The Granada UNESCO Global Geopark, located in Granada, is an impressive ecotourism destination framed in the center of the largest and most extensive steppe plateau in Andalusia. The Geopark extends to 47 municipalities and most of it is classified with some sort of natural protection, including seven natural parks and one National Park.

This is an unique destination in Europe that tells the story of the Earth. The badlands, an icon of the geopark, are the leftover of the fluvial modeling that keeps shaping the hills over time. Moreover, the largest fossiliferous finds of Quaternary vertebrates in the continent are found here, including the oldest human remains in Western Europe. 

The geopark is an area of exceptional cultural value due to the abundance of archaeological and paleontological sites, troglodytic architecture, mining heritage and living traditions. Ecotourism is at its best in the Granada Geopark and we invite you to discover the destination through our accredited activity and accommodation companies. All our members are environmentally responsible and have implemented different measures to support the conservation of this unique protected area. Keep reading to make your visit unforgettable

Ecotourism experiences in the Granada Geopark

Highlighted experiences: astrotourism & hot air balloon flights 

The Granada Geopark is one of the best spots in Spain to watch the starry sky at night. Turismo Astronómico de Granada is a company based in Los Coloraos Astronomical Complex, in the unique Gorafe desert, that offers astronomy and astrophotography activities and courses for monitors and guides.

Azimuth is a company that provides quality astrotourism and educational activities to bring science closer to all levels of society, making it attractive and accessible to all. These activities include guided sky observations and talks, day trips to viewpoints of astronomical interest or workshops in astronomy and astrophysics for all levels.

Another way to enjoy the skies is by joining a hot air balloon flight. Glovento Sur is based in Granada and offers private and group balloon flights over the Granada Geopark to enjoy the variety and vastness of the landscapes. The experience combines a guided flight over the most iconic views, depending on weather, and a beautiful breakfast back into Spanish soil.

Nature and cultural ecotourism activities

La Sagra Guías de Montaña, Ocio y Aventura is a guiding mountain, leisure and adventure company offering different activities and experiences, such as guided hiking or trekking, snowshoeing trails or via ferrata. During the activities, special attention is paid to safety, quality and environmental protection to ensure the best experience is created.

Goyo Garrido Adventures is a company that offers private and tailor-made ecotourism, active and cultural tourism activities and experiences. The most popular activities include 4×4 routes, guided hiking trails, visits to local wineries, canyoning, horseback riding, electric bike rental and guided tours to Guadix, Baza or the Tia Micaela Medieval Fortress Caves.

Green Walk is a company whose mission is to raise awareness of the geological and environmental heritage of the Granada Geopark. The offer of activities are based on discovering the different Quaternary formations and fossils, going through the traces of earthquakes and finding active faults, hot springs, impossible canyons or water trails.

Ecotourism accommodation in the Granada Geopark

Stay the night in authentic cave houses

Almagruz is a cave resort comprising a set of cave houses, a Troglodyte Habitat Interpretation Center and an old farmhouse turned into an ethnographic center. The cave houses offer all the comforts in a cozy atmosphere, providing an unique stay in these traditional caves made of local materials and ancestral techniques. 

Cuevas la Granja is a rural tourism resort of 18 cave houses surrounded by peach and olive trees located in Benalúa, in the heart of the Granada Geopark. The site is hosted by Francisco and Ana, guardians of the cultural and environmental wealth of this impressive spot. The silence and perfect temperature in the cave houses and its architectural originality give the visitor a unique feeling of peace and tranquility.

Cuevas el Torriblanco is located very close to the Gorafe desert, in a unique spot of privileged views over Sierra Nevada and the Gorafe canyon. The caves have been carefully restored preserving the original structure and remaining perfectly integrated into the environment. They are self-sustainable as they generate their own energy whilst offering all the comforts for a perfect stay.

Cuevas del Tío Tobas are a set of 19 cave houses of approved quality and architectural singularity perfectly located at 60 km from Granada capital and 1 hour from the beaches of Cabo de Gata. The cave resort has a swimming pool, restaurant, cafeteria, meeting room, activities company and an exhibition-shop of handicrafts and gastronomy products from the region of Guadix.

