Spain is full of beautiful unspoiled natural landscapes, many of them yet to be discovered: impressive geological sites, natural wonders, lush forests, vast deserts, lakes, volcanoes and towering mountains. In order for you to better discover our country, we have created this Lugarnia guide in which we present the best landscapes in Spain to enjoy charming getaways . Discover them!
Best landscapes in Spain to plan a unique getaway
Drach Caves, Mallorca
In Palma de Mallorca are the Caves of Drach, specifically in the municipality of Manacor. It is a set of four impressive caves that were created by the filtration of salt water. One of the attractions of these caves is Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world. If you want to enjoy them to the fullest, you can rent a boat and go for a ride listening to a classical music concert inside the caves.
Caminito del Rey, Malaga
The Caminito del Rey is located between Ardales and the El Chorro dam, and is considered a spectacular challenge for hikers who want to unleash all their adrenaline.
This is one of the best landscapes in Spain and has been formed by the effects of the erosion of the Guadalhorce River, with high and steep walls that make up this route. If you visit the Caminito del Rey, get ready for a four-hour walk, which includes a suspension bridge and two walkways that reach 100 meters above the crystal clear waters of the river.
New Bridge, Ronda
In the heart of the Serranía de Ronda, is Ronda, a beautiful city surrounded by valleys and mountains. Ronda is undoubtedly one of the best landscapes in Spain, more specifically its Puente Nuevo, which took 42 years to build and links the old Moorish city with the new parts of the city. Together with the deep gorge it runs through, it is the most famous monument in the town.
Picos de Europa, Cantabrian mountain range
The natural landscape of Spain, from its sandy shores to the vast plains, is constantly surprising, but the towering peaks of the Picos de Europa mountain ranges are undoubtedly one of the best landscapes in Spain that you can visit.
Rugged mountain peaks, green valleys, and wide mighty rivers combine to make this area of northern Spain a perfect territory for hiking and experiencing new adventures. The Picos de Europa territory also stands out for its wildlife, including the Cantabrian brown bear – in danger of extinction – and wolves among its native fauna.
El Teide, Tenerife
A couple of hours south by plane from the peninsula, are the Canary Islands, located much closer to the African coasts than to the European ones, and which have a radically different natural landscape . Much of the land is volcanic, with steep slopes and dark gray sand on the beaches. In the center of Tenerife, the most popular island in the Canaries, is the mighty Teide, an impressive snow-covered volcano. It is a large territory considered one of the best landscapes in Spain for walks and astronomical observation. If you want to admire the views well, take a cable car that takes you to the top.
Ses Illetes beach, Formentera
Spain has many miles of coastline and sunny days for much of the year, so it is not surprising that it is a mecca for the best beaches in Europe. From those crowded with tourists to deserted stretches of unspoiled sand, there is a beach for all tastes. Some of the most virgin and with white sand are found on the coasts of the Balearic island of Formentera. One of the most famous is Ses Illetes, a long curve of shimmering sand backed by soft dunes and shallow, crystal clear sea water.
Roman Bridge and Cathedral of Córdoba
Córdoba has a long and diverse history that goes from its time as an important city of the Roman Empire to its peak as the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba. A little known fact is that Córdoba is the largest urban area that has been protected by UNESCO with its World Heritage status.
Today, the city still has a mix of influences dating back centuries. The views of places like the Mosque-Cathedral, the Roman Bridge and the Puerta del Puente, are truly incredible.
Monserrat Mountain, Barcelona
Montserrat is a famous mountain found in Catalonia, near Barcelona. Nestled at the top of the mountain is a small Benedictine monastery called Santa María de Montserrat . To get there you have to ride a cable car through the clouds and fog. As you walk through this ancient monastery, you will be able to take in the breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding landscape.
Mountains of San Sebastián
San Sebastián is home to some of the best landscapes in Spain. A few kilometers from the French border, on the Basque coast, is the medieval city, surrounded by green mountains and forests with a lush landscape. The old town is right next to the port and you can climb the mountains of the city: Monte Urgull, Monte Igeldo and Monte Ulía to appreciate the incredible views of the bay and the city.
