11 Best Zoos And Aquariums In Spain

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Spain is a beautiful country in which to both live and vacation.

From the culture of museums and ancient architecture to the gorgeous white sand beaches.

Let’s not forget the natural beauty of the Canary and Balearic islands, right off the mainland.

Spain borders the equally fascinating countries of Gibraltar and France.

So there are plenty of exciting excursions to be had. 

If you’re an animal lover, you’re in luck as well.

Spain has some of the best zoo and aquarium attractions in the world.

Fun for all ages is guaranteed at these endearing locations in Spain.

Zoos And Aquariums In Spain

1. Loro Parque (Tenerife, Spain)

This peaceful 33-acre park was opened in 1972 and was originally meant to be a parrot (loro) sanctuary.

Over the years, it has expanded to include other animals.

However, Loro park is the largest parrot sanctuary in the world with over 4,000 parrots from 350 species.

The zoo also has the largest dolphin pool in Europe and the largest collection of penguins.

In addition to the parrots, there are:

• chimps
• gorillas
• red pandas
• white tigers
• hippos 
• orca whales 
• sharks

Several times throughout the day, visitors can choose to watch one of many shows revolving around dolphins, sea lions, parrots, and orcas.

If you need a break from the animals, the park has restaurants to grab a bite and rest.

There is also a playground for the kids and a Gambian market.

Plan to spend about 4 hours at Loro Parque if you plan on experiencing everything.

2. Bioparc Valencia (Valencia, Spain)

This 25-acre zoo is located in Valencia‘s Turia riverbed.

The amazingly unique concept of this animal park is definitely worth checking out.

Visitors are immersed in the animal’s world.

They are not kept in cages or separated by railings and wire.

Instead, they keep their distance from humans with the help of rivers, rocks, streams, and other natural formations.

The park does an excellent job of simulating the natural environments of the animals as well.

The only exception is, unlike nature, predatory animals are kept separate from others so they can peacefully co-exist.

Some of the animals you’re sure to see include:

• elephants 
• rock python 
• ostrich
•  crocodiles 
• giraffe 
• lemur 
• flamingos 

If you plan on seeing all the animals, a stroll plus lunch will take you 4-5 hours.

The park does have restaurants and a playground for the kids.

3. Palmitos Park (Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain)

Part of the world-famous Canary Islands, Palmito is one of the most visually striking zoos in Spain.

With its green-covered mountains surrounding you, the waterfalls throughout, and beautiful native flora all around, the view is stunning.

You’ll feel like you are in paradise.

Within its 49 acres are 42 species of palm trees, 160 species of cacti, and 230 species of birds.

Major exhibits include:

• dolphins 
• reptiles
• meerkats
• aquarium

The park also boasts Europe’s largest butterfly house.

A dolphinarium will allow you to swim, pet, and take photos with the dolphins.

There is also a large pond with water birds.

If you get hungry, you can grab a bite at the snack bar or cafe.

Take a rest near the beautiful fountain before hitting the gift shop.

This park will take about 3-4 hours to complete.

4. Monkey Park (Tenerife, Spain)

Monkey park is located near the resort of Los Christianio on the island of Tenerife.

This small park is great if you want to get off the beach for a couple of hours.

 The entire concept of the zoo is utterly heartwarming.

Though they have other animals, their main focus is as a monkey sanctuary.

They also act as breeding facilities for endangered primates.

One of the highlights is the contact area, where visitors can hang out with and feed the smaller animals.

The park provides food.

Throughout the rest of the park, you can visit with some toucans, pigs, iguanas, and crocodiles.

There are no snack bars or restaurants, but you are welcome to bring your own.

5. Palma Aquarium (Palma, Balearic, Spain)

Indoor and outdoor aquatic treasures await you at this one-of-a-kind aquarium.

Located on the fabulous island of Balearic, Palma is home to over 8,000 animals of 700 species.

 You’ll enjoy everything from starfish and stingrays to dolphins and octopuses.

In addition, Palma has the largest collection of live coral and the deepest shark tank in all of Europe.

Exhibits include:

• tropical seas
• Mediterranean 
• whales
• jellyfish

In all, there are 55 tanks with species from the Mediterranean, Indian, and Pacific oceans.

It’s also located only 1600 feet from the beach, for even more fun.

There’s also a gift shop and playground.

Bring your lunch and make a day of it.

6. Oasis Park ( Las Palmas, Spain)

Opened in 1985, this zoo puts its emphasis on hands-on encounters and education.

At Oasis, you will be able to walk alongside camels or ride them.

Then, go get in the pool with sea lions. Learn about their training and the dangers they face while brushing them.