Rural accommodation providers

El Molino de Morillas is an old flour mill converted into 6 apartments, surrounded by impressive landscapes of badlands in front of one of the most important archaeological sites of the Ibero-Roman culture, in Galera. The accommodation highlights its sustainable and bioclimatic architecture, beautiful gardens of orchards and fruit trees, streams and even waterfalls. This is a place perfect for families and for little getaways to dive deep in nature and disconnect from daily routes. 

Hostal Labella is a lovely family hotel dating from 1989 with 11 rooms of wonderful views over the Palace-Fortress of La Calahorra and the Sierra Nevada natural area. The accommodation is perfectly located at the foot of the north face of the Sierra Nevada and 1 hour from the coast of Almería and the Alpujarras. 

Cortijo Rural Bacares is a farmhouse converted into three rural houses (Bacares I, II and III) that holds the essence of the traditional house such as the corrals, haystacks or the pigsty. A lot of the original furniture has also been restored, which together with the themed designs and surrounding nature tell the story of this special farmhouse and its role in the town back in the days.

Signature ecotourism providers

La Casa del Desierto is a unique accommodation perfectly integrated into the natural environment of the Gorafe desert. This is a fully glazed and eco-design house capable of withstanding large thermal variations, that can reach up to 30º in a single day. It offers comfortable accommodation in a superb setting from which to enjoy the impressive views of the desert and the stars.

The Balneario de Alicún de las Torres is a fantastic spa with a hotel and outdoor thermal pools in the middle of nature and surrounded by megalithic remains. The Spa has been promoting therapeutic health through mineral-medicinal waters since 1920, offering holistic treatments, wellbeing and relaxation. 

If you need help designing your next ecotourism getaway in the Granada Geopark, we recommend you to get in touch with Soloaventura Events, an activities company and travel agency specialised in putting together bespoke experiences and events in the area.

The Ecotourism Club in Spain – Soy Ecoturista groups together destinations and companies which guarantee, by fulfilling a series of requirements, their commitment to conservation and local sustainable development.  That is why it has created its own brand “Ecotourist in Spain” and the website www.ecotouristinspain.com, where you can find protected areas, accommodation and companies which offer their tourism services, as well as experiences and activities committed to the preservation of the area in which they take place.

The northern mountain ranges of the Iberian Peninsula have become key sanctuaries for the conservation of Iberean wolves and Cantabrian brown bears in Spain. Can you imagine suddenly spotting a pack of wolves playing in broad daylight? What about secretively watching an imposing brown bear feeding on a hillside or walking around with its cubs?

Join us on an ecotourism adventure in Somiedo (Asturias) and Montaña de Riaño (Castile and Leon) to delve into the natural habitat of these iconic animals, learning about the vital role of responsible ecotourism for its conservation and the undeniable beauty of the natural spaces that shelter them.

In search of the majestic Cantabrian brown bear in Somiedo Natural Park, Asturias

Foto: Somiedo Experience

August and September are the best months of the year to spot Cantabrian brown bears in Somiedo Natural Park. The reason is very simple: two of the bushes that provide the bear’s favourite meal give their fruit during these months. These are the hazelnut tree and the goatskin bush (Rhamnus alpina) and seeing the bears feed in the higher areas of the park is an impressive experience worth watching. 

Somiedo Experience is an affiliated company that offers wildlife watching activities, being the spotting of the brown bear their most popular one. The brown bear watching experience is suitable for all ages and last about four hours. There is a guided walk around the natural area to discover all about the ecosystem and the brown bear habits, followed by a two hour sighting in an area of good visibility where bears are oblivious of any human presence. The activity includes all equipment needed to watch the bears from binoculars to telescopes and the starting time is either at sunrise or sunset, which is when there are more chances of spotting bears in the wild. There is also a visit to “La Casa del Oso” (the bear’s house) in Pola de Somiedo, a place focused on raising awareness about the Cantabrian brown bear in collaboration with the Brown Bear Foundation. 

Where to sleep in Somiedo

There are nine accommodation providers accredited by Soy Ecoturista in Somiedo such as hotels, rural hostels and houses and apartments. There is a lot to do and see in the area, so we highly recommend to stay for a few days, particularly if you are coming for a brown bear watching tour, since they start at either sunset or sunrise.

