta in the summer peak season. It was such a magical moment with no soul around.
I will share more details about my trip to Basque Country in one of the upcoming posts.
Anaga Forest Nature Reserve / Tenerife, Canary Islands

Anaga Forest Nature Reserve is one of the hidden gems on the Spanish island of Tenerife, the eye candy of my favorite Canary Islands. It is a beautiful forest, full of top Spanish hiking trails of distinct difficulty and length. Keep in mind that some of them (for ex. Sendero El Bosque Encantado) might have limited access and you´d need to ask for permission online in advance.
Also read: The Enchanted City of Cuenca – Off the beaten track Spain
However, the most visited trail Sendero de Los Sentidos (nearby a parking lot and visitors center) does not require any previous permissions and it is suitable for kids (even partially adapted for disabled and baby strollers). Just check the weather and bring a jacket (the temperature surprisingly dips in this area) and comfortable shoes (better hiking boots). Read more…
Another very similar to Anaga Forest location is Garajonay National Park at the nearest La Gomera island with its romantic legend behind.
The Painted Forest of Oma / The Basque Country

*updated in 2022 – note that The Oma Painted Forest has been temporarily closed for a while – check the opening schedules before visiting
Painted by the Bilbao sculptor and artist Agustín Ibarrola back in 1984, The Painted Forest of Oma represents the ultimate connection between nature and art. Thousands of pine trees are covered with colors, while revealing different images and compositions, depending on the angle you look at them.
Unlike the first two magical forests, where you could literally park your car nearby, The Painted Forest of Oma is a popular Spanish hike (the complete circular route is more or less 7 km long). It could be done with kids, but it is not adapted for disabled people or baby strollers, at least for now. Once you´ve reached The Painted Forest of Oma – you need to walk the stairs downwards, the rest is quite plain.
Read more: The Most Colorful Villages in Spain
All the way back home I was wondering whether The Painted Forest of Oma felt so magical because of its strange paintings or its solitary location. A bit of both, I guess.
If visiting – go there first thing in the morning (better in the offseason or weekdays), as the Oma Forest has lately become quite touristic. I was lucky to explore the area with no one around, but only half an hour later (around 11 p.m) it was flooded with loud tourists, and the magic was honestly gone.
More Spanish magical forests on my bucket list?
- 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
- Dehesa del Saler / Valencia
- Bosques de Ambroz / Caceres
- El bosque de Muniellos / Asturias
- Faedo de Ciñera / Leon
- Selva de Irati / Navarra
- Hayedo de Tejera Negra / Castile-La Mancha
- Parque Natural De Carrascal la Font Roja / Alicante
- Bosque de Carlac / Vall D´Aran
For more travel tips and ideas about Spain check my Pinterest board Travel to Spain.
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Anna.
Thank you as always for sharing your traveling experience. The depiction of the great forests in your words was simply beautiful! I can definitely feel the peace and harmony with a little of my own imagination!! It must be the magic in the air!? 🙂
As a photographer, I always love the beauty of nature. The mountains and the landscapes. And the forest is very often in tuned with the seasons, for which every season bares its own unique beauty. To experience the beauty of nature such as those amazing forests is certainly how we should live our life. Everything is a miracle!! 🙂
Again thank you for sharing your experience and looking forward to hear more about your next adventures.
Cheers, Kevin
Thank you, Kevin! It´s been a while since we´ve connected through the social media and I´m always happy to hear from you!
So true about nature, couldn´t agree more!
Wow! These are all beautiful. I have never been to Spain, but my husband went for a short work trip and got to sightsee a little while there. I would love to spend a few hours in one of these forests. I’d def. bring my camera!
Carrie
curlycarftymom.com
It´s such a place for photography lovers, you could definitely make some unique shots and memories!
These are all so beautiful! I never thought I’d be the one to enjoy forests, but this has me ready to go! It sounds like a lovely trip.
Sarah | getupgetaway.com
Thank you, Sarah!
Oh my I wish I knew all of this when I was in Spain last May! I would love to see some of these magical forest!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Hope you´ve had a great trip!
I didn’t know about this side of Spain. The forests look magical indeed!
ANOUK
Thanks, Anouk! Yes, that´s the less known side of Spain – at least internationally!
