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.

We invite you to discover the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Maritime-Terrestrial Park, where the destination and several tourism companies are accredited with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas (ECST). This accreditation is key to becoming a member of the Ecotourism Club in Spain as it shows a real commitment to sustainable tourism and the conservation of the protected area. It is also an important tool to promote fruitful collaboration between companies and the protected area authorities, whilst creating awareness of environmental issues to residents and tourists. 

The Atlantic Islands of Galicia are an archipelago with four main islands (Cíes, Ons, Sálvora and Cortegada) and several islets located on the northwest coast of Spain. This is a destination full of contrasts bursting with wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes. There are many endemic plants and others that find their last refuge in these islands. For example, you can see the Linaria arenaria in the sandbanks and dunes or the Angelica pachycarpa on the cliffs, a plant exclusive to the northwest of the peninsula and frequented by colonies of seagulls. In the more sheltered areas, you can find native trees such as the cerquiño.

The fauna is not far behind either, with predominance of seabirds such as the yellow-legged gull, the Ashy shearwater or the shag, as well as other migratory birds such as the gannet, the osprey or the Balearic shearwaters.

Inland you can find the ocellated lizard, the largest in Europe with a body size of 20 cm that has become an icon on every island of the National Park. Another popular animal is the purebred Galician horse on the island of Sálvora and other mammals such as rabbits, otters or bats.

Nonetheless, the great treasure of the National Park is found underwater. In the depths of the Atlantic ocean you can find algae forests, rock molluscs and other species such as anemones, spider crabs, seahorses, urchins, snails, crabs, San Pedro fish, octopus and even dolphins.

At Soy Ecoturista we would like to help you plan your next getaway to the Atlantic Islands of Galicia so the next section is focussed on the best accommodations, activities and experiences providers that are accredited by us and can guarantee the best ecotourism trip.

Where to sleep in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia

Camping Isla de Ons

Camping Isla de Ons, located on the island of the same name, is an ecological campsite built using wooden modules to integrate the facilities into the environment. It is the first campsite in Galicia that has a totally self-sustainable glamping area. 

The campsite has the capacity for 209 campers in 40 pitches including free pitches, standard tents and glamping area. There is a reception area, a coffee shop, restaurant, laundry and toilets/showers facilities. The site is accessible for reduced mobility users.

Camping Islas Cíes

Camping Islas Cies is located in Isla del Faro, in a privileged location to link with local hikes and routes, to enjoy the local gastronomy and to take part in tourism activities.

The site is located on the shore of a lake overlooking Rodas beach and it has a capacity of 600 campers. You can bring your own tent or rent one in reception and use their toilets/showers, restaurant, small supermarket, social room and coffee shop.

Unique experiences with professional companies in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia

Alvamar Náutica

Alvamar Nautica is a boat trip company that takes visitors to the four main islands of the archipelago during the day. At night, the boats turn into the best stargazing spot to learn about constellations and stars from the sea. There are accessible boats for visitors with reduced mobility and they provide all the equipment needed depending on the tour.

Camping Islas Cíes

At the campsite, it is possible to book ecotourism activities such as guided tours, kayaking, diving, stargazing and children’s workshops and activities. They also provide any equipment needed for the day.

Corticata Turismo Ambiental

The ecotourism company Corticata Turismo Ambiental can take you on guided treks and tours, kayak trips and night tours such as the “ruta do Apóstolo”. They can help you build your own experience depending on your wishes and the expertise of the local guides.

Arenaria

Arenaria is a company of oceanography professionals whose aim is to raise awareness of the importance of ocean science and environmental education. They offer different activities such as guided tours, science workshops, school trips, snorkeling and clue games to learn and discover the ecosystem in a fun and entertaining way.

Piragüilla Ocio y Aventura

Canoe Leisure and Adventure offers a wide variety of nature-based activities focused on kayaking. Their team is made up of canoeists, guides from the National Park, athletes, leisure professionals and sports and nature activities trainers.

Nordeskayak

Nordeskayak is a company that explores new alternatives in the world of sea kayaking. Their activities promote the kayaking culture, whilst learning about the environment and the marine and coastal ecosystem from their team of experts.

Sailway

Sailway is a company that promotes sailing training, charter boats and sailing experiences  in the Rías Baixas and in the waters of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. The starlight experience and the trip to Cíes Island are two of the best selling sailing adventures.

