Top 10 national parks in Spain

Spain's national parks showcase the country's amazing diversity, from snow-capped mountains to volcanic semi-deserts and stunning archipelagos. This year marks the centenary of their founding

Nudging the French border is Spain's joint oldest national park (created in 1918 with Picos de Europa, see below) but also one of the least well known. The 3,355m Monte Perdido (Lost Mountain) looms over dramatic glacial valleys up to 3km deep. In its 156 sq km you'll find hikes for every level, including paths along natural ledges in the limestone just a metre wide. Most popular hikes begin at Pradera de Ordesa including the Circo de Cotatuero, a six-hour circuit to a thundering waterfall (there's also a shorter walk). There's exhilarating rafting (a52pp) just a few kilometres south of the park in Torla which has a comprehensive visitors' information centre.
Stay Refugio Luicen Briet (dorm bed from a11, doubles from a42 room-only, lucienbriet.com) is a comfortable refuge-style hostel in Torla. For the real deal try the Refugio Goriz mountain hut (a16.80 room-only, goriz.es) in the heart of the park