National Parks

The 15 National Parks of Spain provide visitors with the opportunity to see the beauty of the country, hike through mountain trails, and connect with nature. Ten are on the peninsula, four in the Canary Islands, and one in the Balearic Islands. Teide is the most visited and most popular park not only in the country but in Europe. The views offered by each of them are impactful and the variety of landscapes provides a range of beautiful scenery to take in. You can find everything from mountainous areas in National Parks, such as Picos de Europa y Ordesa and Monte Perdido, to over 200 lakes in the Aigüestores i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, to marshes that are a refuge for thousands of birds such as the Doñana National Park, and volcanic landscapes like in the Teide National Park (where you can take a cable car to the highest peak in Spain). If you are planning a trip to one of the parks, visiting the reservation center is recommended.

Click on any of the park names provided for more information:
Aigüestortes
Cabañeros
Cabrera Archipelago
Caldera de Taburiente
Doñana
Garajonay
Guadarrama
Illas Atlánticas de Galicia
Monfragüe
Ordesa y Monte Perdido
Picos de Europa
Torre de Cerredo
Tablas de Daimiel
Teide
Timanfaya

For more information about the parks, visit:
Totally Spain Travel – National Parks in Mainland Spain
Spain.info/en – Parques Nacionales
Reservation Center (website in Spanish)

Aquariums

Aquarium Barcelona (Barcelona)
The largest Mediterranean-themed aquarium in the world. For more information, visit: Aquariumbcn.com/en

Aquarium Donostia-San Sebastián (San Sebastián)
A seaside aquarium, the Aquarium Donostia-San Sebastian features fish from the region and exhibits about local fishing and naval history. For more information, visit: Aquariumss.com

Aquarium Finisterrae (A Coruña)
Aquarium Finisterrae is an aquarium located in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. It is an interactive center of the sciences of marine biology, oceanography, and the sea in general. For more information, visit: MyGuideGalicia.com Things to Do – Aquarium Finisterrae

Marineland (Barcelona)
Both children and adults have fun seeing this show with sea lions or dolphins at this combination water park and marine park. You can also see penguins and visit the aquarium and a tropical house. For more information, visit: Barcelona.com Sightseeing – Marineland

Palma Aquarium (Palma de Mallorca)
With 55 aquariums this marine park is home to more than 8,000 animals and 700 different species. For more information, visit: PalmaAquarium.com/en

River Aquarium (Zaragoza)
Over 300 animal species in 60 terrariums or tanks can be seen in this huge, modern aquarium. It is the largest in Europe! For more information, visit: Spain.info/en Parques-ocio Zargoza

Sea Life Centre Benalmádena (Benalmádena, Málaga)
Sea Life Benalmádena is an aquarium located in Benalmádena in Andalusia, Spain. It is one of the Sea Life Centers in Europe, which are owned by Merlin Entertainments. For more information, visit: VisitSeaLife.com Benalmádena

Zoo Aquarium de Madrid (Madrid)
Combination zoo and aquarium with a variety of talks and tours. For more information, visit: ZooMadrid.com/en

Oceanografic of Valencia
The largest aquarium in Europe is notable not only for its marine animals, but also for the modern architecture. For more information, visit: Oceanografic Descubre-el-oceanografic

For more general information on aquariums in Spain, visit: Travel.sygic.com Aquariums in Spain

Zoos and Animal Parks

Jerez Zoo
Close to Rota, the Jerez Zoo is a medium size zoo featuring a variety of animals including lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys, elephants, zebra, plenty of birds, and reptiles. It is not world-famous, but is a nice size for young children, since you can see almost everything within a few hours, have lunch, go on a train ride, and still make it home for an afternoon nap. There is a gift shop, snack bars, and a restaurant on site, but packing a picnic lunch is also a great option. For more information, visit: Jerez Zoo

Zoo Castellar
About two hours from base, near the town of Castellar de la Frontera, exotic animals and pets that were illegally transported through the Black Market in Spain have been sheltered and rescued at Zoo Castellar. Because most of the animals have been domesticated, you have an amazing opportunity to pet tigers, handle snakes, and even feed some of the animals! For more information, visit: Zoo Castellar – English

Safari Park, Selwo Aventura
Selwo Aventura is located just 2 hours from base near Estepona and Malaga. Ride on a safari train throughout the park to see many of the 2,000 animals. There are also camel rides, ziplines, and trampolines as well as a hotel and camping area at the park. For more information, visit: Selwo Aventura – English