Chárter Terranova

Charter Terranova is a sailing company with two catamarans with a capacity for up to 12 people. The boats are fully equipped and are ideal for exploring the waters of the Atlantic Islands. The services on offer are exclusive and totally personalised, with activities such as discovering the rafts where the best mussels are produced, visiting the most unique fishing villages or strolling in the most impressive virgin beaches.

Amare Turismo Náutico

Amare Turismo Náutico is a sailing company that organises tours and activities to educate and raise awareness of the marine ecosystems whilst promoting local sea produce. Some of the tours include the fishing gear route, the Illa de Arousa tour, the Rúa and Areoso route or a visit to the island of Sálvora.

Intramar

Intramar is a company that promotes the knowledge of the Chasula, a traditional Galician inshore fishing vessel that is now an epicenter for local environmental and cultural awareness. Additionally, Intramar offers guided tours to the different islands of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park.

Babadiva Ambiental

Babadiva Ambiental is a company of biologists specialised in environmental education and nature-based tourism. They promote guided and themed tours that last two hours, which include scientific learning activities about the natural environment..

 

Unmissable ecotourism experiences in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia

Discovering the marine biodiversity of Ría de Arousa and Sálvora

The companies of Arenaria and Intramar have come together to show you the best of the natural and cultural heritage of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. This experience involves a full day of sailing in a small group boat in the Salvora archipelago and the estuary of Arousa and its unique biodiversity.

Kayak in Cortegada: The enigmatic island of laurels

The company Piragüilla Ocio y Aventura offers a unique kayaking experience on the island of Cortegada which is known for its floating forest, the largest laurel forest in Europe. The activity is designed for small groups and lasts between 4 and 8 hours. On the kayak trip to Cortegada you will have the opportunity to learn about the cultivation of the well-known Carril clam and experience the extraction of this bivalve. On the island you will be able to learn about stories, legends and curiosities of the area.

Route to Cortegada – The island of the tales of a thousand and one nights

Amare Turismo Náutico also organises a tour to Cortegada, where you can learn everything about the local wildlife and history of the place. During the journey to Cortegada, you will see other islands of the archipelago such as Malveiras and Briñas and you will have the opportunity to learn about the marine ecosystem. The experience includes two hiking trails along the coast to the famous laurel forest.

Life in the dunes: protecting the coast from the onslaught of the sea

Babadiva Ambiental is a company focused on raising awareness about the dune ecosystems of the Rías Baixas, which are teeming with life and play an essential role in the conservation of the beaches. The experience lasts two hours and you will be able to discover the benefits that oceans and dunes bring to our health, what you can do to protect the dune systems and take your chance to spot and learn about the flora and fauna of this ecosystem. 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.

Spring is without a doubt the best season for ecotourism in Spain. The cold winter months are getting out of the way with longer days and milder temperatures, thus everywhere the eye can see is blooming with new smells, vibrant colors and beautiful sounds. 

Keep on reading to find out some little wonders that appear in our natural areas in Spring time and plan your next ecotourism getaway to experience nature at its fullest whilst discovering amazing destinations. Enjoy!

The return of the Egyptian vulture to the Sobrarbe-Pyrenees Geopark

Starting in April, the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) comes from Africa to the Sobrarbe-Pyrenees Geopark, in Huesca, to stay for the spring and summer. This migratory bird of prey is at vulnerable risk of extinction, measuring between 58 and 70 cm in length with a wingspan of up to 165 cm and a weight from 1.6 to 2.5 kg. 

This scavenger vulture is known to gobble up the leftovers of the skins and meat that remain between the bones of dead animals, a diet that it completes with other food such as insects and eggs. The Egyptian vulture tends to nest in the same place, arriving in spring to lay the eggs.If you would like to find out more about the Egyptian vulture in Sobrarbe-Pyrenees Geopark, the Active Ecotourism and Adventure Sports company Nómadas del Pirineo offers a guided kayak tour to learn to spot this vulture at its best.

Where to sleep in Sobrarbe-Pyrenees Geopark

The Sobrarbe-Pyrenees Geopark has an ecotourism accommodation offer of three hotels, six rural houses and tourist apartments. Whether you are traveling as a couple, with family or friends, it is possible to find the accommodation that suits you best.

