Ordesa National Park, Spain

Another excellent national park in Europe is the Ordesa National Park. It is located in the Pyrenees, in the Aragón area of northern Spain. Since 1997, the national park and the mountain massif Monte Perdido have been designated as UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites, and the ecosystems that coexist in the Pyrenees' oldest national park could not be more diverse: barren rock formations, deep ravines, green valleys, dense forests, and colorful flora and fauna. The 3,355-metre-high Monte Perdido is the highlight, with a demanding but rewarding ascent.

Aficionados of high mountains will enjoy a unique national park in Spain to the north of Huesca, in the Aragonese Pyrenees: Ordesa and Monte Perdido. It unfolds like a scenario from a movie, with four valleys (Aisclo, Escueta, Ordesa, and Picuan) and one summit, Monte Perdido, where diverse ecosystems coexist. A natural wonderland with meadows, massive woods, amazing canyons, glaciers, eternal snow, and a unique karstic terrain built over thousands of years.

There are many hosts in northern Spain that would appreciate your assistance. Volunteer at a quaint Tarragona hostel, as a vegan cook in Manresa, on an organic farm in Artieda, or as an English instructor for children in Navarra. You may easily take a day trip to Ordesa on your day off.

Location: Pyrenees of Huesca, Spain