Allow me to share my personal experience visiting some of Spain’s most unique national parks. If you’re a traveler who loves exploring the Iberian Peninsula and can’t resist immersing yourself in nature, then discovering Spain’s national parks is a must for your Spain bucket list.

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National Parks in Spain

How many national parks are there in Spain?

Much like Istanbul is famously known as the gateway between Europe and Asia, Spain is often celebrated as the bridge connecting Europe and Africa. Geographically, Spain is uniquely positioned – separated from the rest of Europe by the imposing Pyrenees mountain range, yet only divided from the African continent by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar. This distinctive location, combined with Spain’s numerous islands, fosters an extraordinary diversity of national parks throughout the country.

While the concept of National Parks originated with Yellowstone in the United States in 1872, Spain was among the first European nations to embrace this idea. In 1916, Spain passed legislation granting official status to its inaugural national parks: Parque Nacional de Covadonga (now known as Picos de Europa) and Parque Nacional del Valle de Ordesa (currently Ordesa y Monte Perdido).

Since then, Spain’s network of national parks has steadily expanded, now boasting 16 protected areas, including Picos de Europa, Ordesa y Monte Perdido, Teide, Caldera de Taburiente, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, Doñana, Tablas de Daimiel, Timanfaya, Garajonay, Archipiélago de Cabrera, Cabañeros, Sierra Nevada, Islas Atlánticas de Galicia, Monfragüe, Sierra de Guadarrama, and the newest addition, Sierra de las Nieves, designated in 2021.

What is the most visited national park in Spain?

Teide National Park, located on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, holds the title of Spain’s most visited national park. Famous for Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, the park is renowned for its otherworldly volcanic landscapes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, Teide National Park draws millions of adventure travelers annually.

What is the most important national park in Spain?

Although every national park in Spain is unique in its own right, Teide National Park, Picos de Europa, and Ordesa y Monte Perdido are often regarded as the country’s most important for their breathtaking natural beauty and their historical importance.

National Parks vs. Natural Parks in Spain

If you think visiting Spain’s 16 National Parks (Parques Nacionales) will show you all of the country’s stunning landscapes and natural wonders, think again. While National Parks are designated by the Spanish government to protect exceptional natural environments, Spain is also home to more than 100 Natural Parks (Parques Naturales), as recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

These parks, overseen by local authorities across various provinces, are often just as remarkable as National Parks when it comes to unique landscapes. Although National Parks are typically regarded as more significant and frequently appear on lists of Spain’s top landmarks, many of my favorite hikes in Spain actually took place in these stunning Natural Parks.

My favorite National Parks in Spain

1. Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking destinations in the Spanish Pyrenees. Situated in Aragon, near the French border, it quickly became one of my favorite National Parks in Spain.

To my surprise, it also turned out to be an incredible spot to visit with kids. The park is made up of four stunning valleys: Ordesa, Añisclo, Escuain, and Pineta. Its most iconic feature is Monte Perdido – Europe’s highest limestone massif, known as ‘the lost mountain.’

During my first 4-day Spanish Pyrenees road trip, I barely scratched the surface of this park. Since then, I’ve returned to Ordesa several times, including for a hiking trip in August and a fall-foliage–inspired itinerary in October.

2. Teide National Park

Teide National Park, nestled in the Canary Islands, is part of an idyllic Spanish archipelago famed for its stunning landscapes and thrilling outdoor activities. I had the pleasure of discovering this natural treasure during a family trip to Tenerife, one of Spain’s top islands. Teide stands as one of the country’s most iconic landmarks – it’s not only the tallest peak in Spain but also the highest volcano in all of Europe. For many, it’s a bucket-list destination, with adventurers flocking to the park to conquer the challenging hike to the summit of Teide Peak.

A local legend adds an air of mystery to the area: it’s said that from the top of Teide, one can glimpse the elusive 9th island of the Canary Archipelago. This mysterious island appears on ancient maps dating back to the 13th century and persisted on maps until 1755, but its existence remains unproven. Some believe it lies near El Hierro.

