Mount Teide can be hiked on a visit to the park, and those who brave the altitude will be rewarded with insane views of an 80-meter crater thats only visible from the top. Its actually Barcelonas oldest, dating back to 1905! Solution: layers. This pristine clean apartment with crisp white walls and tons of exposed wooden beams will make you never want to leave Toledo. (On most days you could choose to hike four or six hours, not . Despite its modest altitude, and relative shortness, it wont disappoint those looking for a challenge. For example, in the town of Tardajos youll find a cafe, a shop, and a 13th-century church. 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. From the village, you can take a shuttle bus which will drop you off at the northern entrance of the trail. Your email address will not be published. Note: If you wanted to walk the entire trail or even take a multi-day trek along it, its best to plan your route accordingly. Spain is one of the most visited countries in Europe. Ulldecona Sant Joan del Pas La Snia Refuge of Font Ferrer Port of Tortosa Provincial boundary Beceite Fuentespalda Pearroya de Tastavins Aguaviva Las Planas de Castellote Bordn Tronchn Mirambel Cantavieja Fortanete Valdelinares Alcal of the Forest Mora de Rubielos Valbona La Puebla de Valverde Camarena de la Sierra. Interest on hiking has increased considerably in Spain. From the green pastures, the path makes its way onto rocky outcrops. Teide Peak is a beast. Venture into Burgos Cathedral and the monasteries of San Milln de la Cogolla, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Youll walk through completely empty meadows where youre surrounded by nothing but grass and greenery. If you want to begin in Aiguamolls de lEmporda, theres a public transit station located right at the entrance of the park. Alternatively, you can walk from the monastery to The Degotalls, which will give you a gorgeous view of the Pyrenees and the flat lands making up the Llobregat valley. In order to get the pilgrims certificate, you need to prove youve walked the last 100km by getting stamps in your pilgrims passport which you procure before hand. It's a waymarked trail with yellow signs and with KE you can walk this route, self-guided over 7 days at your own pace. Getting to the route depends on where youre starting from. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! Spend time soaking in the beauty of the cape, and sit down to lunch at a local restaurant in town. Spain's famous pilgrimage trail, El Camino de Santiago, has become one of the most popular walking holidays and spiritual journeys in Europe. For your trip, it is recommended to plan according to the route as it, Stage 04: Entambasmestas Brcena de Pie de Concha. But if you break it down, it becomes simpler. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening, and spend the night in a spectacular Renaissance convent. Mount Tibidabo is situated in the Collserola National Park, just north of Barcelona. The Toledo Cathedral is practically on your doorstep. Choose from thousands of activities thought out for you. Stunning, like we said. . Drive on to Len for lunch and spend the afternoon discovering the citys historic sites, including a guided visit through its remarkable cathedral, filled with more than a hundred stained glass windows. Walking, hiking and trekking in Italy. The LDWA is the only organisation to have collated and continually updated the details of every known long distance path in the UK. If you want to be literally on the Camino de Santiago, there are even a few cities along the way: Leon, Pamplona, or the smaller Burgos. Its a 54-kilometer journey, and most people take the train. Speaking of packs, a good daypack that is light and comfortable is also a must have. Plus, this hostel is situated right in the heart of the city, within easy walking distance of all the top tourist attractions. One great route to take in Spain is Stage two from Gosol to Baga, which takes you through small towns and villages with insane views of the Pyrenees. With options being seemingly endless, simply figuring out where to stay in Spain can be tricky. The first day involves crossing the Roncesvalles pass through the Pyrenees, which reaches a maximum height of 1,601 m (5,253 ft). Otherwise, there are two bus routes. Alternatively, you can even link up with one of the six lesser-known routes which pass through places like Pamplona, Galicia, Asturias, and La Rioja. Walking on Camino trails is a super social experience. It is 769 km (478 miles) long and begins on the north of the Pyrenees in St Jean-Pied-du-Port. If you are departing from the beginning of the trail on the Spanish side, youll have to get yourself to Berga. Its always best to hike with a buddy or a group. The hike is an easy incline along dirt paths that are fairly well marked. Directly translating to King's Trail in English, this mesmerising route stretches over 440 kilometres and encompasses the vast plains . Youll be able to imagine all of those who walked here before you! Keep an eye on the weather It might be known for being a sunny country, but the sun doesnt always shine. If you are departing from the beginning of the trail on the Spanish side, youll have to get yourself to Berga. Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. 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. Enjoy time to explore on your own before our farewell dinner. 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. Websites are mostly. Then youll plunge into deep, dark forest and cross expansive valleys. 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 . 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). Not surprisingly the "Topoguias" look the same as those of their northern neighbours. You can take the R5 train from Placa Espanya in Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat. The 583 kilometre route traverses the awe-inspiring Catalan coastline, beginning on the French border and progressing across the varied Spanish shoreline to Valencia. 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. Continue into the heart of the city to Plaza do Obradoiro, located at the foot of the cathedral and the endpoint of the pilgrimage route. Theres truly nothing like hiking in Spain. Its a quick drive from the center of Vilajuiga and Port de la Selva (the nearest towns), and theres plenty of parking available. This awesome hike in Spain is part of a popular pilgrimage route: the Camino de Santiago Francs (aka the French Way or the Way of Saint James). Bus number 348 runs from Puerto de la Cruz to the park, as does bus 342 from Playa de las Americas. For those who love immersing deep in the backcountry, doing long walking trails can be a great way 10 of the Most Famous Walking Trails in the World - Wild Junket Adventure Travel Blog From the zen-inducing Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan to the holy Camino de Santiago in Spain, here's a roundup of 10 famous walking trails in the world. 