The Camino de Santiago, beyond being a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage, offers walkers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of their surroundings. Along the route, you encounter a rich variety of nature reserves and parks that invite you to disconnect and marvel at the magnificence of nature.
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve (Basque Country):
As you progress through the Basque Country, you come across the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a paradise for bird lovers. Surrounded by marshes and forests, this area hosts a unique diversity of species. Pilgrims can enjoy serene landscapes and observe migratory birds in their natural habitat.
Los Ancares (León):
For a more rugged nature experience, Los Ancares in the province of León offers a spectacular mountainous landscape. This area serves as a refuge for biodiversity, with lush forests and crystalline streams. The route through Los Ancares provides pilgrims with the opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.
Las Médulas National Park (León):
Included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, Las Médulas is a former mining site transformed into a surreal landscape of rock formations. Hiking through this national park offers breathtaking views and an immersion into the unique geological history of the region.
Bárdenas Reales Natural Park (Navarra):
In the stage of the Camino that crosses Navarra, pilgrims can explore Bárdenas Reales, a semi-desert natural park that seems like something out of a fairy tale. Its unusual geological formations, such as canyons and plateaus, create a surreal landscape that contrasts with the surrounding vegetation.
Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park:
As you approach the Galician coast, the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park welcomes you. This group of islands (Cíes, Ons, Sálvora, and Cortegada) offers white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and astonishing marine biodiversity. A haven of peace where pilgrims can enjoy the serenity of the ocean.
Exploring these reserves and parks not only adds a natural dimension to your Camino experience but also gives you the opportunity to marvel at the diversity and grandeur of the surrounding environment. Each step is a deeper connection to the land and a celebration of nature in its splendor.