Spying Iberian wolves and bears in the wild in Montaña de Riaño, Castile and Leon

Foto: Aveshide/Wild Spain Travel

Still in northern Spain, the Montaña de Riaño and Mampodre Regional Park in Castile and Leon is one of the best spots in the country to watch Iberean wolves in the wild. There are 20 identified wolf packs in the park and surrounded mountains and the best time of the year to see them in action are August, September and October – although sightings in winter and spring are also possible.

Aveshide is a local ecotourism company affiliated with Soy Ecoturista that offers wild watching and photography experiences in the area. One of their most popular activities is wolf watching and this take place in small groups outings of 8 people together with 2 guides – the Regional Park imposses a group size of between 8 and 12 people. In case of brown bear watching tours, the groups can be slightly larger although it is not advisable to maintain a good experience. It is advisable to inquire to Aveshide in advance to find out what the access to the view points are like, since the distance and difficulty of the terrain can be a bit challenging for children or visitors with walking difficulties. The experience last between four and five hours and again, tours are scheduled for either sunset or sunrise.  

The role of the guides in these sort of experiences is very important. They request the needed permits to access the park with vehicles but they also know the animals habits, traces, curiosities and issues related to their conservation and protection. They will teach you how to best use the equipment, where and when to look to get the best shot and they will tell you amazing stories of personal encounters with these iconic animals. 

It is worth noting that Aveshide’s work is based on the principles of responsible wildlife watching and the company takes specific measures to ensure the impact of the tour is minimised. They collaborate with the local Administration and conservation entities by providing and sharing information gathered during the field trips, as well as carrying out educational work by raising awareness about the challenges faced by the wolf. 

Where to sleep in Montaña de Riaño

There are six accommodation providers accredited with Soy Ecoturista in Montaña de Riaño that are a perfect base to explore the area and do some wildlife watching. You will find rural houses, hotels and apartments.

Other companies in Spain that offer brown bear and wolf watching

We invite you to discover other companies affiliated with Soy Ecoturista that offer responsible wilwife watching, in particular the brown bear and the Iberean wolf. Still in Montaña de Riaño you will find the enterprise Biosfera Aventura and Wild Watching Spain and in Fuentes del Narcea-Muniellos, Asturias, the company Bosque Activo.

The Ecotourism Club in Spain – Soy Ecoturista groups together destinations and companies which guarantee, by fulfilling a series of requirements, their commitment to conservation and local sustainable development.  That is why it has created its own brand “Ecotourist in Spain” and the website www.ecotouristinspain.com, where you can find protected areas, accommodation and companies which offer their tourism services, as well as experiences and activities committed to the preservation of the area in which they take place.

Would you like to swim in spectacular gorges and natural pools? What about trekking and hiking in stunning mountains and meadows whilst delving into beautiful rural towns? In that case, the ecotourism destination of Ambroz-Cáparra in the north of the province of Cáceres, in Extremadura, must be on your bucket list.

Covering a total of 23 municipalities in the Ambroz and Trasierra-Tierras de Granadilla regions, in Ambroz-Cáparra almost 49% of the territory is under some sort of regional or European environmental protection. In this aspect, the Natura 2000 Network and the Singular Tree (Árbol Singular) are two of the main figures of protection, covering a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes that are perfect for ecotourism lovers.

Additionally, the region hides important cultural and historical heritage that can be discovered through ancient Roman and Celtic trails, such as the emblematic Vía de la Plata. There are also impressive cultural spots such as Granadilla, Cáparra, the Hervás Jewish quarter and the charming Castañar neighborhood in Baños de Montemayor.

A fantastic ecotourism destination awaits in Ambroz-Cáparra, a newly accredited destination by Soy Ecoturista that adds to the already existing offer in the Ambroz Valley. The addition means 12 new ecotourism companies with 23 different brands of proposals in 15 municipalities of the Trasierra-Tierras de Granadilla region.

In the following section we uncover new accommodation and activities providers that are eager to offer you authentic ecotourism in Ambroz-Cáparra in your next getaway.

Highlighted accommodation providers in Ambroz-Cáparra

Casa Tenerias 

Tenerias is a 3-star rural house located in Marchagaz divided into two individual apartments: the Une for 4 people and the Otru for up to 5 people. They are both located in the same building and have been tastefully designed and decorated by the owners. The place invites visitors to connect with nature and take a break from busy lifestyles.

