12 rural getaways to enjoy every month of the year
Spain is full of extraordinary places where you can enjoy nature and the tranquillity of the countryside all year round. Because each season offers a different perspective, not only on the landscape, but also on the activity in the surrounding area and the local villages. Here are some suggestions for a rural getaway every month of the year.
-
12January: Sierra de las Nieves National Park (Malaga)
Winter can be a good time for hiking in the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. It is located in the interior of the province of Malaga, near the Costa del Sol, and although it rains and snows more frequently during these months, temperatures do not tend to drop too much. This is the time to enjoy its greenest and wettest landscape, with the peaks covered in white. Picturesque walks to help you unwind followed by a leisurely visit to one of the beautiful villages in the area, such as Ronda, Istán o Tolox.
-
12February: almond blossom in Majorca
From February onwards, you can see another white that is not snow: the white of the almond blossom. Mallorca is famous for the numerous fields of these fruit trees which, without waiting for spring, offer a beautiful spectacle of colour from early February to mid-March. The east of the island and the Raiger region, at the foot of the Sierra de Tramuntana, are ideal areas to see almond trees in bloom. An excursion through towns such as Santa María del Camí, Binissalem Inca, Selva, Manacor, Sant Llorenc, Llucmajor or Son Servera (where the Almond Blossom Fair is held), will give you plenty of opportunities to take unforgettable photos.
-
12March: cherry blossom in Valle del Jerte (Cáceres)
During the month of March, more than one and a half million cherry blossom trees create a stunning natural landscape in the Jerte Valley that looks like something out of a dream. A festival of nature with no fixed date which, depending on weather conditions, takes place between approximately mid-March and 10 April. Flowering usually lasts about 10 days and occurs progressively: first the trees at lower altitudes blossom and, as the days go by, the cherry trees at higher altitudes open. The towns in this region of Cáceres also celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival, with tastings, markets and numerous traditional activities.
-
12April: bear watching in Somiedo and Muniellos (Asturias)
In April, the bears emerge from their winter sleep, and the chances of seeing them in their natural habitat increase. Asturias is one of the territories that still serves as a refuge for these wild animals. Brown bear watching in the areas of Somiedo, Muniellos or the Fuentes del Narcea, Degañas and Ibias Natural Park is an exciting ecotourism experience. The guided walks are suitable for the whole family, include sighting equipment (binoculars and telescopes) and, accompanied by expert nature guides, you not only learn about bear behaviour and biology, but also how to interpret bear tracks and signs.
-
12May: the source of the river Mundo (Albacete)
Rivers in spring are always a spectacle. The waterfall that forms at the source of the Mundo river, with a drop of more than 80 metres, is one of the most beautiful in Spain. It is located 8 kilometres from the town of Riópar, in the province of Albacete, within the Calares del Mundo y de la Sima Natural Park. The water rushes from the Cueva de los Chorros and, in seasons of heavy rain, its flow can multiply, producing the famous "Reventón" waterfall. The place to see it from below is easily reached by a signposted path. If you wish to go up to the mouth of the cave, you must book onto a guided tour.
-
12June: the Cañón del Río Lobos (Soria)
June is an ideal time to visit the Cañón del Río Lobos Natural Park. Spring is usually late in the province of Soria, where it is located, so you can enjoy the whimsical shapes of its landscape when everything is green, watered and in bloom. The different hiking routes in the natural park reveal its most outstanding spots, such as the Templar hermitage of San Bartolomé, the Cueva Grande, the Colmenar de los Frailes or the Galiana viewpoint. Afterwards, there's nothing like a visit to the monumental town of El Burgo de Osma (less than 20 kilometres away), to sample its delicious gastronomy and eat the popular torreznos de Soria.
-
12July: the lavender fields of Brihuega (Guadalajara)
The Spanish "Provence" is in Brihuega, in the province of Guadalajara. Its fields turn a wonderful deep violet colour every July, when the lavender blossoms. Going to see them is a unique sensory experience that fills you with serenity: the play of colours produced by the changing sunlight, the movement of the flowers in the breeze, the intoxicating aroma, etc. In addition, during the flowering season, the streets of the town are decorated and numerous cultural activities take place, such as guided tours of the fields or the music concerts of the Lavender Festival.
-
12August: Montseny Natural Park (Barcelona)
It is one of the places Catalans most like to escape to, to enjoy nature. It has been declared a Biosphere Reserve and is located approximately 60 kilometres from the city of Barcelona, between the regions of Osona, Vallés Oriental and La Selva. Its forests, lakes, rivers and waterfalls are especially attractive in summer, when bathing in its natural pools and pools (gorgs, in Catalan) becomes the most refreshing plan. Hiking routes through its towns and villages, or discovering the heritage of towns such as Viladrau, Montseny, Sant Esteve de Palautordera or Sant Celoni, are also good options.
-
12September: the grape harvest on the wine routes
You will find many places in Spain where the grape harvest is marked on the calendar for the month of September: from Jerez de la Frontera to La Rioja, passing through the Ribera del Duero and other famous Spanish wine regions. These are perfect days for wine tourism and visiting the wine routes. The wineries often organise visits and activities in the vineyards to learn first-hand about the grape harvesting process and wine production. In addition, many towns hold grape harvest festivals, with the traditional treading of the grapes, tastings and sampling of typical products.
-
12October: the beech forest of the Irati Forest (Navarre)
When autumn arrives, the forests are gradually transformed to offer a surprising symphony of colours. A relaxing walk through the Irati Forest, quietly admiring the nuances offered by its leaves is something magical. This natural area in Navarre is one of the largest and best-preserved beech-fir forests in Europe. In addition, its Lizardoia Reserve has been declared a World Heritage Site along with other Spanish beech forests. There is a network of signposted trails that allow you to walk around it and guided routes are organised from its interpretation centre. To top it off, you can visit the nearby village of Ochagavía, to see its beautiful Pyrenean architecture.
-
12November: Ambroz Valley (Cáceres)
In November, the Ambroz Valley becomes a destination for experiencing a “magical autumn”. Under this name, and to celebrate the spectacle that nature offers at this time of year, the villages in the area hold a festival of cultural and leisure activities. You'll find all kinds of offerings to enjoy this beautiful spot in Extremadura in a unique way: from mycology days to guided hiking routes, bike rides, concerts, theatre, children's activities, etc. Not forgetting, of course, other attractions in the towns in the valley, such as the Jewish quarter of Hervás, the hot springs of Banos de Montemayor or the tasty stews that characterise its cuisine.
-
12December: observing the Iberian lynx in the Sierra de Andújar (Jaén)
The Sierra de Andújar Nature Reserve, in Jaén stands out for the large number of emblematic endangered species that find refuge there. In fact, it is the area with the largest number of Iberian lynx specimens in Spain. December and January is the mating season for these felines, so they are more active and the chances of seeing them in their habitat increase. There are companies that organise routes and guided tours with experts for different durations, from half a day to a weekend or several days. After the sighting experience, the best suggestion is to try the gastronomic delights of the villages in the mountains, such as honey or quail "a la andujareña", for example.
Travel plans for inspiring you
Book yours
Choose between thousands of activities to live your best life on holiday.