Terrace of the Hotel Parador, Toledo
Toledo is a small medieval town located on top of a hill, surrounded by a river and mountains. For the best views of the city , you can drive outside of the old town until you reach the Hotel Parador, located high on a mountain above the city. At the back there is a cafeteria with a terrace overlooking all of Toledo. The best time to appreciate these views is at sunset when the city turns pink and gold.
River viewpoint, Lanzarote
Although less touristy and smaller than the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote is home to many of the best landscapes in Spain. Without a doubt, one of those that you cannot miss is the one offered by the well-known Mirador del Río. From here you can admire the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park and the Risco de Famara .
Mirador de San Nicolás, Granada
Popular with tourists and university students and universally famous for its exquisite tapas, Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Home to the famous Moorish palace of the Alhambra, fortress and garden complex overlooking the old city, it is one of the most historic sites in our country.
One of the best landscapes in Spain can be seen from the Mirador de San Nicolás, which is located at the top of the Albaicín neighborhood. You will love seeing the whole city and the Alhambra surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Silence Beach, Asturias
Like many other beaches and coastal towns in northern Spain, access to Playa de Silencio is not in very good condition and the first time you visit it you may think you have taken the wrong path while driving through the narrow streets of a small town.
But that path will be worth it when you stop to admire and photograph the two most emblematic views of the area: one can be seen from the top of the mountain of this beach and the other from an area near the parking lot.
Los Urros, Cantabria
Located less than 20 minutes by car from Santander, it is a well-known place for photographers, tourists and locals , and one of the most unique landscapes you will find along this coast.
Barrika Beach, Bizkaia
If you plan to visit Barrika Beach, make sure you have researched the tides. If you arrive during high tide, the beach is nothing special, in fact it is somewhat boring. During low tide, however, the incredible “dragon tails” appear, a very curious natural phenomenon worthy of admiration.
Somiedo Lake, Asturias
If you want a break on the coast of northern Spain, you must spend the day at Lago de Somiedo, a vast and beautiful lake located in the mountains.
The steep path through the mountains is full of strategic locations and you will likely end up stopping at most of these to take some photos or just enjoy the scenery.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bizkaia
The most unique location along the coast of northern Spain is that of the island of Gaztelugatxe. At the top of the island there is a hermitage dating from the 10th century.
Climbing the 241 steps to the hermitage will reward you with impressive views, but the best places to photograph can be seen from below.
Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, Cantabria
Faro de Cabo Mayor is a lighthouse located on the outskirts of Santander which, as it is a short drive from the city center, is an easy place to visit. From this lighthouse, you will be able to see the best sunrises in northern Spain.
Urdabai Park, Basque Country
Surrounded by beautiful Basque fishing villages and phenomenal beaches, Urdaibai is a unique park and largely undiscovered by the Spanish . In this park there are a lot of mountains with incredible views of the river and marshes like Astogana and Atxarra.
Cíes Islands, Galicia
Located a short ferry ride from Vigo, the Cíes Islands are made up of three islands: Isla Monteagudo (the north island), Isla del Faro (the central island) and Isla de Martiño (the southern island). One of its most spectacular views is the one you can admire on Praia de Rodas beach , recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world for its crystal clear waters and its ideal climate in the summer.
Doñana national park
An exceptional and unique park in the entire peninsula is the Doñana National Park, located in the Andalusian province of Huelva, between the province of Cádiz and Portugal. Not only in the location, but also in its physical characteristics, Doñana is different from all the parks in Spain .
Cabo de Gata, Almeria
The Cabo de Gata Natural Park is a common summer destination and offers many reasons to enjoy its desert landscape during any season of the year.
Cabo de Gata is a blessing for beach lovers, but in autumn the situation changes. The sun shines less brightly and becomes the ideal companion for walking through desert landscapes.
