Spain itself is a natural wonder.
The Pyrenees are as beautiful as any mountain range on the continent, while the snowcapped Sierra Nevada rises up improbably from the plains
of Andalucía.
The wildly beautiful cliffs of Spain’s Atlantic northwest are offset by the charming coves of the Mediterranean. Here are Spain's top natural wonders.
Playa de
la Concha
Playa de
la Concha
Fulfilling almost every idea of how a perfect city beach should be, Playa de la Concha (and its westerly extension, Playa de Ondarreta) in San Sebastian is among the best city beaches in Europe.
Tanned and toned bodies spread across the sand throughout the long summer months, when a fiesta atmosphere prevails. The swimming is almost always safe.
Picos de Europa
Picos de Europa
The Picos de Europa comprise three dramatic limestone massifs, unique in Spain but geologically similar to the Alps and jammed with inspiring trails.
These peaks and valleys form Spain’s second-largest national park, with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the country – no small claim considering the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada.
The Picos de Europa deservedly belong in such elite company.
Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada
Providing Granada’s dramatic backdrop, the wild snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada range are home to the highest point in mainland Spain and Europe’s most southerly ski resort at Pradollano.
The Sierra Nevada extends about 75km (47mi) from west to east, with 15 peaks over 3000m (9843ft). The lower southern reaches, peppered with bucolic white villages, are known as Las Alpujarras.
Some 862 sq km (333 sq mi) are encompassed by the Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada, Spain’s largest national park, designated in 1999.
This vast protected area is home to 2100 of Spain’s 7000 plant species, including unique types of crocus, narcissus, thistle, clover and poppy, as well as Andalucía’s largest ibex population.