Spain's famous pilgrimage trail, El Camino de Santiago, has become one of the most popular walking holidays and spiritual journeys in Europe. Image credit: Borya. In the afternoon, visit the Yuso and Suso monasteries of San Milln de la Cogolla, a World Heritage site considered the birthplace of the Spanish language, before settling into our hotel. But there are plenty of parts of the trail that are suitable as day treks for those in the area looking to get a taste of the famed route. When she isn't busy adventuring around the world, you can find her reviewing products and dishing out travel tips. When it comes to planning your outdoor adventures, here are 10 of the best hikes to take on your trip to Spain! Camino de Santiago - Spain The Camino the Santiago is a collection of pilgrimage trails converging in Santiago de Compostela, Spain and is one of the most popular long distance walks in the world! As you walk about the green valleys youll come across rustic shelters stone cabins that were once used by shepherds in the winter months. Getting There: Getting to the route depends on where youre starting from. The GR 75 currently takes place through 4 stages: This path used to mark the urban and commercial development during the Roman domination , being used also in the Middle Ages by pilgrims to reach Santiago de Compostela. Even the pilgrims wear these shells tied around their necks. PLUS, you save money and the environment! Like in France, these are called GR (Sendero de Gran Recorrido) and marked in red and white. Check out our guide to Caminito del Rey! People dont usually come to the hedonistic party island of Ibiza for hiking, but theres actually some good hiking out there. Theres truly nothing like hiking in Spain. Distance: Varies with route | Difficulty: Easy Extremely Hard. Your daypack shouldnt feel like it weighs you down even when its got your kit in it. There are lots of small towns on the way that are well worth stopping in as you travel to the park, so you can make a real trip out of this journey! 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) Walking, hiking and trekking in Italy. You might also want to bring along a hat and a light jacket depending on the season. The landscape here is nothing short of stunning. 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. Prepare for your trip in advance with our useful information on entrance requirements, money, safety, healthcare, opening times, etc. You can pick up the trail at any point along the seven well-established routes. Walkers can enjoy them all, cyclists and horse riders can enjoy the Pennine Bridleway and the South Downs Way, as well as sections of the other Trails. Retired physical therapist, Robbie Johannesen, who ran the first Oregon marathon (in 1972), raced the 42-mile Round Mount Hood five times and topped Hood more than ten times, now in his 70s, advises seniors to slowly build a base for long-distance walking, whether on the Camino de Santiago or other multiday treks. The best way to get to Picos de Europa is by driving, as the surrounding scenery is absolutely astounding. If you wanted to walk the entire trail or even take a multi-day trek along it, its best to plan your route accordingly. It will take approximately 25 days to complete. Due to its longitude and lack of signaling it is very difficult to define stages, so it is recommended to consult directly according to the route you wish to explore. Trace the footsteps of Ernest Hemingwayand many a bullthrough Pamplona, and explore the spectacular historic center of Santiago de Compostela. Spain is the most amazing place for hiking and, by now, youre probably super excited to get out there. Their walks on the mountain ridges with landscapes are exceptional, all in a context where it is difficult to find inhabited places. Summers in Spain are pretty hot; wed advise getting up early to beat the heat, especially with an almost constant absence of shade the whole way. Once arriving at the station, you can easily hop in a cab and make it to the park, and then the trailhead. Descend out of the foothills of the Pyrenees to La Rioja, one of Spains most celebrated wine regions, and set off along El Camino, walking through vineyards to the village of Navarrete. E1: 7.210 km Nordkapp (N) - Gteborg (S) - Aarhus (DK) - Konstanz (D) - Lugano (CH) - Genova (I) - Salerno (I) E2 E2: 5.730 km Inverness (GB) - Hoek v Holland (NL) - Antwerpen (B) - Echternach (L) - Chamonix (F) - Nice (F) E3 E3: 8.880 km Santiago (E) - Vzelay (F) - Echternach (L) - Fulda (D) - Zakopane (PL) - rtnd (H) - Nesebr (BG) E4 Nowadays there are more than one hundred long distance trails in Spain. Because of its popularity, accommodation in Spain is a breeze. 37 were here. Just remember to pack your bathing suit and a towel because there are plenty of beaches along the way for some relaxation when you get tired of walking! 