20 Beautiful Landscapes in Spain That Will Amaze You

Are you a nature lover looking for the most beautiful landscapes in Spain? You’re in the right place!

Spain is a diverse country with all types of natural landscapes – from sandy and crystal clear water beaches and deserts to volcanos, high mountains and stunning lakes.

Despite beaches and islands in Spain being very popular among travellers, there’s so much more than paradisiacal islands and pristine beaches in Spain.

Whether you’re looking for the most famous landscapes in Spain or off-the-beaten-track natural spaces, in this guide, I’ve compiled some of the most beautiful landscapes in my home country.

This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the content up to date and make other improvements to the blog.

---

20 Most Beautiful Landscapes in Spain

No matter if you prefer mountains or coast, hot or cold temperatures, or green or dry landscapes, there is a natural place in Spain for you to visit.

These are the 20 most impressive landscapes in Spain’s mainland and islands.

Cliffs and beaches in Spain

Cabo de Gata, Almeria (Andalucia)

An underrated destination in Andalucia is Almeria where you’ll find Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park as well as the Tabernas Desert.

You want to visit Cabo de Gata for many reasons – its impressive rock formations, crystal clear sea, and wildlife make it a unique landscape in Spain.

If you’re looking for virgin and unspoilt beaches, Cabo de Gata is the place to be. You’ll feel like you’re immersed in nature, very far from the touristy feeling and crowded beaches you can find in other Andalusian provinces.

Some unmissable spots in Cabo de Gata are Cala las Sirenas, Los Escullos and La Isleta del Moro, but no matter which area you visit in this natural park, you’ll be impressed by its uniqueness.

Depending on the time of the year, you can also spot flamingos in some areas.

📌Tip: If you don’t mind swimming in the sea and you want to hike or explore, visit Cabo de Gata in late spring or autumn to avoid crowds. This is the perfect time to still enjoy the sunny weather, explore at your own pace and take incredible photos.

Cap de Formentor, Majorca (Balearic Islands)

The Balearic Islands are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes outside Spain’s mainland, and one of these is Cabo de Formentor (Cap de Formentor in Catalan).

Cap de Formentor is where the land and sea meet together. This peninsula, located on the north side of Majorca, is home to panoramic viewpoints and cliffs, beautiful beaches and a lighthouse.

Unlike other parts of Majorca, Cap de Formentor is away from the tourist hotspots, which makes it a great hidden gem to discover during your trip to the Balearic Islands.

On this peninsula, you can relax and spend the day on its pristine and tranquil beach or go on one of the many hiking trails.

Its remote location is one of the charms of visiting Cap de Formentor; however, it’s still accessible by car and public transport.

If you opt for driving, it’s important to know that the drive is very winding and sometimes complicated, especially the road leading to the lighthouse.

Camí de Ronda, Costa Brava (Catalonia)

If you love going on hikes and discovering unique and beautiful landscapes along the way, Camí de Ronda is the best area to do so.

Camí de Ronda is located in the Costa Brava, which refers to the coastal region of Catalonia. You can start your walk at different points, but regardless of where you decide to start, you’ll come across paradisaic beaches, beautiful mountain scenery and breathtaking cliffs.

However, it isn’t all about walking; if you’re making this trail in the summer, make sure to stop along the way to take a dip in the sea and local restaurants that offer delicious fresh fish and seafood dishes and wines.

Playa de Las Catedrales, Lugo (Galicia)

The coast of Galicia is packed with incredible rock formations – cliffs, arches and much more.

Playa de Las Catedrales, also known as Playa de As Catedrais, is one of the unmissable landscapes in Spain! Especially if you’re visiting Galicia or a nearby city like Oviedo.

Situated in Lugo, Playa de las Catedrales is home to breathtaking cliffs that eroded and formed arches, some of which are 30 meters tall.

This natural monument has become more and more popular, and there are many travellers that visit it every year. This is why it is essential you know when to see it.

To avoid crowds, don’t go to Playa de Las Catedrales during the summer months (July and August), Easter and bank holidays. Also, check out the official website for times and dates, as this highly relies on the tide.

