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Nine surreal landscapes to discover in Spain
Spain is home to a treasure trove of extraordinary landscapes that feel as though they belong to another world. Beyond its sun-soaked beaches and historic cities, these surreal locations are shaped by natural wonders and sometimes human ingenuity.
Las Bardenas Reales, Navarre
Straddling the border of Navarre and Aragón lies the UNESCO-designated Bardenas Reales, a desert-like expanse just 70 kilometers from the lush Pyrenees. Towering rock formations and rugged mountains rise from the arid plains like colossal sandcastles, sculpted by time and nature into mesmerizing shapes.
Laguna Rosa, Valencia region
The Laguna Rosa near the coastal town of Torrevieja is a spectacle of bubblegum-pink waters, a rare phenomenon caused by Halobacterium and microalgae thriving in its salty environment. As one of Europe’s largest salt lakes, this vibrant lagoon offers an alien-like contrast to the azure Mediterranean skies.
Las Médulas, Castilla y León
Nestled on the border of Castilla y León and Galicia, Las Médulas is an ancient Roman gold mine turned geological marvel. The striking red rock formations, framed by verdant greenery, reveal the scars of hydraulic mining techniques used by the Romans. This manmade landscape, carved out thousands of years ago, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Charco Verde, Lanzarote
Lanzarote, often dubbed "The Island of Volcanoes," boasts landscapes that seem plucked from another planet. Among its most striking sights is Charco Verde, a fluorescent green lagoon nestled against a backdrop of black volcanic sand. The lagoon’s vivid color comes from algae that thrive beneath its surface, creating an unearthly contrast.
Río Tinto, Andalusia
With its blood-red waters and rust-colored terrain, the Río Tinto area near Huelva resembles the surface of Mars. Its uniquely acidic environment, shaped by centuries of mining, has even been a testing ground for NASA and the European Space Agency. The haunting beauty of this Martian-like landscape makes it one of Spain’s most surreal destinations.
Ciudad Encantada, Castilla-La Mancha
In the Serranía de Cuenca, the "Enchanted City" lives up to its name with whimsical limestone formations sculpted over millions of years by the elements. Once submerged beneath the Tethys Sea, this geological wonder features shapes that resemble everything from bridges to animals, adding a touch of magic to the rugged terrain.
La Montaña de Sal, Catalonia
Around 100 kilometers northeast of Barcelona lies Cardona’s Mountain of Salt, a 120-meter-high natural wonder. Not only are its ridged and bubble-like formations remarkable on the surface, but the interior offers an otherworldly experience with its salt-covered stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-covered walls. The former salt mine remains a testament to the region's geological richness.
Torcal de Antequera, Andalusia
Located north of Málaga, the Torcal de Antequera natural park is a labyrinth of towering limestone stacks, resembling piles of pancakes. This area, once submerged beneath the sea millions of years ago, still holds imprints of ancient marine fossils, adding a prehistoric allure to its alien landscape.
Cuevas del Drach, Mallorca
Beneath the surface of Mallorca lies the Drach Caves, a labyrinth stretching over 1,200 meters. Visitors can glide across the glassy waters of Lake Martel, one of the world’s largest underground lakes, surrounded by golden-lit formations that seem to glow from within. These caves, whose name means "dragon" in Majorcan, offer an enchanting subterranean escape.
