Paradise in the mountains
Who hasn't dreamed of spending a weekend in the mountains, enjoying long walks in beautiful nature in the days and curling up by an open fire in the evenings? Spain offers no end of exceptional landscapes where you can make that dream a reality.
The 11th December is International Mountain Day, and to celebrate The Singular Space has lined up a tour of some of Spain's most gorgeous mountain locations. Care to join us?
Spain's huge range of beautiful mountain destinations are the perfect place to enjoy the landscape and immerse yourself in nature. Naturally, the Pyrenees mountain range is one of them, with areas of unrivalled beauty such as the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. A biosphere reserve and UNESCO World Heritage site, this natural park harbours more than 1,400 plant species and a huge range of fauna, including some species which are unique to the region, like the bearded vulture.
The Picos de Europa in Cantabria are another exceptionally beautiful mountain range, particularly the National Park, which spans the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y León. This stunning mountain location offers endless activities. Visit gorgeous spots like the Covadonga Lakes, take in mountain peaks like Naranjo de Bulnes, hike along the Cares river, which links the towns of Caín in León and Puente Poncebos in Asturias, or explore the Desfiladero de La Hermida in Cantabria.
Heading further south, the Sistema Central ranges gift us another orographic gem: the Sierra de Gredos and its imposing Pico Almanzor (2,591 metres). The Sierra de Gredos borders Castilla y León, Extremadura, Madrid and Castilla La Mancha, and the impressive Cuatro Lagunas nestle among its many peaks.
The gorgeous Toledo Mountains comprise various ranges in the provinces of Toledo and Ciudad Real. These mountains are surrounded by breath-taking natural parks like Cabañeros and Las Tablas de Daimiel and also boast mining, wine, olive and honey production. This natural habitat is home to species such as the black stork, the black vulture, the Iberian lynx and the imperial eagle.
Not only does the Baetic System in Andalusia boast the highest peak in the Iberian peninsula, the 3,479-metre Mulhacén, it is also one of Spain's top skiing and mountain tourism hotspots: Sierra Nevada, a natural park and biosphere reserve, is home to over 2,000 plant species and a huge variety of animals. Trevélez - the highest mountain in the Iberian peninsula at 1,476m above sea level - is an absolute must-see, as are Capileira and neighbouring Pampaneira, all located in the district of Alpujarra Granadina.
Properties
If a mountain retreat is what you have in mind, The Singular Space has some great suggestions to inspire you. For example, this hotel in the province of Huesca, just a few minutes from Benasque and Cerler ski resort. This fully-equipped hotel boasts spectacular gardens and blends seamlessly into its beautiful natural surroundings.
In Navarre, just moments from the Pyrenees, this extraordinary complex ensconced in a glorious natural landscape offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to set up your own business or create the property of your dreams.
If you prefer the Toledo mountains, this spacious country home set on a 3 hectare property is brimming with olive trees, fruit trees and features a swimming pool with breathtaking views. Constructed in 2012, the property enjoys a privileged location in the Cabañeros National Park, listed as Europe's finest Mediterranean forest.