Apartamentos Rurales Jardín del Poeta

The Rural Apartments Garden of the Poet, in Guijo de Granadilla, are surrounded by gardens and spectacular views of the meadow and the mountains. There is one apartment for 4 people and three studios for 2 people each. This is a perfect refuge for an ecotourism getaway in the area.

Apartamentos Rurales Doña Jimena del Ambroz

Doña Jimena del Ambroz is an exclusive 4-star rural apartment resort located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter of the town of Hervás. It has seven 2-bedroom apartment for up to 4 people each and two 1-bedroom apartment with a Jacuzzi suite. The facilities and the fantastic environment that surround them are the best invitation to discover the natural and cultural diversity of the area.

LIDENEX

An Ideal Resting Place in Extremadura is what the initials of LIDENEX respond to (in Spanish Lugar Ideal de Descanso en Extremadura). This is a refurbished farmhouse in the heart of the Extremadura meadow, located very close to Gabriel y Galán Reservoir. The resort has 4 independent houses, each with its own design and personality, that can be rented together for up to 17 people or individually.

Apartamentos Rurales Tierras de Granadilla

Tierras de Granadilla is a rural house of 3 apartments located in Zarza de Granadilla that can accommodate up to 12 people. Each apartment can be booked individually as they have one bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room. The building is fully integrated into the landscape, offering comfort and relaxation to every visitor.

Hotel Rural Martín

The Hotel Rural Martín is located in Baños de Montemayor and its building has more than 300 years of history. This renovated architectural jewel has 18 rooms and a beautiful garden ideal to relax at the end of a full day exploring the area.

Newly accredited activities companies in Ambroz-Cáparra

Actividades Ecuestres Valle del Ambroz

Equestrian Activities Ambroz Valley is a company that offers guided horseback riding experiences to explore the area. Their experienced guides do private or group routes of different lengths and for different abilities. Other activities on offer include summer camps and equine therapy with qualified instructors and staff.

Astroturismo La Estación

Astrotourism The Station is a company of expert guides that show visitors the starry skies of Ambroz Cáparra. The offer of activities include night photography workshops, children or family astronomy workshops, informative talks or solar observations.

Dehesando

Dehesando is a company located in Oliva de Plasencia committed to the conservation of the iconic pastures of the area called dehesas. They do a complete guided tour in a local dehesa where they raise awareness of the complex ecosystem of these pastures, and their importance to the local economic development in the area.

Jalama Outdoor

Jalama Outdoor is a company focussed on guided activities in northern Extremadura. Their offer of services include guided hiking trails, electric bike guided tours, canoeing, canyoning or paddle surfing with their team of experts.

Other companies in Ambroz Cáparra

Balneario y Termas Romanas Baños de Montemayor 

The Roman Thermal Baths of Montemayor Spa is today a fantastic thermal spot with mineral and medicinal waters that boost respiratory, muscular and skin health. The spa offers treatments and thermal circuits for toning and relaxation, ideal for rejuvenating the skin and wind down after a full day of ecotourism activities.

Oleosetin

The family business Oleosetin, located in Marchagaz, combines organic agriculture and livestock with olive oil production, from the field to the final consumer. Their aim is to preserve and make sustainable the olive oil legacy they have inherited by making organic olive oil using their own mill and their olives and those from the neighboring farms. They offer tours in the olive grove, tasting experiences to become an “Olivarero for a day”, as well as olive oil recycling workshops and soap making.

We are convinced that with these new additions to the Ambroz Valley, your ecotourism experience in the north of Extremadura will be the best. Enjoy!The Ecotourism Club in Spain – Soy Ecoturista groups together destinations and companies which guarantee, by fulfilling a series of requirements, their commitment to conservation and local sustainable development.  That is why it has created its own brand “Ecotourist in Spain” and the website www.ecotouristinspain.com, where you can find protected areas, accommodation and companies which offer their tourism services, as well as experiences and activities committed to the preservation of the area in which they take place.

Did you know that you can do ecotourism with your eyes on the stars? Join us on an interstellar journey of a selection of natural areas that are affiliated to Soy Ecoturista and that offer outstanding stargazing experiences. Venture to breathtaking off-the-grid locations to experience the unparalleled beauty of our galaxy, with professional local hosts that will narrate with enthusiasm the constellations and the importance of clear skies in our world.

