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Las Bardenas Reales Natural Park: The Photographer's Landscape!
Published by Susan Furber, Writer
Country: Spain 
The Experience
Our environment is extremely precious, and whether you are a global warming advocate or a cynic, there seems to be no doubt that our planet is undergoing many changes. The intriguing Las Bardenas Reales, in Navarra Spain, is one of Spain’s natural parks protected for its biology, geology or landscape, which also has an ecological, aesthetic, educational or scientific value.
As a “landscape photographer in training” I like to take the opportunity to explore new landscapes whenever it arises, and had never previously heard of a “natural park.”
Enter: Las Bardenas Reales Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve. It ticks all the boxes for any photographer—environmental, tourist, or adventurer, and covers 42,500 hectares of fascinating semi-desert vegetation, with rocky formations of an eerie lunar quality, regarded as unique within Europe. The area known as Bardena Blanca (white) comprises the whitest landscapes, made of gypsum substratum and steppe vegetation. Aleppo pine forests and clay soil, on the other hand, form the area known as Bardena Negra (black).
That special burst of light is what we photographers are always seeking, and so to venture into Bardenas Reales at first light, which illuminates the mountains and the small golden huts, it provides you with unparalleled viewing of mother nature's best work. To fully explore Las Bardenas Reales Natural Park you need to do a full circle through all terrains, and there are well sign-posted exploration roads with good quality tracks on which to investigate.
Some of the best views over Bardenas Reales Natural Park are from Alto de Aguilares and the Balcón de Pilatos, which can only be reached on foot or by bicycle. As we scouted locations and set-up our shoots, we would see the occasional driver or even mountain biker in the park. In the midst of August, the hot summer sun reached over 40°C, meaning many stayed back at the hotel pool. But in the cooler months, Bardenas Reales Biosphere has some great tracks and paths for hikers, horse riders, and bike riders.
It was very interesting to witness that the Bardenas Reales Park also bordered on a military zone. Since 1951, the Spanish air force has maintained a base in the park, so that literally stepping over a rock could put you under the watchful eye of the military. Their presence was subtle, but clear. Even written in Spanish, the signs marked out territory which was out of bounds—oh so tempting for an intrepid photographer, especially if that is where the best shot in the park might be!
As a “landscape photographer in training” I like to take the opportunity to explore new landscapes whenever it arises, and had never previously heard of a “natural park.”
Enter: Las Bardenas Reales Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve. It ticks all the boxes for any photographer—environmental, tourist, or adventurer, and covers 42,500 hectares of fascinating semi-desert vegetation, with rocky formations of an eerie lunar quality, regarded as unique within Europe. The area known as Bardena Blanca (white) comprises the whitest landscapes, made of gypsum substratum and steppe vegetation. Aleppo pine forests and clay soil, on the other hand, form the area known as Bardena Negra (black).
That special burst of light is what we photographers are always seeking, and so to venture into Bardenas Reales at first light, which illuminates the mountains and the small golden huts, it provides you with unparalleled viewing of mother nature's best work. To fully explore Las Bardenas Reales Natural Park you need to do a full circle through all terrains, and there are well sign-posted exploration roads with good quality tracks on which to investigate.
Some of the best views over Bardenas Reales Natural Park are from Alto de Aguilares and the Balcón de Pilatos, which can only be reached on foot or by bicycle. As we scouted locations and set-up our shoots, we would see the occasional driver or even mountain biker in the park. In the midst of August, the hot summer sun reached over 40°C, meaning many stayed back at the hotel pool. But in the cooler months, Bardenas Reales Biosphere has some great tracks and paths for hikers, horse riders, and bike riders.
It was very interesting to witness that the Bardenas Reales Park also bordered on a military zone. Since 1951, the Spanish air force has maintained a base in the park, so that literally stepping over a rock could put you under the watchful eye of the military. Their presence was subtle, but clear. Even written in Spanish, the signs marked out territory which was out of bounds—oh so tempting for an intrepid photographer, especially if that is where the best shot in the park might be!
When to Go to Bardenas Reales
During the summer months of June–August, temperatures in Bardenas Reales, Navarra can reach 40°C during the day. It is still a great time to experience Las Bardenas, but the best times on these very hot days are first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon/early evening. To avoid the high summer temperatures, visiting in June or September is also a good bet.
Odds n' Ends
Las Bardenas Reales Natural Park contains some 24 species of birds of prey (peregrine falcon, booted eagle, griffon vulture… to name a few). This is in addition to steppe birds such as the great bustard and the lark. The nature park is also home to 28 species of mammals, eight of which correspond to micro-mammals such as the pygmy white-toothed shrew and the Algerian mouse. In both the natural and the artificial water pools of the area, trout, barbel and tench can be found; while in the shore you will see newts and frogs sharing the space with numerous reptiles. The ocellated lizard, the ladder snake, and the striped neck terrapin are just a few of them.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Hotel Aire de Bardenas
- Single-story design surrounded by nature, forming part of the landscape. The 22 rooms available include four deluxe suites, piercing alongside the Bardenas Reales National Park and Biosphere Reserve. The restaurant has a fabulous menu which includes locally produced specialities.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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Contemporary architecture and interior design is in unity with the natural beauty and austerity of the surrounding landscape at this establishment situated in the expansive ... 9 miles away
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More Experiences Nearby
- Run with the Bulls at the San Fermin Festival
- For two weeks of each year, in the middle of July, one can find themselves amid the most popular festival in Pamplona, San Fermin: “Encierro” (or as it is called in English: “The Running of the Bulls”). Pamplona, Spain has become internationally known for its annual Running of the Bulls festival that draws crowds of hundreds of thousands of people to watch an event that perhaps may not even last longer than ten minutes. Originally, festivities were solely in honour of the Patron Saint of Navarra: San Fermin. Every year on the 7th of July, the early morning sun greets ...44 miles away.
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