Spain in-depth: Adventure
Hiking in Spain: The top 14 amazing routes you can enjoy
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Hiking in Spain
Hiking may not be the first thing that comes to mind about Spain. But 3 simple facts may change this preconception: 1) Spain´s boasts a large netowork of national parks, 2) The country geography is full of mountains, ravines, and spectacular landscapes and 3) the climate of the Iberian Peninsula ads to the beauties of nature, and makes hiking possible in Spain to enjoy at all times.
Hiking on on beautiful routes though the Spanish territory is actually one of the best things to do in Spain!. Months like April, May, September or October can be perfect to enjoy a bit of adventure in Spain.
An average hiking route can go from 20 to 25km, and will take you about 7 to 8 hours depending on your rhythm and on the level of the group, which can lead to stay in a an accommodation in a rural area that will complement your nature adventure. Many hikes like El Caminito del Rey or San Juan de Geztelugatxe have become very popular, but there are many more interesting and enjoyable hikes in Spain
If you are trying to decide where to spend a couple days hiking and trekking, there is no place better than Spain. Spain offers a wide variety of terrains you can choose from mountain ranges, to routs along the coast to historic pathways used for millennia, all well marked and well kept. Picos de Europa National Park, the Camino de Santiago, Las Vías Verdes, etc. there is plenty to choose from in Spain.
Spains top hiking routs
Peñalara
Peñalara is one of the best if not he best place for hiking near the nations capital (Madrid). Peñalara is located in the Sierra de Guadarrama, about an hour outside the city. The rout takes about 3 hours round trip and will take you through the amazing Peñalara nature park. Peñalara is one of the tallest mountains of the Guadarrama mountain range and an area of great biodiversity.
Ruta del Cares (Picos de Europa )
The Picos de Europa national park is located in Asturias, about 6 hours north of Madrid (by car). Ruta del Cares, one of the mountain ranges most popular routs runs for about 12 km from Poncebos in Asturias to Caín in León. ‘The Divine Gorge’ as it is known, is carved out of the side of the mountain and traverses bridges and rivers.
Cumbre Vieja (La Palma)
The Canary Islands archipelago, south of continental Spain, off the coast of Morocco. The island chain is of volcanic origin and the Cumbre Vieja rout spans across the island, from north to south. The rout is approximately 150 kilometers long and takes around a fortnight to complete. The full hike can be divided into two shorter treks the Ruta de la Cresteria, which goes around the rim of the Caldeira de Taburiente a dormant volcano, and the Volcano rout located in the south of the island which will take you zigzagging around ancient volcanic craters and though otherworldly landscape
Easily the most famous hiking route, also known as The Way of St. James. To be precise this hiking route consists of several ancient pilgrimage routes, all heading towards the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. One of the oldest and most popular routes starts in the city of Oviedo in the province of Asturias, known as the Camino Primitivo Route. Perhaps the most popular route starts in France, the Camino Frances, and makes its way across the northern coast of Spain.
We have covered the Camino de Santiago extensively, so if you want to get a more in-depth look at this incredible hike check out the articles bellow.
El Caminito del Rey is one of the most popular routs you can take in southern Spain now adays, but was once considered one of the most dangerous hikes you could undertake. The rout use to have sections of the pathway missing which wouldn’t be a big deal if we were talking about a smooth, tranquil jaunt though the Andalusian countryside, but El Caminito del Rey will take you through sheer cliff with dramatic drops. So safe pathways are a must.
The route was closed for many years because of these safety issues. Now, thanks to the extensive renovations that have taken place over the years El Caminito del Rey has become one of the most popular treks you can experience in Andalusia. The pathway is now repaired, as are the bridges and stairways and handrails have been added for those who need them. El Caminito del Rey is about 8 km long and will take you about 4 hours to complete. You can read more about this fantastic attraction at our Caminito del Rey full guide.
Located in Huesca in northern Aragon, close to the border with France. The rout will take you up the side of a mountain to the summit, Pico Sobarcal at 2,259 meters. It is a difficult trek, not for the faint of heart, but the amazing views, the pristine natural environment and sense of accomplishment make this one of Spain’s most amazing hikes. It will take about 7 hours because of the terrain and only advanced hikers should really attempt the climb.
