This spectacular national park in northern Spain has been crowned best in Europe
Europe alone offers over 460 parks to explore, so Iglu Cruise studied TripAdvisor data to rank the best of the best of the continent. The top contender? P arque Nacional Ordesa y Monte Perdido in Spain.
This Pyrenees park stretches its jagged mountain peaks, elevated cerulean lakes and mouth-dropping waterfalls across 156 kilometres along the northeastern border between Spain and France. If you're a nature junkie, Ordesa is your enabler, offering activities like hiking, whitewater rafting, camping, canyoning, rock climbing and then some.
Experienced climbers flock to Monte Perdido, or 'the lost mountain', the Pyrenees' third-highest summit, for adrenaline-pumped climbing, while the Escupidera, Perdido's final section, is a cold, icy challenge even in summer.
Less experienced nature dwellers will still be in awe down on the Ordesa Valley Floor, where a 16k route winds through fields of flowery meadows, silver-fir forests and waterfalls-a-plenty. Maybe you'll stumble upon some of the wildlife or herds of curious cows grazing, accompanied by their shepherd, steering them away from dangerous edges.
Taking second place is Slovenia's Triglav National Park, where the highest peak of the Julian Alps, Mount Trivalgo, stands at just under 2900 metres. Take the challenge of this intermediate trek, or, if you're looking for a journey on wheels, cycle on the Radovna Cycle Route in the Radovna Valley on the park's western border, suited for all levels.
Wales' Snowdonia National Park (or Eryri) comes third, with 823 square miles of stunning Welsh wilderness. Climb the mighty Mount Snowdon, walk through its lakeside trails or simply camp out among Wales' countryside, taking in the fresh air and lush green hills.
Did all this nature talk tempt you to a nearby trail? Check out our roundup of the 20 best hikes in the world after reading the rest of the Iglu Cruise winners below.
The top 10 national parks in Europe
1. Parque Nacional Ordesa y Monte Perdido, Spain
2. Triglav National Park, Slovenia
3. Eryri/Snowdonia National Park, Wales
4. Maddalena Archipelago National Park, Italy
5. Killarney National Park, Ireland
6. Caldera de Taburiente National Park, Spain
7. Parc National Des Calanques, France
8. New Forest National Park,
9. Goreme National Park, Turkey
10. Parque Nacional de Garajonay, Spain
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North Wales Live
4 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Wales' best hotel opens new pub where you can stay overnight and have your food cooked by an expert chef'
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One dish pairs a delicate chicken liver parfait with plum gel, lemongrass and Japanese Umeboshi plums. There's a proper chicken pie made with baby vegetables, pomme purée infused with garlic and herbs, and a rich tarragon sauce that's hard to leave unfinished. Desserts include an elegant tiramisu in Opera cake form, complete with espresso ice cream and a Tia Maria gel. For something nostalgic, the Bryn Strawberry Trifle layers vanilla custard with sponge and sherry-soaked fruit and is beautifully plated. Sunday lunch here is already drawing a loyal following, and it's easy to see why. Plates arrive piled with crisp roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire puddings and seasonal vegetables. You can choose crispy pork belly served with apple, sage, and a pig in blanket or roast sirloin of Welsh beef with horseradish. For plant-based diners, there's also a nut roast pie that stands up to the meaty mains. The drinks list is worth lingering over. All of the beers, ciders and house spirits come from Welsh producers, handpicked with help from Stori, Bala's brilliant independent bottle shop and tap room. There's a thoughtful selection of low and no-alcohol options too. Overseeing the wine list is Palé Hall's Head Sommelier Garry Clark, who's balanced, reliable favourites with lesser-known pours, including some Welsh wines chosen to complement the food. Word is spreading fast, with early diners already singing its praises online. One TripAdvisor review wrote, "We were not expecting to find such amazing food in a little country pub ten minutes from our holiday cottage." Another posted, "Fantastic service, the tastes are sensational, and they welcome dogs as well as humans." Roasts are also a big hit, with one reviewer claiming, "His was the best Sunday lunch I've ever eaten." Staying the night? Upstairs, The Bryntirion has six rooms for overnight guests. Each is named after a Welsh mountain and features dramatic landscape photography of its namesake. The ambience is warm and simple, with wooden furniture, neutral tones, and thick, comfortable beds. Every room has a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making kit, and Penhaligon toiletries. Breakfast is served as a continental-style hamper delivered to your door, and there's a spacious family room available. Dogs are welcome, too, not just in the bedrooms but also in the bar and restaurant, making it a great choice for walkers, road trippers, and families travelling with their beloved pet. What's nearby Prominently positioned on the edge of Eryri National Park, the Bryntirion offers a relaxed base for walking, hiking, climbing, cycling, fishing, and water sports on Bala Lake. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Just four miles away lies Bala, a historic market town that brims with charm and opportunities for adventure. Bala Lake, or Llyn Tegid, is the largest natural lake in Wales and a stunning spot to visit, especially in winter. Crisp, frosty air and snow-dusted landscapes create a serene atmosphere, ideal for scenic walks or moments of quiet reflection by the water. For the more adventurous, cold-water swimming in the lake has become increasingly popular. It offers a bracing way to connect with the natural world and get your wellness boost for the weekend. The Bala Lake Railway is a must-visit for history lovers and train nerds (enthusiasts). This delightful narrow-gauge railway line runs along the southern shores of Llyn Tegid, offering an enchanting hour-long journey from Llanuwchllyn to Bala on a retro choo-choo. Blimming marvellous. Local enthusiasts lovingly restored the line after the original Ruabon-Barmouth railway closed in the 1960s. It uses vintage locomotives that once transported slate from the region's quarries, adding a touch of historical delight to your rail adventure. 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Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Escape to the Country host stunned by couple's unexpected move in 'show first'
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Metro
5 hours ago
- Metro
UK's 'most expensive' train cancelled for the second time this month
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Ticketholders were expected to be drawn from across Europe, as well as Asia and North America. A spokesperson told Metro that, after careful consideration, they had made the 'difficult decision' to postpone the inaugural journey, originally scheduled for July 21st, to a later date this summer. They revealed that during the routine pre-trip protocol checks over the weekend, they encountered unforeseen technical issues related to the door mechanism. Despite the 'dedicated efforts' of Belmond's engineering team, the issue could not be resolved in time. 'As a result, we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the trip. As always, guest welfare and reliability of our train operations remain paramount.' The spokesperson said affected guests were once again offered a full refund, along with a complimentary future journey aboard the Britannic Explorer in 2025 or 2026. Related expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation will also be covered by the company. 'Our team worked closely with each guest to arrange immediate alternative accommodation where needed,' they concluded. The Britannic Explorer has been designed with contemporary nostalgia in mind (Picture: Getty Images) So, as passengers wait for news about the next trip, here's everything we know about the luxury locomotive. How much does the Britannic Explorer cost? Travellers can choose between three and six-night journeys, both of which come at eyewatering cost. For example, a three-night trip from London to Wales, travelling through Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) to the Pembrokeshire coast, starts from £6,300 per passenger. This is based on a Twin Suite. A six-night journey through Welsh and Cornish landscapes starts from £12,600 per passenger, based on the same suite. And for the top-class Grand Suite, it's a staggering £61,200 for the full six nights. What can passengers expect on the sleeper train? The Grand Suites can cost over £60,000 (Picture: Getty Images) The train is a revamped version of the Grand Hibernian train, which originally operated by Belmond between 2016 and 2021 in Ireland. Guided by the prices, travellers can expect to live in the lap of luxury for the duration of their trip. According to the website, the train is 'lavish yet laid-back,' and offers the 'best of British contemporary design, innovative cuisine and wellness.' The train has two dining cars: Malva and Samphire, which are inspired by the English meadow. The menu has been curated by British Michelin star chef, Simon Rogan, and includes seasonal menus and locally-sourced ingredients. There's also a botanical-inspired bar in the Observation Car serving cocktails and craft beer. It's described on the website as the 'stylish social epicentre.' Of course, there's also an on-board spa, where passengers can enjoy a massage while passing through the English countryside. As for the accommodation, there are three 9.6m² Grand Suites available that come with a personal butler. Private arrival and departure transfers are also part of this package, alongside an en-suite bathroom with a marble basin and shower cubicle. Grand Suites start from £15,300 per person. Double and Twin Suites can be purchased, too. These start from £6,300 and £5,200, respectively. Though a private butler is out of the question here, passengers can marvel at signed art by English visual artist and designer Luke Edward Hall. Travellers will enjoy selected routes through Cornwall, Wales, the Costwolds and the Lake District (Picture: Belmond) What journeys are available on the Britannic Explorer? Have lots of cash to splash? The Britannic Explorer offers a series of journeys curated to 'experience the beauty and diversity of England and Wales.' These include the aforementioned three nights in Wales, three nights in the Lake District, and three nights in Cornwall. The longer six-night journeys travel through Wales and Cornwall, or the Lake District and Wales. Passengers won't be stuck indoors the whole time, either. Ticket prices also include off-train activities, all of which showcase the local culture of each region. From wild swims and yoga sessions in Cornwall to mastering the art of pint pulling in the Cotwolds, there are also galleries and rugged hikes on the agenda, too. When it eventually sets off, of course. Arrow MORE: Airline founded by UK millionaire 'parks' only plane — after two return flights Arrow MORE: London's Oyster card prices to nearly double – full list of affected cards Arrow MORE: 'First-of-its-kind' Eurostar-style train to directly connect UK with Berlin and two more cities