The blossom of the Daffodil of Sierra Nevada

During the month of April, the blooming of a very special daffodil (Narcissus nevadensis Pugsley subsp. nevadensis) takes place in Sierra Nevada National Park, in Granada. This flower has been almost at risk of extinction due to the very specific climate conditions that need to grow and bloom. In Spring, it can be found at an altitude between 1400 and 1950 meters, in flooded meadows next to fountains, streams and springs. 

Sierra y Sol is an experienced company in Sierra Nevada that offers incredible guided hiking trails in the Andalusian mountains. They recommend seeing the Sierra Nevada Daffodil at the Hoya de Pedraza Botanical Garden, a wild garden where you can also find other unique plants and flowers of the area. 

Where to sleep in Sierra Nevada

10 establecimientos conforman la oferta de alojamiento ecoturista en Sierra Nevada. Entre ellos hay cuatro hoteles, cuatro casas rurales, un hostal y una granja escuela de Educación ambiental. Una forma inmejorable de realizar una escapada un poco más larga y conocer el Parque Nacional, Parque Natural y Reserva de la Biosfera.

Spotting the beauty of orchids in Alto Tajo

From the end of May in the Comarca Molina – Alto Tajo UNESCO Global Geopark in the province of Guadalajara, Castile-La Mancha, blooms a very special orchid. This is the Orchis Ustulata Orchid, whose name comes from Latin and means burned, referring to the purple color of the hull, or upper part of the flowers, that contrasts with the white color of the rest of the flower. In addition, the Ustulata is one of the clearest examples of the etymology of the word Orchis and its translation as testicle, since the tubers of this plant resemble a lot like the male sexual organ.

The ecotourism activity company Sentir Alto Tajo offers guided walks and activities to learn about the local biodiversity. They have identified several spots where to see the Ustulata Orchid, which is known to bloom in mountain environments of cool and dry soils.

Where to sleep in Molina – Alto Tajo Geopark 

If you are going on an ecotourism getaway to see this orchid and explore this fantastic destination, we recommend you to stay in the Alto Tajo Natural Park, in Casas el Salto, an ecotourism resort of cozy rural houses in the middle of nature. 

In search of the Rose of Alexandria in Ambroz-Cáparra

The chestnut groves of Ambroz-Cáparra, in the north of Extremadura, turn pink-purple in April with the flowering of the Paeonia broteroi, known as Rose of Alexandria. This flower tends to find its home in forest spaces, as it likes shaded conditions. Each plant only grows one beautiful and very toxic flower of about 8 cm. Wild animals tend to stay away from it so the flower can be easily identified by walkers. 

Vive Ambroz is a local ecotourism company that offers guided activities to learn about the ecosystem and wildlife in Ambroz-Cáparra. They will lead you to discover and see by yourself the beauty of the Rose of Alexandria flower. 

Where to sleep in Ambroz-Cáparra

There are many accommodations accredited by the Ecotourism Club in Spain for your ecotourism getaway in the Ambroz Valley: a hotel, three rural houses, and two tourist hostels.

The flowering of the marjoram in Sierra Espuña

Starting in April and lasting up until the end of August depending on climate conditions, in Sierra Espuña, Murcia, it is possible to witness the spectacular flowering of the marjoram (Thymus membranaceus Boiss). Its white flowers can be found on dry and stony soils, among the clearings in the scrub and the thyme groves.

The marjoram is a medicinal plant known to help the purification of blood and for being diuretic, digestive and disinfectant. It is also good for healing wounds, toothaches and for treating colds, coughs and throat discomforts. The ecotourism company Aktiveco offers guided walks to explore the area and learn about plants and local biodiversity and workshops of natural cosmetic creams and ointments with extracts of wild marjoram.

Where to sleep in Sierra Espuña

In Sierra Espuña there are six ecotourism accommodations certified with Soy Ecoturista where you can enjoy a fantastic stay: two hostels, two rural houses, a campsite and a youth hostel and a forest school with overnight accommodation.

Do not miss out this Spring and enjoy a blooming ecotourism getaway in Spain!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.

Sierra Norte of Guadalajara is a natural park located in the province of Guadalajara, in Castile-La Mancha. It is in close proximity to Madrid, only 100 km away from the capital, making it a perfect getaway combining the big city and the great outdoors in one trip.

This is a very special destination with fantastic weather conditions all year round thanks to its altitudinal variety and diversity of landscapes: mountain ranges, river valleys, vast forest and beautiful meadows. Among nature, valuable cultural and ethnographic heritage find its way in, being black architecture one of the most popular features in the quirky towns.

