Nature of Spain. National parks. National parks of Spain: nature in its original form Spain examples of nature reserves and national parks
05.03.2017 07:06:04
Among the picturesque slopes of the Pyrenees of Girona and Costa Brava, there are eight natural parks, where the pristine nature of Catalonia has been preserved with zero percent of artificial additives and a huge variety of landscapes.
Icy peaks, secluded bays and beaches, sheer cliffs, extinct volcanoes, dense forests, impenetrable swamps, fast-moving rivers and mirror-like surfaces of lakes...
Hiking through the protected areas of natural parks is a favorite activity of active tourists, which is in no way inferior to reclining on the sunny beaches of Llafranca or Roses.
We bring to your attention several protected places in Catalonia and hope that our article today will help you choose the ideal weekend route.
Natural Park on the Costa Brava - Cap de Creus
The Cap de Creus Natural Park, pictured above, is located at the easternmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, on the territory of the cape of the same name jutting far into the sea.This is a unique place with a vast water part, the total area of which is 13,886 hectares.
Around there is a whole scattering of popular resort settlements: Llanca, El Port de la Selva, La Selva de Mar, Roses, Cadaques, Palau Sabardera, Vilajuiga and Pau. You won't forget the wild, rocky coastline with its secret grottoes, rocky islets and jagged cliffs that have been sculpted by wind and waves over centuries. An imaginative viewer will see grotesque sculptures of lions, dragons, eagles and fairy-tale monsters in this natural splendor.
Natural Park and Reserve of Cap de Creus (Cape of the Cross)– a biological paradise where wild forests and meadows, rare species of herbaceous plants, trees and representatives of the animal world are preserved. Staying in this wonderful reserve is a great way to disconnect from the noisy and hectic pace of life.
Here, in a European style, picnic areas with toilets and other amenities are carefully and prudently equipped. Tourists can admire nature without disturbing its delicate balance.
For a holiday in Cap de Creus you can rent apartments in Roses or Llanca.
Natural Park and Reserve of Aiguamolls de l'Empordà
Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Nature Reserve stretches from the foot of the Serra de Rodes mountains in the north to the very mouth of the small 100-kilometer Fluvia River.
The total area of the park is 4783 hectares.
This is the second most important natural park, the flora and fauna of which have been under state protection since 1983.
The marshes of Aiguamolls de l'Empordà are home to numerous species of animals, birds and plants. This is an ideal place for ornithology fans, as 327 species of birds live here, including species very rare for the Iberian Peninsula. The meadow tirkushka, spoonbill, common cuckoo, and crested cuckoo nest here. The best months to visit the park are March/May or August/October, when you can catch migratory species in the reserve.
To choose the best time to visit the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà park, we advise you to contact the official information and documentation center. The territory is well equipped and ready to welcome tourists in any weather. There is a guarded parking lot and a meteorological station.
Nearby are the famous resorts of Sant Pere Pescador and Empuriabrava, where it is recommended to rent apartments. If you are not going to stay in one of the campsites.
Spanish Natural Park - Garrotxa Volcanic Zone
covers a vast Holocene volcanic field.
The unique and protected area was taken under state protection in 1985 and is the best example of a volcanic landscape in Spain. Moreover, it is one of the largest volcanic zones in Europe.
But don’t worry: the volcanoes, of which there are about 40 in Garrotxa, have not been dangerous for many millennia. Their last eruption occurred at the beginning of the Holocene, more than 11,000 years ago. On the other hand, the zone is seismically active, and in 1429 there was a major earthquake.
90 kilometers from Barcelona!
The park's area is 12,093 hectares and its lands include 11 municipalities. The park is criss-crossed by winding trails and includes 28 hiking trails that are accessible year-round. The most popular volcanoes among tourists are Santa Margarita, Montsacopa and Croscat (Cruscat). Today they are completely different from the gloomy gray landscapes of active volcanoes from newsreels: the slopes of sleeping giants, strewn with fertile ash, have long been covered with dense forests and lush meadows.
The Garrotxa volcanic zone is a refuge for bears, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, weasels, newts, water snakes and many other animals. There are all amenities for tourists here, and there is a museum nearby.
The reserve is located northwest of Girona. The nearest major town is Ulot (Olot), but there are many picturesque villages such as Santa Pau scattered around the volcanic massif. If you want to admire the local landscapes to your heart's content, we recommend staying here. Fortunately, the sea is far away and apartments are much cheaper than in Palamos or Estartit.
