The 23 most spectacular natural sites in Spain to visit with children

Summer vacations are just around the corner, and many times it is not necessary to go far to discover fascinating places within our geography. Therefore, today we propose 23 natural places that you can visit with your children without leaving Spain, and that will leave you speechless.

In our selection (difficult to do because there are so many fantastic places in our country!) Wonderful natural scenarios with dunes, beaches, lakes or mountains come together as a backdrop. Fun, learning and adventure will be guaranteed!

Las Catedrales Beach, Lugo

It is hard to believe that the impressive and breathtaking landscape of the beach of Augas Santas, better known as Las Catedrales beach, is a work of nature and has not been sculpted by man. And is that the molded rocks due to the effect of the Cantabrian Sea over the years, leave anyone breathless, feeling very small before such natural sculptures.

This beach, located in the province of Lugo and bordering on Ribadeo (Asturias) shows a formidable set of rock formations with curious arbotantes similar to those of the Gothic cathedrals, hence its name.

Together with other beaches in the area, such as Esteiro, Os Castros or Illas, make up the area of ​​the Cathedrals, listed as a Site of Community Interest, for its animal and plant wealth.

In Babies and more Traveling as a family brings great benefits to children, and also improves their school performance

Covadonga Lakes, Asturias

The lakes of Covadonga, Enol and Ercina are located in the Picos de Europa National Park. The landscape of the area is spectacularly beautiful, then to the rocky immensity, the green vegetation and the blue of the waters, the tranquility that the stillness of nature adds.

From here we can also visit the Basilica of Covadonga and the overwhelming and beautiful cave carved into the rock, as well as hiking trails along the Picos de Europa. Without a doubt, a formidable escape that will recharge our batteries and we will not forget!

Natural Park of the Marshes of Santoña, Victoria and Joyel, Cantabria

The Natural Park of the Marshes of Santoña, Victoria and Joyel occupies 11 municipalities of Cantabria, covering almost 7,000 hectares.

Within the Natural Area, the whole of the Santoña and Cicero marshes is integrated into the mouth of the Clarín and Asón rivers, where the Limpias and Rada estuaries converge to form the Treto estuary. It also includes the marshes of La Lastra and Bengoa, west and north of Santoña; that of Escalante, at the exit of the streams of Río Negro; Cantijos and Pozeirún, and the channels of Boo, Argoños and Ano, in addition to the marshes of Victoria and Joyel.

This set of marshes It is the most important wetland in the northern peninsula, being one of the most frequented bird migration routes in Europe.

The best way to see the marshes is to follow the established route that runs over the levees of the Solija Marsh. The itinerary, which consists of 2,300 meters, can be traveled in approximately two hours, and will allow you to enjoy a beautiful natural landscape where birds are the main protagonists.

Gorbeia Natural Park, Basque Country

In Gorbeia landscapes of a very diverse nature come together, from steep rocks, to soft areas of green pastures, beech and oak forests, and beautiful waterfalls with spectacular waterfalls.

A good example of this is the Cascada de la Gujuli, in which the Jaundia River rushes into a vacuum from a limestone escarpment of more than 100 meters of unevenness, creating a surprising spectacle.

The Itxina massif is another of the points of interest of this Natural Park. It is a protected space that we can discover through excursions, hiking and speleological activities in the different caves that comprise it.

In Babies and more, we're going on vacation! Five practical tips for traveling with babies and children in summer

Baztan Valley, Navarra

The Baztan Valley is synonymous with forests and wide virgin spaces, hidden natural treasures, jumping rivers and caves of legend. It is, in short, a place to stop time and be enveloped by the beauty of its landscape and its sunsets without equal.

And after admiring the Valley from the viewpoint of Ziga, we propose you to enter it to know its many nuances and attractions, such as the dolmens station of Izpegi, the megaliths of Erratzu-Alduides, the Xorroxin Waterfall or the religious art that reminds us of the Baztan's relationship with the Camino de Santiago.

Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park, La Rioja

The Sierra de Cebollera is a privileged geological enclave within the Iberian System. It is famous for its glaciers, its natural forests of wild pine, beech and oak, its streams and waterfalls.

It is not difficult to be invaded by the magic of this privileged environment, which we can discover thanks to the exhibitions and educational activities that are programmed in the Interpretation Center of the Natural Park, and to the guided walks and marches organized by the Park, and that we also allows you to discover all the details of flora, fauna and transhumance.

Natural Park of the Monasterio de Piedra, Zaragoza

The Stone Monastery and its surroundings is considered by tourists as one of the most beautiful excursions in Europe, and there is no reason. The Natural Park of the Monasterio de Piedra is located in Nuévalos, Zaragoza, and is the perfect place to enjoy nature in its purest form.

A visit to the monastery, with 800 centuries of history, adds a tour of nature full of surprises: waterfalls, streams, caves, lakes and the singing of more than 20 different species of birds.

We propose this trip as a way to delight the senses. And you will not find a family outing that can fascinate both young and old.

