Discover magical legends in the natural spaces of Spain
There are places in Spain that tell of unique legends and where you can follow trails and paths full of fascinating stories.
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The legend of Gara and Jonay: Garajonay National Park, in La Gomera, Canary Islands
The legend tells a sad story about two lovers: Gara, princess of Agulo on the island of La Gomera, and Jonay, son of the Mencey of Adeje on the island of Tenerife. Their romance was doomed, as an omen foretold them that if they were together, the fire of the Teide volcano would be a terror to behold. The lovers felt such a powerful connection that Jonay swam across the Atlantic to give himself passionately to Gara in the lush forests of the neighbouring island. When the terrified townsfolk found them embracing, they threw a sharp cedar stick at them, which was deadly and bound them together forever. Today, they give their name to the highest peak of La Gomera and the Garajonay National Park.
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Urkiola Nature Reserve, Basque Country: the abode of the goddess Mari
Urkiola Natural Park (lying between Alava and Bizkaia) is a beautiful natural space full of mountains, crags and valleys, making it a great destination for hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts.A favourite spot for mountaineers is Mount Anboto (1,330 metres). Legend has it that Mari, a fundamental goddess of Basque mythology, lives on its eastern slope, from where she takes care of the environment and dispenses justice. In fact, it is said that when the clouds appear around Anboto it is because Mari has returned to her home on this mountain, the so-called Cueva de la Dama.In the heart of this park we can also find the Urkiola Shrine where Saint Anthony the Great and Saint Anthony of Padua are venerated, a place many pilgrims pass through during the year. The park is also home to a giant rock about which it is said that a single man will find a partner if he walks around it three times.
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The legend of Sanchicorrota: Bardenas Reales Nature Reserve, Navarre
Known as the King of the Bardenas, Sancho de Rota or Sanchicorrota, he was the “Robin Hood of the Desert” within the region. He was a fugitive who laid low in his refuge, hidden among the desert landscapes of plateaus and ravines sculpted by water and wind, on a mountain near the peak of Piskerra, which is still known by his name today. It is said that the bandit stole from the rich to give to the less fortunate, though there are also stories that suggest he was not quite as virtuous as he was made out to be. After years of outwitting the guards of King Juan II of Aragon, according to the legend he was cornered and ultimately chose to end his life before he was caught. It really is a film-like landscape that conjures up scenes straight out of a western.
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