4x national parks in northern Spain!

While mountains soon make you think of countries like Austria, Germany and Norway, Spain is also rich in mountain ranges. In all shapes, sizes and forms. High, low, green, brown, grey, bare, snow-covered, forested, flowered mountains; you can find it all there. This versatility allows you to experience all kinds of adventures. Whether you go cycling, put on your hiking boots or tour around by motorhome, the possibilities are endless. In this blog you will read which four national parks, with mountains, you should definitely visit on your next motorhome trip to northern Spain! ¡A las montañas!

Just across the border with France lies Valles Occidentales Nature Park. With peaks rising above 2000 metres, deep valleys and clear blue lakes, this natural park is inferior to the Pyrenees only in name recognition. In fact, this tranquillity is perhaps one of the things that graces this mountain range. A true standout in terms of scenic beauty is the hike to Lake Ibón de Estanés. Park your motorhome at Parking de Guarrinza, where the hike through the Aguas Tuertas valley begins. Along the way, you'll pass several viewpoints, but the real reward comes at the lake. Bright blue water surrounded by rocky mountain peaks: a feast for the eyes. Do you want to go one step higher? Then climb the Tacheras Pass, a challenging hike, but well worth it if you are not afraid of adventure. In a loop, you walk up to Monte Espelunga, at 2160 metres, from where the views are truly breathtaking! Once you descend, you can visit one of the cosy villages around the natural park, such as the historic Jaca. Upon returning to the motorhome stopover, you can of course enjoy a well-deserved refreshing thirst-quencher! 

Spending the night in the surroundings of Valles Occidentales Natural Park is possible at several motorhome stopovers, such as at Canfranc-Estación, Aisa or in Jaca at Área de autocaravanas Membrilleras.

With a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List, several 'most beautiful' awards as well as the nickname 'Pearl of the Aragonese Pyrenees', Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park should be on your bucket list of Spain! The park is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, as there are plenty of opportunities to physically indulge yourself! For instance, the Senda de los Cazadores hiking trail, or 'the Trail of the Hunters', is an absolute must! From Parking Pradera de Ordesa, the first few kilometres are a challenging climb, but once you reach the altitude, you will walk between the rocks through a gorge to various viewpoints. Be sure to stop along the way to take in the spectacular views of Monte Perdido, the third highest mountain in the Pyrenees at 3355 metres. Do you want to give your muscles a rest after an intense day of hiking? The river Río Cinca flows through the mountains of the national park, offering pleasantly cooling refreshment. Along the Gorgas de Puértolas you will find several spots where you can take a dip in the water. Bring something to eat and drink to complete your relaxing afternoon by the river! 

At Área Ordesa Pirineos in Fiscal, Parking del Casco Histórico in Aínsa or at motorhome stopover Sabiñánigo you will spend the night in the outskirts of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.

- The 'Pearl of the Aragonese Pyrenees' should be on your Spain bucket list!

In Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, you will find yourself in a paradise of rivers, streams and lakes. There is no shortage of water in this nature reserve, and that at an altitude that rises above 2000 metres! The most famous lake is the Estany de Sant Maurici, which you can easily walk to through the woods. Along the way, you'll pass beautiful viewpoints and when you get to the finish point, the scenery won't disappoint either! Would you like to extend your hike a little more? From the lake you can continue hiking upwards, past the Cascada de Ratera waterfall and several mountain lakes, to end at the Estany Gran d'Amitges lake. The park also offers many opportunities for shorter and flatter walks, for example around the Estany de Sallente lake. While hiking, be sure to keep your eyes open, because in this nature reserve you can spot the golden eagle and the rare, bearded vulture! Are you done hiking and ready for some variety? Then take the motorhome to tour around the beautiful countryside and stop along the way in the cosy villages to enjoy a glass of Sangría and delicious Spanish tapas! 

Around Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, stay overnight at motorhome stopovers Barruera, Rialp or La Torre de Cabdella.

Spain's oldest national park is located in the north-west of the country and is incredibly popular among tourists. With its natural scenery, this is also very understandable, but certainly don't let the potential crowds turn you off, as there are plenty of ways to explore the park at your leisure! For an easy hike that takes you through the vast meadows between the area's peaks, drive to the Lagos de Covadonga. Lakes Enol and Ercina lend themselves perfectly to a child-friendly hike, but if you want a more challenging hike without having to climb and descend too much, you can get around well here too. Fun fact: the road to the Lagos de Covadonga is a regular part of the Spanish cycling race Vuelta. Do you want to see all the best of the Picos de Europa in one day? Then you can take the cable car from Fuente Dé to an altitude of 1823 metres, after which you can hike down through the beauty of nature in 15 kilometres. In summer, the cable car ride and hike are very popular with tourists, but if you start early, it's definitely worth it! Autumn and winter also have their (snowy) charms and it is a lot quieter, but make sure you dress warmly and wear decent shoes! 

Between the peaks of the Picos de Europa, park your motorhome at Posada de Valdeón, in Potes or at Picos de Europa in Fuente Dé.

- In Spain's oldest national park, there are plenty of ways to admire all the beauty!

Off to Spain! Are you spending the night at any of the above motorhome stopovers? Then don't forget to share photos of the stopover on Camperstop.com or via the Camperstop-App! Also leave a review, so other motorhome owners know what to expect from the stopover.