Añisclo gorge, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Huesca, Spain

© Marisa Estivill/Shutterstoc

All the way to the top. Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

Immerse yourself in the majesty of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Spain's oldest protected natural sanctuary. The park houses the Añisclo canyon, a result of the relentless work of the river Bellos carving through the limestone, creating a marvel that dates back millions of years. The park was established in 1918, with the primary aim of preserving the high mountain landscape of the surrounding region. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the area predominantly has rugged terrain, limestone formations and a plethora of karst features including sinkholes and caves. The park's name, Monte Perdido, meaning 'Lost Mountain', reflects the grandeur of its second-highest peak, often covered in mist. Here, golden eagles soar overhead, and the rare call of the bearded vulture echoes against the stone. Lose yourself in the raw beauty of Ordesa, where each path tells a tale of time's relentless march.