Los Órganos, La Gomera (Canary Islands)

Los Órganos is one of the most impressive landscapes in La Gomera, one of the main eight islands in the Canary Islands.

It’s a very unique natural feature created when the Atlantic Ocean met La Gomera and created a huge cliff in the shape of a pipe organ, the best basaltic formation in the Canary Islands.

However, it was actually born from volcanic activity and erosion, and not only is it a place of interest for visitors around the world, but geologists too.

It isn’t possible to see this beautiful natural feature from the land, so you really need to get close to the sea to observe this beauty. There are many boat tours that take you close enough to appreciate this breathtaking monument.

On the way to see Los Órganos, you may be lucky also to see dolphins and whales swimming around.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao (Basque Country)

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a beautiful tiny island located about 40 minutes by car from Bilbao.

What makes this island unique is the fact that it is connected with the mainland by a man-made stone bridge, then it transitions into a path that has 241 steps and zigzags all the way to the top.

There’s a legend that says that when you reach the top, you need to ring the church’s bell three times to make a wish.

If you’ve watched season 7 of Games of Thrones, you’ll recognise this place which is referred to as “Dragonstone.” Because of this series, this place has become more and more popular.

If you aren’t planning to rent a car during your time in Bilbao, you can either take a bus or go on a guided tour to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

📌Tip: Wear comfortable and waterproof shoes the path is sometimes slippery from the splashing of water.

Desert in Spain

Desierto de Tabernas (Almeria)

One of the most unique landscapes in Spain is Tabernas Desert, located in the province of Almeria. It’s the only desert you can find in Spain and Europe.

Visiting this desert takes you to a different world. This 30 kilometres desert is a protected area since there are indigenous species and distinctive vegetation you won’t find anywhere else.

Some animals you can spot in the desert are Spanish hedgehogs, mountain goats, rabbits and hares, and birds like eagles and owls.

The desert is also home to a Mini Hollywood theme park inspired by the US Wild West.

Mountains in Spain

Torcal de Antequera, Malaga (Andalucia)

Less known than Caminito del Rey, Torcal de Antequera is another must-see landscape in Malaga province. Visiting Torcal de Antequera is an experience!

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its unique rock formations that were created in the area many years ago. The sediments have been accumulating and forming layers.

El Torcal is very signposted, so this will make your hike much better from the beginning. You can also stop by the visitor centre and museum before starting your walk.

Apart from enjoying the beautiful scenery of rocks and mountains, you may be lucky to see small animals like reptiles, birds and rabbits.

Caminito del Rey, Malaga (Andalucia)

One of the most impressive natural spaces near Malaga is Caminito del Rey (The King’s Little Path). This popular hiking trail is located only one hour’s drive from the city.

It consists of a walkway built in the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro. It used to be considered the most dangerous hiking trail in the world. However, this is no longer true as it has been adapted for visitors.

If you’re visiting Malaga or anywhere in Costa del Sol, you don’t really want to miss out on the opportunity to go on this unique trail. The mountain and river views are out of this world.

My biggest advice is to book your tickets in advance to avoid any disappointments. I tried to visit Caminito del Rey a few times, and the tickets were sold out two months before I was planning to go there!

🎟️ Buy your tickets for Caminito del Rey here

Tajo de Ronda, Malaga (Andalucia)

Tajo de Ronda is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the province of Malaga. It’s situated in the town of Ronda, an hour’s drive from Malaga, which makes it a great and easy day trip from Malaga.

This Andalusian natural monument consists of a 140 meters high gorge that divides Ronda into two parts and originated many years ago by an earthquake.

Tajo de Ronda is divided into two parts – one goes to the Guadalevín River, and the other one opens onto a circular hollow.

It’s very impressive to see from different sides of the town, but especially from below, which you can access from Ronda’s viewpoint, and this is a great spot for photography and birdwatching.

After visiting El Tajo, give yourself some time to explore the beauty of Ronda. The town has a few interesting museums, the oldest bullring in Spain, and many bars and restaurants to enjoy local food and wine.