Natural Park of Catalonia - Cadí-Moixeró
Cadi-Moixero was created in 1983 to conserve the natural resources of the Pyrenees foothills.
This is the largest natural park in Catalonia, which is spread over three districts - Alt-Urgell, Bergheda and Cerdanya. The rocky landscape of the reserve is formed by the mountain ranges of the same name Cadi and Moixero, as well as the Tosa and Puigllançada massifs.
The border of the park is the Tancalaporta pass, which from the north has formed almost vertical cliffs with vertical walls, deep below, abruptly turning into deserted rocky valleys.
Cadi Moixero is an ideal destination for physically fit, resilient travelers who crave excitement and contact with wild nature. There are busy roads around this gigantic mountain complex, and the nearest and most convenient settlement is the town of Baga.
Baga is a tiny municipality with a population of just over 2,000 inhabitants, located in the Llobregat River valley. The E-9 highway passes through this ancient town, along which most tourists get here. To conquer Cadi, it is better to rent an apartment here.
Costa Brava Nature Reserve - Montseny
Located inland at the southern tip of the Costa Brava, Montseny Park is the highest massif of the coastal mountain range that stretches from Barcelona to Girona.
One of the main natural features of the Montseny protected area is the diversity of relief and vegetation associated with a gradual and significant change in altitude above sea level. Holm oak and pine trees give way to cork oak and beech forests.
Rare species of animals and plants, almost driven to extinction by active human activity, found refuge here.
Montseny, like the rest of the reserves and natural parks of the Costa Brava– a real paradise for nature lovers. The area is well-groomed and superbly equipped. The park has several restaurants, campsites and other amenities. At the foot of the mountain range, ancient villages nestle on all sides, where you can admire the monuments of the turbulent Middle Ages.
Costa Brava is a land of natural beauty and rich history.
Having visited the beaches and taken several excursions, you will not know even a fraction of its splendor: this land can be discovered again and again!It is famous for its amazingly beautiful nature and favorable climate. Every year more and more nature reserves and national parks appear in this country, protecting the ecosystem from the influence of civilization. Perhaps this is why endemic and relict plant species and rare animals are still preserved in Spain. Now there are more than 400 protected areas in the country, and we will talk about the most famous of them.
Ordesa Monte Perdido . This is one of the very first nature reserves created in Spain, and to this day it is considered the most beautiful in the country. Ordesa Park was opened in 1918 in Aragon, and in 1977 it was merged with the Monte Perdido Park, located next door. Here travelers can see the beauty of the Pyrenees, frozen Lake Marbore, gorges, and waterfalls. At the foot of the mountains, mainly deciduous trees grow; higher up, a zone of mixed vegetation begins, where dozens of species of animals live; beautiful edelweiss blooms on the tops of the mountains. The fauna of the park is very rich: the endangered species, the Pyrenean mountain goat, lives here, as well as many animals and birds.
Picos de Europa . The national park is located in the border area between Asturias and Leon. These are not the highest mountain peaks in Spain, but, nevertheless, lovers of mountaineering and trekking come here. Picturesque gorges, including the Cares Canyon, which stretches for 20 km, the deep Rio Sella valley, the central part of which is the narrowest gorge in Europe, historical towns, prehistoric caves, ancient monasteries and beautiful lakes - that’s what makes this place so special. In 1995, the region was given the status of a national park, which protects rare species of birds of prey and mountain vegetation.
Delta del Ebro . The national park, whose area is 320 sq. km, is located in Catalonia. The Ebro River Delta has always been famous for its unique climate, so the flora and fauna of the reserve are very rich. Even though the soil in the coastal zone is sandy and saline, about 500 plant species grow here. During the migration season, millions of birds gather here, and more than 300 species of birds live permanently in the park - herons, flamingos, cormorants, gulls and many others. The reserve has an ornithology museum, an ecological station with an aquarium and its own museum, and river cruises.
Aiguamolls de L'Empordà . Around the Bay of L'Empordà there is a reserve of the same name, created in 1983. Its main purpose was to create a zone that would stop the construction of a system of lagoons and swamps in the area. They wanted to completely drain the wetlands, despite the fact that they served as a nesting site for birds and simply historical area. The area of the natural park is 47.3 sq. km, the area of the reserve is 8.3 sq. km. In addition to unique landscapes and numerous species of birds and animals, here you can see the medieval castle complex of Castello d'Empuries, the Rosesa fortress, and a museum. ecology of La Farinera, ruins of buildings from the Roman era, a colorful Iberian village.