One of the most popular routes is the one that reaches almost to the Majada Redonda caldera from the Las Presillas Bajas neighborhood and where you can learn more about the volcanic geography of the area, as well as a special nature that stands out in the Iberian Peninsula. But there are many other options, such as the trails that pass by the beaches of Los Genoveses and El Mónsul, the one that leads to Cala de San Pedro, the Requena path next to Cala de los Toros or the circular path that passes through part of the greenway from Lucainena to Agua Amarga.
Sierra de Guadarrama National Park
Located between the provinces of Madrid, Ávila and Segovia, this natural enclave, considered one of the best landscapes in Spain, is easily accessible by public transport. The most common ways to access Guadarrama are through the towns of Manzares El Real or Cercedilla. From Manzanares El Real, the most common hiking routes lead through La Pedriza, from where you can see the best views of the Sierra. It is one of the favorites of the inhabitants of Madrid to escape the heat in the summer and visit the Charca Verde or the Manzanares River.
Torcal de Antequera
If you are going through Malaga or Andalusia and you want to witness spectacular landscapes, do not hesitate to visit this place that offers impressive views of rock formations. This beautiful natural enclave of more than a thousand hectares in the province of Malaga awaits you with its curious geological forms caused by the erosion of limestone rocks.
These formations date from the Mesozoic Era , exactly from the Jurassic period, when there was a maritime corridor that communicated the Gulf of Cádiz with Alicante. Later a rise of the limestone sediments deposited at the bottom of the ocean was created, which produced the appearance of mountain ranges whose heights took the form of “mushrooms”.
Rías Baixas coastline
If you pass near the northwest coast of Spain, you must follow the path along the Rías Baixas coast . The many valleys surrounded by the sea offer beautiful landscapes that you can see from your car.
Sierra Nevada, Granada
This vast mountainous natural park, the largest in Spain, stretches over 850 square kilometers from Granada to the spectacular valleys of the Alpujarra, with more than 20 peaks over 3,000 meters high. The best way to appreciate these landscapes is hiking , you just have to choose the altitude you want to face.
Cabreras Archipelago, Balearic Islands
The least visited of all the parks in Spain is also one of the most attractive. It is only allowed to disembark on one island in the archipelago, Cabrera, but it is a marvel, especially the castle, which protects the entrance to the port. Most visitors spend the day sunbathing on the beach or hiking the many trails that surround the landscape.
Ordesa and Monte Perdido, Aragon
The province of Huesca, in Aragon, is a sight worth seeing as you cross the Pyrenees, the Ordesa National Park and Monte Perdido , areas that are home to all the beauty of the region. This national park is the oldest in Spain, but also one of the least known. From Mount Perdido at 3,355 meters of altitude, you will be able to see spectacular glacial valleys up to 3 km deep . In its 156 square km you will find hiking trails of all levels, including paths that run along natural limestone ridges that are only one meter wide.
Aigüestortes and San Mauricio Lake, Catalonia
In this wild Pyrenean landscape there is water everywhere, the waters fed by countless streams that tumble over waterfalls as they pass through valleys of pine and fir forests, below peaks that reach more than 3,000 meters. If you visit this area, you will have the opportunity to observe some of the wild animal breeds, such as the golden eagles and the Pyrenean chamois in one of the best landscapes in Spain.
Timanfaya, Lanzarote
There is evidence of varied forms of tourist life in this small piece of Martian landscape , considered one of the best landscapes in Spain. Volcanic eruptions that occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries created an extraordinary park of volcanic cones and lava flows that cover around 50 square kilometers.
Monfragüe, Extremadura
In this park in the central area of the peninsula, one of the best landscapes in Spain, you can find more than 200 species, including the Spanish lynx. It is about 181 square kilometers, and is home to vultures, eagles, owls and the only breeding population of black storks in Western Europe.
It’s a perfect place for hiking , just follow the color-coded routes from the only town near the park, Villareal de San Carlos. In this natural park there are some viewpoints to observe birds, such as the Salto del Gitano and the ruin of the Castle of Monfragüe.
