National Geographic has highlighted five of Spain’s most striking natural places for spring travel, ranging from remote canyons and volcanic islands to dense forests and a river on the edge of a national park. The list aims to steer visitors away from crowded urban routes and towards landscapes that show the country at its most varied.

The selections include the Rio Lobos Canyon Nature Reserve, a protected area known for its limestone cliffs and quiet walking routes, and the Tablas de Daimiel National Park, one of Spain’s best known wetland spaces for birdlife. National Geographic also pointed to the Hayedo de Otzarreta, a beech forest in the Basque Country that is particularly popular in spring for its green canopy and moss-covered scenery.

The other two recommendations are the Jerte Valley, where blossom season draws visitors to the countryside, and Cies Islands, an Atlantic archipelago off the coast of Galicia. Together, the five destinations offer a broad snapshot of Spain’s natural heritage and provide alternatives for travellers looking for outdoor trips rather than city breaks.

Spring is one of the strongest times to visit these places because temperatures are usually milder and many landscapes are at their most photogenic. In the Jerte Valley, flowering trees have long made the area a seasonal draw. In wetland and forest areas, wildlife activity also tends to increase as the weather improves.

The Rio Lobos Canyon Nature Reserve sits across parts of Soria and Burgos and is known for walking, cycling and views across its limestone ravines. The canyon’s mix of rock formations and river scenery makes it one of the more dramatic inland landscapes included in the roundup.

Tablas de Daimiel National Park remains one of the most important wetland reserves in central Spain. Its marshes and lagoons support waterbirds and other species, and the area often attracts visitors interested in birdwatching and conservation landscapes.

Hayedo de Otzarreta is smaller in scale but widely admired for its atmosphere. Its straight beech trunks, filtered light and damp ground create a distinctive forest scene that changes quickly with the season. For many travellers, it is a place for short hikes and photography rather than long stays.

The Cies Islands offer a contrasting coastal experience. The islands are part of a protected marine and land environment and are known for their beaches, clear water and hiking paths. Access controls are often used to protect the fragile setting during busy periods.

National Geographic’s focus on lesser-known natural sites reflects a wider travel trend, as more visitors look for destinations that combine scenery, walking routes and quieter surroundings. Spain, which is often associated with beaches and major cities, has a large and diverse network of parks, reserves and mountain areas that remain less visited by international tourists.

For travellers planning a spring trip, the five destinations also point to the range of experiences available in the country. They stretch from inland wetlands and forested hills to island coastlines, giving visitors options for day trips, hiking breaks and nature-focused holidays.

The recommendations come as outdoor travel continues to grow in popularity, with many tourists seeking places that offer fresh air, open space and seasonal scenery. In Spain, that demand has helped bring more attention to landscapes that were long overshadowed by more familiar resort and heritage destinations.

Photo:  Brigitte Werner