Sustainable family getaways

Ecotourism in Geoparks and Biosphere Reserves

Almost twenty territories in Spain are part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. All of them offer great ideas for exploring with your family. A good example is the Sobrarbe-Pyrenees Geopark, in Huesca, with a variety of survival activities in nature. Can you imagine spending the night under the stars in the middle of the mountains? You can experience the thrill of a family bivouac in total safety, go caving with the little ones, learn how to build igloos in the snow in wintertime or take guided kayak tours in summer, where even your dog can come along.   Moreover, Spain is a world leader in Biosphere Reserves, with more than fifty sites in this category, some of which are especially geared towards family ecotourism, such as the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve in Biscay.  Take a boat trip to explore the mouth of the Oka River or to spot whales in the open sea and understand the dangers of plastic for marine wildlife. Go snorkelling on the island of Izaro or book a four-day getaway combining hiking and cycling along the beaches and through the forests. These are just some of the many activities you can enjoy. You can also get from Bilbao to Mundaka comfortably by train, in little more than an hour on a route that crosses beautiful landscapes.Another option certified by the Spanish Ecotourism Association (AEE), this time inland and bathed in fresh water, is the great Siberia Extremeña. It spans more than twenty municipalities in the province of Badajoz and features impressive biodiversity sourrounding reservoirs, plains, ancient Roman sites and castles such as Puebla de Alcocer and the occasional mountain.  You can even enjoy a wonderful river beach, Peloche, on the banks of the Guadiana River, and practise canoeing and other water activities. Other ideal experiences to enjoy as a family include climbing, horse riding, bird watching in complete freedom and the powerful bellowing sound of the deer rut echoing through its forests and grasslands in autumn.

Forests inhabited by mythological characters

There is a growing universe of mythological paths and forests inhabited by fairies, elves, gnomes and other fantastic beings in Spain. This is a sustainable, healthy and fun way to help children discover the history, art and mythology of each region through hiking. Many of these 'magical' forests also enjoy the active involvement of their inhabitants and local artisans, which adds an extra dimension to the experience of walking through them and discovering their figures carved in native woods, such as the Bosque Mágico de la Fuente del Pino, in the province of Soria. Along the Cañón del río Lobos, in San Leonardo de Yagüe, more than a hundred figures await you, recreated in detail along a pleasant three-kilometre route.The Senda del Beyu Pen, in Amieva, Asturias, is a beautiful enchanted forest stretching just over five kilometres. The challenge consists of spotting the mythological characters hidden among its trees and greenery.To immerse yourself in a fantasy-filled trail, with life-size sculptures of legendary figures from Galicia, you need to visit the Monte Viso mythological trail. It is about three kilometres long, very close to Santiago de Compostela, and it has spectacular views 400 metres above the city.In Cantabria, an old iron mine has been transformed into a magical park dedicated to regional mythology. Mina Pepita, in Solares, is now a beautiful setting blanketed in greenery and said to be home to anjanas (fairy-like beings), cúlebres (mythical serpents or dragons), ojáncanos (giant cyclops-like creatures) and even a friendly musgoso (a mossy forest spirit). Another option, just over 30 kilometres away, is the mythological path of Mount Tejas, in San Felices de Buelna. Among beech, oak and birch trees you will discover more than 70 figures that a local retired artist has created from dry trunks and fallen trees, thus contributing to keeping the forest clean.

Feeling daring enough to do a via ferrata with your family?

For a true thrill, doing a via ferrata with the family is a perfect plan. Walking along vertical cliff walls can be an exciting adventure, and completing the challenge together even more so. It is best to hire specialised guides who also provide all the necessary equipment to guarantee safety and fun. Difficulty levels K1 and K2 are the most suitable for children, and some of these routes have attractive features such as Tibetan bridges and swinging steps.The via ferrata Piedra del Castillo, in Cuenca, offers beautiful views thanks to the imposing watchtower on which it stands. A terrace suspended halfway up the wall and a 30-metre wooden bridge at the end are its highlights.Visitors aged seven and up can enjoy the via ferrata of Peñas Juntas, in the heart of the Guara Sierra and Canyons Nature Reserve, in Huesca. It is a short and easy walk, with three charming Tibetan bridges spanning the Isuala River. The Guara Somontano area is also an ideal destination for stargazing tourism and admiring cosmic phenomena such as the Perseids meteor shower.Without leaving the region of Aragon, in the province of Teruel, you have the via ferrataCastillo de Peñaflor. On the way up to the old Muslim bastion that gives it its name, there is a magnificent viewpoint where you can feast your eyes on the picturesque town of Huesa del Común, known for its pottery-making tradition.These are just some of the many possibilities available to you for planning unique family getaways. An unbeatable way to explore Spain's roots while contributing to responsible, sustainable tourism that respects the environment and the community.