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As autumn gains strength in Europe, the Spanish forests are usually filled with a very beautiful aspect. The best months to visit are between October and November, when you can observe the different shades, breathe their intense aroma and let yourself be carried away by their nature. But what are the best forests to enjoy autumn in Spain? Here are 10 of them.
1. La Pedrosa beech forest
This is a unique forest, which is located very close to Riofrío de Riaza. Therefore, it is posible to make a private tour inSegovia and then enjoy this beautiful forest. In it, we can find different kinds of trees that are more than hundreds of years old. The trunks are full of moss and yellow and ocher leaves that adorn the surroundings, making it a perfect place to walk in the autumn season.
2. Tejera Negra beech forest
It is an exceptional beech forest, being one of the southernmost existing in Europe. It is located between the valleys that correspond to the river Lillas and Zarzas and consists of a place full of beauty, formed by very deep ravines where it is possible to find the golden eagle, the goshawk and the red kite.
In this environment we can also find some species of trees such as wild pines, oaks, holly, birches, among others. There are two routes within the Natural Park of the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara in which you can hike and are ideal for nature lovers.
3. Irati Forest
This forest is located between the Aezkoa and Salazar valleys and covers an area of 170,000 hectares. It has become one of the largest beech-fir forests in the European continent. It is located in the western Pyrenees and offers more than 20 routes for visitors to enjoy beautiful autumn landscapes that look like something out of a movie.
4. Urbasa
In the case of Urbasa, we can find this natural park in the north of Spain. It stands out for its more than 27 thousand hectares, also for the fact that it is surrounded by beech forests and lush meadows. In its landscape, which has been formed by nature itself, we can find a great variety of orange colors.
The park is also home to the Urederra River, which is popular for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters. Undoubtedly, this is a unique environment worth visiting.
5. Chestnut grove of ‘El Tiemblo’.
This is a very beautiful chestnut forest that has a very well known centenary tree species; this has managed to become the most important specimen of the Natural Reserve of the Iruelas Valley. The village of El Tiemblo is characterized as the first point of a route that extends to the centennial chestnut tree. There, it is possible to delight with the contrasts of oaks, chestnut trees, servals and pines. The route is 4 kilometers long, but it is quite gentle.
6. Ambroz Valley
The Ambroz Valley is known as one of the greatest natural elements found in the north of the province of Cáceres. Specifically, it is located about 50 kilometers from Plasencia and has a natural fence surrounded by peaks of over 2000 meters and rivers.
The upper part of this valley is full of chestnut trees. In autumn, they change their color to beautiful shades of gold and brown. In addition, in this season the Magic Autumn is celebrated, a celebration of nature named as a National Tourist Interest. If visitors wish, they can take a hiking route through the valley.
7. The Cameros
In the northern part of the mountains of the Iberian System, we can find the Natural Park of Sierra Cebollera, which is an outstanding environment within La Rioja. We can find many forests of wild pines, as well as oaks like the one in Los Cameros.
It is a very small forest, with a 9-kilometer route known as the Achichuelo Trail. This has its point of origin in Villoslada de Cameros and crosses the banks of the Iregua River next to the Lomos de Orios hermitage.
8. Ordesa Park
This is a large natural park, with an immense landscape that is worth visiting in autumn to observe each of its details. Among them are the streams, waterfalls and valleys that are painted in ocher colors by the fallen leaves.
It is the most outstanding park in the province of Huesca. In the higher areas of this park, you can practice snow sports, while in the lower areas it is possible to do activities such as canyoning or hiking. In any case, touring the landscapes of this place is one of the best things to do during autumn in Spain.
9. Otzarreta
Located in the Basque Country, this is one of the most luxuriant groves in the peninsula. It is located in the Gorbeia Natural Park, known as the largest in the Basque Country.
In the autumn season, this forest usually dresses up with a movie-like landscape, full of red leaves and green moss floors. In addition, it is possible to explore the forest and find some secret caves and ancient monuments.
10. Muniellos
Finally, we came across a small grove in Asturias, which is located in the Narcea Nature Reserve, known as the largest oak forest in Spain. The place was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2000 and in the autumn season it transforms into a beautiful place.
It is usually overflowing with green landscapes that share a stay with crystalline waterfalls and multiple vivid colors. Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, a famous naturalist, was a frequent visitor. It has two routes, which are 16 and 20 kilometers respectively and you can always discover legends about these forests in the mythology of Asturias.
