Spread the love

The unique diversity of landscapes in Spain is formed by countless natural wonders that you absolutely need to see with your own eyes. Pink and green lakes, endless deserts and steaming volcanoes, ancient trees, and peculiar rock formations – there´s so much to explore that you might have ever anticipated. Check this ultimate list of otherworldly landscapes in Spain to inspire your next trip!

While Spain is mostly known worldwide as an ultimate holiday destination with amazing weather and great sights, I can assure you that nature lovers might be unexpectedly spoilt for choices while visiting the Iberian Peninsula. The flat plains of Central Spain adventurously transform into magical forests and foggy mountains once you head north, or unpredictably turn into chilly palms and white sands once you make your way south.

But the most unexpected thing about the unique diversity of landscapes in Spain is that this country is full of places that look like they are from another planet. Pink and green lakes, endless deserts, steaming volcanoes, ancient trees, and peculiar rock formations – there´s no shortage of otherworldly things to explore in Spain. Much to explore that you might have ever anticipated.

Therefore, in addition to my posts Fairytale Places in Spain, Dreamy Spanish Castles, and Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Spain (all of which are full of fantasy locations) I’ve curated for you a full list of the otherworldly landscapes in Spain. Let´s experience unique sceneries created by Mother Nature that look absolutely supernatural.

Los Gigantes in Tenerife
Los Gigantes / Tenerife

Top Otherworldly Landscapes in Spain

1. Las Tabernas Desert in Almeria

Did you know that many of the top Hollywood Westerns were actually filmed in Spain? – Las Tabernas Desert is Andalusia´s iconic Wild West. You might have already had a brief preview of Almeria´s wide and dry expanses, back when I shared the Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain and the Almeria Holiday Guide. This is where GoT Season 6 scenes depicting the land of Dothraki´s were filmed. 

Moreover, Almeria is the only place in Europe where you can channel your inner cowboy while walking the streets of a Wild West Town.

Almeria´s desert is one of the top otherworldly landscapes in Spain – no wonder it has a long history with international filmmakers. To name a few top movies featuring Las Tabernas Desert: 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), Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014).

Las Tabernas Desert in Almeria

2. Rock formations of The Enchanted City of Cuenca

Although The Spanish Province of Cuenca borders a few well-known Spanish regions, like Madrid, Toledo, and Valencia, it is still Spain off the beaten track. 28km from the city of Cuenca, hidden by the local forests, you´ll find The Enchanted City (or La Cuidad Encantada in Spanish).

The Enchanted City of Cuenca is such a natural phenomenon. By and large, it is a circular route full of impressive rock formations, sculpted over the centuries by ice, wind, and water.

Also read: An Oasis of Greenery – Lagunas De Ruidera Natural Park

A walk through The Enchanted City really feels like something supernatural and mystical. Especially, due to the fact that all the rock figures look like humans, objects, or animals. This is where you let go of normal directed thinking and liberate your imagination. How about “A fight between an elephant and a crocodile” or “The lovers of Teruel“.

There are more hidden gems in Cuenca, like Cañon de Talayelas, that nature lovers can’t miss. Also, let´s not forget the peculiar rocks of Montserrat near Barcelona. I´ll leave you the list of additional suggestions at the end of this post.

Rock formations of The Enchanted City of Cuenca
Rock formations of The Enchanted City of Cuenca

3. Lunar Landscapes of Teide in Tenerife

While you currently can virtually travel to the moon, The Canary Islands might give you a similar experience in real life. The impressive and unique landscapes of these exotic Spanish islands deserve a separate post. But one place pops into my mind first – Teide National Park in Tenerife and Spain´s highest mountain Teide (over 3,700 m). It is one of the top Spanish landmarks to visit at least once in a lifetime.

Nature lovers must leave sometime for hiking, to enjoy some of the most unique trails in the whole of Spain.

Another similar location in The Canary Islands is Lanzarote´s Timanfaya National Park. Both Teide and Timanfaya National Parks have volcanic origins and will stark you with their surreal lunar landscapes.

Lunar Landscapes of Teide in Tenerife

4. Europe’s Highest Cliffs in Galicia

You can find Europe’s Highest Cliffs in the Spanish province of Galicia. Finisterre is one of the most freedom-infused landscapes in Spain. Romans called it “finis terrae” (which means “end of the earth”) because back then the west coast of Galicia was where the known world literally ended.

For more dramatic cliff landscapes in Spain, head to Los Gigantes in Tenerife. Located in the west of the island, the small resort of Los Gigantes is famous for the giant 800m-high cliff formations. Sailing or kayaking in the area will provide you with the views of a lifetime.

Europe's Highest Cliffs in Galicia

5. Millenary Olive Trees in Castellon

Another big unknown on this list – The Millenary Olives in the province of Castellon. Some of the trees in the small off-the-beaten-path village Canet Lo Roig are more than 2000 years old and have been present in the region since the times of the Roman Empire.

Also read: 10 Places in The Province of Valencia You´ve never Heard Of 

While olive trees in Crete are estimated at over 3000 years old, the millenary olives of Canet lo Roig will astonish you with their large number and variety! A walk through a 200-year-old olive trees grove is quite an experience in itself. In addition, in some local shops, you can buy a bottle of local millenary-olive oil.

The Route of The Millenary Olive Trees is one of Valencia Region Hidden Gems and coolest hikes in Castellon.

