Walking vacations in Spain Overview
Walking in Spain unearths the secret scenery, delicious cuisine and captivating wildlife known only to the Spanish. Coastal trails, high ridges and world-famous footpaths all offer a unique perspective on the country. Leave preconceived notions at home and explore with an open mind – from wild coastlines and cheese production in the north to cork oaks and wild olives in the south, walking vacations in Spain are full of surprises. Thanks to the rich and varied terrain, you’ll also discover a great choice of walking routes to suit all abilities. Find out more in our walking vacations in Spain guide.
Our top Hiking vacations in Spain
Spanish course & hiking vacation, Picos de Europa, Spain
From
€719 to €760
7 days
ex flights
Spanish classes + stunning hikes in Picos de Europa
Small group2021: 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct
Catalonia self guided walking vacations, Spain
From
€715 to €799
8 days
ex flights
Self-guided walking vacations in Catalonia
Tailor made
Picos inn to inn walking vacation in Spain
From
£1300
8 days
ex flights
Hike through beautiful mountains staying in rural inns
Tailor made
Map & highlights
When you go walking in Andalucia, you’ll swap the Costa del Sol for mountainous regions like Las Alpujarras in the Sierra Nevada. Alicante is a great option for rural wandering, too. The Spanish Pyrenees, meanwhile, follows the French border from Catalonia in the east to the Basque Country in the north. Its mountainous national parks are far less developed than those on the French side. They’re also home to some exciting rewilding projects: you might see a bearded vulture or signs of bears (who’ll avoid you like the plague). Alternatively, head for the Canary Islands, where the scenery is both dramatic and volcanic.Alicante
1. Alicante
There’s nothing like the Sierra Altana to put you in the mood for a walk and you'll find this region a million miles from the overdeveloped horrors of the Costa Blanca. Alicante is full of steep, cultivated valleys criss-crossed with mule trails and walking paths which lead from one remote village to the next. Although these routes are well loved, it’s rare to see other tourists – so a few words of Spanish will go a long way.
Basque Country
2. Basque Country
A walking vacation in the Pais Vasco offers the best of both worlds, with the Cantabrian Mountains combining with the golden beaches off the Atlantic. Whether you’re following coastal trails to Hondarribia or San Sebastian, or steering a path inland along the lush mountain slopes of the Pyrenees, this is a walkers’ paradise stamped with cultural footprints – and some of the heartiest food in the country.
Canary Islands
3. Canary Islands
The rugged volcanic landscapes, dense forests and coastal stretches of the Canary Islands are perfect for walking vacations, with year round warmth promising plenty of chances to visit outside of peak seasons. La Palma and Gran Canaria, in particular, offer an excellent mix of good quality paths, varied scenery and traditional hamlets with the occasional challenge presenting an achievable aim for the end of the week.
Las Alpujarras
4. Las Alpujarras
This area of the Sierra Nevada is excellent for walking and will take you past ruined castles and meandering rivers or on circular routes which incorporate practically all of La Taha’s nine villages. It’s also a real treat for wildlife watchers and if you’re hoping to walk whilst scanning the skies for eagles and buzzards or ibex and goats in the valleys below then what better way to escape and enjoy southern Spain.
Sierra Nevada
5. Sierra Nevada
Just a glimpse of the Sierra Nevada will help you understand what a walking vacation in Spain is all about. The valleys on the southern slopes are full of Berber influence with sustainable tourism now a major factor in keeping this area of Andalucia utterly untouched. White washed villages, glistening snowy peaks and lush green valleys; the Sierra Nevada is to walkers what the Alhambra is to Moorish poets.
Spanish Pyrenees
6. Spanish Pyrenees
The Spanish Pyrenees will leave walkers breathless and not just because of the steep mountain terrain. Ordesa National Park is an absolute work of art and the autumnal forest foliage in the valleys is considered some of the best in Europe. The Sierra de Guara is another area that’s synonymous with walking and features an excellent range of routes for all abilities alongside some staggering rock formations.
Self guided or small group?
Our self guided walks in Spain are designed by people who love and know the landscapes. You’ll be equipped with maps and detailed route notes (wildlife check lists, language tips and restaurant recommendations included), and if you’re staying in a different place each night, your luggage will be transported ahead of you. Most are tailor made to your preferences (say, if you’d like to stay an extra day in the Rioja wine region). Small group walking vacations offer set itineraries for hikers who prefer company and a guide on the trails. The communal mindset is particularly welcoming for solo travelers.