Las Vías Verdes spans over 7,000 kilometres across the Iberian peninsula but it isn’t just 1 particular rout, Las Vías Verdes is a web of different trails and cycling routs that occupy what was once the old railway system of Spain. There is a total of 77 different routes scattered throughout the country. Along the way you will find museums, hotels restaurants, etc. that also have repurposed the old railway infrastructure
The GR92 runs parallel to the western coast of Spain, through Catalonia. The rout starts at Portbou, on the border with France and goes all the way to Uldecona. The rout has 20 different stages and runs for 200 km. The 20 stages allow hikers to easily choose the perfect experience and duration for them. The rout goes through the Natural Park of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà and through sections between the beautiful village of Begur and Palafrugell which might offer some of the best views and scenery.
Another one of Spai´s tallest mountains. The Mulhacén is the tallest mountain of the peninsula, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Granada (southern Spain). You can choose from several different paths to summit the mountain, depending on the degree of difficulty you want to face, but whichever you choose, the best time to attempt the climb is in summer. The most difficult rout is the northern face which only should be attempted by experienced mountaineers, and the southern face is the easiest (and most popular).
You will have to make your way down to the Island of Tenerife for this one, but if you do it will it will be completely worth your while. Las Cañadas will take you through alien volcanic landscapes, around the towering Mount Teide in the center of the Island. The Teide is the highest peak in Spain standing 3,718 meters tall and can be hiked as well. If you reach the top you will be rewarded with some of the most amazing views of the Island and you will get to see the 80 m wide volcanic crater at the center. A once in a life time experience. But there are more options to enjoy great walks in Tenerife. We include below our favorite ones!
El Barranco del infierno in Adeje
What is the Barrando del Inferno? The Barranco del Infierno is with no hesitation one of the most popular hikes in Tenerife. Its appealing name contributed to this, but the main reason lies in its proximity to the most important tourist resorts in the island. Well, the main reason really lies in the beauty of the ravine itself. Since it is not a complex walk it appeals to both hikers and less experienced walkers. This created some problems some years ago and the local authorities had introduced some limitations to avoid crowds, queues and other problems related to crowds Table of Contents How long is the Barrando del Infierno? The Barranco is seven kilometers. You should estimate a three hour hiking time. It
Trekking in Gran Canaria
A guide of the best trekking locations on the island of gran canaria. Gran canaria enjoys amazing natural beauty and trekking is a great way to enjoy it
Anaga natural park in Tenerife
The Parque de Anaga is located in the northeast of the island, at 30 minutes drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife (at 30 minutes drive). This park offers ravines, a lauresilva (laurel) forest that could have been taken from a fairy tale, beautiful rock formations, and beaches that are hardly visited. The park was declared a biosphere reserve and it covers around 14,500 hectares (some 8% of the total surface area of Tenerife island). The mountain range is so close to the sea that visitors can enjoy a good number of places with breathtaking views. This park is one of the oldest areas of Tenerife. Volcanic sediments shape ravines and cliffs of great beauty. Table of Contents Other natural areas and hikes in
Masca, Tenerife´s most popular walk
The village of Masca used to be a farming village but it became so popular that nearly everybody in Masca is dedicated to tourism. Only 100 people live here and many of the traditional-styled houses have been transformed into restaurants. Many day excursions stop at Masca to illustrate what a traditional village looked like in the Canary islands. Despite part of its charm has been lost, Masca is still a beautiful village, the setting and landscapes are fantastic and the road to get there offers a small adventure with dramatic views of the hills and ravines. Besides good restaurants to enjoy your lunch, Masca offers a very pleasant plaza, a small church, some pretty stone houses that cling to the hillside, and a
Teno natural park in Tenerife
The Natural Park of Teno is for many people the most beautiful area in Tenerife. Over 8,000 hectares of nature with just a few hamlets scattered here and there, it offers the perfect escape from mass touristic resorts. As in the case of the Agana park in the northeast side of Tenerife, Teno provides fantastic hiking opportunities and enjoying a bit of “real” island life Table of Contents Teno park – what to expect Hiking is the reason why visitors arrive to Teno everyday. This area is a bit isolated and cars are not allowed in certain parts of it, which increases its protection and charm. Ravines, barrancos and laurel forest are found in Teno, and for those seeking solitude, you will for