I hope to get the chance to visit them all someday!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
Thanks for stopping by, Tamara!
Painted forest is a good idea to attract some tourists.
That´s for sure!
I had no idea Spain had landscapes such as this! So beautiful!
xo, Maria
https://www.miamiamine.com/
Oh wow! These are truly magical! The pictures are amazing. I can’t imagine what it would be like to actually see them there! What an amazing experience. Definitely adding these to my never-ending bucket list!
Alexx | Aesthetics by Alexx
https://aestheticsbyalexx.com
You´re really feeling yourself like Alice in Wonderland!
These forests looks amazing! Spain is on my bucket list. Lovely pics too!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine!
They all look so beautiful!
Beauty & Colour | Vegan Fashion + Lifestyle Blog
Thanks for stopping by, Caitlin!
Wow, these forests look magical! I would love to visit these places if I’m in Spain 🙂
Chynna | chynnawebley.com/blog
Thanks, Chynna!
The forests in Spain are so beautiful, it’s almost like they’re out of a fantasy world!
Mai // maidoesthings.com
Yes, they feel out of this world, right?!
Oh what a gorgeous place!
x Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Thanks for stopping by, Lisa!
I didn’t know about this side of Spain, the forests all look beautiful but I’d love to see the painted one for myself. So pretty! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
The painted forest is impressive!
Thanks! Good luck to you too!
Those forests indeed look so magical! Got to keep those places in mind when I travel to Spain next time.
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Thanks for stopping by, Simone!
Wow, these forests look amazing! I especially love the one with the painted trees…very cool! I definitely would love to see these places in person someday! Thanks for sharing!
http://roadesque.com
Thanks, Valerie! Hope you get to see the Oma painted forest for yourself someday!
So lovely place! I hope you had a great experience!!
Have a great day! xx
La ilusión de Nina – http://lailusiondenina.blogspot.com.es/
Thanks, Nina! I did for sure!
wow I cant even deal with nature and its beauty
This is very lovely
https://www.melodyjacob.com/
These forests are so magical!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you, Ashley!
What a lovely unique travel post! I have to admit exploring forests is not something I would think of in Spain but it sounds so magical and it’s always lovely to see a different side to a well-known destination.
Milenka x
Blushing Lately
So true! I wouldn´t say so myself 10 years ago! It´s the best thing about our digital age – we get to know the less explored places!
I’ve been to Spain loads of times and never explored the forests! I love a good nature walk. Thank you for sharing xxx
Ashley
https://lellalee.com
Thanks, Ashley! Nothing like a good walk with nature indeed!
When I think of Spain, forests never come to mind. These are beautiful!
Thank you, Jenn! It´s true though – forests is the less known side of Spain!
Love the look of the Painted Forest. Unfortunately we mostly travel in the height of the summer, so hikes are usually out, but a walk in the forest I guess is a good solution. The forests do look inviting.
I know what you mean, unfortunately, we also mostly travel in summer:-( but in this case, hikes felt refreshing! We visited all of these in summer months and the temperature really dropped in between all this greenery!
Nice to read about another side of Spain, aside from beaches and cities. Those forests look lovely! not made it to Bilbao or Basque country yet but have pinned for future reference, thanks for sharing 🙂 Garth
Thanks, Garth! The Basque country and Northern Spain is my favorite region for the impressive nature and landscapes!
I can’t get over how beautiful these forests are and I find the Oma’s Forest to be quite interesting! #FeetDoTravel
Thanks! Oma’s Forest is both hiking and sightseeing, I guess!
These are really dreamy dear! Looks like settings from fantasy movies. Really gorgeous places.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank you, Jessica!
You are right, Anna, forests are magical, at least I always feel they are whenever I get a chance to be alone with the ancient trees. Your photos made me feel like I was in the middle of these forests; love the feel of being in old growth forests, there is something magical about being there, I agree. Especially if you get some time alone. Love this post; 🙂
So true, you know that´s what has also captivated my attention while reading your Yaxchilan post – the jungle greenery and magical atmosphere!
I never would have thought Spain had forests, let alone ones as beautiful as this! There is something magical about forests isn’t there? The way the light bleeds through the trees, the smell, the sounds, yep, I will add this to my list now, thank you for sharing! Pinned #feetdotravel