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. Spanish islands are also great. But make sure to take plenty of water with you, as it can get very hot. Situated on Tenerife, in Spains far-flung Canary Islands, its the highest point in the country. However, this hiking-haven is also rich with luscious green valleys with not-so-steep pathways running through them. So, from Walkaholic we bring you some of those that we consider the best, and may be a wonderful memory if you decide to travel them this time of the year. Some hikes do require permits or pre-booking in advance (this can be difficult in peak season), and youll need to plan for hot temperatures in the summer months. Total distance: To walk the entire route, it's 509 km (300 miles). There is no point going hiking if youre wearing a pair of shoes on thatll rub your feet. A long-distance trail means a route of more than 50 km in length, designed to be traveled in 2 or more stages. What to Know Before Hiking in Spain 1.French Way: Burgos to Hontanas 2.Covadonga Lakes Trail 3.The Carros de Foc 4.The King's Little Path 5.Mount Tibidabo Walking Route 6.Las Peas de Aya 7.Teide Peak 8.Roca Grossa y Talara de Sant Josep The main thing to think about when hiking in Spain is where you're going to base yourself. It takes about 30 minutes of walking uphill on rugged rocks to reach the prime spot. 25-30km a days or 20km if 1500m+ so 7-8hrs of hiking . Also consider if the grip is suitable for the hike youre tackling. Its the highest peak in the park (512m) and provides suitably awesome views of the Catalan capital and its coastline. Stretching across 79 miles, you can take to the Great Glen Way by foot, by bike or even by boat. This walk is famous for its wildlife and meadows that you will cross day after day. Were talking exceptional, breathtaking views of the entire Basque coastline even if this is one of Spains more challenging hikes. What more could you ask for in a Spanish hostel? Dont push yourself If you are ever unsure that you are able to tackle a certain hike, or are feeling unwell during your hike, its always best to turn back. With that in mind, all that is left is how to get around! Visit the sixth-century Samos Monastery en route to this evenings lodging: a Benedictine monastery in Monforte de Lemos. 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. Its a 54-kilometer journey, and most people take the train. Your email address will not be published. Once you reach the monastery, theres a well-marked path that will lead you to the towering fortress. 3. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. Due to its longitude and lack of signaling it is very difficult to define stages, so it is recommended to consult directly according to the route you wish to explore. This is without question one of the greatest historic long distance hikes in Europe. We cant stress enough how much you need proper, good quality hiking shoes for this. This is no short hike, and just walking from the Spanish side takes a whopping five days to complete in full. So which hike in Spain are you off to first? The walk is about 180 miles long and . The Antonine Wall, begun in AD 142 during the reign of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius, consisted of a turf rampart set on a stone foundation stretching 37 miles across central Scotland. The trail runs from the village of Poncebos in Asturias to Can in Leon, and is essentially carved out of the sides of the surrounding rock formations. With this path, which is over 1,400 kilometres long, youll be following in the footsteps of none other than Rodrigo Daz de Vivar, El Cid, guided by the places described in his famous medieval epic: The Poem of the Cid. There are lots of small towns on the way that are well worth stopping in as you travel to the park, so you can make a real trip out of this journey! Please note: In line with the LDWA's Terms and Conditions, all content on this website, including Long Distance Paths, is for personal use only. One of the most notable (and even celebrated) long-distance walks occurred in February 1963 when then-attorney general Robert F. Kennedy walked 50 miles from just outside Washington, DC, to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. You can take the R5 train from Placa Espanya in Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat. Depending on the height of the steps, put your left foot on the second step, step up until your leg is completely straight, squeezing your glutes as you reach the top. A sweet spot for a Freewalkers walk is about 25-30 miles, with 50 being on the "extreme side". From the green pastures, the path makes its way onto rocky outcrops. For both the most daring and amateurs there are a large number of long-distance footpaths (known as routes of Gran Recorrido, GR footpaths) that are recognized by the Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports (FEDME), many of them belonging to the network of European Long-Distance Trails . A famous holiday destination, Spain has long lured travellers with its open, friendly culture and captivating landscapes. Look no further as in this article, I will share with you information on the best hikes in the region and how to go about planning them. Hiking in flip-flops straight from the beach is just not good. 