Walking in Spain map & highlights
Once you’ve walked over Spain’s granite peaks, oak infused valleys and softened ridge lines you’ll never associate this country with seaside resorts ever again. That said, some of the Mediterranean and Atlantic views that you’ll be treated to are simply stunning and there’s nothing better than a dip in the ocean after a day spent walking a dusty trail.
Several areas offer not just a different landscape for walkers but very distinct cultural variations too, with Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia all sporting very proud claims to their own regional identity. From snow-capped mountain peaks in the Sierra Nevada to the cave systems and underground lakes of Majorca, if you thought this was going to be a day at the beach then prepare yourself for some extremely pleasant scenic surprises with our Spain walking vacation highlights.
Several areas offer not just a different landscape for walkers but very distinct cultural variations too, with Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia all sporting very proud claims to their own regional identity. From snow-capped mountain peaks in the Sierra Nevada to the cave systems and underground lakes of Majorca, if you thought this was going to be a day at the beach then prepare yourself for some extremely pleasant scenic surprises with our Spain walking vacation highlights.
1.
Alicante
2. Andalucia
3. Basque Country
4. Camino de Santiago
5. Canary Islands
6. Catalonia
7. La Rioja
8. Picos de Europa
9. Sierra Nevada
10. Spanish Pyrenees
2. Andalucia
3. Basque Country
4. Camino de Santiago
5. Canary Islands
6. Catalonia
7. La Rioja
8. Picos de Europa
9. Sierra Nevada
10. Spanish Pyrenees
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.
Andalucia
2. Andalucia
The only region to boast both Atlantic and Mediterranean shorelines, Andalucia occupies the majority of southern Spain. Terraced olive groves and forested valleys form the backdrop to low-altitude walking routes inland, while ancient mule tracks framed by wildflowers wind over stone bridges and past precariously placed whitewashed villages and ruined castles. The Sierra Morena and Sierra Nevada offer drama: wild peaks and gorges.
Basque Country
3. 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.
Camino de Santiago
4. Camino de Santiago
Tackling the Camino de Santiago – Spain’s UNESCO-listed pilgrimage route – will have you following scallop shell symbols amongst glorious mountain scenery and pastoral farmland en route to historic towns and rural villages. Taking on a picturesque section of the 800km trail gives you the chance to meet other hikers along the way, so you can practise your Spanish or simply share companionship as you walk.
Canary Islands
5. 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.
Catalonia
6. Catalonia
Walking in Catalonia lets you examine the region’s cultural fingerprint against vistas strewn with rocky trails to sleepy fishing villages and hillside monasteries. Follow the coastal trail to one of Dali’s favourite seaside towns, Cadaqués, where you’ll discover a labyrinth of alleyways leading to tapas bars and seafood restaurants. Walking trails in Catalonia take an upward turn as you get closer to the Pyrenees, with the mountains boasting cinematic views.
La Rioja
7. La Rioja
Take yourself off for a week or two walking in La Rioja and you’ll become surrounded by terraced vineyards, mountain monasteries and shaded beech woods as you follow ancient pilgrims’ paths from one isolated village or town to the next. This region is a must for walkers who love to compliment a good day spent outdoors with an equally worthwhile evening tasting some of Spain's finest gastronomic delights.
Picos de Europa
8. Picos de Europa
Escape to northern Spain and discover the Picos de Europa, a mountain region that’s just as renowned for its walking trails as it is for its slightly stinky blue cheese. Centuries of glacial erosion have created fascinating formations within the limestone rock face and hikers are reminded to take care – or follow a guide – while exploring the caves, blow holes and rock-speckled meadows that form the backbone to a wild and wonderful walking vacation.
Sierra Nevada
9. 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
10. 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.
Our Spain walking Vacations
Spanish course & hiking vacation, Picos de Europa, Spain
Spanish classes + stunning hikes in Picos de Europa
From
€830 to €965
5 days
ex flights
Las Alpujarras hiking vacation, Spain
Guided walking vacation, Andalucia, with writer Chris Stewart
From
€1395
8 days
ex flights
Catalonia self guided walking vacations, Spain
Self-guided walking vacations in Catalonia
From
€739 to €887
8 days
ex flights
Catalonia walking & food tour, Spain
Enjoy varied landscapes & sample local food & wine.