Andalucia
Las Alpujarras, Sierra Nevada National Park, Cabo deo Gata-Nijar Natural Park… Many of the best walking vacations in Andalucia are just a few kilometres away from the beach resorts of the Costa del Sol, but a world away in spirit. You’ll see a different take on life in Andalucia each day, from mountainous white villages to mystical oak forests. For a pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago dips through the region between Seville and Cadiz. Guided hikes add a layer of anecdotal history, but footpaths in Andalucia are generally well signposted so it’s also great spot for self guided walking vacations.
Catalonia
Walking vacations in Catalonia explore this easterly region slowly but surely. You’ll spend a week hiking up to mountain communities in the Spanish Pyrenees and down to Mediterranean seaside bays once frequented by Picasso and Dali. Evenings are whiled away at a guesthouse or hotel run by truly Catalan characters happy to discuss anything from the best salted bacallà in town to the pros and cons of Catalan independence. Remember to pack your swimsuit, too; secret bays are Catalonia’s speciality – plus Barcelona is just a high-speed train ride away from the countryside.
More vacation ideas
Spanish Pyrenees guided walking vacation
From
€1350
8 days
ex flights
Guided Walking in the Ordesa National Park, Spanish Pyrenees
Small group2021: 19 Sep, 18 Oct
Las Alpujarras hiking vacation, Spain
From
€1295
8 days
ex flights
Guided walking vacation, Andalucia, with writer Chris Stewart
Small group2021: 26 Sep, 16 Oct
Gran Canaria walking tours, Canary Islands
From
US $1350 to US $1520
8 days
ex flights
This unique volcanic island reveals unexpected variety
Small group2021: 6 Nov, 13 Nov, 20 Nov, 22 Dec, 29 Dec, 2022: 15 Jan, 29 Jan, 5 Feb, 19 Mar, 22 Oct, 5 Nov, 12 Nov, 19 Nov, 21 Dec, 28 Dec
Cooking and walking vacation, Spanish Pyrenees
From
€1395
8 days
ex flights
Gastronomy and beautiful walks in the Spanish Pyrenees.
Small group2021: 9 Sep, 18 Oct, 2022: 1 May, 8 May
Mallorca walking vacation in the Balearic Islands, Spain
From
US $1949 to US $2079
8 days
ex flights
Tranquil and timeless landscape dotted with mediaeval villages
Small group2021: 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 2022: 13 Mar, 3 Apr, 17 Apr, 8 May, 22 May, 4 Sep, 11 Sep, 25 Sep, 9 Oct, 16 Oct
Walking in Andalucia, Spain
From
£575 to £850
8 days
ex flights
Guided hill walking vacations in Torrox, Andalucia.
Small group2021: 24 Sep, 19 Nov, 22 Dec, 31 Dec, 2022: 5 Mar, 2 Apr, 11 Apr, 20 May, 23 Sep, 15 Oct, 22 Dec, 31 Dec
More about walking vacations in Spain
Walking & learning Spanish
Learning Spanish while traveling is all well and good – but what about walking and learning Spanish at the same time? You’ll be taught in a village well accustomed to hosting Spanish language novices, so everyone from shopkeepers to bar staff are tolerant and pleased to have you there. You’ll often sleep in guesthouses or homestays that immerse you in Spanish life. Some lessons will be taken on the trail, so you might wind up walking through the peaceful Picos de Europa with a wildlife guide who’ll teach you your mariposa from your mariquita.
Walking & yoga
It makes sense to combine walking and yoga in Spain. On a practical level, yoga will limber you up for a day exploring the trails. Spiritually speaking, pairing these activities will put you in touch with your body and environment in a way that often gets passed by when you’re back at home. You’ll be based somewhere peaceful, such as in the mountains outside Valencia. And the wellness aspect will extend beyond the activities – you’ll eat homemade food communally and be hosted by people with a sense of warmth that’ll stay with you for a long time after departure.
[Self guided or small group?: Jose Antonio Gil Martinez]
[Andalucia: Jean-Baptiste D.]
[Catalonia: Christine McIntosh]
[Walking & learning Spanish: Rick McCharles]
[Walking & yoga: Eneko Urunuela]
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