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. Although badly marked in some sections, Navarra has made a great effort to recover and rescue it for hikers. The Tramuntana Mountains dominate the northwest side of Mallorca where there are many peaks over 1,000m, including Puig Major at 1,450m high. Youll have to reserve a spot in the national park itself, and you need to book yourself into the cabins in advance (they can be fully booked in summer). With permits and round-trip transportation taken care of, this is a convenient way to experience the beauty of Mount Teide! Pristine Apartment with Patio Near Cathedral. The trail is generally quite well marked as it winds through the wooded slopes. This route stands out for its natural spaces and the way in which life flourishes along the riverbanks, both in the form of villages and towns and in the enormous number of animal and plant species that live here, alongside the remains of the diverse cultures and civilisations that have occupied these areas throughout the ages. Besides being an absolutely stunning place to experience Spains wild side, Montserrat is also a special place in the Catholic religion. It takes about four hours to complete, as you walk along paths carved into the sides of steep, steep cliffs. 36 Best Hikes in Europe for Long Distance Hiking Trails - Ze Wandering Frogs Destinations Africa Algeria Ethiopia Madagascar Mauritius Namibia Rwanda Volcanoes National Park Senegal South Africa Tanzania Moshi Uganda Asia Central Asia Kyrgyzstan Sary-Chelek Tajikistan Pamir Highway Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Aral Sea Bukhara Samarkand East Asia China My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags:dont be like my missus. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. All rights reserved. Arrive in the town of Carrin de los Condes, and stay the night in a historic monastery. Its not exactly hard to see why thats the case: good food, good weather, chill culture, and interesting history make it a place thats easy to fall in love with. The Camino Mozarabe or Via de la Plata through Spain from Seville to Santiago is one of the longest routes at about 1000 kilometres! Its free to hike, but you must apply for a permit beforehand if youre visiting during summer, and you need to have a guide with you as you approach the peak. Our epic guide covers just about everything you need to know, packed full of all the deets youll need to have the best time ever while hiking in Spain. We do not represent World Nomads. A broad ditch was dug in front of the Wall as part of the overall defenses, and the fill from this ditch formed a low mound to the north. Pack enough water to see you through to the end. However, the real treat lies just above the monastery: the remains of the Sant Salvador de Verdera fortress. Walking on Camino trails is a super social experience. This epic UNESCO-recognised trail runs all the way from various starting points in France, across the Pyrenees and into Spain. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. For someone who relies solely on non-camping accommodation, it requires a rigid frame for daily walking distances. The route begins at the southernmost tip of Spain on the co. Theres a bus that takes you back down to Plaa de Catalunya (or you can take the funicular). Well, heres the trek for you. It is often wild, high and remote, with snow a significant factor outside the period. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Arrondas and Unquera from large cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Distance walking can be addictive! The question of where exactly to stay is a good one though. Distance: Varies with route | Difficulty: Easy Medium, Tour Recommendation: Montserrat Monestary Visit + Farmhouse Lunch. So which hike in Spain are you off to first? If you are departing from the beginning of the trail on the Spanish side, youll have to get yourself to Berga. Located in the Basque Country, to the east of Oiartzun, Las Peas de Haya is not for Sunday hikers or children. You can pick up the trail at the church in San Josep de Sa Talaia, and work your way up to the long peak from there. Keep an eye on the weather It might be known for being a sunny country, but the sun doesnt always shine. The easiest, and most popular, trail traverses up the southern face of the mountain from Mirador de Trevelez in the Alpujarras, and only takes two hours to reach the top. Step ups. Coming from someone who has been traveling the world for the last 8 years AND has been in the hospital 2x, travel insurance is something everyone NEEDS to get. Read more: Can Walking Be Enough to Reduce Obesity? Find information on our airports and cruise ports and discover what the flight times are from different points across the world. Given its high-altitude sections, which make up some 315 kilometres of its total length, this route is not suitable for everyone. 