Walking in Spain guide
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 a country that has become rightly or wrongly synonymous with irresponsible tourism and putting your best foot forward is the perfect means of redressing the balance.
Granite strewn grasslands, hearty rural fare and white walled villages unblemished by tourism; walking vacations allow you to experience, touch, smell and see the real Spain.![]()
Thanks to Spain's rich and varied terrain you'll discover a great choice of walking routes to suit all abilities, with areas away from popular trails offering just as much in terms of healthy exercise and cultural diversity. From blow holes and cheese production in the north to cork oaks and wild olives in the south, walking vacations in Spain are full of surprises so leave preconceived notions at home and explore with an open mind.
Find out more in our walking vacations in Spain guide.
Is a walking in Spain for you?
Do go walking in Spain if...
Don't go walking in Spain if...
Our Spain walking Vacations
Spanish course & hiking vacation, Picos de Europa, Spain
Spanish classes + stunning hikes in Picos de Europa
From
€719 to €858
7 days
ex flights
Picos inn to inn walking vacation in Spain
Hike through beautiful mountains staying in rural inns
From
£1380
8 days
ex flights
Las Alpujarras hiking vacation, Spain
Guided walking vacation, Andalucia, with writer Chris Stewart
From
€1295 to €1395
8 days
ex flights
Spanish Pyrenees guided walking vacation
Guided Walking in the Ordesa National Park, Spanish Pyrenees
From
€1495
8 days
ex flights
Catalonia self guided walking vacations, Spain
Self-guided walking vacations in Catalonia
From
€749 to €845
8 days
ex flights
Gran Canaria walking tours, Canary Islands
This unique volcanic island reveals unexpected variety
From
US $1170 to US $1620
8 days
ex flights
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Spain walking or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
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What does walking in Spain entail?
Guided or self-guided?
If you enjoy walking under your own steam and feel comfortable following comprehensive instructions, with the added assurance of 24/7 backup, a self-guided walking vacation in Spain is for you. If you’d prefer to follow an expert and find out new things as you walk, whilst not having to worry too much about where you’re going, then a guided walking vacation in Spain is just what you're looking for.At the end of the day, both options give you the chance to get outdoors and experience a side to Spain that few beach dwelling visitors will ever appreciate, safe in the knowledge that your luggage is waiting for you at hand-picked accommodation just around the next bend. Learn the language, watch the wildlife and meet the people that have been largely unhindered by tourism – both guided and self-guided walks encapsulate the surprisingly isolated natural beauty of Spain.
How tough are they?
If you’ve signed up for a walking vacation in Spain you really should know what you’re letting yourself in for. All of Responsible Travel’s walking vacations have been graded, introductory, moderate or strenuous, to help make your search easier with no hidden surprises.
Introductory walking vacations are perfect for those who like to walk but also want to save some energy to soak up the views. There are some great introductory walking vacations in Spain with the coastal trail to Cap de Creus Natural Park in Catalonia definitely worth exploring further. Moderate walking vacations step things up a bit and if you’re contemplating a bit more of a challenge then the trail across the central mountains on Gran Canaria is one of many moderate walking options. Strenuous walking vacations tend to involve longer distances however, no technical knowledge or specialist equipment is required so you’re not in the realm of challenging treks just yet. Check out the routes from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela which require walking for more than 100km over the course of a week.
Centre based or nomadic?
If you like to come home to a few familiar comforts after a good day’s walk then Spain has some great center-based walking vacations where you can return to a comfy bed and pick up your book from where you left off or catch some zzzzs before an evening meal. Alternatively, if you’re looking to channel your inner nomad and walk from one place to the next, safe in the knowledge that your luggage will be ready and waiting for you on arrival, there are plenty of free roaming options to sate even the wildest of gypsy spirits.Hut or high end?
Budget, energy and route will all play their part in where you’re able to stay whilst on a walking vacation in Spain and if you fancy booking into a high end hotel, complete with four-poster and spa bath, or prefer to rough it a bit in a traditional shepherd’s hut, then both options are ready and waiting. Walking can take its toll on the limbs so giving yourself a bit of comfort is definitely a good idea; however, if you’re hoping to walk in remote areas then sometimes you’re going to be restricted as to what type of accommodation is available. It all depends how far you're willing to walk.
More about Spain walking
The best time to go walking in Spain depends whether you’re considering Catalonia, the Picos de Europa or Andalucia.
Packing a walking vacations map is essential for finding Spain walking vacation highlights with everywhere from the Basque Country to the Balearics, mentioned further on this page.
Put the Costas in your rear-view and swap your espadrilles for hiking boots.
Catalonia walking vacations reveal stunning Balearic views on less visited stretches of the Costa Brava , head inland through national parks or into more hilly areas as you reach the Pyrenees.
The Picos de Europa region in northern Spain is an area where walking and talking are part of the landscape, so imagine being able to walk with a native Spanish speaker after a morning of Spanish language lessons.
Our walking in Spain travel tips always come from our friends in Spain and include real advice from experienced walkers with packing advice, language tips and health & safety advice all detailed to help you travel safely while walking in Spain.
Responsible walking vacations in Spain start with responsible travelers and if you want to know how to walk the walk and how to avoid getting into trouble then read to find the best route possible to responsible tourism tips and advice from the experts.