From
€1037 to €1106
7 days
ex flights
Andalucian mountains self-guided walking vacation, Spain
Self-guided walking in the Spanish Lake District
From
€350
7 days
ex flights
Sierra de Aitana walking vacation in Andalucia, Spain
Magnificent trek with views over the sparkling Mediterranean
From
US $1649 to US $1899
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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Responsible Travel experts recommend
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.![]()
– Albert Camus
Ana Rodríguez García, founder of our supplier Peak Me Walking and Language School, shares her knowledge of walking in Spain: “The Picos region of northern Spain is superb for walking as there are routes for all abilities which, although steep, don't require any technical ability. There are also plenty of challenging walking routes within a very short distance however, it's only advisable to tackle these if you are an experienced hiker or you are accompanied by a qualified walking guide. Views are wild and rugged with a permanent mountain backdrop complementing the crashing ocean waves. The coastline is reminiscent of England's Cornwall as it's a karst area so you'll find stone and meadows mixed together as well as inland beaches and blow holes which have formed through centuries of erosion.
Although many of the walking tracks are obvious and well-posted you will need to be able to read a map and take extra care if you are heading away from the trails. The main reason for this is that the weather is so changeable in this area and visibility can lessen just like that. Due to the karst nature of the landscape there are holes everywhere which can be dangerous if you can't see them."
Although many of the walking tracks are obvious and well-posted you will need to be able to read a map and take extra care if you are heading away from the trails. The main reason for this is that the weather is so changeable in this area and visibility can lessen just like that. Due to the karst nature of the landscape there are holes everywhere which can be dangerous if you can't see them."
"Most people love walking in this area because of the variation in the scenery and the stunning views of both the sea and the mountains. There are hundreds of beautiful coves and beaches to be found along the coastline and you can be walking on a rugged mountain trail one moment and then ten minutes later you can be surfing at the beach.
As Picos de Europa National Park spans three provinces, Asturias, Cantabria and León, you will be able to explore a protected area of Spain that few casual tourists get to appreciate. This is real Spain where the food, drink and language don't change to suit foreign tourists; this region exists as it always has so don't expect to find fried breakfasts or British beer!"
Marta Marinelli, from our supplier, Exodus, shares her advice for walking in Spain:
"Northern Spain offers more challenging and longer routes, with the classic Camino de Santiago or the wilder Picos Mountains in Asturias. Andalucía, Catalonia and southern Spain offer easier trails (but not only!) which can be combined with some sightseeing in lovely authentic villages."
"Northern Spain offers more challenging and longer routes, with the classic Camino de Santiago or the wilder Picos Mountains in Asturias. Andalucía, Catalonia and southern Spain offer easier trails (but not only!) which can be combined with some sightseeing in lovely authentic villages."
Victoria and Paul Fellows, from our supplier Walk Andalucia, share their recommendations when walking in southern Spain: "One of our favourite moderate level walks is the 9km route to the lost village of El Acebuchal which traverses dry river beds, high ridges, forest tracks and footpaths which were all used by the Civil Guard and the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War.
A more challenging walk is just over 11kms and takes you from the coastal village of Maro through a stunning gorge and shady forest tracks before ascending to a ruined farmhouse with beautiful 360º views of the Mediterranean and the Sierra Tejedas and Almijaras.
A walk we'd recommend in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Dos Acequias and Refugio Poqueira which is 17 kms and follows ancient water channels and beautiful mountain countryside before climbing to a high mountain refuge for more stunning views of the surrounding area."
A more challenging walk is just over 11kms and takes you from the coastal village of Maro through a stunning gorge and shady forest tracks before ascending to a ruined farmhouse with beautiful 360º views of the Mediterranean and the Sierra Tejedas and Almijaras.
A walk we'd recommend in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Dos Acequias and Refugio Poqueira which is 17 kms and follows ancient water channels and beautiful mountain countryside before climbing to a high mountain refuge for more stunning views of the surrounding area."
More about Spain walking
The best time to go walking in Spain depends whether you’re considering Catalonia, the Picos de Europa or Andalucia.
Step inside our walking Spain travel guide and you’ll get to experience walking vacations in Spain advice based on what Responsible Travel recommends so you can discover whether a walking vacation in Spain is for you.
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.
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