Beyond the beaches and sunny climes, Spain is also a cauldron of lesser-known, diverse landscapes. From the Picos de Europa and the Pyrenees in the north to the Sierra Nevada in the south, which is home to Europe’s most southerly ski resort, and the Mount Teide volcano on the Canary Island of Tenerife, its mountains are spectacular. In fact, Spain is home to Cabo de Gata in Almeria, the only desert in Europe, which served as the setting for numerous spaghetti western films produced in Hollywood. Magical corners with views to places travellers must discover, Spain Tourism recommends some of the most beautiful benches and swings in the nation to soak up in unmatched beauty.

Riaño, Leon

Leon bench offers views to the Burín Peak

The board says that Riaño, a town in the north of Leon, has the largest swing in Spain and the largest bench in Leon. The bench can be found in Burón and offers views to the Burín Peak, surrounded by a picturesque landscape next to a picnic spot. Nearby is the Montaña de Riaño y Mampodre Regional Park, where, on the way to Hormas Forest, visitors can find an eight-metre swing of large oak beams, with chains that seem to hang suspended from the sky.

Cape Vidio, Asturias

By the beauty of the cliffs, beaches and caves, Cape Vidio has some unparalleled views

Around Cape Vidio, in Asturias, there is a network of benches designed as natural viewing points to one of the beautiful sceneries in the north of Spain, by the beauty of the cliffs, beaches and caves. The board says one of the benches with the most amazing views can be found at the Sablón natural viewing point, just 15 minutes away from Cudillero. From there, travellers can follow the Cliff Route and visit the Cape Video lighthouse.

Lanjarón, Granada

Travellers can gaze at the Presa de Rules swamp and the Caballo peak from Lanjarón

Along the “Fishermen Path”, in Lanjarón, is a swing that the Spain Tourism board says has some of the best views around Granada. The path was named after the fish sellers who used to walk this route from the coast to Lanrajón. This path features a natural viewing point with a unique swing where hikers can take selfies. From there, travellers can gaze at the Presa de Rules swamp and the Caballo peak, the highest point in Lanjarón.

Ortigueira, A Coruna

Loiba bench offers a very special view of the landscape

The landscape of steep cliffs found in this part of Galicia has inspired several films and series to be filmed on the Loiba coast in Galician Rías Altas. In fact, Os Picons de Loiba are giant cliffs shaped by the sea and the wind. Near the shore is the Pena Furada, an enormous rock while in the distance is the cape Ortegal, one of the most well-known capes in the area. The board says that to enjoy the landscape’s full splendour, the best place to do it from is the Loiba bench.

Cedeira (Pontevedra)

In addition to Cedeira, there are other fairy-tale benches in Pontevedra

At the natural viewing point of Campo da Rata, in Cedeira (Redondela), travellers can find one of the ‘best benches in the world’, as chosen by several publications. The board says it offers spectacular views of the Vigo estuary, the San Simón inlet and the amazing Rande Bridge.

In addition to Cedeira, there are other fairy-tale benches in Pontevedra, like Pazos de Forbén, Noalla and Reboreda. And there are also the swings, for example in Tui and Monteferro, with beautiful views.

Cuenca

In the gardens of the Palaeontology Museum of Castile-La Mancha, in Cuenca, is an amazing natural viewing point with views over the historical centre. The board adds that a metal bench sits in the middle of the natural viewing point. After an intense day of sightseeing in one of the most beautiful cities in inland Spain, resting on this bench becomes the best option.

Oropesa del Mar, Castellón

Oropesa del Mar was the first sea swing in Spain

Oropesa del Mar, in Castellón, has a bamboo swing in the sea just a few metres away from the shore in the Mediterranean Sea. During the high season, visitors flock to this attraction to capture the sunrise or sunset. The swing is located in a cove near the La Concha beach, a meeting point made of fine sand and the palm trees along the promenade. The swing is easy to find since it was the first sea swing in Spain and has become extremely famous in the area.