Next, enter a simulated forest of Madagascar and hang with a lemur family, while learning how to save these critically endangered species.

If you choose, visit the botanical area, with 750 species of plants and flowers.

Don’t forget to stop by to say hi to the elephants and giraffes and give them a pet (behind a barrier).

The zookeepers are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

If you get hungry, stop by one of the zoo’s 3 restaurants.

They all serve seasonal, sustainable, environmentally responsible meals.

If you plan on doing all the things, it will take you about 5-6 hours.

7. Santillana Zoo (Cantabria, Spain)

Good things come in small packages at Santillana.

At only 14 acres, it’s still considered one of the best zoos in Spain, according to the World Wildlife Federation.

The zoo has 37 programs in place to breed endangered wildlife in captivity.

You can view many of them and learn about their struggle to survive.

You can also take part in the daily feeding program.

Learn from experts about animal feeding habits and feed a few select ones yourself.

Take a stroll through the tropical gardens and aquarium.

Stop for lunch at the zoo cafe, or bring your own.

Then move on to see some of their 2000 animals from 5 continents.

Including:

• white tigers
• orangutangs
• butterfly house
• flamingos

The zoo takes about 2 hours to walk through. 

8. Zoo Aquarium de Madrid (Madrid, Spain)

Located in the heart of Madrid, this 49-acre complex, opened in 1770, is the oldest zoo in Spain.

It’s also one of the few zoos in the world that houses Giant Pandas.

Over the years, the zoo has grown to include an aquarium, aviary, and dolphinarium.

The zoo compound is home to over 1,300 animals including:

• red pandas
• rhinos
• elephants
• zebras
• giraffes
• gorillas

Each exhibit installation is done by continent.

The zoo participates in over 60 conservation and educational projects.

They run regular workshops for adults and camps for children.

Each area of the zoo includes short educational activities for everyone to complete if they choose.

There are lockers, a medical facility, and a picnic area.

If you care to buy food during your visits, there are 4 eateries ranging from cafeteria style to upscale dining.

An electric train runs through the complex for people who need or prefer an alternate way to view the park.

For souvenirs, there are gift shops and children can even have their birthday parties at the complex.

There’s a lot to see, so you should plan to make a day of it.

9. The Barcelona Aquarium (Barcelona, Spain)

Open 365 days a year, this is not your average aquarium.

At the Barcelona aquarium, you will have the opportunity to have the full shark experience.

The brave adventure seekers can strap on some scuba gear, (instruction is given and trained divers are with you at all times) and be immersed inside a cage into the depths with the sharks.

If that doesn’t seem fun, you can always watch through the glass.

With over 11,000 animals and 450 species, it’s easy to see them all as you walk through the 260-foot underwater tunnel.

There are fun family activities, games, and workshops.

A “behind the scenes” area lets visitors see what goes into caring for the animals and facilities.

If you’re hungry, there is a restaurant and cafe that overlook the lovely sea and port of Madrid. 

10. Oceanografic Valencia (Valencia, Spain)

Situated in the heart of historic Valencia, Oceanografic is an impressive architectural complex that houses several arts and science facilities.

One of the most outstanding among them is the aquarium.

If you’re touring the amazing town of Valencia, be sure to add this to your list.

The marine life center boasts one of the largest underwater tunnels in Europe and the only captive Beluga whales on the continent.

Ecosystems are masterfully reproduced to ensure the health and happiness of animals, as well as the enjoyment of visitors.

Aside from entertainment, the aquarium is committed to ocean conservation and education.

Installations are separated by:

• Antarctic (penguins)
• Arctic (Beluga whales)
• dolphinarium (largest in Europe)
• wetlands aviary
• temperate and tropical fish
• islands (reproduce the habitat of sea lions, seals, and walruses)
• jellyfish (the largest collection in Europe)
• oceanic (recreates the deepest corners of the ocean with unique and elusive animals)
• lake (with aquatic birds and freshwater fish)

No food is allowed in the facility, but visitors are welcome to experience the delicious and fun Submarine restaurant.

The dining room is surrounded by a huge tank where marine life can be enjoyed while dining.

11. Faunia (Madrid, Spain)

If you are looking for a unique experience while in Madrid, Faunia is a must.

They have a large collection of exotic animals like Sea bears, manatees, and King penguins.

The aquarium is also very involved in educating visitors.

During a visit, conservation and sustainability are the subjects of many discussions.

There is a lovely botanical garden on site as well.

There are restaurants and gift shops too.

It takes about 2 hours to see all the exhibits.

11 Best Zoos And Aquariums In Spain – Summary Table

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