While popularly known for big red wines and tasty tapas, hiking in Spain is a must if you love the outdoors; Spain’s unique landscapes make it a hiker’s paradise. From glimmering Mediterranean beaches to the dramatic Pyrenees mountains, there are hundreds of trails waiting to be explored.
This list of top-rated hikes cover the highlights of Spain’s nature trails that can’t be missed!
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Camino de Santiago
Known as the Way of St. James, this is a historic pilgrimage route that treks all the way to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.
The most popular route is the Camino Francés, which spans over 780 kilometers (close to 500 miles!) from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port in France to Santiago. Don’t worry if 780 kilometers seems daunting – there are hundreds of segments and sections that can be hiked in a day!
Pro tip! The Camino can be very crowded in the height of summer, so visiting in late spring or early fall can give you clearer trails while still enjoying prime weather.
Caminito del Rey
Translating to the Little King’s Path, this walkway is arguably the crown jewel of hiking in Spain. Located in the province of Málaga, the caminito winds along the walls of a narrow gorge, El Chorro.
After undergoing extreme renovation in 2015, this once perilous path now includes handrails, bridges, and stairs for safe passage. This is a moderate hike, taking approximately four hours to enjoy the surroundings and complete the 7.7 kilometer trek.
The Guidester Difference: There’s so much to see in do in this area, and it’s easy to miss out! If you are interested in ruins, your personal travel guide by Guidester would make sure you knew about the Ruins of Acinipo nearby. This ancient town was founded by retired soldiers from the Roman legions more than 2,000 years ago, and much of it is still standing today.
Las Cañadas del Teide National Park
Nestled on Mount Teide, the national park is located on the highest mountain of Spain on the island of Tenerife. Due to being a volcano (the highest in the Atlantic Ocean Islands!), Teide National Park is a colorful landscape of rocks, craters, and lavaflows.
Multiple trails and paths wind around the base of the crater, but ambitious hikers can trek with a guide to the very top of the mountain.
Camino de Ronda (GR92)
This is a lesser known camino, but with the ease of access and beautiful natural features, this hike has plenty to offer. Spanning hundreds of kilometers, you can either walk between coastal towns or take on a 10 day trek to cover the entire path.
Pro tip! The Camino de Ronda winds through many coastal towns along the Costa Brava, making it easy to access. Between sections, enjoy a stay in a seaside hotel and relax on the beach.
The Mulhacén, Sierra Nevada
Hiking in Spain can also be challenging if you wish. At 3,482 meters, The Mulhacén is the tallest peak in Western Europe outside the Alps. This mountain can be climbed year round, with winter ascents available on skis or snowshoes with a guide. Unlike many of the caminos on this list, the entire hike can be completed in a day.
Picos de Europa
As the first national park in Spain, this is a historic hiking spot. With multiple trails of varying difficulty, this is a great park for families and groups of varying ability.
One great trail within the park is Bajo los Picos, located above Mogrovejo village. After an uphill start through a forest, the trees open up and revealing towering mountains and panoramic views.
What other awesome hikes are around here?
Where exactly are the trailheads?
Your Guidester travel guide will show you where all the best hikes are – plus descriptions, hours and other important information, and easily access directions to the trailheads.
Sant Joan Funicular (upper station) to Montserrat (via Sant Jeroni and Flat of Els Ocells)
Montserrat features many hikes and walks of historic value, but none compare to the natural beauty on the hike from Sant Joan Funicular. This hike takes you to the highest point of Montserrat Mountain, with stellar views of both the mountains and the historic monastery.
Pico Sobarcal Trail
Throughout the journey, the peaks of the French Pyrenees can be seen rising up in the distance. On this hike you’ll also see the spectacular Anguja Sur de Ansabere, a rocky peak that towers above the trail.
This is a moderate climb and will take 6 to 7 hours to complete.
Peñalara
Peñalara is the main peak of Sierra de Madrid and an easy day hike if you are staying in the city. The Parque Natural de Peñalara is popular year round, from snowshoeing in the winter to mild hikes in the summer. The trails are easy to moderate hikes, taking between 3 to 4 hours to complete.
Vías Verdes
Vías Verdes, translating to green ways, are a set of approximately 77 trails running over 7,000 kilometers from north to south throughout all of Spain. You can explore Vias Verdes by either hiking or cycling along old railway lines, where you will find historic railway stations that are now converted into hotels, restaurants, museums, and information offices.
With so much to see and do in every corner of Spain, you will spend dozens of hours on research and still not guarantee you won’t miss out – so why not let travel professionals living and traveling in Spain build you a personal mobile travel guide. You will save tons of time while ensuring you get the most from your trip to Spain!
Besides the scenery, one of the best parts of hiking in Spain is that you can celebrate your adventure with delicious tapas and a glass of tempranillo!
Beatrix Potter is a travel writer for Write My Essay and Academized websites. She writes extensively about traveling and regularly blogs at Boomessays.com portal.
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