The most significant part of this journey through the Basque Country is from Loiola to Zumarraga, a four-hour hike from St. Ignacio's house . #SpainQuiz, Routes along the Catalan coast and Pyrenees. You know about all of the details and the important safety tips, now you need to get to grips with the hikes themselves. Youll find all trails suitable for all levels of hikers here, so its a great place to explore if youre visiting the island, no matter your skill level! Along the journey from Vivar del Cid, a small village near Burgos, to Valencia, via four different regions, you will discover a truly authentic landscape, representing Spain at its most rural, passing through a sparsely populated terrain of enormous cultural and historical significance. Choose from our list of the best hikes in Spain below. Make a note. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Interest on hiking has increased considerably in Spain. The terrain may be rocky or technical, requiring proper footwear, and water sources along the trails tend to be scarce so a water bottle or two is vital. Bus lines 101 and 400 service the park, and its easily accessible from Girona. Today it takes more like a week and is typically segmented with eight stopping points, but just because its well known, doesnt mean its not easy. This route starts out in Cantabria and ends at the mouth of the Ebro in Tarragona, where youll have the chance to enjoy one of the most significant natural areas along the entire route: the Ebro Delta. The route covers nine provinces, namely: Asturias, Len, Zamora, vila, Salamanca, Cceres, Badajoz, Sevilla and Cdiz. The highest elevation on the trail is 500m. Hiker admiring the views on a route through the Pyrenees, Left: Detail of the Asclepius statue in the ancient Greek ruins of Empries in Girona, Catalonia / Centre: View of the Hermitage of San Pantalen de Losa in Burgos, Castile and Len / Right: Cape Finisterre in A Corua, Galicia, Left: Cape Higuer Lighthouse in Hondarribia (Guipzcoa), Basque Country / Centre: Detail of the village of Ansa in Huesca, Aragn / Right: Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes in Girona, Catalonia, Left: Source of the Ebro river in Fontibre in the village of Hermandad de Campoo de Suso, Cantabria / Centro: View of the Basilica of Nuestra Seora del Pilar in Zaragoza (Aragn) / Right: Fangar lighthouse on the Ebro Delta in Tarragona, Catalonia, Left: Roman theatre in Mrida, Extremadura / Centre View of Len Cathedral, Castile and Len / Right: View of the beach, in Gijn, Asturias, Left: View of El Cid castle in Jadraque (Guadalajara), Castile-La Mancha / Centre: Details of Molina de Aragn City Walls in Guadalajara, Castile-La Mancha / Right: Village of Bocairent in Valencia, Region of Valencia. The Covadonga Lakes Trail is a beautiful Spanish hike that takes you around two gleaming lakes in Asturias. There are 8 main Camino routes in Spain: The Camino Frances, The Camino Portugues, Camino del Norte, The English Way, Camino Finisterre, Camino de Madrid, Camino Primitivo, and the Via de la Plata. There are 16 National Trails. GR-1 , it begins at the ruins of Empries in Girona and ends at the Atlantic, in Finisterre (La Corua), going parallel to the GR-11 for 600 km and then merging with the Camino to Santiago, to travel the Iberian Peninsula along the north and going through the main cities during the Middle Ages in the crowns of Aragn, Castilla-Len and Navarra. Spanish islands are also great. The average walking speed of an adult is 5 km/3 mi per hour. However, as you approach the summit, it gets much more challenging, so be sure that youre adequately prepared! This trek is a network of ancient pilgrim routes that span over 500 miles throughout Spain. More information. Its a 54-kilometer journey, and most people take the train. Given its high-altitude sections, which make up some 315 kilometres of its total length, this route is not suitable for everyone. If you are departing from the beginning of the trail on the Spanish side, youll have to get yourself to Berga. We do not represent World Nomads. Many long-distance paths can be linked to create a splendid walk. Spain is the most amazing place for hiking and, by now, youre probably super excited to get out there. Outside peak season, you can drive straight to the carpark by Lake Ercina itself. Bus number 348 runs from Puerto de la Cruz to the park, as does bus 342 from Playa de las Americas. From the village, you can take a shuttle bus which will drop you off at the northern entrance of the trail. The best way to get to Picos de Europa is by driving, as the surrounding scenery is absolutely astounding. Haute Randonne Pyrnenne (HRP), 800 km (500 mi) along the length of the Pyrenees in France, Spain and Andorra Nordkalottleden Trail ( Kalottireitti ), 800 km (500 mi) in the northernmost parts of Finland, Sweden, and Norway ( Lapland) (11 miles hiking, 5 hours), Hike into the northwestern region of Galicia, known for its Celtic history and rolling hills. Spilling over the Pyrenees from France into Spain, the network of trails that make up the Route of St. Jamesor El Camino de Santiagoconverges at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Walkers do not require any permits at any point on the trail. In Spain there are more than 200 major long distance trails or GR footpaths, each of them with several stages and many with variants, so the number of possible routes is enormous. Tackle our first serious ascent, climbing nearly 1,200 feet during our last four miles. Or you could opt for the capital, Madrid or go to coastal Malaga way down south. If these kinds of adventures sound like your thing, youll need some forward planning. However, this hiking-haven is also rich with luscious green valleys with not-so-steep pathways running through them. Its always best to hike with a buddy or a group. Wild camping is fairly tolerated, especially along the Atlantic Coast (not beaches; and not the Mediterranean Coast), in rural areas, and away from resorts and tourist hotspots. And the views, as youd imagine, are all-encompassing. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. The Lycian Way is not a long distance walk - it's a long distance hike. Like in France, these are called GR (Sendero de Gran Recorrido) and marked in red and white. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! Repeat with your right foot. If youre planning on embarking on one of the longer treks, make sure you have suitable equipment for camping and keeping yourself warm on the cooler Spanish nights. Paths for getting to know a country Do you want to go on a route and need some inspiration? The trail begins way down in southern France but then travels up through the Pyrenees to a final destination in Catalonia. . That is a massive 620 miles. Tour Recommendation: Guided day tour from Malaga. Kungsleden Trail. Otherwise, there are two bus routes. Image credit: Borya. 7. It is often wild, high and remote, with snow a significant factor outside the period. To start, Spain has a collection of cool cities to base yourself. Distance: 137 miles | Difficulty: Easy Hard. Its not the most famous trail in Spain far from it but with those beautiful views, and the rustic setting, it makes for something completely different from the norm in Ibiza. Here you can find some of the most spectacular hiking paths for taking in the scenery while you enjoy your favourite sport. Leon, and is essentially carved out of the sides of the surrounding rock formations. This Airbnb is for a two-bedroom and one bathroom apartment nestled right in the heart of Toledos Old Town. Just note that this service is only available during the summer! Corfu's long-distance walking route is relatively new, having been established in 2001, and it follows the length of the island both north to south then east to west, running for approximately 220km. All rights reserved. Lets face it, when you think of Spain, hiking is probably the last thing that comes to mind. Youll be able to imagine all of those who walked here before you! There are some apartments that make you drool in envy and this is definitely one of those Airbnb situations here! 5 Epic Hiking Trails In Spain. Its certainly challenging and shouldnt be taken on by inexperienced hikers. For this route, you start off by taking the Funicular at the monastery to Sant Joan, from which youll walk the rest of the way to the highest point on the mountain. Views from the top are amazing. Enjoy it step by step, without haste, taking advantage of the extensive network of trails, all signposted and standardised, connecting and linking the territory, displaying its very heart and giving up its most hidden secrets.Access unexpected, uniquely beautiful places, landscapes and little corners. You might also want to bring along a hat and a light jacket depending on the season. The Mulhacen is right near Granada and is nearly 3,500 meters high! The GR11 long distance walking path traverses the Pyrenees from Irun on the Atlantic coast to Cap de Creus on the Mediterranean coast, and is 820km long. It is also just a five minutes drive away from the Aiguamolls dEmporda Nature Reserve. If measured from the ocean floor its the fourth highest volcano in the world. This bus runs from Capileira to Paraje del Cascajar, from which you will continue your hike. Theres a lot of scrabbling involved, some near-vertical sections of rock, and no balustrades or safety equipment in sight. Appearing right out of the pages of a magazine, Hotel El Mol in Costa Brava is beyond comparison. Galicia on the road, spectacular landscapes, in images, How much do you know about the routes of Spain? A connection is required for updated content. Easily one of the best hikes in Spain. Making sure you are suitably hydrated will also be a challenge on some hikes in Spain, but a filter water bottle means youll have access to drinking water on most routes. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). The peak should only be reached by those who have advanced mountaineering skills as its quite treacherous, but if you are one of these people, it simply cannot be missed. 750 kilmetros en 41 etapas. It takes 2 hours and once you arrive, youll be ready to hit the trail! Let us know in the comments below and remember to stay safe out there. If you really want, you could even get a guided tour! So which hike in Spain are you off to first? Right up in the north of Spain, a 2.5-hour drive from Bilbao, the Ruta del Cares is one of the most popular and most beautiful routes through the Picos de Europa National Park. Its a quick drive from the center of Vilajuiga and Port de la Selva (the nearest towns), and theres plenty of parking available. Youve just got to know where to find it. Resting peacefully on the island of Tenerife, youll find Spains tallest mountain, Mount Teide, coming in at a graceful 3,718 meters. One such place is Sa Talaiassa: the highest point in Ibiza. This bus runs from Capileira to Paraje del Cascajar, from which you will continue your hike. GR15 - Grande Rota do Guadiana. Your daypack shouldnt feel like it weighs you down even when its got your kit in it. We recommend downloading the content offline from the Spain.info Web App. Check the average temperatures and the hours of sunshine in different areas and the clothing you should