📌Tip: Don’t go to Ronda in the summer. Temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius which makes hiking and sightseeing more difficult and tiring. Also, avoid Christmas and Easter if you don’t want crowds.

Sierra de Grazalema (Andalucia)

The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park has incredible landscapes and nature you’ll want to see during your time in Andalusia.

The park is located just in between the northeastern part of Cadiz and Malaga, so there are over 10 towns that lie within the park.

Sierra de Grazalema is home to different types of landscapes – caves, mountain ranges, valleys and gorges. In addition to this, it’s a great place to place for birdwatching and seeing other animals unique to this area, like Payoya goats.

But the park is also known for its hiking trails. There are over 15 different types of walks you can do in this park, and each one offers a different landscape, but it’s guaranteed that you’ll be impressed by their beauty.

Covadonga (Asturias)

Lush green meadows, impressive lakes and mountains are some of the beautiful natural features you’ll come across in Asturias.

One of the most beautiful landscapes to see in Asturias is Covadonga, situated in the Picos de Europa, considered an impressive mountain range in Spain. This place seems out of a fairytale film or book.

Go on a hiking trail through the lush meadows or visit the Sanctuary of Covadonga.

The latter comprises Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga church, Santa Cueva de Covadonga, known as the holy cave, Collegiate church of Nuestra Señora de Covadonga and Monasterio de San Pedro.

If you visit Asturias and want an escape from city life, this is the perfect place.

Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar (Murcia)

An off-the-beaten-track landscape is Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar, a natural park situated between Murcia and Alicante.

It’s a beautiful natural park that you can visit by bike or on foot, but regardless of your preferred option to explore the park, you’ll love the unique natural features you can see and learn about in the visitor centre.

This park was declared a protected natural reserve in 1985, and here you can find many different types of birds, including flamingos, picturesque pink lagoons and a sandy beach.

Rambla de Barrachina, Teruel (Aragon)

If you’re looking for a lesser-known but impressive landscape in Northern Spain, Rambla de Barrachina is a must-see for you.

Rambla de Barrachina is referred to as the Far West of Spain, which is located only one hour drive from Teruel. Its red canyon, arid areas and small hills make you feel like you’re in a Western film.

There are no signs of tourism in the area, so you can really disconnect from everything and enjoy the stunning rock formations and colours of this natural space.

Montserrat, Barcelona (Catalonia)

Montserrat is a must-see landscape when you’re visiting Catalonia. This is an impressive mountain range 1,236 metres above sea level located an hour from Barcelona.

Montserrat is home to a monastery (Santa Maria de Montserrat), cable car, and museums that make it a great short-day trip from Barcelona.

Although you can always spend more time there by going on a hike, which is unsurprisingly the best thing to do in Montserrat or climbing.

If you’re planning a day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona, the best way to get there is by taking the train or by doing a guided tour.

If you’re wondering whether you can stay overnight in Montserrat, there are a few hotel options. By staying there, you can always wake up early and beat the crowds, as it can get busy!

Camino de Santiago (Northern Spain)

Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) is the most famous hiking trail in Spain. It’s a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, Galicia.

However, Camino de Santiago isn’t only one route but is a network of hiking routes that take you through lush green landscapes that will steal your heart.

Many people believe that this hiking trail is only for experienced hikers, but the reality is that anyone can make this hiking trail as you can start from different points and spend more time in some areas than others.

Camino de Santiago is definitely one of those walks you need to add to your Spain bucket list.

📌Tip: The best time to go on Camino de Santiago is in late spring and early summer. July and August are the busiest months, so avoid these if you want a less crowded walk and to save money on accommodation.

Sierra Nevada, Granada (Andalucia)

Many travellers think Andalucia has very dry and warm weather; this is true, but you can also find colder temperatures and snow in the mountain areas.

Sierra Nevada, only 40 minute drive from Granada, is a mountain range and ski resort where you’ll see the highest mountain in Spain, Mulhacén, which is 3,479 metres tall.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a winter getaway in Europe, ski and admire the beautiful scenery of snowy mountains in the middle of Andalucia.

