Andalucia is home to some of Spain’s most stunning natural landscapes — from sweeping wetlands teeming with birdlife to snow-capped peaks and rugged mountain forests. Its three national parks — Doñana, Sierra Nevada, and Sierra de las Nieves — each offer something unique for nature lovers, hikers, and adventure seekers. Here’s what you can expect to see and do in each park, along with the best ways to get there from nearby cities.

Doñana National Park – A Wildlife Haven

Location: Provinces of Huelva, Seville, and Cádiz
Nearest Cities: Seville, Huelva, Sanlúcar de Barrameda

What to See

Doñana is one of Europe’s most important wetlands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It hosts a wide range of ecosystems, including marshes, pine forests, dunes, and lagoons. The park is a vital stopover for migratory birds and home to rare species like the Spanish imperial eagle and the endangered Iberian lynx.

Things to Do

• Join guided 4×4 tours through the park’s restricted areas
• Enjoy birdwatching from hides and observation towers
• Explore hiking and cycling routes around El Rocío and Matalascañas
• Visit the El Acebuche and La Rocina visitor centres for trails and exhibitions

Getting There

• From Seville:
  • About 1.5 hours by car to El Rocío or Matalascañas
  • Buses available from Seville to El Rocío
• From Huelva:
  • Approx. 1 hour by car to El Rocío
  • Buses run to park villages and visitor centres
• From Sanlúcar de Barrameda:
  • Join a riverboat tour from Sanlúcar to the park’s southern wetlands

Sierra Nevada National Park – Spain’s Highest Peaks

Location: Provinces of Granada and Almería
Nearest City: Granada

What to See

The Sierra Nevada is home to the highest mountains on the Iberian Peninsula, including Mulhacén and Veleta. The landscape varies from alpine meadows and glacial lakes to snow-covered slopes in winter. The park also supports unique plant life found nowhere else in Europe.

Things to Do

• Skiing and snowboarding in the Pradollano resort (Nov–Apr)
• Summer hiking with trails for all levels, including summit routes
• Explore the Alpujarra villages like Capileira and Trevélez
• Go mountain biking, trail running, or simply enjoy panoramic views

Getting There

• From Granada:
  • By car: Around 45 minutes to Pradollano; 1.5 hours to the Alpujarras
  • Buses run regularly to Pradollano (ski resort) and to Capileira in summer
  • Day tours and transfers available from Granada to hiking routes or viewpoints
• From Almería:
  • Drive to the eastern edge of the park (approx. 2 hours)

Sierra de las Nieves National Park – Andalucia’s Newest National Park

Location: Province of Málaga
Nearest Cities: Málaga, Ronda, Marbella

What to See

Designated a national park in 2021, Sierra de las Nieves features dramatic limestone peaks, deep ravines, and ancient forests. It’s one of the best places in Spain to see the rare Pinsapo (Spanish fir) and offers excellent hiking through wild and varied terrain.

Things to Do

• Hike to Torrecilla (1,919 m) for incredible views
• Walk shaded forest trails near Yunquera, El Burgo, or Tolox
• Visit traditional white villages known for their charm and local food
• Go rock climbing, canyoning, or enjoy scenic drives

Getting There

• From Málaga:
  • Around 1.5 hours by car to key park villages like Yunquera, Tolox, or El Burgo
  • Buses run from Málaga to Ronda, Yunquera, and other access points
• From Marbella:
  • Less than 1 hour by car to Tolox
  • Buses available to nearby towns with connections to hiking trails
• From Ronda:
  • Around 30 minutes by car; also accessible by local taxis or transfers