Gaztelugatxe, a small, rocky island on Spain's northern coast is said to resemble a castle, which could explain why it's suffered numerous attacks over the centuries. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, the island's main highlight is a chapel built in the 11th century in honor of St. John.
National treasures to visit in Spain —
Gaztelugatxe, a small, rocky island on Spain's northern coast is said to resemble a castle, which could explain why it's suffered numerous attacks over the centuries. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, the island's main highlight is a chapel built in the 11th century in honor of St. John.
courtesy Allianz Global Assistance
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its varied forests and wildlife, the Somiedo Natural Park is made up of four valleys in northern Spain's Cantabrian Mountains. The park is a haven for wildlife including brown bears, wolves, boars and golden eagles.
Somiedo Natural Park —
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its varied forests and wildlife, the Somiedo Natural Park is made up of four valleys in northern Spain's Cantabrian Mountains. The park is a haven for wildlife including brown bears, wolves, boars and golden eagles.
courtesy Allianz Global Assistance
Another UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest protected coastal area in the southern Andalusia region of Spain, Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is known for its diverse landscape which includes wetlands, spectacular volcanic cliffs, white beaches and a saltwater lagoon.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park —
Another UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest protected coastal area in the southern Andalusia region of Spain, Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is known for its diverse landscape which includes wetlands, spectacular volcanic cliffs, white beaches and a saltwater lagoon.
courtesy Allianz Global Assistance
Dating back to the 1st century, this site of the ancient gold mines is considered a great example of Roman technology and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built after the Romans conquered parts of the Iberian Peninsula, the mines employed dams and a clever system of canals to channel water, which was used to smash and wash away rock.
Las Medulas —
Dating back to the 1st century, this site of the ancient gold mines is considered a great example of Roman technology and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built after the Romans conquered parts of the Iberian Peninsula, the mines employed dams and a clever system of canals to channel water, which was used to smash and wash away rock.
courtesy Allianz Global Assistance
Encompassing 4,000 hectares, this protected group of 15 connected lakes is home to many varieties of waterfowl and fish. The Cave of Montesinos, which gets a mention in "Don Quixote," is also located in the park.
Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park —
Encompassing 4,000 hectares, this protected group of 15 connected lakes is home to many varieties of waterfowl and fish. The Cave of Montesinos, which gets a mention in "Don Quixote," is also located in the park.
courtesy Allianz Global Assistance
The spectacular gorge of Fuente De in the Picos de Europa mountain range is accessible by cable car. Due to the amazing views, lines can get long during peak season.
Fuente De —
The spectacular gorge of Fuente De in the Picos de Europa mountain range is accessible by cable car. Due to the amazing views, lines can get long during peak season.
courtesy Allianz Global Assistance
Dubbed "Beach of the Cathedrals" for its unusual rock formations that are reminiscent of vaults and arches, As Catedrais beach ranks among one of Europe's most beautiful beaches.
As Catedrais —
Dubbed "Beach of the Cathedrals" for its unusual rock formations that are reminiscent of vaults and arches, As Catedrais beach ranks among one of Europe's most beautiful beaches.
courtesy Allianz Global Assistance
National treasures to visit in Spain

Editor’s Note: The article was originally published in June 2014.

Story highlights

More than 82,000 votes were cast to pick new natural wonders in Spain

Top destinations include biosphere reserves and a cluster of lakes

Campaign's final stage includes hiring a team of "explorers" to go on two-week trip

CNN  — 

Spain didn’t get a mention in 2011’s hotly debated “New 7 Wonders of Nature” roundup. So it just went ahead and cooked up its own list.

The 7 Natural Wonders of Spain were announced in early June 2014 after a round of votes on the campaign’s official website.

More than 82,000 votes were cast to select the top seven out of 20 destinations in Spain. It’s unclear an ancient gold mine counts as a “natural wonders” but the seven finalists make a stunningly scenic alternative itinerary to standard travel lists of heritage sites.

Related article Underwater Atlantic Museum opens off Spain's Lanzarote island

“Probably one of the least-known destinations for international tourists is Gaztelugatxe,” campaign representative Sonia Rodriguez told CNN.

“In the case of Spanish tourists, the least known destinations are Las Medulas or the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park.”

The list of natural wonders

1. Gaztelugatxe, a small rocky island.

2. Somiedo Natural Park, a mountain wildlife haven.

3. Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, a volcanic landscape in southern Andalusia.

4. Las Medulas, an ancient gold mine.

5. Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park, a landscape of lakes.

6. Fuente De, a gorge in the Picos de Europa mountains.

7. As Catedrais beach, a stunning spot on Spain’s northern coast.