Gastronomy and stars in the island of Menorca

The island of Menorca, in the Balearic Archipelago, was declared a Starlight Reserve in 2019 for its clear skies and outstanding air quality – almost zero particles pollution rate. 

The Hotel Monvedra Nou, one of our accredited accommodation providers, offers an unmissable stargazing experience. Every Friday and on full moon nights from June to September, you can enjoy a local produce dinner in its restaurant and join Isabel Martín, a Starlight instructor, to marvel at the vastness of the universe whilst listening to local stories, legends and anthropological curiosities with live music and themed dances. 

This experience is offered to medium size groups of 12 – 30 people. Private sessions can also be arranged upon request.

Where to sleep in Menorca

In addition to the Hotel Monvedra Nou, other ecotourism accommodation options on the island include the Hotel Port Mahon, the Hotel Santo Tomás, or the Hotel 55 Santo Tomás.

Astronomical tour on the island of La Palma

We jumped from Menorca to the island of La Palma, in the Canary archipelago, to find our affiliated company Astro La Palma. In collaboration with LaPalmaStars.com, Astro La Palma invites visitors to discover the Astronomical Tour, a guided stargazing experience in this fantastic island. 

The Astronomical Tour takes place at one of the 16 astronomical viewpoints on the island, depending on weather and environmental conditions to ensure the best stargazing experience. The activity includes the use of telescopes and detailed explanations from expert astronomy guides about the visible planets and the Moon, stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. The experience lasts two hours and is suitable for all ages, including children.

Where to sleep in La Palma

You can stay in Villa Valentina, a 19th-century Canarian rural accommodation, or in Pirchigo Casas Rurales “La Camelia” and “La Charola”.

The music of the stars in Granada

In the heart of the Granada UNESCO Global Geopark, in Andalusia, you can find Los Coloraos de Gorafe Astronomical Complex, a perfect setting to enjoy a trip to the cosmos like ever before. 

Turismo Astronómico Andalucía, a Soy Ecoturista  accredited company and holder of the Starlight certification, offers a three-hour experience where participants get blindfolded and learn to listen to the universe. Music and sounds are used to help visitors understand the cosmos and the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the present day. After this eco-sensory experience, you will be able to use the superb equipment on-site to look up into the jet black skies and be mesmerised by the radiant show of stars and constellations.

Where to sleep in the Granada Geopark

The Granada Geopark has a wide and varied range of accommodation providers such as cave houses, rural homes, hotels, hostels and apartments.

Astrotourism in Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche

Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche is a Natural Park in Huelva, Andalusia, with optimal conditions to explore our twinkling universe. These are three spectacular stargazing proposals from our affiliated ecotourism companies in the destination:

Babel Nature takes you on a Star Getaway, a small group experience that includes an astronomy workshop, local produce dinner and an evening thermal circuit in the hamman La Molinilla. Another option they propose is to do an evening hike with a local guide where you can listen to stories and how civilisations have used the constellations to guide their destiny. During this circular route, you will also learn about the solar system, the peculiarities of the planets and some myths and legends that are kept between the stars.

Lynxaia – Ecoturismo has designed a unique workshop for small groups to learn about the secret of the cosmos and the history of astronomy. You will learn how to use telescopes and how to identify different celestial objects and constellations. 

Where to sleep in Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche

There is a wide range of accommodation services that are affiliated with Soy Ecoturista including four rural hotels and seven rural houses.

The Ecotourism Club in Spain – Soy Ecoturista groups together destinations and companies which guarantee, by fulfilling a series of requirements, their commitment to conservation and local sustainable development.  That is why it has created its own brand “Ecotourist in Spain” and the website www.ecotouristinspain.com, where you can find protected areas, accommodation and companies which offer their tourism services, as well as experiences and activities committed to the preservation of the area in which they take place.

Did you know that Spain is the most biodiverse country in Europe? We are the country with the largest surface area of protected areas, creating the perfect conditions for thriving ecotourism activities to enjoy all year round. 

Spain’s network of protected areas offers visitors astonishing landscapes from high mountain chains, wonderful coastal sceneries, wild forests, dreamy islands or fascinating deserts. Gastronomy, living traditions, culture and guardians of our protected areas are also at the heart of our wonderful ecotourism destinations. 

