Rock climbing with your family

Getaway with the little ones? You'll have the best time in these nature reserves and national parks in Spain

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Spain has 16 national parks and over 130 nature reserves across the country. Read on to find out about some of the parks you can escape to with your kids. Green spaces, play areas, fully signposted routes and educational activities about the plant and animal life are waiting for you. Discover the places you can visit, organise your getaway and enjoy a family day to the max.

Columbretes Islands nature reserve

Located in Castellón de la Plana in the Region of Valencia, the Columbretes nature reserve, previously known as the Islands of the Snakes, rises from the Mediterranean Sea as four islands of volcanic origin: Columbrete Grande (AKA Illa Grossa), which is currently the only one of the four that can be visited; La Ferrera; La Horadada (AKA La Foradada); and El Berantín (AKA Carallot). After a scenic boat trip, you will disembark in the port of Tofiño on Illa Grossa, and begin a route that will take you to a spectacular lighthouse some 67 metres tall. This film-worthy location is well worth the trip.  As you walk along the path, you'll gradually discover its biological richness and impressive ecology. If you have time afterwards, you can also go snorkelling when you get back to the port. Afterwards, you can observe the seabed at the Castellón planetarium, which has an exhibition about the islands and fishing in the area.

Columbretes Islands nature reserve, Region of Valencia

Picos de Europa National Park

The Picos de Europa National Park is spread between the regions of Asturias, Castile and Leon and Cantabria. As far back as 1918, the region around the Covadonga mountain was classified as a protected space, and that's unsurprising given that in this area, you'll find one of the most beautiful places in Europe. This is where the glacial lakes of Enol, Ercina and El Bricial originate. Due to its sheer size, the Picos de Europa National Park will surprise you every time you go. You can choose a different itinerary every time: the Vega de Ario, surrounded by views of the mountain peaks with Caín and the Valdeón Valley in the background; Vegarredonda–Ordiales, which takes you to the Ordiales viewpoint 1691 metres up; or the Cares Route, which features an impressive gorge through the Cornión and Los Urrieles mountains.Along its footpaths, you'll find cable cars, traditional farmhouses, caves, riverside beaches, pools, activities such as kayaking and, near Colunga, the Asturias Jurassic Museum.

Pico Naranjo de Bulnes, Picos de Europa National Park, Asturias

Doñana National Park

Awarded the World Heritage designation by UNESCO in 1994, the Doñana National Park in Andalusia has become one of the most famous natural parks in Spain, probably due to the majesty of its marshlands. During winter and spring, the marshland becomes a stunning lake, home to countless water birds. Moreover, its uniqueness and variety of species have led to the park being classified as the largest ecological reserve in Europe. It's incredible to see and explore, and each spot will show you something new. The littlest visitors will be surprised to see how red deer, fallow deer and even wild boar roam freely. They'll enjoy themselves travelling in a 4x4 for more than 80 kilometres in the company of a guide telling them the history of the location and interesting facts about the wildlife, and they can get to know the Matalascañas area, sinking their feet into a series of real sand dunes.

Mother and son climbing up a sand dune
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