Page 59 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2023

MUCHACHOS OBSERVATORY, CALDERA DE TABURIENTE NATIONAL PARK
SIERRA NEVADA
MUNIELLOS BIOSPHERE RESERVE
There may be nowhere better to practice forest bathing than this 56,785-hectare woodland preserve in the province of Asturias in north- west Spain. For the uninitiated, forest bathing provides physiological and psychological benefits simply by spending time amid natural greenery, and with the Iberian Peninsula’s largest oak forest blanketing the mountains of Muniellos, La Viliella and Valdebois there is no shortage of that here. The majestic oaks are joined by birch, holly, ash and beech trees, all of which make up the leafy habitat of brown bears, wolves and wild boars. With just 20 visitor permits issued daily, anyone exploring the park will feel totally secluded. Hiking trail details are provided at a visitor centre set on a ridge of Las Vachinas Peak between the scenic mountain villages of Oballo and Moal.
LA GARROTXA VOLCANIC AREA
NATURE RESERVE
Accessed from the Romanesque architecturally rich Catalan city of Girona via a sustainable and bike-friendly rail trail, this 15,000-hectare preserve is dotted with 38 dormant volcanic cones and 20-plus long-hardened lava flows. Among the former is the 789-metre Croscat, which at around 11,000 years old is the largest and youngest volcano on the Iberian Peninsula. Once it enters the park, the 54-kilometre rail trail is joined by more than 25 footpaths, many of which link the volcanic sites to 11 towns. Each urban centre lends a unique cultural mosaic that blends remarkably well into the surreal landscape and rich ecology of Garrotxa.
LA PALMA BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Few places on Earth are as thoroughly and sustainably protected as the most north-westerly of the Canary Islands. At the heart of La Palma’s lush landscape is Caldera de Taburiente National Park, much of which is cradled in a jaw-dropping crater spanning more than eight kilome- tres and topped by the panoramic Roque de los Muchachos viewpoint. To the north, the Las Nieves Nature Reserve is home to the lush lau- risilva forest of Los Tilos, which was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1983. To the south, the Cumbre Vieja Nature Reserve is lit- tered with volcanic cones and carpeted with Canary Island pines, firetrees, laurisilva and heather. By night, the lack of air and light pol- lution has earned the island “Starlight Reserve” status from the Starlight Foundation. No wonder La Palma’s nickname La isla bonita means “the beautiful island.” DS
EUROPE’S HIGHEST HAMS?
From Sierra Nevada National Park’s El Dornajo Visitor Centre, guided horseback riding excur- sions explore the ancient whitewashed villages of Las Alpujarras. At 1,486 metres above sea level, Trevélez is said to be one of the highest towns in Spain, and is justifiably famous for its mountain-cured hams.
PHOTOS: PABKOV/TOURIST OFFICE OF SPAIN | PERESANZ/TOURIST OFFICE OF SPAIN | TOURIST OFFICE OF SPAIN
WINTER/SPRING 2023 DREAMSCAPES 59