Woman looking at the mountains of Anaga, Tenerife.

Places in Spain where you can enjoy the mountains and the sea

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In Spain, when you’re planning a holiday, the first question is: sea or mountains? Here’s your answer. In Spain you’ll find spectacular natural spaces very close to splendid beaches, so you can enjoy both at the same time. So get that case packed: you’ll need your swimsuit and a towel as well as your trainers and a backpack.

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The Anaga Mountains and the beach at Santa Cruz de Tenerife

You’ll wander through the laurel forest of Anaga Rural Park, a Biosphere Reserve with lush flora and different wildlife to mainland Spain, home to a species of large lizard that are easy to spot when you’re out on your walks. To the southwest of the Anaga Mountains, in the island’s capital, you’ll find the beach of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and you can also visit the famous unspoilt Benijo beach to the northeast with its exotic black volcanic sands. Which will you choose?

Above: path in Anaga Rural Park, Tenerife / Below: Benijo beach, Santa Cruz de Tenerife

El Torcal de Antequera and Malagueta beach

If you follow the paths of Torcal de Antequera Nature Reserve you’ll see one of the most impressive karst limestone landscapes in Europe, the result of hundreds of millions of years of erosion. On the other side of these mountains, in the city of Malaga, you can enjoy La Malagueta city beach near the harbour.

Above: el Torcal de Antequera, Málaga / Below: Malagueta beach, in Malaga, Andalusia

The Picos de Europa and the Toranda beach

In the Cantabrian Mountains you’ll find the Picos de Europa National Park, a truly magnificent landscape that forms part of Spain’s historical and cultural heritage, just 15 kilometres from the coast. From the highest peaks you can see the sea. There are dozens of beaches nearby, but the pristine Toranda beach where the cows graze peacefully in the surrounding fields is an unforgettable natural gem that’s not to be missed.

Above: Covadonga lakes in the Picos de Europa mountains, Asturias/ Below: Toranda beach, Asturias

The Sierra Nevada and the Costa Tropical

Enjoy the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, a Biosphere Reserve and National Park with wonderful scenery. In winter there is even a ski resort offering winter sports. If you’d rather go for a stroll along the beach, nearby you have Granada’s Costa Tropical with beaches such as Calahonda that are great for a dip in the sea and a spot of sunbathing.