Aigües Tortes y Lago San Mauricio is a 105 sq km nature reserve, a national park of Catalonia that covers a beautiful mountain range, 400 glacial lakes with countless waterfalls and a green valley inhabited by thousands of birds and animals. The park was opened in 1955, UNESCO included it on the World Heritage List. The optimal period for visiting is from May to October; during the rest of the year, the weather conditions here leave much to be desired.
Teide National Park . Located on the island of Tenerife, its area is 135 sq. km, it extends around the volcano of the same name. An amazing natural complex has been formed here, with distinct natural areas. The 57 species of vegetation growing here can no longer be found in any country in the world. Rich wildlife, many viewing platforms, a cable car leading to the top of the Teide volcano, and much more attract hundreds of nature lovers every year.
The country is famous for its amazing sunrises and wonders of the world. When embarking on a tour, we advise you to create a trip plan that can capture the best of southwestern Europe.
Today there are over 400 habitats, which occupy 1/10 of the entire kingdom. Most of them are located on the islands of Catalonia and Andalusia.
The national park allows you to preserve nature in its pristine state, limiting human activity in every possible way. It differs from nature reserves mainly in the presence of permission for tourists to visit and carry out partial farming.
Despite the fact that they are united by a single state, they are extremely different both in landscape and type of terrain.
1. Teide
This is the highest point (3718 meters) of the Canary Islands and the entire kingdom. It is very popular among visitors, as it is the largest property with an area of more than 18.9 thousand hectares. Vegetation is sparse due to the dry climate; hedgehogs, wild cats and lizards are found.
The location is notable for its route to the peak of the volcano. A funicular is available for everyone, and adventure lovers will have to overcome the most difficult climbing route, which is considered one of the most difficult in the world. At the top there is a breathtaking view of the starry sky. Many come here to admire the Moon and the wonderful sunrise.
2. Peaks of Europe
The Picos de Europa represents the peaks of the Cordillera. Spread over as much as 647,000,000 square meters. m., located in three provinces at once - Cantabria, Leon and Asturias. The massif includes over three hundred mountain objects of non-standard shape, including 14 peaks over 2500 meters. The western part boasts two glacial lakes.
Walking along the “Peaks of Europe” you can meet wild boars, endemic bird predators, chamois and wolves. Salmon live in the waters, and the cries of bats can be heard from the caves.
The main elements are concentrated in the center. At the foot of one of the mountains you can find the settlement of Bulnes. They are almost completely isolated from the world - they have no communication lines or roads. The only way to civilization is a mountain path. However, since 2001, modern technologies and everyone have been able to get there using the funicular.
To allow people to freely enjoy the scenery, many observation platforms have been installed along the perimeter. The largest of which is Fuente De, a structure with a transparent floor. For tired travelers, there are relaxation areas - chalets.
3. Timanfaya
The Canaries present another gift. The attraction is famous for its extinct volcano. The eruption happened back in the 18th century, but the consequences are still visible today - the soil was covered in a burgundy color, reminiscent of the surface of Mars. Conditions for vegetation are not the best, so you can only find grass and low-growing shrubs.
You can appreciate the beauty by following the bus route, the length of which is about 14 km. At the end, tourists find themselves in the world-famous “El Diablo” restaurant, which offers visitors to taste elegant dishes right above the crater of the volcano. Camel excursions are available.
4. Sierra Nevada
Those who like to explore something new should definitely visit Nevada. Here you can find more than 2000 different plants, a huge number of rare animals that are listed in the Red Book.
The region has an observatory, a monastery and a couple of botanical centers. With the arrival of cold weather, ski slopes with the steepest slopes in the region open.
5. Garajonay
Named after the volcano. Offers visitors from other countries to discover many endemic representatives of the plant kingdom (about 450) and animals.
A pleasant stop for lovers of outdoor activities will be the Laguna Grante area. The wide laurel forest, with its picturesque surroundings, has long become a calling card. Next, we advise you to go to conquer Alto de Garajonay, whose height is almost 1.5 km.
6. Ordesa y Monte Perdido
It will help the traveler explore all the landscape types of the Sobrarbe region. Here you can see canyons - world record holders, and mountains, the shape of which will surprise even an experienced explorer. Forest zones with interesting inhabitants also add variety.
