In short, these are some of the best sunrises and sunsets in inland Spain:-The most magical: L'Albufera de València Nature Reserve (Region of Valencia)-The most adventurous: Ronda (Andalusia)-The most mythological: Viewpoint of the Three Crosses (Urkiola Natural Park, Basque Country)-The most surprising: Barrancas de Castrejón y Calaña (Castilla - La Mancha)-The most spectacular: Gallocanta Lake Nature Reserve (Aragon)-The most photogenic: Salto del Gitano viewpoint in Monfragüe National Park (Extremadura)-The most panoramic: Flying over La Rioja vineyards
Chasing sunrises and sunsets in inland Spain
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Could you be an opacarophile? This is the name of the love for sunsets, that time of the day that fascinates us so much, especially when we are on holiday. If you travel to Spain, you will feel that moment like never before. Here, watching the sun rise or set is more than just a nice idea: it can be a whole experience. And you don't have to be on the coast to enjoy it. There are inland locations such as large lakes, movie-like ravines or mountain viewpoints that will make you want to chase the sun.
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L'Albufera de València Nature Reserve (Region of Valencia)
Why it’s specialImagine watching warm colours spreading over a sky reflected in the waters of the largest freshwater lake in Spain. In this magical landscape surrounded by rice fields you can experience one of the best sunsets in Spain. And if you want to make the experience even more special, get on board one of the handmade boats (albuferencs) at jetties like the one at the Mirador de la Gola de Pujol for a tour of the lake which usually takes about 40 minutes. Did you know that there are even companies that organise boat painting workshops at sunset?How to get there Just 10 kilometres from Valencia, it is easily accessible by bike, city bus (lines 24 and 25) or car.Bonus: things to do in the area Take the opportunity to try an authentic Valencian paella in the village of El Palmar, stroll through the rice fields or visit one of the park's viewpoints to watch birds (up to 300 different species take refuge here).
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Ronda (Andalusia)
What makes it special Can you imagine watching from the sky as this charming city in the province of Malaga wakes up? In Ronda several local companies organise paramotor flights at dawn to fly over the white rooftops overlooking the abyss. You may feel dizzy, but also unexpectedly calm. And if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, sunset is also a perfect time to discover Ronda. As the sun begins to set, head to any viewpoint that allows you to gaze at the 98-metre-high iconic New Bridge.How to get there Approximately 100 kilometres from Malaga, it is well-connected by road, train or bus.Bonus: other unforgettable sunsets in inland Andalusia In the Tabernas Desert (Almeria), the sun sets among canyons straight out of a Western film. And if you are an experienced hiker looking for something more epic, you can try climbing the Mulhacén (Granada) to see the sunset from the highest peak of the peninsula. It is a demanding route that rewards you with views over a sea of mountains at almost 3,500 metres.
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Viewpoint of the Three Crosses (Urkiola Natural Park, Basque Country)
Why it is special In Urkiola Natural Park (Bizkaia), from this viewpoint you can enjoy an incredible sunset while contemplating the Atxarte gorge and the Durangaldea valley. Did you know that, according to Basque tradition, the goddess Mari lives in these surroundings? She is a central figure in the area's mythology, personification of the Earth, taking care of the environment and dispensing justice. You are sure to feel a magical atmosphere.How to get there It is approximately 50 kilometres from Bilbao. You can get there by car and take a short walk to the viewpoint from the Urkiola sanctuary.Bonus: things to do in the area Make sure to visit the Urkiola shrine, where tradition has it that if you walk around the stone opposite the shrine three times you’ll find true love. You can also go climbing, hiking or mountain biking.
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Barrancas de Castrejón y Calaña (Castilla - La Mancha)
Why it’s specialJust 30 kilometres from Toledo, the Barrancas de Burujón are a surprise with an unexpected landscape for this plateau area: enormous red clay cliffs towering over the waters of the Castrejón reservoir, formed over sediments 25 million years old. Take a sunset walk along the four-kilometre nature trail, which boasts several viewpoints. The walls will seem like fire and the elongated shadows will hypnotise you. Although it is a place that has gained fame in recent years, it remains relatively little known.How to get there Easily reachable by car from Toledo (about 30 minutes); access is well signposted and there is a parking area next to the start of the trail. Tip: avoid very hot days.Bonus: other incredible places to view the sunset in Castilla-La Mancha See the sun reflected in the calm waters of Tablas de Daimiel National Park (Ciudad Real), how it tints the iconic windmills of Consuegra (Toledo) with gold, or how it transforms the lavender fields in Brihuega (Guadalajara) into a sea of violet during the July bloom.
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Gallocanta Lake Nature Reserve (Aragon)
Why it's special Every autumn and early spring, thousands of cranes choose this wetland to stop over during their migration. If you choose to go at sunset, you will see how the light reflects on the water and covers the landscape in shades of pink. It is one of the best places in Spain for birdwatching and guided tours are often organised in winter. If you are passionate about nature, here you will feel a special connection with the environment. You can visit the interpretation centre to learn more about the local fauna. Don't forget to bring binoculars.How to get there The lake can be reached by taking the road from Gallocanta to Berrueco. It is approximately 100 kilometres from the city of Zaragoza.Bonus: things to do in the area Less than an hour's drive away, there are other recommended visits such as the impressive waterfalls of Monasterio de Piedra or the medieval town of Daroca.
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Salto del Gitano viewpoint (Extremadura)
What makes it special This is the most photographed viewpoint in Monfragüe National Park. One of the largest populations of griffon vultures in Europe nests here and, at dusk, you can see them and other species, such as the black stork, flying over the orange-tinted sky. The unmistakable silhouette of the rocky wall of Peña Falcón and the flight of birds against the light create an almost mystical scene.How to get there You can get there by car on the EX-208, which is the road that connects Plasencia with Trujillo. You can also get there by bike or even on foot from Villareal de San Carlos along a perfectly signposted route.Bonus: things to do in the area Visit Monfragüe Castle and its viewpoint, take one of the park's walking or cycling routes or check out the Visitor Centre to find out more about the ecological wealth of this Biosphere Reserve.
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Flying over La Rioja vineyards
Why it's special Imagine floating over a sea of vines tinged with ochres, yellows and reds, just at sunrise. In areas of La Rioja such as Haro, local companies offer you this unique experience that combines the thrill of a hot air balloon flight with enjoying the landscapes of one of Spain's most iconic wine regions. In autumn, the spectacle becomes even more impressive.How to get thereHaro is easily accessible by train or car from Logroño and other nearby cities.Bonus: what makes this experience unique If possible, the pilot can fly just a few centimetres above the river Ebro so you can see the effect of the balloon reflected on the water, or soar through the clouds in search of the sun. After the flight, you'll also enjoy a traditional lunch from La Rioja and receive a personalised diploma as a souvenir of this adventure.
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