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Wildlife tourism has become increasingly in vogue over the years. People not only want to enjoy wide-open spaces to feel all-encompassing peace, wonder, and nature-- they also want to discover and appreciate the beauty of the region's endemic species.
Spain is an ideal destination for wildlife tourism due to its diverse landscapes and habitats-- home to a wealth of flora and fauna, not to mention it boasts three of the largest vertebrates in Europe: the brown bear, the Iberian lynx, and the Iberian wolf. What's more, the waters that bathe the peninsula and its islands are inhabited by at least thirty cetacean species, including dolphins; sperm, pilot and fin whales; and orcas. Undoubtedly, Spain's wildlife is one of the richest on the European continent-- and a paradise destination for David Attenborough fans.
Find out which are some of the best places in Spain to enjoy an exciting natural-history holiday.
Coto Doñana or Doñana National Park is considered one of the most important protected natural areas in Europe. Located in the province of Huelva, Andalusia, this spectacular park is a key route for migrating birds that fly from Africa and Europe, not to mention it's also a vital conservation sanctuary for many endangered species. For instance, the Iberian Lynx is considered the most endangered wild cat on Earth and is endemic to Spain.
Its spectacular sceneries formed by immense wetlands, pine forests, Mediterranean scrubs, and floodable lands, make it a marvellous site for contemplating nature at its finest. What's more, it's also considered one of the most biodiverse in Europe, and a favourite for bird-watchers. Home to more than 300 bird species, including the Imperial Eagle; 37 species of mammals, including the Iberian Lynx; 21 species of reptiles, such as the Moorish turtle; 11 species of amphibians; and 20 freshwater fish species-- not to mention the thousands of invertebrates such as insects, annelids, arachnids which inhabit the park.
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Extremadura is a marvellous Spanish region, whose predominant vegetation includes rugged holm and oak-forested hills, and 1,430,00 hectares of extensive steppes. Among the most significant natural areas, there's Monfragüe National Park, in Cáceres, and the Cornalvo Natural Park, above the Guadiana River Valley, in Badajoz. These natural areas are home to a wealth of fauna, and its bird-rich steppes are ideal for birdwatching. Extremadura is undoubtedly one of the most superlative ornithological destinations in Europe-- with up to 385 species of birds. Its most emblematic birds include the Iberian Imperial Eagle, the Black Vulture, the Black Stork, Bonelli's Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Lesser Kestrel, Montagu's Harrier, Azure-Winged Magpie, Golden Oriole, and Great Bustard.
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Located in southern Spain, Sierra Morena is an extensive natural inland area covering a big part of Andalusia's provinces. It's divided into four regions: Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche, Sierra Morena in Sevilla, Sierra Morena in Córdoba, and Sierra Morena in Jaén.
Sierra Morena has a very low human population density and covers some of the wildest and best-preserved corners of Mediterranean Spain-- the inhabitants of its 57 small villages have been sustainably reaping its resources for centuries. Its most representative habitats are the dense holm and oak-forested woods, the Mediterranean scrub formations, sub-humid woods of gall oaks, and pine and riverside forests.
Its natural areas are also home to more than 250 species of birds and endangered mammals such as the Iberian Lynx, and the Iberian Wolf, fallow deers, and mouflons, among many other animals.
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From the "Rock" of Gibraltar, one can contemplate a host of migrating birds which travel across the 14km-long Strait of Gibraltar from Africa to Spain. What's more, one can also see numerous beautiful mammal species such as the Macaco monkeys, the red fox, hares, and European bats.
Gibraltar is heralded as a key site for birding and one of the most crucial conservation areas for birds in Spain. Birds of prey such as Black Kites, Honey Buzzards, Short-toed Eagles, Booted Eagles, Griffon Vultures, Cory's Shearwater, White Storks, and Audoin's Gulls pass in the thousands across the region. In total, 315 species of birds have been recorded until this day.
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Picos de Europa, in Asturias, is once more, another emblematic natural park in Spain. Home to more than 2000 plant species, one can also find an abundance of Atlantic types of forests, with lush, oak-forested hills, beeches, ashes, chestnuts, holm oaks, as well as a great variety of orchids.
A not-to-be-missed attraction is the explosion of colours one can marvel at in the region's vast pastures between April and June. When ascending the mountains, one can contemplate the difference in flora: from very lush in the lower parts, to non-existent in the mountain peaks.
The most symbolic animal species are the Golden Eagle, and the Bearded and Egyptian Vultures, which nest in the steep mountain slopes.
Today, the Canary Island is home to more than a whopping 12000 terrestrial and 4500 marine species. Among them, we can find about 3600 endemic species. Yet of all animals here, the lizards are its prime inhabitants-- several of them being endemic species of giant lizards. Among other predominant animal species living on the Spanish archipelago, one can find the Blue Find of Tenerife bird, the Gran Canaria Lizard, Sperm and Pilot Whales, Dolphins, Endemic Geckos, and the Canary Big-eared Bat.
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The Pyrenees is the largest mountain range in the Iberian Peninsula-- its 430 km of extension runs along the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula on the border with France.
Each area of the Pyrenees has its distinctive flora, fauna, geology and climate, which makes it a rich and diverse region in natural resources.
It is home to more than 200 species of animals and 4,500 plant species. The forests are composed of firs and black pines, chestnuts, elms and ashes. Whereas the valleys boast a much more exuberant flora with a variety of fruit trees, thyme and lavender.
Mammals as beautiful as the Iberian Brown Bear, the Common Deer, the Fallow Deer, Otters, the Iberian Wolf, the Roe Deer, the Mouflon and the Chamois have found their refuge in the Pyrenees.
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