Millenary Olive Trees in Castellon
Otherworldly Landscapes in Spain: Must-see Natural Wonders

6. Sand Dunes in Fuerteventura

Aside from my favorite Tarifa, there’s another epic place in Spain for endless beaches and unimaginable sand dunes – Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo in Fuerteventura, one of the top Spanish islands.

Technically, The Canary Islands are much closer to Africa than they are to Europe. However, despite a popular belief that all this sand was blown from the Sahara desert, Fuerteventura sand dunes were actually composed of local shells. It is one of the most stunning landscapes in Spain with an unmatched otherworldly feel.

Sand Dunes in Fuerteventura

7. Enchanted Forests of Anaga National Park in Tenerife

One of my favorite Spanish scenes is Parque Rural de Anaga in Tenerife. While we all love walks with nature, some places make you feel the magic flowing through your system more than others. After all, who said enchanted forests don´t exist in real life?

Read more: The Prettiest Flower Fields in Spain

Sendero El Bosque Encantado is one of the most epic Spanish hikes, but you´ll need to ask for permission to visit online (in advance), as local authorities limit daily visitors to preserve the area. However, Anaga´s most-visited trail Sendero de los Sentidos (nearby a parking lot and visitor´s center) does not require any previous permissions and it is suitable for kids (even partially adapted for disabled and baby strollers).

Dreaming of more magical forests? – Check Bosque de Oma and Hayedo de Otzarreta in The Basque Country, or Fragas do Eume in Galicia.

8. Green Lake in Lanzarote

Lago de los Clicos (also Charco de los Clicos) is a green lake formed in a crater of an old volcano on the Spanish island of Lanzarote. It owes its spectacular color to the type of algae that grows there. The lake is still connected via underground with an ocean, which maintains the level of water. 

Landscape lovers, can you imagine the contrast of deep green with emerald blue and volcanic black?!

Other otherworldly landscapes in Lanzarote you can’t miss – Lunar Vineyards and Los Hervideros.

Green Lake in Lanzarote

9. Caribbean Blues in Formentera

It’s hard to beat Formentera when it comes to the Caribbean island experience in Europe. While the Mediterranean has quite a few turquoise water spots, like the Blue Lagoon of Cyprus or trendy Ibiza beaches, the paradise coastlines in Spain are forefronted by the Island of Formentera.

Also read: Best beaches in Spain Off The Beaten Path

We all need to re-center and refresh our minds every once in a while and there’s no better way to do this than by catching some waves and rays in the middle of a magical natural setting. The bluest waters of Formentera have a bewitching effect on every visitor and will make you experience a Caribbean Paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Check more details about my recent magical weekend in Formentera.

paradise beach white sand formentera

10. Pink Lake in Alicante

One of the most unexpected Spanish landscapes – Alicante´s Pink Lake or Las Salinas de Torrevieja. The amazing color is generated by bacteria and algae. Although the exact hue of the lake highly depends on the season and the moment of the day – in real life it is not always as brightly pink as you might see across social media. Moreover, while many claim you can swim in Alicante´s Pink Lake, during my visit in April there were a few people from the government patrolling and asking you not to touch the water.

Due to its unique flora and fauna, Torrevieja Natural Park is visited by pink flamingos during the breeding season.

Pink Lake in Alicante

11. Palm Grove in Elche

The largest palm grove in Europe is located in the small Spanish town of Elche, Valencia Province. With 200 000 palms, El Palmeral has been a part of Elche´s unique urban landscape for over 1000 years.

The origins of the Palm Grove of Elche date back to the X century when the Arabs relocated the city to its current site. The Moorish cultivation methods employed in Elche centuries ago have survived to the present day. El Palmeral was declared  UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and is currently one of the most unique landmarks in Spain.

Also read: The Most Colorful Villages in Spain

You might expect to come across an oasis while heading to the Middle East, but seeing with your own eyes 200 000 palms in Elche, Valencia is not something easy to forget.

Palm Grove in Elche

12. The Zumaia Beach in The Basque Country

The filming of Game of Thrones in Spain has brought a lot of international attention to the divine nature of the Northern regions of the Iberian Peninsula. While the most eye-catching location was the spectacular isle of Gaztelugatxe (one of Spain´s most epic landmarks), The Zumaia Beach doubled for the Dragonstone surroundings, which weren’t any less impressive. A series of strata formations rise vertically from the sea while creating an ultimate unearthly effect. Usually, layered rocks form when particles settle from water or air.

Zumaia Beach is known for some of the most beautiful cliffs in Spain and is a must-stop on every Basque Country Itinerary.

In summer Zumaia beach gets crowded so make sure you visit at low tide (many rocks are submerged under the sea every time the tide comes in). Plus, you should also check The Muriola Beach (Barrika), another GOT filming location in Spain doubling for the Dragonstone surroundings.

The Zumaia Beach in The Basque Country

More otherworldly Spanish landscapes

Want to discover more otherworldly Spanish sceneries? – You can find more suggestions on the list below. A few of them are still on my Spanish bucket list, like Las Medulas, Garganta de los Infiernos, La Laguna Negra de Urbion or Rio Tinto.

For more magical forest ideas check this post.

Lunar Vineyards / Lanzarote
Lunar Vineyards / Lanzarote

Also read:

For more beautiful outdoors check my Pinterest board Travel and Nature. If you want more Spain travel tips and ideas don´t miss Travel to Spain board.

Pin it:

Otherworldly Landscapes in Spain: Must-see Natural Wonders - Pinterest