Choose ecotourism in Spain and delve into the beauty that each season has to offer whilst helping to protect the natural areas you are enjoying today for future generations. Are you aware that your ecotourism trip has an impact on the destination as a whole? Being a good ecotourist also implies responsibility and a genuine commitment to the conservation of the environment. 

At Soy Ecoturista we want to show you that doing your bit is easier than you think. Keep reading to find out 5 simple and practical tips that you can do in your next getaway to become an authentic ecotourist. These are very easy steps for you to do that can be a real game changer to the conservation of the natural area you are visiting.

1 – Plan your ecotourism getaway well

Planning is essential to enjoy an ecotourism getaway. First of all, select the natural area that you want to discover and define the type of getaway you would like to have. It is always good to choose a good ecotourist accommodation to support local economic development and the sustainability efforts of small tourism businesses and entrepreneurs. 

If you like self-guided walking adventures, our advice is to be well-informed about the local paths and routes and check the physical abilities of your party. We’d recommend planning your trip well by assessing how long the route will take and taking a map of the area (you can either visit one of the information centers available to grab one or download a digital map on your phone). 

If you are planning a wild camping adventure, we strongly recommend you to check local rules and limitations in advance, as these might change depending on the region and the protected area. For example, there are certainly limitations associated with altitude in mountain ranges.

Another useful advice is to wear appropriate footwear and clothing depending on the terrain and weather conditions of the natural area you are visiting. In summer for example, it is good to wear light and breathable clothing, a cap or hat and walking shoes or sandals with proper foot support (avoid flip flops as much as possible).

It is always good to take a small backpack with you with water and snacks, a basic first aid kit and other useful accessories such as sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen for example. Don’t forget your phone, as it is also an useful emergency tool, make sure it is fully charged and take a portable battery or charger for the day. It is also a good idea to inform someone about your itinerary and estimated time of arrival to your accommodation, particularly if you are venturing out on your own. 

Finally, a good ecotourist makes a conscious effort to avoid crowded routes and hotspots during peak times, since it seriously affects the environment and makes the visit much less enjoyable. You can head to the local visitors center to learn about the best times and diversions to avoid the crowds, even during peak season.

2 – Make the most of the natural area you are visiting

In order to make the most of your visit, a good start is to head over to the visitor center of the natural area you are visiting. In these places you can find general information about the singularity of the destination, the incredible wildlife that live here and learn about the history of the place and human influence and settlements. For sure you will find different types of maps and help from knowledgeable staff to identify recreational areas, wild swimming spots, viewpoints, bird huts and any other points of interest to you. 

At Soy Ecoturista we encourage you to check our accredited companies and entrepreneurs offering a wide range of guided activities in our affiliated natural areas. By doing so, we can guarantee your getaway has a direct positive impact on the destination whilst you discover secrets and hidden gems with local expert guides.

3- Follow the guidance and recommendations of the natural area 

Each natural area has its own regulations that might be different depending on the time of year. Even though there are some general facts to take into account when venturing outdoors, at Soy Ecoturista we recommend you to check the specific regulations that apply to each destination.

For example, at summer time bonfires, barbecues and any other sort of fire-making is limited or banned in most natural areas in Spain (including beaches); you should only take designated paths when going hiking, trekking and even biking and you should find out about speed limits and regulations when using a motorised vehicle during your drive around. 

If you take your furry friend with you, make sure he/she is on the leash or very close to you. Pets cannot sleep on mountain refugees so check and request information about it every time you need.

4 – Respect wildlife and local heritage

As an ecotourist, you are venturing in the home of local wildlife and some animals might be endangered or threatened, you should be mindful of this and try not to disturb them.

Some of our authentic ecotourist advice include avoid touching nests, do not feed any of the animals you encounter to prevent from modifying their eating and behavior patterns and keep your noise to the minimum to avoid disturbing animals whilst favoring wildlife spotting. If you are doing activities such as diving or snorkeling, never touch anything in the marine ecosystem as this can have negative consequences for the survival of some species. It is advisable to call 112 if you ever find or see an injured animal.

With regards to the natural world, it is important to not cut or pull any wild plants or flowers as these might be endemic or threatened. All plants play a key role in the ecosystem for bugs, soil health, moist conditions or wildlife. 