The impressive beauty of the Ordesa Valley, which proudly ranks first in all lists of the largest canyons in Europe, has many waterfalls and gorges. Horse trails and walking paths are available for transportation.
7. Caldera de Taburiente
Local excursions will provide access to the astrophysical observatory, which is installed on the cap of Roque de los Muchachos ("Rock of the Boys", 2.5 km), as well as immerse yourself in a fascinating exploration of the ancient crater. The diameter exceeds 10 km.
Scientists believe that the caldera was formed during many years of erosion. In the ravines the tourist will find sources of fresh liquid, the slopes are dotted with cedar, pine and other conifers, and the history of life can be determined from the rocks by studying the geodetic layers.
Among other stone formations, the natural monument to Idafa stands out - a sacred stone that serves for prayers to the sun god Abora and the evil god Iruena. You can get to the point via public roads.
8. Aiguez Tortes and Lago San Mauricio
A massive object that has about 400 glacial lakes at its disposal. Among the peaks you can see pastoral meadows. The surrounding monuments were made in the 12th century.
Among the group of water bodies, it is necessary to note Lake San Muricio. Here travelers can find the Estret de Collegats canyon. Many have called it the most beautiful gorge on the planet. Wooden huts are open to guests, where you can try local cuisine and relax after a long journey.
9. Monfrague
The rarest representatives of the animal world live here - imperial eagles, griffon vultures and storks. Along the coast there are reptiles and amphibians - newts, frogs, etc. When entering rough terrain, you can spot lynxes and wild boars. Wood cutting is strictly prohibited, thanks to which the trees have been kept pristine.
Here you can go on an interesting walking tour, where you will learn in detail about the history of creation and plant varieties. Along the way you will come across a damaged Muslim fortress. It offers a unique view of the valley.
10. Doñana
It belongs to three provinces at once (Cadiz, Huelva, Seville). Includes various plantings of trees, which alternate with quicksand and marshy areas. And each site is unique - it has its own flora and fauna, which makes it multifaceted and fascinating.
This is where migrating birds stop to rest. Thanks to this, it is possible to see and hear the singing of rare birds. People's activities are carefully monitored here, so independent excursions are prohibited, but you can visit the area with a guide.
11. Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia
It consists of land and sea areas, thanks to which visitors observe a diverse ecosystem, the representatives of which are often endemic. This is a real miracle of Spain because of the laurel forests. Also, the seabed is covered with thickets of corals and algae, making diving unforgettable. At sunset you can admire schools of dolphins and find nesting places of gulls and cormorants.
This is where you can relax on the famous Rodas Beach (a regular leader in world rankings). The shore is strewn with white sand, and the water is clear and clean. Those who like to bask in the warm sun are invited to visit the beaches.
12. Tablas de Daimiel
The range extends over only 2000 hectares, making it one of the smallest in the state. Nevertheless, it is capable of impressing even an avid traveler. It was formed during the interaction of two rivers, which is why the soil is extremely fertile.
The fact is that the flowing water has a different level of salt content, which together gives an amazing soil for growing for a while. Here you can see flamingos, black storks, herons and hobby falcons. Foxes, ferrets and otters live here.
13. Cabaneros
Are you interested and attracted to nature with all its unsurpassed landscapes, but do you think that you have already seen everything? Cabañeros is located in the mountains of Toledo and knows what to surprise. The vast property (more than 350 sq. km.) includes a wealth of flora and incredible rock formations. While admiring the surroundings, you can spot exceptional animals: ungulates, the rare Adalbert's eagle and black vultures in their natural habitat.
Hunting for living creatures is prohibited, so you can fully enjoy the diversity. In the evening, it is suggested to use the services of a telescope and look at the vast sky.
14. Cabrera Archipelago
The park amazes with its uniqueness and size. Includes an archipelago of 18 islands. But size is only a fraction of what Cabrera boasts. It is one of the few connected to both the sea and land. The archipelago is difficult to reach, so it is always quiet here, which attracts birds that nest or stop during migration. Lizards and monitor lizards live on land.
The aquatic world is no less fascinating - the region is home to more than a hundred memorable fish. Turtles that live for hundreds of years and schools of dolphins. It is famous for the purity and environmental friendliness of its water, which is why the algae of Poseidonia have been preserved. There is an opportunity to stroll through the halls of the 14th-century castle, partially preserved from ancient times; there is a museum attached to it. The building not only performs a historical function, but also serves as an observation deck.
