The Best National Parks In Spain For Autumn

1. Picos de Europa National Park (Cantabria)

If you are planning a holiday to Spain in autumn, one of the best-hiking destinations would be the Picos de Europa National Park. This mountain range spans three provinces and over 646 kilometres!

The Picos de Europa are home to an impressive karst landscape, where a new surprise awaits after every corner. The erosion of the limestone in this region has created gorges, cliffs and valleys.

Hiking routes wind and twist along the rocks, allowing you to explore the mountains and come up close with this natural phenomenon. If you are up for it, take one of the many routes with views of the Naranjo de Bulnes, one of the most characteristic limestone peaks of the park because of its slight orange colour.

The natural park is also home to the Lagos de Covadonga, two glacial lakes, and many protected species, such as the Iberian wolf and the bearded vulture.

With the leaves of its beeches and oaks changing colours, the Picos de Europa is perfect for an autumn hike to enjoy the season!

2. Monfragüe National Park (Extremadura)

Monfragüe National Park is a hidden gem of Spain! Because it is located in Extremadura, the least visited region of Spain, the park is not widely known, but it is an absolute must for any avid birdwatcher.

The park is home to more than 280 bird species such as black vultures and Spanish imperial eagles. On top of that, the Tagus River that runs through the park is a popular resting place for migrating birds in spring and autumn.

The hiking routes that criss-cross the park will take you along the best places for birdwatching, and if you’re lucky you might also spot other wildlife that has made the park its home. Deer, otters and even a rare Iberian lynx are all animals that you may come across during your visit to Monfragüe Park!

You can hike up to the old castle of Monfragüe, where you will have a panoramic view of the entire park. If you prefer something a bit more challenging during your hike, you can try to find one of the many prehistoric sites in the park.

In Monfragüe Park there are more than 100 caves and overhanging rocks that shelter prehistoric rock art. Keep your eyes peeled during your hike and discover these ancient paintings from the Neolithic Age for yourself!

3. Teide National Park (Tenerife)

As the oldest and largest park of the Canary Islands, El Teide Park in Tenerife is on every visitor’s must-see list when they are touring the islands. And autumn is the best time of year to do so when temperatures start to fall and the steady stream of visitors slows down.

Here you will find the highest mountain of the country, El Teide, one of the most impressive natural wonders of Tenerife.

This (still active!) volcano is the center point of the park and the island itself. It is surrounded by a volcanic landscape with several hiking routes, allowing you to discover the unique flora and fauna of the park.

For an absolutely one-of-a-kind experience, request a permit online to hike around the volcano’s crater!

And if you get tired during your hike, you can always wrap up your visit with a ride on the cable car, where you will enjoy panoramic views of the entire park and its otherworldly landscape.

4. Sierra Nevada National Park (Andalusia)

While the Sierra Nevada National Park is located high above the historic city of Granada and is mostly known for being home to the most southerly located ski resort in Europe, this extensive natural park is actually the most beautiful during autumn. Its forests transform into a sea of yellows, oranges and reds when the trees start changing colour.

In the valleys, you can spot local wildlife preparing for winter, and on the highest peaks of the mountain range, you may be able to enjoy the very first snowfalls of the year if you are lucky.

Fast rivers, wellsprings, glacial lakes, dense forests and sweeping plains: the hiking routes of the Sierra Nevada will show you the incredibly varied landscape and all flora and fauna that has made this park their home. Maybe you will even be able to spot a wild boar, badgers or one of the elusive wildcats!

The Sierra Nevada mountains are dotted with many picturesque mountain villages where you can take a break from your exploring.

Discover the artisanally made local products and even participate in local autumn festivals if you’re lucky!

5. Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (Aragon)

In the Aragonese Pyrenees you can find the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, where breathtaking views are around every corner! This park is centred around the Monte Perdido massif that stands at 3355 metres high.

The Ordesa park is a true hiker’s paradise! Hiking routes vary from short trails that only take a couple of hours to day-long treks through the mountains.

Don’t worry; there are plenty of options to spend the night in the park! One very popular hiking route will lead you along the Arazas River in the Ordesa Valley all the way to the Cola de Caballo waterfall. The hike takes approximately two hours and is a great way to discover the park on your first visit. If you are a thrill seeker, the Ordesa and Monte Perdido Park have you covered as well!

You can choose from adrenaline-filled activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, and canyoning. The park also has four areas designated for rock climbing. Book your spot and discover the park from a different perspective.

6. Doñana National Park (Andalusia)

The Doñana National Park in Andalusia is Europe’s most extensive wetland! This park is characterised by freshwater marshes and dunes, extending over 543 kilometres. Thanks to its size, the park is home to three different ecosystems where many rare fauna have established themselves.

During your visit, try to spot the Iberian lynx, a rare spur-thighed tortoise and the marsh horses living in the park.

As for birds, with more than 300 birds who call the Doñana park their home, birdwatchers will love spending an afternoon on the marshes! Autumn is one of the best times to go bird watching in Doñana, since many migratory birds use the park as a last resting spot before crossing over to Africa.

You have many options to explore the park during your visit: while there are many regular hiking routes that run through the park, why not try a horse excursion or a boat trip for a unique experience?

Conclusion

Whichever national park you choose to visit this autumn, you will be able to enjoy breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife in every corner! Spain’s natural parks are all protected areas, so please respect the flora and fauna you come across during your visit to make sure that these parks keep flourishing for the next generations.