It is likely that you will come across elements of local ethnographic heritage such as ruins, mills, walls or farmhouses. These elements tell the story of the place, are signs of human settlements in the natural area and should always be admired with respect and care. 

Lasty, we encourage you to treat other ecotourists and local people with respect. Be mindful of any private land and always aim for local products and services to contribute to local economic development. 

5 – Take your waste back with you

A good ecotourist always tries to minimise its impact on the environment and this involves taking any rubbish back home. Sometimes you will find bins in the countryside but collection services are very limited in these areas, so it is better if you can take any rubbish to the urban areas and dispose correctly – or to your ecotourism accommodation.

Another useful advice is to carry a bag with you to collect all your rubbish, including organic waste as it should not be left behind “acting as compost”. You can do your bit for the environment by collecting any other rubbish you might find along your way leaving the place better than you found it.

If you like wild swimming, make sure you use biodegradable sunscreen or bug repellent to avoid leaving any chemical product on the water. 

We hope these tips help you get the most out of your ecotourism getaway, and we’d love to hear from you if you have any other tips you’d like to share. Natural spaces belong to everyone and are for everyone, so it is in our hands to help protect them for future generations.The Ecotourism Club in Spain – Soy Ecoturista groups together destinations and companies which guarantee, by fulfilling a series of requirements, their commitment to conservation and local sustainable development.  That is why it has created its own brand “Ecotourist in Spain” and the website www.ecotouristinspain.com, where you can find protected areas, accommodation and companies which offer their tourism services, as well as experiences and activities committed to the preservation of the area in which they take place.

Located in the northeast of Leon, in the Cantabrian mountain range (Castile and Leon), the Riaño mountains (Montaña de Riaño in Spanish) are one of the best-kept natural wonders of Spain. There are three protected areas within these mountains: the Riaño and Mampodre mountains Regional Park, a region of great diversity and home of iconic wildlife; the Picos de Europa National Park with the largest limestone formation in Atlantic Europe and home to chamois, roe deer, wolves and more than 100 species of birds; and Los Argüellos Biosphere Reserve, which has spectacular geological and geomorphological values, as well as great biodiversity.

In Montaña de Riaño you will have the opportunity to enjoy nature in its purest form whilst hiking, cycling or horseback riding. You can also delve into the local traditions and culture learning about the transhumance or the mining heritage in the region. 

In the next section you will find everything you need to know to plan your next getaway in Montaña de Riaño, from activities and experiences to places to stay and eat or travel agencies to help you design your trip. All the companies mentioned below are accredited by Soy Ecoturista.

Tourism activities in Montaña de Riaño

Ubuntu Aventuras

Ubuntu Aventuras is an ecotourism and active tourism company focused on the enjoyment of nature and adventure through guided activities. Their offer includes guided hiking, mountaineering, climbing, caving, kayaking, via ferrata, snowshoes or canyoning. All their activities can be tailor-made to fit any group sizes and abilities.

Más que pájaros

Más que Pájaros is a company that offers guided activities in Los Argüellos Biosphere Reserve. Their guides are very knowledgeable and will take you on a journey to explore and spot wildlife, learn about the local ecosystem, birds and environmental conservation. The company also offers private experiences in nature, field trips, tailor-made wildlife watching trips or undisturbed wild photography sessions.

Granja Morgovejo – Equnaturocio

Granja Morgovejo – Equnaturocio is a company located in Morgovejo Farm passionate about ecotourism, the rural world and agrotourism. Their activities are designed for all ages and abilities and offer unique experiences in nature involving horses. They also run camps with activities such as horse-riding, languages, crafts, gastronomy and environmental education.

Biosfera Aventura

Biosfera Aventura is a company dedicated to ecotourism, nature and adventure tourism. Their offer of activities includes wildlife watching, ornithology, guided tours, geotourism, forest therapy, astronomy and micological experiences.

Aveshide

Aveshide is a leading ecotourism company focused on designing wildlife watching and photography activities and trips. They are experts in creating experiences that meet the needs and expectations of nature and photography lovers when it comes to big animals such as wolves, bears, wildcats or deers as well as birds..