15. Guadarrama
In 2013, Sierra de Guadarrama was the only one in Madrid included in the list of “Spain: National Parks and Nature Reserves”. It is ready to compete for the title of the most visited venue in the city. And this is not surprising, because passers-by are attracted by the unrivaled view of the pond and snow-capped caps. Mostly pine forests lie here, and in some places no human has ever set foot because of the thickets of bushes.
Spanish ibex, tigresses, foxes and hares live here. Workers take care of the natural environment and do not allow hunters and poachers to interfere with the food chain.
16. Aiguamolls de L'Empordà
It is impossible not to mention one of the legendary and popular nature reserves. It was created in the second half of the 20th century as a result of mass protests against the construction of residential and commercial real estate. A percentage of the swamps have been drained for industrial activities. From time immemorial, it served as a “transshipment point” for birds traveling to warmer climes. Monuments of antiquity are also kept here. That is why in 1983 it was decided to protect the land (56.6 sq. km.) from external influence.
How to get there
A truly exciting vacation involves more than just following a given tour. To feel the surrounding spirit, you need to go exploring on your own.
To visit as many attractions as possible, you need to travel a lot by boat or air transport. However, public roads are even more in demand. Nothing is more relaxing than a massage chair in a premium car.
The best solution for such trips is. Upon arrival in Barcelona, a car will be waiting for you near the airport or train station. Such agencies have an undeniable advantage - regular maintenance of their fleet. This is especially important when driving through unfamiliar locations, where repair stations, as a rule, are not provided. There is no need to worry about possible problems, because thanks to the VIP service, a spare car can go anywhere. Spanish serpentines will give you maximum driving pleasure. Also, a personal vehicle eliminates the problem of waiting for public transport and even taxis.
Personal transport allows you not to be tied to a hotel. You can move to another hotel at any time by transporting all your belongings at once. You also have the right to independently set any route, any configuration. This will get rid of addiction and allow you to thoroughly enjoy a ride in a BMW convertible or a Ford Mustang sports car, and Jeep or Range Rover vehicles will be delivered off-road to any location. It is important to choose responsible executors who guarantee the existence of the specified model and transparency of the terms of the agreement. The advantage of VIP services will be an individual approach to the client. Managers will always promptly select a replacement if the current option is not satisfactory.
One of the points of doubt for buyers of real estate in Spain is nostalgia for the native Russian nature, its forests, lakes and rivers, wildlife and tourism.
That is, our clients say that they doubt whether, having moved to Spain, they will be able to get used to a different nature, so distant and alien. They think that they will miss Russia and its nature.
BUT, you will be pleasantly surprised!
Spain is different.
There are areas - national parks in spain, nature in which is very resembles the nature of different parts of Russia. Of course, they will not replace Russian nature 100%, but for “country” outings they are quite suitable.
National and distinguished by their diversity of ecological and natural resources: mountains and wetlands, beaches and forests, volcanoes and lakes.
Nature takes center stage in these unique places, with some designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Want to get to know them better?
Stretching from the Pyrenees to the Canary Islands, Spain's national parks are a must-see for all wildlife lovers. They cover a total of more than 325,000 hectares of land and have enormous natural and cultural value, because the nature here has been practically untouched by humans for centuries, and enjoys special protection of the state.
These areas all share some common features, such as their spectacular scenery, although each national park has its own distinct character and natural and landscape features that make them unique.
There are well-developed tourist routes for every taste and age. Study all the offers and choose those that are interesting to you.
And don't forget your camera!
A brief overview of existing tourist routes in the national parks of Spain.
Alpine National Parks.
Fans of cross-country hiking and mountain trekking should pay attention to mountain tourism. In addition to excursion routes, you may be offered: fishing, mountain biking, extreme sports and even skiing.
The list of ideas for a holiday in the mountains is dominated by water sports and aerobic exercise, both in summer and winter.
The Picos de Europa (literally "Peaks of Europe") is a mountain range in northern Spain located in the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and Leon, home to endangered species such as the Cantabrian brown bear, capercaillie, and Spanish goat and chamois live only here.
Hiking routes will take you through the deepest gorges in Spain, waterfalls, mountain rivers and canyons.
The Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, with about 200 lakes and ponds, is the largest in terms of total lake area in the Pyrenees. Crystal clear paradise in a peaceful, tranquil environment.
