Thread by @NickLovesSpain

15 reasons Spain has one of the most fascinating natural environments on Earth... 🧵

1. Spain has more blue-flag beaches (642) than any country in the world.

A distinction that recognizes a high standard of beach quality, safety, and beauty.

2. Spain has the smallest beach in the world.

Playa de Gulpiyuri, a flooded sinkhole near Llanes in Asturias. Located 100 meters from the Cantabrian Sea.

🎥: pueblosasturianos

3. Spain has the only desert in Europe.

The Tabernas Desert in the province of Almería in Andalusia.

4. Spain has the most visited national park in Europe.

Teide National Park on the island of Tenerife. Home to Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain and third-tallest volcano in the world.

🎥: tenerifeambience

5. Spain was once home to the most dangerous hike in the world.

The Caminito del Rey in the province of Málaga, Andalusia. A 100-year-old pathway that clings to the sides of a narrow gorge.

🎥: pang_bang

6. Spain has more UNESCO Biosphere Reserves than any country in the world.

A total of 53. Not to mention 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites belonging to the “Natural” category.

🎥: veggiewayfarer

7. The Province of León has the highest concentration of Biosphere Reserves in the world.

With a total of 7:
- Valley of Laciana
- Picos de Europa
- Babia
- Alto Bernesga
- Los Argüellos
- Omaña and Luna Valleys
- Los Ancares

🎥: jirka2505.

8. Las Médulas in Castile and León was the most important gold mine in the Roman Empire.

As well as the empire’s largest open-pit gold mine. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🎥: flydirop

9. The Palmeral de Elche is the largest palm grove in Europe.

Located in the Province of Alicante, it is an oasis-like landscape with over half a million palm trees.

10. Madrid is the second-most tree-lined city on Earth.

Second only to Tokyo, with 248,000 trees.

🎥: visita_madrid

11. Spain is one of the best countries in the world for stargazing.

With 17 Starlight Reserves, the most in Europe.

12. Spain and Portugal are home to the first natural park shared by two European countries.

The Tagus International Natural Park — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

13. In Lanzarote, you’ll find the longest-known volcanic submarine lava tube in the world.

The Tunnel of Atlantis — the underwater portion of the Cueva de los Verdes lava tube in Las Palmas.

🎥: travel_onstrangerock

14. Spain boasts the largest protected area on the Mediterranean coast.

The Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in the province of Almería.

Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997.

🎥: irenepavonn

15. The Garajonay National Park is home to one of the oldest laurel forest in the world.

Located on La Gomera in the Canary Islands, and representing what southern Europe and North Africa might have looked like millions of years ago.

🎥: lagomeratravel

Cheers, everyone! I hope you enjoyed 🇪🇸✨

Follow me @NickLovesSpain for daily insight into Spain's endless charm ❤️