Another unmissable location in the Sierra Norte of Guadalajara is the Hayedo de Tejera Negra, a stunning beech tree forest turned into a nature reserve of outstanding ecological value. The forest is bursting with wildlife such as birds of prey, roe deers, wolves, otters, martens or wild cats.

Add Sierra Norte of Guadalajara to your ecotourism bucket list and get lost by foot, bike or canoe in the network of trails and rivers. Enjoy wonderful local gastronomy and learn about the magnificent ethnographic heritage and cultural offer. Find out more about the destination and affiliated accommodation services and activities to help plan your adventure in the section below.

Where to sleep in Sierra Norte of Guadalajara

La Alquería de Valverde

La Alquería de Valverde is a set of fully equipped apartments located in Zarzuela de Galve, in Valverde de los Arroyos. This is one of the popular black towns of Guadalajara and a heaven for bird and astronomy lovers. In the apartments you can find equipment for bird watching in the morning and telescopes for stargazing at night.

Casa Rural La Tormenta

La Tormenta is a rural house located in Albendiego, a quiet town on the banks of the Bornova river, popular for its red sandstone houses. This is a perfect spot to enjoy the privileged natural environment and explore the history and culture of the place.

La Tormenta opened its doors in 2017 and the house was built by the owners, who took care of every detail using sustainable and locally sourced materials. There are solar panels and a set of sustainability practices have been implemented throughout to reduce the footprint associated with every stay.

Casa Rural La Perla

Casa Rural La Perla is the former residence of a mining engineer dating from the end of the 19th century, the golden era of silver exploitation in Hiendelaencina. This beautiful stone house is an adults-only accommodation and a good neuralgic point to explore the region.

Al Viento del Ocejón

Al Viento del Ocejón is a rural house located in El Espinar. It is a black slate house built in a traditional way according to the style and regulations of the Black Architecture of Guadalajara. Each room in the house is unique with different decorations and the setting is ideal for small groups of family and friends.

The house is perfectly located at the Pico Ocejón valley to access stunning hiking trails, including the Pozas del Aljibe route. The sky is pitch black at night, favoring an impressive starry sky and there are plenty of beautiful towns nearby to explore during the day.

El Huerto del Abuelo

El Huerto del Abuelo (grandpa’s patch in English) is a rural house with a 5 green star rating located in the town of Almiruete, the epicenter of the natural park. From the house you can easily visit the Hayedo de Tejera Negra and find plenty of options to go hiking, cycling, horse-back riding or even rowing in a canoe.

Casa Rural Pájaro Bobo

The Pájaro Bobo Rural House is located in a privileged location at the foothill of the Sierra del Alto Rey, in the lovely town of Bustares. The accommodation has a cozy and warm design that makes you feel at home. It is located in a quiet place where nature sets the pace of life, perfect to relax and unwind from busy life.

Ecotourism activities in Sierra Norte of Guadalajara

At La Tormenta rural house you can find plenty of ecotourism activities options to do. The mountain guides and environmental education professionals put all their love into designing quality activities in nature such as guided hiking treks, electric bikes routes, wildlife discovery workshops, mycological day trips or stargazing experiences.

La Tormenta is focussed on sustainability and all their activities aim to raise awareness on the local environment and traditions to make sure ecotourism is a tool for development in the Sierra Norte of Guadalajara natural park. 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.

Winter in Spain is the perfect time of the year to enjoy our mountain natural areas. You can have a perfect getaway with snowy views, nature-based activities and local gastronomy to warm up after a chill day.  

How? Where? Take a look at our 4 selected winter destinations to create unforgettable experiences enjoying the snow and the winter warmth.

Somiedo

Winter in Somiedo means hibernation for all forms of wildlife. The snow fills the landscape with light and peace. Lovers of the outdoors come to Somiedo to enjoy activities such as snowshoeing, hikes to frozen lakes or wildlife watching to spot animal behavior during the harshest months of the year and take amazing pictures with white backgrounds. 

For the perfect getaway, we recommend you to stay with local accommodation providers accredited by Soy Ecoturista. La Corona del Auteiro is one of them and it is perfectly located to enjoy some of the most impressive hiking trails of the region such us Lago del Valle or Braña de Sousas (easy routes); Lagos de Saliencia or the port of Somiedo (medium difficulty) and Peña Orniz or Picos Albos with peaks that exceed 2,000 meters of altitude (high difficulty).