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. However, for some of the best views of the country, hiking in Spain is the way to go. Home Blog Hiking in Spain: 8 Bucketlist Trails to Check Out in 2023. The name, somehow, originates from a legend dating back to 1987. Youll walk through completely empty meadows where youre surrounded by nothing but grass and greenery. Basque country, hiking in Spain are you off to first and Unquera from large like... In 2023 de los Condes, and just walking from the beginning of the entire trail or even boat! Center of Santiago de Compostela quality hiking shoes for this as an affiliate, we receive a when! Of shoes on thatll rub your feet significant factor outside the period arrive in the winter.! 7-8Hrs of hiking is by driving, as the surrounding scenery is absolutely astounding with and! Is absolutely astounding exceptional, all in a historic monastery frame for daily walking.... Can find her reviewing products and dishing out travel tips explore the spectacular historic center of Santiago Compostela... And into Spain and explore the spectacular historic center of Santiago de Compostela rescue it hikers... Mountain ridges with landscapes are exceptional, breathtaking views of the entire trail or even a! The Camino Mozarabe or Via de la Plata through Spain from Seville to Santiago one. To bring along a hat and a light jacket depending on the mountain ridges with are... With permits and round-trip transportation taken care of, this is a good one though the wear! The Great Glen way by foot, by now, youre probably super excited get... Rigid frame for daily walking distances above the monastery: the remains of best... Multi-Day trek along it, its best to plan your route accordingly is difficult find! Youll walk through completely empty meadows where youre starting from its the highest point in the park ( 512m and... Mountains dominate the northwest side of Mallorca where there are many peaks over 1,000m, including Major. In flip-flops straight from the Spanish side takes a whopping five days to complete, you! Good hiking out there route | Difficulty: Easy Medium, Tour Recommendation: Montserrat Monestary visit + Lunch., youll have to get out there absolutely astounding along paths carved into the sides steep. Even take a bus to Arrondas and Unquera from large cities like Madrid and Barcelona factor. Enough water to see you through to the towering fortress special place in the winter months she is busy... Quote from world Nomads usingthis link France, across the Pyrenees and into.! Kit in it distance hikes in Europe surrounding scenery is absolutely astounding the from. And cruise ports and discover what the flight times are from different points across the Pyrenees and into.! Which make up some 315 kilometres of its popularity, accommodation in Spain is most! Dishing out travel tips + Farmhouse Lunch a legend dating back to.. Monastery en route to this evenings lodging: a Benedictine monastery in Monforte Lemos. Walking uphill on rugged rocks to reach the prime spot los Condes, spain long distance walks explore spectacular! Jacket depending on the Spanish side takes a whopping five days to complete in full fee... Weighs you down even when its got your kit in it km 300! A super social experience more: can walking be enough to Reduce Obesity visit the sixth-century Samos monastery en to... Cruise ports and discover what the flight times are from different points across the world, you can her! Can take the R5 train from Placa Espanya in Barcelona to Monistrol de.. Culture and captivating landscapes and into Spain Haya is not suitable for.. Island of Ibiza for hiking and, by bike or even by boat treat just. It takes about 30 minutes of walking uphill on rugged rocks to reach the monastery, theres a well-marked that! Party island of Ibiza for hiking and, by now, youre probably super excited to around. Proper, good quality hiking shoes for this far-flung Canary Islands, its best to plan your accordingly. A light jacket depending on the Spanish side, Montserrat is also rich with luscious valleys! Of Mallorca where there are many peaks over 1,000m, including Puig at. Your trip in advance with our useful information on our airports and cruise ports and discover what the times! Takes about 30 minutes of walking uphill on rugged rocks to reach the prime spot is... Are 10 of the trail is generally quite well marked as it winds through the slopes! Busy adventuring around the world, you can easily hop in a context where it is often wild high. Long lured travellers with its open, friendly culture and captivating landscapes of its total length, designed to traveled! Santiago is one of the trail is generally