Wild Watching Spain 

Wild Watching Spain is an incoming  travel agency specialised in wildlife watching. They  cater for small themed guided trips and cover a wide range of destinations on all continents. Their most popular activities include wildlife watching getaways and nature photography workshops.

Experiences

Highlighted experience: Get to know the beauty of the wild cat in Los Argüellos

Más que Pájaros invites us to discover the habitat of the wild cat, the only feline in the Cantabrian region that is very difficult to spot but has quite predictable behaviors. This is a full day experience with a number of waiting opportunities to set camp and spot the wildcat. The activity includes a specialised guide, Carl Zeiss optical equipment, a mid-morning snack and insurance.

Where to eat in Montaña de Riaño

Restaurante Verdiago – Vive

The Verdiago Vive Hotel & Restaurant delights visitors with exquisite regional food and wine using fresh local produce. The restaurant is a free house and showcases a selection of some of the best wine with Denomination of Origin in the region.

Tierra de la Reina Hotel & Restaurant

Tierra de la Reina Hotel & Restaurant is located in the south of Picos de Europa and its restaurant stands out for offering traditional cuisine based on local produce. The menu showcases a real taste of Leon, including a variety of dishes that can be adapted for visitors with allergies and food intolerances.

Where to sleep in Montaña de Riaño

Casas de Montaña Alto Curueño

Alto Curueño Mountain Houses is a charming rural resort of ten mountain houses that can host between four to seven people each. Eight houses have two double rooms and one bathroom, whilst the two duplex houses have three double bedrooms and two bathrooms. Every mountain house is fully equipped with a kitchen, living room, bedrooms and bathrooms.

Verdiago Vive

Verdiago Vive is a cozy resort committed to nature conservation where you can find a hotel and three rural houses. Gastronomy tourism is one of the highlights in this beautiful place, drawing people from all over the world. The hotel guarantees a comfortable and pleasant stay in nature, whilst the rural houses are ideal for travelling in small groups or with family.

Hotel Tierra de la Reina

The Hotel Tierra de la Reina is a 25 room hotel located halfway between the imposing Picos de Europa and the majestic peaks of the Riaño Mountain. The building is made of stone and wood, perfectly integrated in the rural environment and providing an unforgettable experience in nature. The hotel provides guests with a variety of services to ensure their comfort and a selection of tourism activities such as horseback riding or guided tours.

El Casar del Puente

The houses of El Casar del Puente are located on the threshold of Picos de Europa and were built ensuring a sustainable and respectful approach to the natural environment. Surrounded by wilderness, guests can enjoy nature at its fullest and try their luck to spot all sorts of wildlife from bears to wolves, capercaillie and roe deers. There are two types of accommodation within the complex: El Casar del Puente (I and II) with two rooms and capacity for 4 people each, and El Casar de Espejos (I and II) with three and four rooms and capacity for 8 people each.

Cabañas Patagónicas

Cabañas Patagónicas is a modest ecotourism resort of 5 wooden cabins with large windows offering impressive views of the majestic Mampodre massif. Each cabin is named after a native species of the Maraña and Riaño mountains: wolf, vulture, green grouse, bear and chamois. This highlights the hotel commitment to local biodiversity conservation. Each cabin has 2 rooms and a maximum capacity of 5 people each.

Casas Rurales de Caín

The Caín Rural Houses are a set of two ecological houses located in Caín, in the mountain valley of Eigon (Valdeón). Each house is designed to host up to two people and is proud to be ecological, bioclimatic and eco-premium. Both houses have the four green star Rural House certification, the highest rating granted by the Tourism Department of the Castilla y León Governmen

How to travel to Montaña de Riaño

If you would like local experts to help you design a tailor-made ecotourism adventure in Montaña de Riaño, we recommend checking out Wild Watching Spain and Wild Spain Travel. These travel agencies are focused on ecotourism, wildlife watching and photography and active tourism. Their guides are very knowledgeable and will do their best to help you discover the most remote corners in search of memorable experiences. The Ecotourism Club in Spain – Soy Ecoturista groups together destinations and companies which guarantee, by fulfilling a series of requirements, their commitment to conservation and local sustainable development.  That is why it has created its own brand “Ecotourist in Spain” and the website www.ecotouristinspain.com, where you can find protected areas, accommodation and companies which offer their tourism services, as well as experiences and activities committed to the preservation of the area in which they take place.