Barcelona Zoo – Barcelona
Founded in 1892, this large zoo is one of the oldest in the world. The zoo houses about 5,500 animals, featuring over 400 species. The zoo area is part of the Parc de la Ciutadella and prior to the opening of the zoo in September 1892 the area was used for the Universal Exhibition of 1888. In addition to the mammals, amphibians, and reptiles you can visit, the exhibition areas also show the natural flora from the animal habitats. For more information, visit: More information about the Barcelona Zoo and Official Barcelona Zoo Website

Cabarceno Natural Park
Enjoy a walk past friendly ostriches, majestic lions, elegant jaguars, and impressive rhinos. There are more than 118 species living at Cabarceno Natural Park and you will often come across playful animal cubs, given that this is one of the few places where these animals reproduce naturally. For more information, visit: Spain.info/en – Parque de Carbarceno

Faunia
A zoo and botanical garden located in Madrid. For more information, visit: Introducing Madrid – Faunia

Mundomar Animal Park for Kids
Sharing parking with the water park Aqualandia, this animal park is also located in Benidorm and designed to be fun for children, youths, and adults making it perfect for family visits. The park has many different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. In addition, it also has various shows and opportunities for special experiences such as swimming with sea lions, a dolphin encounter, or even having photos of yourself taken with various animals. For more information, visit: Mundomar.es/en

Palmitos Park
A botanical garden, aviary and zoo on the island of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. For more information, visit: Palmitos Park – English

Terra Natura
Two zoo immersion theme parks and aqua parks located near Benidorm and Murcia, in Costa Blanca, Spain. Terra Natura allows visitors to have an up-close experience with the animals. For more information, visit: Benidorm – Terra Natura

Valencia Bioparc
A zoo immersion experience where you feel submerged in the wild habitats that have been recreated here. Habitats including the Savannah, Madagascar and Equatorial Africa. Spectacular landscapes feature different species as they would co-exist in nature. For more information, visit: Valencia City Guide Tourist Attractions – Bioparc

Zoo Aquarium de Madrid
A fascinating world in which you can see the fauna of the five continents all in one place. You can view elephants, gorillas, exotic and not-so-exotic birds, koalas, dolphins, sharks, giraffes, kangaroos, bears, and domesticated farm animals. For more information, visit: Zoo Madrid – English

For more information on the Zoos and Animal Parks in Spain, visit: Spain.info/en – Zoos and Bioparks

Amusement Parks

Aqualand Bahía de Cá diz
The closest water park to Rota. For more information, visit: Aqualand–Bahía de Cádiz

Warner Brothers Movie World Madrid
Parque Warner Madrid is a theme park located 23 km southeast of Madrid, Spain in the municipality of San Martín de la Vega. The park opened in 2002 under the management of the Six Flags chain. For more information, visit: ParqueWarner.com/en

Port Aventura Theme Park (Tarragona)
PortAventura World is an entertainment resort in Salou and Vila-seca, Tarragona, on the Costa Daurada in Spain. For more information, visit: Port Aventura World

Terra Mítica (Benidorm)
The myths and legends of the ancient Mediterranean civilizations become an exciting reality before your very eyes at this adventure theme park. A mix of spectacular shows and heart pounding rides are packed into the five lands of the old world. The magic of Rome, Greece, Egypt, The Islands, and Iberia awaits you in Terra Mítica. A variety of roller coasters and rides that range from beginner to thrilling. For more information, visit: Terra Mítica Benidorm, Theme and Adventure Park

Isla Magica (Seville)
A 16th century Spanish colonialism themed park in Seville, it was constructed on the former grounds of the Expo ‘92 World’s Fair and opened in 1997. It features a variety of rollercoasters and rides along with shows and a nighttime multimedia lake show. There is an area of rides catering to younger children and also Island Magica, a Mayan themed mini-water park with a beach. For more information, visit: IslaMagica.es (website in Spanish)

Sioux City (Gran Carneria)
Replica of an American Wild West town, with cowboy shows, BBQs, Western dancing, and a small zoo. For more information, visit: Sioux City Park (website in Spanish)

Aqualandia
The largest water park in Spain with over 20 rides. For more information, visit: Aqualandia Benidorm

Aquopolis La Pineda
An aquatic amusement park featuring giant water slides, swimming pools, marine life shows, and eateries. For more information, visit: Costa Dorada – Aquopolis

For more general information on amusement parks in Spain, visit: Spain Made Simple – Theme Parks