It is this park that is close in its properties to Russian nature, with its crystal clear waters and dense forests of black pine, spruce, birch and beech trees.
This is a real paradise for nature lovers.
In this mountain range, you will also find the oldest national park in the Pyrenees, Ordesa y Monte Perdido, crowned by the peak of Monte Perdido, 3355 meters above sea level, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its contrasting landscapes will take your breath away. A great way to enjoy a holiday in the mountains by exploring its trails, a true paradise for nature lovers.
Here you can see the highest peaks in the Iberian Peninsula, Mulhacen (3482 m) and Veleta (3398 m). If you love alpine skiing, then this is the place for you. These mountains in Spain are the “home of skiing” and the Sierra Nevada ski resort, the southernmost of its kind in Europe.
the nature of Spain in the Sierra Nevada region is very reminiscent of the Altai region
Bird watching.
Spain is one of the European countries with extensive bird-watching areas, and in six national parks you can observe birds in the wild at fairly close range.
The main colonies of seabirds build their nests in the Islas Atlánticas National Park (Marine National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia).
The park consists of four clusters of rocky islands, with cliffs on the west side overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, beautiful beaches on the east side, and views of the estuaries.
In addition to birds, you can see other types of marine life here.
The park's islands were declared a National Park in 2002 as one of the finest examples of a marine ecosystem.
The biodiversity of the Doñana National Park (in Doñana is a nature reserve in Andalusia, in the south of Spain, in the provinces of Huelva and Seville), also has a UNESCO World Heritage designation: it is the only place in Europe that provides habitat for numerous migratory birds and other animals, such like the Iberian lynx.
National Parks National Park Tablas de Daimiel or Cabañeros, are located in Castile-La Mancha (Spain's wine region), where you can explore their wetlands and forests, inhabited by a variety of bird life species, intersected by numerous walking paths and routes.
The same can be said about Monfrague National Park of Extremadura, home to the world's largest colony of black vultures.
Contrasts of the Canary Islands
In addition to the luxury real estate of the Canary Islands, you will be surprised to discover other riches here - magnificent natural contrasts in their maximum splendor of the national parks of the Canary Islands.
Return “to the roots” of humanity, to the enchanting beauty of one of the last, true relict Mediterranean subtropical forests preserved to this day in its original form in the Garajonay Nature Reserve, included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Only here, on a small island of the Canary Islands archipelago, this wonderful green splendor has been preserved!
The craters of volcanoes and hardened lava in Timanfaya create magnificent “lunar” landscapes.
The Taburiente National Park, with its almost vertical gorges and cliffs and dormant volcano, forms one of the most spectacular geological monuments in the world, with elevation changes of almost 3000 meters.
Remember that each national park has its own routes and rules for visiting. Some parks have restrictions on tourist visits, both by time of day and the total number of one-time stays.
But, as already written above, national parks will reveal to you a completely different side of Spain, which differs significantly from the front facades of cities and resort amenities of the “beach” Spanish coasts.
There are more than 400 nature reserves in Spain that protect the main ecosystems of the peninsula and islands.
Coto de Doñana National Park. Spain's legendary 50,000-hectare Doñana National Park serves as a vernal bird airport that welcomes hundreds of thousands of birds flying from Africa to Europe, stopping in these wooded wetlands to build nests and breed ( Figure 17).
In 1965, the territory where the national park is now located was declared a biological reserve. Four years later, in 1969, these areas received national park status. For this purpose, the state even bought vast territories. In 1980, Doniana entered the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Currently, the Coto De Doñana Park covers an area of 77,260 hectares on the Atlantic coast, 55 km southwest of Seville.
Its outstanding global significance is due to the exceptional diversity of its ecosystems and unique combination of natural attractions. About 250 thousand people visit the park every year. However, such attention not only indicates increased interest in the national park. Unfortunately, the poorly controlled tourism business poses a real threat to the existence of the national park. Hotels, golf courses and farm plots have sprung up around the area like mushrooms, pumping out so much water that the park is in danger of dying. Over the past 15 years, so much water has been spent on these structures that its level has dropped by 2-9 meters, and some lagoons have dried up. “If anything else is built here,” said the park’s director of scientific research, “Doñana will come to an end.”