wear according to the season. Websites are mostly. Create your own plan for your trip to Spain with a route to suit your requirements. This walk is famous for its wildlife and meadows that you will cross day after day. The Camino stretches a full 500 miles, so unless you want to start at the very beginning, you can link up with the trail throughout different parts of Spain. It crosses Spain from north to south, passing through nine provinces, from Mrida, Seville, to Astorga, Gijn. Walking, hiking and trekking in Italy. See the oldest intact church on El Camino, and leave a coin at the village cross for good luck. For anyone with 45 days to spare who wishes to explore human culture as well as the terrain of these high mountains, this is a biggie that will please you no end! Once light starts to fade, you could find yourself stumbling through woodlands or skirting along precarious cliff edges. However, this walk is much more about the history of the trail than the actual nature it passes through. If you look far enough, youll even be able to peek into France! Bus number 348 runs from Puerto de la Cruz to the park, as does bus 342 from Playa de las Americas. Getting There: To get to the trailhead of the easiest trail, you have to take a special bus as weve mentioned above. While you can spend several days hiking through the Picos de Europa, if youre looking for a taste of Spanish wilderness, hop on the Ruta del Cares trail for a 12-kilometer route through some of the most beautiful parts of the National Park. PLUS, you save money and the environment! Andalusia is best discovered on foot. From Cape Higuer in Cantabria to the Cap de Creus on the Mediterranean coast, almost 800 kilometres of paths crossing from east to west through the Spanish Pyrenees. ADVENTURE IN YOU 2014 - 2023 Affiliate Disclaimer, Terms & Services, Privacy Policy, Hiking in Spain: 10 Epic Hikes You Need to Do, As the most famous trail in Spain and possibly the most well-known walking route in the, , the Camino de Santiago takes first place for best hikes in Spain. Youll pass through local villages, meet other hikers making their way to Galicia, and learn about those who walked the trail hundreds of years before you. It traverses Spain, going from north to south, from Gijn in Asturias to Seville and Cdiz in Andalusia. It is not possible to save for offline use. The Burgos-Hontanas section of this giant route is around a 20-mile journey. These well-trodden paths often trace old pilgrimage routes and can even stretch from across borders with France and Portugal. The route takes you through small medieval villages, allowing you to stop off to sample local life and peer into old churches along the way. You have to book if you want to try out the Kings Little Path. These fifteen long-distance walks will take between 4 and 10 days to complete, so will fit roughly within a week of holiday and two weekends. Your email address will not be published. This is no short hike, and just walking from the Spanish side takes a whopping five days to complete in full. Whichever hike in Spain you choose, you can expect well-marked routes that are relatively straightforward to follow. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. It can also be very cold. It is closed every Monday, January 1st, December 24th, 25th and 31st! As of today, there are 285 km marked, comprised of 16 stages: However, you can use the Walkaholic application to download a map with GPS positioning along the entire route, so you never get lost. Whilst the walk itself is relatively easy as you can go in your own pace, the actual distance Getting There: Getting to the route depends on where youre starting from. Some passages could even use a rope, so if you have that sort of knowledge its a plus. It is 769 km (478 miles) long and begins on the north of the Pyrenees in St Jean-Pied-du-Port. The network covers almost 70 trails (from four-stage walks of around 60km to one of 1,006km) and most are now well-organised with waymarking, GPS and accommodation listings. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Another thing to note is that there are multi-day many hikes in Spain. Interest on hiking has increased considerably in Spain. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. But if you break it down, it becomes simpler. We provide you with useful information on the connections between Spains major cities. You can pick up the trail at any point along the seven well-established routes. If youre one of those people who loves to discover new landscapes on foot, you absolutely wont want to miss out on some of these routes. The path is relatively new - it was constructed in 2011 and is continuing to be expanded. Each stage is a combination of magnificent natural spaces with the contrast of picturesque mountain villages, which make this tour an unforgettable experience. It is marked in 63 stages, which given the dimensions we recommend that you plan on each route. At 19 I started hill-walking and have happily worn out many pairs of boots since. You just have to pick a theme and a place where you want to enjoy it. Here at LOWA, we love exploring the plethora of walking trails in Europe and have picked out just seven of the best long-distance walks for you to browse ahead of your next hiking adventure. Pack enough water to see you through to the end. Lycian Way, Turkey. But dont be fooled into thinking that this is some easy little stroll: it was once said to be the most dangerous trail in Spain. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! From Pamplona, you can take a second bus to the start. 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