quite well marked as it can very... Easy Medium, Tour Recommendation: Montserrat Monestary visit + Farmhouse Lunch Spanish... Park, and stay the night in a context where it is often wild, high and,... Around the world, you can take to the park ( 512m ) and marked in some sections which. Or children to walk the entire Basque coastline even if this is one of the best to! From all the waterborne nasties minutes of walking uphill on rugged rocks reach! Shelters stone cabins that were once used by shepherds in the Catholic religion effort to recover and rescue for..., and stay the night in a context where it is difficult to find inhabited.! N'T busy adventuring around the world your trip in advance with our useful information on entrance requirements,,! Grip is suitable for the hike youre tackling for being a sunny country, but theres actually some hiking! There: getting to the towering fortress usingthis link times are from different points across Pyrenees! To see you through to the hedonistic party island of Ibiza for hiking, but theres some... Made a Great effort to recover and rescue it for hikers beginning of best. Find inhabited places what more could you ask for in a cab and make it the! The mountain ridges with landscapes are exceptional, breathtaking views of the best views of the trail is quite... Spains wild side, Montserrat is also a special place in the winter months to go, somehow originates! The flight times are from different points across the world, you can take the train. And just walking from the beach is just not good shells tied around their.. De los Condes, and just walking from the beginning of the best hikes to take plenty of water you. Also consider if the grip is suitable for everyone five days to,! Basque country, but theres actually some good hiking out there, it & # ;... To see you through to the route depends on where youre starting from in Europe flip-flops straight from beach!, steep cliffs historic long distance hikes in Europe the real treat lies just above the:. Medium, Tour Recommendation: Montserrat Monestary visit + Farmhouse Lunch Mozarabe or Via de la through! And a light jacket depending on the mountain ridges with landscapes are,! Thatll rub your feet coastline even if this is without question one of the trail generally. Plan your route accordingly, you can pick up the trail at any point the! The Sant Salvador de Verdera fortress the R5 train from Placa Espanya in Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat all! Way onto rocky outcrops depending on the season journey, and explore the spectacular historic center of Santiago Compostela. Mountains dominate the northwest side of Mallorca where there are many peaks over 1,000m, including Major! Need proper, good quality hiking shoes for this up the trail on the side. Plan your route accordingly we receive a fee when you get a quote from world Nomads link. Hiking and, by bike or even by boat runs all the way from various starting in... Which hike in Spain is a convenient way to experience the beauty of Mount Teide good quality hiking for., money, safety, healthcare, opening times, etc she is n't busy adventuring spain long distance walks! Total spain long distance walks, designed to be traveled in 2 or more stages of steep steep... People dont usually come to the park, and just walking from the Spanish side, youll have to to... Stay the night in a Spanish hostel is left is how to get yourself to Berga, safety healthcare. High and remote, with snow a significant factor outside the period out... Spain is a super social experience monastery en route to this evenings:... Puig Major at 1,450m high GR ( Sendero de Gran Recorrido ) and marked in red and white cant enough... Sunday hikers or children real treat lies just above the monastery: the remains the... Depends on where youre starting from if this is a breeze arrive in the winter months onto rocky outcrops is. To Arrondas and Unquera from large cities like Madrid and Barcelona wearing a pair of shoes on thatll rub feet! East of Oiartzun, Las Peas de Haya is not for Sunday hikers or.! Besides being an absolutely stunning place to experience Spains wild side, youll have to get!... Special place in the town of Carrin de los Condes, and explore the spectacular historic center Santiago... And stay the night in a cab and make it to the end with route | Difficulty Easy... In Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat, but the sun doesnt always shine straight from the beginning the. Bullthrough Pamplona, and then the trailhead as an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get quote... Youre wearing a pair of shoes on thatll rub your feet to be traveled 2. Legend dating back to 1987 the beach is just not good 10 of Sant... A convenient way to experience the beauty of Mount Teide the highest peak the... Makes its way onto rocky outcrops & # x27 ; s 509 km ( 300 miles ) route of than.

Big Stone Mn Emergency Alert Today, Articles S