Figure 17 - Coto De Doñana National Park
Canary Islands. The southernmost province of the country is also the most protected natural area of Spain, which is not surprising - in terms of the totality of their environmental indicators, these islands can compete with the world famous Galapagos, and in terms of the proximity of unique natural sites to first-class recreation areas, they are ahead of them by a wide margin. The island of Tenerife is home to the most famous conservation area of the archipelago - Teide National Park (Cañadas del Teide), covering 135 square kilometers. km of slopes around the volcano of the same name and the giant (25 by 15 km) Cañadas caldera. The large difference in altitude, mild climate, fertile volcanic soils and long-term isolation from the mainland allowed the formation of unique natural complexes here, which also have a pronounced zonality. There are 57 species of plants alone that are not found anywhere else in the world! In total, there are 169 species of flowering plants, and even those that are widespread species are often completely different from their relatives from the mainland. The park clearly shows traces of the geological processes that determine the evolution of the ocean islands, which, together with the amazing nature, allowed UNESCO to include Cañadas del Teide in 2007 on the World Heritage List of Humanity. There are 76 km of hiking trails, a good road with many observation platforms, and you can climb to the top of Teide (3550 m) by cable car.
On the island of La Palma there is the La Caldera de Taburiente National Park (46.9 sq. km), which protects the huge (approximately 10 km in diameter, the height of the walls reaches 2545 m) caldera of an ancient volcano formed approximately 2 million years ago back. The crater has been greatly altered by erosion and is now a vast mountain cirque, cut by river beds, covered with amazing Canarian vegetation (here, as in Tenerife, almost a third of the species are endemic) and has a modest but very peculiar fauna (95% of local animal species are birds). The most ancient rock formations of the archipelago (the so-called “Basalt complex”, age about 1.9 million years) and many unique intrusive formations were also discovered here. Based on the totality of its parameters, the Caldera de Taburiente is considered the largest erosion crater in the world. There are several companies that offer walking tours of the caldera, but solo travelers must obtain permission from the local information office to visit the area.
Timanfaya National Park (area 51 sq. km) is located on the island of Lanzarote. This land of fire-breathing mountains (the name of the island can be translated as “Land of a Hundred Volcanoes”) is included in the list of UNESCO biosphere reserves as an example of a volcanic landscape, which, in addition to its undoubted geological interest, also has unique natural complexes. Suffice it to say that in the 18th century, the eruption of local volcanoes lasted almost without interruption for three years, which completely changed both the appearance of the island and its nature. Until now, the underground heat in many places is so strong that new geysers appear and disappear here almost every day, and local residents manage to fry meat right on the ground (however, this is more of a tourist attraction than a general trend). Therefore, the nature of the island is sparse, but those species that manage to survive in such difficult conditions are of undoubted interest both for science and for travelers. Of great interest, as in Tenerife or La Palma, are the unique geological forms of the island - from amazing lava tubes to simple sea pebbles formed from multi-colored volcanic rocks.
The Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve occupies about 40% of the island's area and covers almost all local ecosystems - from mountain peaks to beaches and marine areas, including even valleys used for agriculture. It is not for nothing that the island is called a “continent in miniature” - so many different types of climate, landscapes and natural complexes are recorded here that can hardly be found anywhere else in such a limited space (the area of the island itself is only 1560 sq. km). It consists of 32 protected areas, including the unique reserve of the Maspalomas dunes (area 250 hectares, the length of the dune section is more than 3 km), the Nublo rural park and the rock monolith of the same name 80 meters high, the Doramas jungle, the Azuaje, Tamadaba and Pino Santo gorges , two reptile parks, the Cueva Pintada archaeological park and many other unique sites.
Carajonay National Park, occupying the central and northern regions of the island of La Gomera (area 39 sq. km), is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The visiting card of the reserve is “laurisilva” (“laurel selva”) - a relict tropical rainforest that covered the whole of Europe in the Tertiary period, but is now preserved only here in the Azores and Madeira. The most striking representatives of the local flora are two subspecies of the common laurel - Laurus azorica and Laurus canariensis, which are noticeably different from their "mainland" counterparts (primarily in size - local laurels can reach 40 meters in height, unlike the common laurel, which rarely reaches " height" more than 6 meters). Many other representatives of the island's rich vegetation are also endemic, but the fauna is not rich, but also peculiar - two local species of reptiles, two species of amphibians and two species of birds are found here. Entry into the park is only possible with permission from the Juego de Bolas tourist office in La Palmita.