With over 4 million visitors each year, Teide is one of Spain’s most visited national parks. In 2007, it earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Spanning nearly 19,000 hectares, the park offers an abundance of unique experiences, making it a must-see destination for any traveler.

3. Aiguestortes National Park

Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, often simply called Aigüestortes, is like two parks in one. It’s made up of the scenic Sant Nicolau Valley, accessible from the village of Boi, and the stunning Escrita Valley, which you can reach from Espot. I was absolutely captivated by this park during a recent road trip through the Pyrenees.

Aigüestortes is one of the best weekend getaway spots from Barcelona, celebrated for its distinctive hiking trails, including the beautiful Ruta del Planell de Aiguestortes y Estany Llong. For a deeper dive into my adventure there, check out my full experience in Aigüestortes National Park in this post.

4. Timanfaya National Park

Timanfaya National Park was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my trip to Lanzarote. While virtual journeys to the moon are possible, this Spanish gem offers a similarly surreal experience in real life.

Formed over 300 years ago by volcanic eruptions, Timanfaya’s landscape is one of the most otherworldly in Spain, with its striking, colorful rock formations and volcanic terrain. It’s one of the country’s most protected national parks, and wandering freely on foot isn’t allowed. The best way to explore Timanfaya is by joining one of the many guided tours, such as Timanfaya National Park and La Geria Day Tour or Hike Across Timanfaya’s Volcanic Landscapes.

5. Picos de Europa National Park

Picos de Europa National Park is an absolute must-see on any road trip through Northern Spain. As one of the country’s largest and oldest national parks, covering 67,455 hectares, it stretches across the regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile-Leon. The park is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, with rugged mountains, deep valleys, and tranquil lakes.

Personally, though, my visit to Picos de Europa didn’t go quite as planned, and it’s left me with a strong desire to return. While the park is often hailed as one of the most stunning spots in Spain, my experience in July was far from ideal. I faced a nerve-wracking drive up the steep mountain roads, foggy conditions that limited visibility, and even cows casually blocking the path. By the time I made it to the famous Lakes of Covadonga, the weather had completely obscured the view. Despite these setbacks, I’m determined to return next summer and finally experience the park at its best.

6. Islas Atlánticas de Galicia National Park

The Atlantic Islands of Galicia (Islas Atlánticas de Galicia) is one of the Spanish national parks I’ve been dying to explore, especially after watching the hit Spanish TV series A Private Affair (2022), which was entirely filmed in the Galicia region. This stunning national park consists of four archipelagos: Cíes, Ons, Sálvora, and Cortegada, with Cíes and Ons being the most popular among visitors. The Cíes Islands, in particular, are known for some of the most breathtaking beaches in Northern Spain, often compared to Caribbean paradise (though the water is refreshingly cool!).

The Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park has been on my travel bucket list for ages, but getting there is no easy feat. Local authorities limit the number of daily visitors to each island, and to make matters more complicated, you need special permission from the Xunta de Galicia, which must be obtained 90 days in advance. Once you get the confirmation email, you can purchase boat tickets from one of the approved companies. The official boats only operate to the Cíes Islands during the summer months or Easter holidays, so visiting is a bit of a logistical challenge. But despite the hurdles, I’m determined to make it happen next summer.

7. Tablas de Daimiel National Park

Tablas de Daimiel National Park is one of Spain’s most unique and important natural landscapes thanks to its rare wetland ecosystem. Located in Castille-La Mancha in central Spain, the park protects a vast floodplain formed by the meeting of the Guadiana and Cigüela rivers, where freshwater and saline waters mix to create an exceptional habitat. It is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Spain and one of Europe’s last remaining inland wetlands, yet it remains surprisingly underrated among international visitors.

The park is often included on Don Quixote–themed road trips across central Spain, though I last explored it during my trip to Tomelloso. Visiting early in the morning made the experience especially serene, as most hiking trails follow wooden boardwalks that wind through the wetlands, surrounded by peaceful landscapes and abundant birdlife.

Map of All the National Parks in Spain

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