Next to Sierra Nevada, you can visit the Alpujarras region, which consists of several whitewashed villages in the mountainside. They’re unique and have something to offer. One of my favourites is Soportujar, known as the haunted village.

📌Tip: Sierra Nevada is a great place to disconnect, and many hotels have spa facilities. El Lodge is the best hotel to stay in Sierra Nevada if you want to treat yourself to a relaxing holiday by enjoying its beautiful outdoor swimming pool that overlooks the mountains.

La Pedriza (Madrid)

Located in the northwest of Madrid, in the Manzanares nature park, you’ll find La Pedriza, a geological feature on the Guadarrama mountain range.

It’s one of Europe’s most impressive granitic ranges and has numerous peaks, cliffs, streams and meadows.

If you love a good hike, don’t miss out on the opportunity to go on a hike in La Pedriza. My recommendation is to go to the visitor centre to obtain information on routes and itineraries to follow.

The fauna is sparse and dry, but you may spot some animals as this is home to many birds of prey, like vultures.

Volcanos in Spain

Teide, Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Teide National Park is the biggest park on the Canary Islands and a nature treasure – craters, volcanos, and rivers of petrified lava are some of the unique features of this impressive landscape.

There is no visit to Tenerife without exploring Teide National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has incredible natural features and the highest peak (Mount Teide) in Spain.

Walking across the park is a true experience as you encounter geological treasures and different types of flowers and plants.

Waterfalls and lakes in Spain

Pozo de los Humos, Salamanca (Castile and Leon)

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Spain is Pozo de los Humos in Salamanca, Castile and Leon.

The waterfall is located inside the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, known for its biodiversity and range of watercourses, including the famous Duero River that goes from Spain to Portugal.

When visiting Pozo de los Humos waterfall, don’t miss out on the opportunity to go on one of the scenic hiking trails, which are perfect for any type of traveller as they’re easy and short.

If you’re travelling to Salamanca, Pozo de los Humos is only a 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Salamanca. It’s a great day trip for those who love spending time in nature or looking for hidden gems.

La Laguna de Torrevieja (Alicante)

Have you ever heard that Spain is home to a pink lake?

La Laguna de Torrevieja, situated in Alicante, is one of the natural wonders you wouldn’t expect to find in Spain or Europe but on other continents.

The Pink Lake of Torrevieja is in the Nature Park of Lagunas de la Mata and Torrevieja.

Contemplate its eye-catching bubblegum pink colours, spot flamingos and go to the interpretation centre to discover more about this unique place which interestingly is a big producer of salt in the country.

Frequently asked questions about landscapes in Spain

Conclusion on the most beautiful landscapes in Spain

Overall, Spain has every type of landscape you can find in the world – from pristine beaches and sand dunes to high-peak mountains, waterfalls and volcanos.

Has any of these reasons convinced you to visit any of these incredible landscapes in Spain? If so, which one are you visiting first? Let me know in the comments below!

Another important thing to remember is that no matter which natural space you decide to visit, check the weather conditions and wear comfortable clothes and shoes to explore them and make the most of your time.

At the same time, the best way to get to these places is by car. Many of them can’t be accessed by public transport or may have limited timetables.

If you have any questions about visiting Spain, email me or send me a DM on Instagram. I’d be very happy to help and guide you.

Safe adventures!

Cristina xx

P.S. Did you like reading this post? Share these natural wonders of Spain with others.

Pin these beautiful landscapes in Spain for later

Things to do before visiting Spain

• Get more specific travel inspiration by looking at these Spain travel guides.
• Check cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Book the best accommodation for you with Booking.com
• Rent a car to move around Spain with ease.
• Don’t forget to buy travel insurance for your trip.

Read more about Spain

• Top Tips for Travelling in Spain for the First Time
• Best Places to Visit in Spain for First Timers
• Best City Breaks in Spain 
• Hidden Gems in Spain You Need to See
• The Most Romantic Places in Spain
• What to Wear in Spain in Winter (Packing list included!)
• Does It Snow in Spain?
• Original Spain Themed Gifts For People Who Love Spain

Sharing is caring!