National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido, Huesca

The National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido, in Huesca, is one of the oldest and most visited national parks, and declared a World Heritage Site. With more than 15,000 hectares, this beautiful environment offers us different routes and landscapes that range between 700 and 3,500 meters.

It is always a good time to visit this Park and get carried away by the news that each of the seasons brings us. In addition, from there we can make numerous itineraries and hiking trails that will lead us to discover amazing natural landscapes.

Children will be fascinated by the beauty of its rivers and waterfalls, its green valleys, peaks, glaciers, trails, cliffs ... in addition, you can enjoy a wide variety of flora and fauna. There are innumerable reasons why we recommend visiting the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido, and we are sure that you will be fascinated.

Aigüestortes and Lake San Mauricio, Lleida

The National Park of Aigüestortes and the Lake of San Mauricio, to the northwest of Catalonia, is an idyllic place to enjoy nature. Declared a National Park in 1955, it is a protected area of ​​more than 40,000 hectares that is situated in a high mountain landscape, with peaks of more than 3,000 meters and many lakes of glacial origin, among which Lake San Mauricio stands out .

The area is immensely rich in biodiversity. In its lakes and mountains inhabit about 200 species of vertebrates, of which almost two thirds are birds. As for mammals, the most representative are the chamois, the wild boar, the ermine, the marten, the gray lirón, the red squirrel, the roe deer, the marmot and the fallow deer.

In the main rivers and many of the lakes is the common trout, amphibians such as the vermilion frog, and the Pyrenean triton, which is notable for its rarity. Among the reptiles you can also find the verdiamarilla snake or the viper.

In Diario del ViajeroEls Encantats, spectacular landscape of the Enchanted peaks in the Pyrenees

Cala de Torrent de Pareis, Mallorca

Torrent de Pareis, located in the Sierra de Tramontana, is a 3 km long canyon and walls up to 300 m high, created by the force of torrential water eroding the rocks for thousands of years.

This beautiful and rugged area constitutes an impressive place, declared a Natural Monument in 2003. You can take guided excursions on foot when there is no water, and enjoy its rocky landscape and its wide variety of flora and fauna.

Special mention deserves the Cala del Torrent, considered by many as the most beautiful cove in Mallora. It is a paradise beach with turquoise waters, whose frame seems taken from a painting.

La Albufera, Valencia

The Albufera Natural Park is a protected area of ​​great ecological interest, included in the European Natura 2000 Protection Network and considered as “Wetland of international importance”.

Located just 10 km from the capital, La Albufera is a privileged place to enjoy nature and bird watching, either by walking routes or by boat rides.

This Natural Park offers visitors many possibilities, such as discovering the Port of Catarroja, one of the main points of entry to La Albufera, admiring the landscapes from the Mirador de la Gola de Pujol, or visiting El Palmar, a village located in the middle of The rice paddies.

Salinas of San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia

The Salinas y Arenales Regional Park of San Pedro del Pinatar, in Murcia, is a wetland of great importance because it is nesting and resting place for numerous bird species. It has an extension of 856 hectares, and a wide diversity of flora and fauna that make the environment a privileged natural space.

We propose this trip to enjoy with the children a walk on the marked paths or by bicycle along the bike path, stopping at any of the observatories of the Park to closely observe the water birds. A swim in the natural beaches of the Regional Park or in the therapeutic mud baths, are the perfect complement for this unforgettable excursion.

Cabo de Gata, Almeria

Cabo de Gata, in Almería, is another wonderful place that we recommend visiting with children. its volcanic landscape of reddish and ocher hues, the blue of the sea and its flora, with more than 1,000 species, make this place the perfect place to stop time and admire it, with the five senses.

Cabo de Gata is located in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, recognized as a Geopark and Biosphere Reserve, as well as being a ZEPA zone (Special Protection Area for Birds) and a Wetland of international importance.

We propose this trip to enjoy nature in all its splendor, thanks also to the many leisure and outdoor sports activities that we can do with children, as well as the visit to the Lighthouse of Gata and the Sirenas Reef.

Gorge of Los Gaitanes, Málaga

The verticality of its walls, which reach 300 meters high, and its small width, which does not exceed ten meters in most cases, make the Gaitanes Gorge Natural Site one of the most spectacular landscapes of the sierra malagueña.

In this beautiful place you can enjoy the beauty of its caves, climbing, sighting of protected birds or the calm of the reservoirs left by the Guadalhorce River, the best known being that of El Chorro, where you can also practice canoeing.

Doñana National Park, Huelva

The Doñana National Park is the largest ecological reserve in Europe thanks to its marshes, and was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. It hosts up to 200,000 species of waterfowl, and its landscape, flora and fauna make it a wonderful place to visit with children.

But in addition to enjoying the Doñana National Park, we cannot miss the historical sites of the small towns of the region, and the beautiful beaches of Huelva de Matalascañas, Torre del Loro and Mazagón.

We propose this trip for the wide leisure offer that allows us to carry out, since we can enter and admire this protected space through walking routes, bicycle touring, boat trips or horseback riding.

