If you love magical and unique places, then you’ve come to the right place, because we’re going to take you on a journey through the most curious and strange enchanted forests in Spain. You will
If you love magical and unique places, then you’ve come to the right place, because we’re going to take you on a journey through the most curious and strange enchanted forests in Spain. You will be surprised to know that among the places to visit in this country there are places full of terrifying stories.
In this sense, you will be surprised to discover a world out of the ordinary: legends and trees with improbable shapes, forests of enormous height and disturbing visions. In fact, there are forests that seem to be straight out of a paranormal tale and others that could be to the taste of the most intrepid! If you are ready for a thrilling adventure, read on!
Fragas do Eume, Galicia
Fragas do Eume is one of the most important forests to visit in Spain. Located in the province of A Coruña, it is one of the best preserved forests in Europe. Fragas do Eume is a very popular place for nature lovers and hikers, as it offers a wide variety of routes and paths through which you can walk and enjoy the beauty of the forest. In addition, the forest is home to a large number of animal species, so you may see deer, Iberian frogs, owls and foxes on your journey.
Declared a Site of Community Importance, Fragas do Eume has such dense vegetation that it leaves little room for light. This is why it is considered an enchanted forest! It is a witness to the history of the region and has been protected for centuries.
It is interesting to note that in the heart of the forest is the Caaveiro Monastery, which has more than ten centuries of history and is home to Anchorite monks. From this monastery you will have a better view of the forest and you will also have the opportunity to admire the baroque architecture of this building.
Montejo Beech Forest, Madrid
We cannot fail to mention the enchanted forest of Madrid: the Hayedo de Montejo. It has been a Natural Area of National Interest since 1974, covering 250 hectares. It was also declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2017 as an extension of the primary beech forests of the Carpathians and other parts of Europe. It is characterised by giant beech trees over 20 metres high. There is even one that is over 250 years old!
There are also other trees such as oaks, hazels and hollies. If you love nature and want to spend an adventurous day in the forest, don’t miss the Hayedo de Montejo. You will not be disappointed! Don’t forget that the best time to visit is in autumn, when the ochres, reds, oranges and yellows come into their own.
Enchanted Forest, Tenerife
Located in the integral nature reserve of El Pijaral, in the centre of the island of Tenerife. The park is home to a large number of unique and endemic species, such as the Anaga violet and the jable. This laurel forest is an example of the Tertiary Era, since a large number of trees belonging to the Lauraceae family have survived.
You can also see ferns up to three metres high. To see it in all its splendour, you must walk the circuit of the Enchanted Forest. The visit takes about 3 hours. Remember, however, that you have to apply for permission in advance at the Cabildo de Tenerife website.
This forest is the subject of a strange legend. It is said that one of the nine kings of the island of Tenerife in pre-Hispanic times jumped from Roque Anambro, an ancient volcanic chimney that has been shaped by erosion over thousands and thousands of years and which reaches a height of around 815 metres and is one of the main attractions of this forest in Tenerife.
The story goes that this king was fleeing from the Spanish conquerors. As he fled, he fell on a holly tree and his blood soaked into it, giving the tree’s fruits their characteristic red colour. What do you think? Would you visit this magical forest?
What are your thoughts on those forests? Let us know in the comments below. Interested in learning more? Come back to check out the second part of our article.