Here you can find other certified businesses to enjoy Somiedo.

Picos de Europa

It is a reality that winters in Asturias are harsh but they can still be enjoyed to the fullest. Tucked away in the snow-capped peaks of the Cantabrian Mountains you can find outstanding ski resorts, quirky villages, beautiful waterfalls, frozen lakes, alpine meadows and plenty of forest trails to explore. 

Picos de Europa is a mandatory stop if you are looking for a deep winter rest, beautiful experiences guided by local ecotourism professionals and delightful gastronomy. Have a look at our selected experiences providers in the region to plan your next winter getaway.

Sierra Nevada

Visiting Granada is always a good idea at any time of the year. The province is perfectly located to go from the seaside to the snowy mountains in less than two hours. Granada is also home of the most impressive snowy landscapes of Southern Spain thanks to Sierra Nevada National Park. The ski and mountain resort in the protected area has the Mulhacen peak, the highest point in the Spanish peninsula.

Make the most of your ecotourism getaway in Granada by visiting the Alpujarra region, the glorious Alhambra and the historic city centre of Granada with a wide variety of bars and restaurants to taste authentic Andalusian gastronomy. You can have a look at Soy Ecoturista affiliated restaurants here.

Sobrarbe-Pirineos

Sobrarbe is a region sitting in the heart of the Pyrinees mountain range, in the province of Huesca, Aragon. It is an ecotourism destination all year round, being the winter months a very special time to visit. The revitalising cold of the high peak mountains, the song of the alpine birds and the warmth of a fireplace in unique ecotourism stays will leave you in awe. Sobrarbe is home to impressive mountain landscapes, glaciers of perpetual snow, incredible waterfalls, lush vegetation and plenty of wildlife. 

Enjoy guided winter treks and activities in the Sobrarbe-Pyrenees Geopark and connect with the destination in an authentic and responsible way. 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.

About the destination

Campana de Oropesa, Toledo, is an area of meadows and steppes where the Plains of Oropesa, Lagartera and Calera y Chozas Special Protection Area for Birds is found.

From Oropesa Castle to the Sierra de Gredos there are wide plains and pastures of holm and cork oaks that are home to a great diversity of birds of prey, such as the Iberian imperial eagle, the black vulture, the blue, balck or red kite, red kite, black kite or short-toed snake eagle. There are also steppe birds such as the great or the little bustard, the stone curlew or the black-bellied sandgrouse. A great variety of amphibians in the livestock ponds can also be found along with other wildlife. 

The Parador de Turismo de Oropesa supports colonies of lesser kestrels, jackdaws and white storks. The  Puente del Arzobispo is home to the largest colony of house martins in Spain.Walking is also a key activity in the protected area. You can trek along the León cattle track and its paths to experience the landscapes created by the transhumant livestock. With regards to cultural heritage, the ceramics of Puente del Arzobispo are Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It is also famous the embroidery of Lagartera and the Muslim city from the 10th century, the Ciudad de Vascos archaeological site. This is a region to discover and from which you can visit the Sierra de Gredos, La Vera, the Villuercas Geopark and the Monfragüe National Park in less than 45 minutes.

Ecotourism experiences

Campana de Oropesa offers you experiences of scientific ecotourism and nature photography. You can visit the Águilas de Fuente Empedrada research center and together with the experts from the Aquila Foundation, see the Iberian birds of prey up close!  Discover the superpowers of the eagles and also learn how the center is contributing to the conservation programs of the Iberian imperial eagle and the Bonelli’s eagle in an interpretive exhibition that shows the ancestral relationship between eagles and humans.

Other options to engage with visitors of all ages include a bird nest building and birds of prey silhouettes making workshop with a guide of the Aquila Foundation; a birdwatching guided tour over the Llanos de Oropesa ZEPA and self-guided tours to the geosite “Desfiladero de Pedroso” or to the Embroidery Museum in Lagartera. 

For further information and bookings 

You can live this experience together with our local ecotourism host. Please enquire to GenuineSpain on WhatsApp +34 677 658 595 or by email at info@genuinespain.es to check availability and your preferred dates.

This experience is part of the 2022 Ecotourism Escapes Brochure (only in Spanish)

The Ecotourism Club in Spain 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.