In Babies and more Family vacations: five motorhome routes to do with children in Spain

Jerte Valley, Cáceres

The Jerte Valley is famous for its cherries and for having one of the most beautiful landscapes when its cherry trees begin to bloom, back in April. At that time, about 1.5 million of cherry blossoms turn the landscape into an indescribable spectacle, dyeing it white and wrapping the air with its sweet smell.

But the show does not end here, because in the months of May, June and July we proceed to the collection of cherries, with a program full of cultural, gastronomic and festive events that you can live as a family.

And in addition to enjoying nature and its fruits, the Tourism Office of the Jerte Valley also proposes numerous activities for the leisure of young and old. Such as guided hiking trails, multi-adventure circuits in the trees, paint ball or caving, among others.

The Lagoons of Ruidera, Albacete and Ciudad Real

The Lagoons of Ruidera are located in the limit of the provinces of Albacete and Ciudad Real. The Natural Park of the Lagunas de Ruidera are an oasis of water and vegetation. In the highest area, in the Head of San Pedro, are the Rochafrida Castle and the Montesinos Cave.

The park covers an area of ​​4000 hectares that are divided into 16 lagoons that form waterfalls, torrents and springs that emanate from the White Lagoon until reaching the low lagoons and the Peñarroya Swamp. Lagunas de Ruidera has a varied and abundant vegetation, as well as countless water birds. In spring, the water reaches its maximum flow and flows from one lagoon to another, and in some cases it forms small waterfalls.

These lagoons are perfect for taking a bath. You can also do many outdoor activities such as hiking, horse riding, sailing sports, sport fishing, caving, diving etc.

Enchanted City, Cuenca

The Enchanted City of Cuenca is a tourist park located in the town of Valdecabras, and one of the most spectacular natural places in our country. Not surprisingly, in 1929 it was declared a Natural Site of National Interest.

Its origin dates back to 90 million years ago, when the Enchanted City was part of the bottom of the sea of ​​Thetis. It was calm waters, which led to the deposition of salts, especially calcium carbonate.

At the end of the Cretaceous and as a consequence of the alpine orogeny, the sea withdrew and the seabed, composed of limestone, emerged to the surface. Thousands of years of action of water, wind and ice mean that today we can contemplate this impressive geological phenomenon that will blow the imagination of young and old.

La Pedriza Natural Park, Madrid

In Manzanares el Real is the Pedriza Natural Park, in the Sierra de Guadarrama. This space has a great geological interest, where climbers, hikers and hikers meet to enjoy its rocky landscape.

In Diario del ViajeroLa Pedriza and the Green Pond

With an area of ​​33,960 hectares, La Pedriza offers multiple possibilities and scenarios, thanks to its rocky massifs, its large amount of waterfalls, its waterfalls and its natural pools, the most famous being that of the Green Pond.

But in addition to enjoying its rivers and its geological diversity, children can admire the richness of its flora and fauna, especially highlighting the more than 100 species of birds, Iberian mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and the beautiful spectacle of metamorphosis that insects leave us at this time of year.

Hoces del Duratón, Segovia

The Hoces del Duratón River Natural Park is located in the northeast of Segovia. In this area, the river has been embedded in a deep canyon that, in some places, reaches more than 100 meters of unevenness.

But in addition to admire the beauty of the mountainous landscape and the imposing griffon vultures, golden eagles and peregrine falcons that nest in the rocky cliffs, you can also enjoy other family activities, such as bike routes, climbing, canoeing, and archaeological and historical tourism.

Las Médulas, León

In Las Médulas we can appreciate the impact that the hand of man had on the natural environment, causing earth and water movements that completely changed the landscape. And this land was one of the largest gold mines of the Roman Empire, becoming centuries later a disturbing and beautiful place that leaves no one indifferent.

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1997, this natural environment consists of small reddish hills full of green vegetation and incredible light games: a sight to behold.

We recommend you admire the landscape of Las Médulas from the Mirador de la Orellán, make one of the routes that run through the ancient site, or visit the archaeological classroom with the kids to understand how gold mining worked.

Teide National Park, Tenerife

The Teide National Park, created in 1954, was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2007 and is the largest national park in the Canary Islands and the most visited natural park in Europe.

The Teide National Park is one of the most spectacular manifestations of volcanism worldwide, a great wealth of fauna and flora, and endless tourist attractions to enjoy an unforgettable family adventure.

It is impossible to list all the reasons why we recommend visiting this Park with children, since the whole set constitutes a true wonder of nature worthy of admiration.

Dunes of Corralejo, Fuerteventura

The Corralejo Natural Park is formed by 2,400 hectares of warm and exotic desert, whose dunes constitute one of the most impressive natural landscapes of the Canary Islands.

The dunes have an organic origin since they come from the disintegration and pulverization of shells of mollusks and bivalves and other marine organisms. Under the dunes we find an accumulation of volcanic rocks that are completely hidden by several meters of fine white sand.

And as a backdrop, the long turquoise blue beaches. Undoubtedly a natural spectacle of eight kilometers in length, where we can also enjoy water sports such as surfing or diving.

  • Photos iStock, Pixabay

Video: 10 Best Places to Visit in California - Travel Video (March 2024).