Nature
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Nature, with its sharp contrasts, encourages the practice of all kinds of outdoor activities. From trekking in nature areas of exceptional beauty, or horseriding routes, closely linked to cultural tradition, to any kind of adventure sport. |
| The orographical and climatic diversity make Spain an ideal country in which to do all kinds of sports. An extensive coastline, impressive variety of mountain ranges, and state-of-the art facilities to practise your favourite outdoor activities. Enjoy them! |
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The many high mountains and the vast central plain or mesetaoffer excellent opportunities for hiking, mountaineering and walking.
Particularly suitable for trekkers are the mountains in the north of the country. The Pyrenees, which cover an area of 450 sq km, feature breathtaking scenery with rocky walls, lakes and ravines. The Picos de Europa, just west of Santander, are also wild and dramatic, with some peaks rising to over 2600 metres (8528 feet). Spain's flora and fauna includes the brown bear (found in Asturias), the cabra hispánica or mountain goat (relatively common in the Pyrenees and the Sierra de Gredos, west of Avila) and the rare capercallie or Europe grouse (in the forests of northern Spain). There are good opportunities for rock climbing in the mountains. Well known, challenging climbs include the Naranjo de Bulnes in the Picos de Europa and Monte Perdido in Ordesa National Park. Mountain biking is becoming increasingly popular, and paths and tracks are plentiful, making most areas accessible. Spain's long equestrian tradition means that horseriding can easily be arranged. Mountain trails, river valleys and wide plains can all be explored on horseback. | |
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Swimming, water-skiing, and windsurfing facilities can be found at nearly all seaside resorts. These can be busy in the summer months. Spain's premier windsurfing resort is Tarifa, on the Straits of Gibraltar, where the world championships are held.
Inland lakes on the meseta in the regions of Castilla and Extremadura also have good facilities for windsurfing. Whitewater rafting and canoeing are practised on the rapids in northern Spain. Centres are well equipped and have skilled staff. Sailing is very popular, both around the coast and inland. Spain has over 4000 km of coastline, and there are many harbours. Over 100 sailing clubs exist, most of which are located near the Mediterranean. | |
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Excellent opportunities exist for all type of fishing. The rivers and streams of the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa offer good freshwater game fishing, while trout is abundant throughout the country. The Asturias contain the best salmon rivers, which last year yielded around 5000 catches. Other catches include barbel, perch, pike and tench.
One of the main activities in Spain is hunting. Spanish hunting offers hunters and their companions to experience the natural beauty of the Spanish wilderness, from the central plains and coastal plains rising up from the Mediterranean shores, to the green northern highlands, which timidly upstage the starkly with beutiful Cantabrian and Pyrenean Moutains towering behind them. | |
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Spain offers great opportunities for skiing and there are many natural ski-runs and winter resorts, equipped with modern facilities, all blessed with the promise of warm sun and blue skies.
There are 5 main regions in Spain;these are the Pyrenean Range, the Cantabrian Range, the Iberian Chain, the Central Chain and the Penibetic Chain. These ranges have diverse characteristics and all are attractive for mountaineering in general and in particular for winter sports. | |
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Travel In Spain Multimedia, S.L. © 2007 - Madrid (España) - Tel: (+34) 91 567 05 72 - Fax: (+34) 91 567 05 73
Travel In Spain Multimedia, S.L. © 2007 - Madrid (España) - Tel: (+34) 91 567 05 72 - Fax: (+34) 91 567 05 73