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 You can pick up the trail at any point along the seven well-established routes. The path is relatively new - it was constructed in 2011 and is continuing to be expanded. Whichever hike in Spain you choose, you can expect well-marked routes that are relatively straightforward to follow. Make sure to protect against the sun by covering up, wearing plenty of sunscreen and taking plenty of breaks. Montserrat, Catalonia, Spain From the monastery of Montserrat, with its many art treasures, walk steeply up to a vast view among rock pinnacles. Its no wonder that this trail is also known as The Divine Gorge because it certainly provides some of the most divine views in all of Spain! Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. PLUS, you save money and the environment! Theres a restaurant at the start of the hike. The route of the Good Men or Cathars Path marks the exile that the Cathars traveled in the 12th and 14th centuries. The Pico Sobarcal trail is a long and moderately challenging hike to a summit of 2,259 meters. The best way to get to Montserrat is to start in Barcelona. If you dont care all that much for amusement parks on hills, and you feel like something much more gruelling, then this hike is for you. Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!. To get to this hike, basically youre going to want to aim towards France. Staying in more out of the way towns and villages is also a possibility. Wear appropriate clothing Get yourself a good pair of walking shoes. Yep, its a hikers paradise. 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. 750 kilmetros en 41 etapas. From Monte del Gozo, catch your first glimpse of the Santiago cathedral and its striking towers. And how can I stay safe?. Its important that your policy covers you for all the fun activities that youre going to get up to. The most obvious difference is that the Norte route is much more strenuous than the Camino Frances and the distance is longer. This trek is a network of ancient pilgrim routes that span over 500 miles throughout Spain. Easily one of the best hikes in Spain. Lets face it, when you think of Spain, hiking is probably the last thing that comes to mind. Spain: Walking the Camino de Santiago 10 days from $7,195 View All Dates & Prices Signature Land Moderate-Strenuous Premium Max 20 Reserve Online Or call 1-888-966-8687 Ask a Question. The trip usually takes two weeks, and hikers gain 12,000 ft in elevation over 112 miles. After breakfast, transfer to the SantiagoRosala de Castro Airport (SCQ) and catch your flight home. During the journey, youll travel along roads that have paved the way for thousands of years of history, as you soak up the wonderful and ever-changing scenery letting yourself be enchanted by the unique cuisine on offer from north to south. 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. Adventure Holidays in Spain You Have to Experience, Top Things to Do in the Spanish Pyrenees That You Cant Miss. Some stages are just quick day hikes while others are trips that take several days. 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. Distance: 379 km / 235.5 miles. From Pamplona, you can take a second bus to the start. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! It takes about four hours to complete, as you walk along paths carved into the sides of steep, steep cliffs. 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. Spanish islands are also great. Let us know in the comments below and remember to stay safe out there. It takes about 30 minutes of walking uphill on rugged rocks to reach the prime spot. 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. You can also take a train into Oviedo or Santander from anywhere in Spain, but youre still left with a decent distance to travel to get to the park. That event is said to have kicked off the long-distance walking trend. Otherwise, there are two bus routes. GR15 - Grande Rota do Guadiana. Leave plenty of time Heading out on a hike too late in the day is not a great idea. A long-distance trail means a route of more than 50 km in length, designed to be traveled in 2 or more stages. Total distance: To walk the entire route, it's 509 km (300 miles). It is marked in 63 stages, which given the dimensions we recommend that you plan on each route. Tackle our first serious ascent, climbing nearly 1,200 feet during our last four miles. Read more: Can Walking Be Enough to Reduce Obesity? Its a quick drive from the center of Vilajuiga and Port de la Selva (the nearest towns), and theres plenty of parking available. 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. Its not just the views that are amazing. 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. Another option is to stop at Aeri de Montserrat and take the cable car up to the monastery. . It is a cultural and nature itinerary that begins in Vivar del Cid in Burgos and concludes in Orihuela (Alicante), to travel a journey of 1,331 km, based on the figure of the Cid, historically linked to Roman walkways, trade routes and historic roads. Getting There: Getting to the route depends on where youre starting from. Once known as one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world, the Caminito del Rey was a hike for serious thrill-seekers ready for an adventure. But, before you book your tickets and get your backpack on, heres what you need to know to keep you safe when hiking in Spain; Respect the sun Spain gets hot, like really hot. Descend to Astorga, and explore the towns fascinating architecture, from Romanesque and Gothic churches to a palace designed by Antoni Gaud. From Navarre, youre going to want to drive through Isaba to get to Zuriza, where the trailhead is located. 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. Its a great way to immerse yourself in Spanish history while filling your lungs with fresh air! Walk 96 miles through some of Scotland's most iconic scenery and complete one of the . Whilst the walk itself is relatively easy as you can go in your own pace, the actual distance It is often wild, high and remote, with snow a significant factor outside the period. Overall expect to spend 6 - 7 hours on the Camino a day including breaks. Alternatively, the Covadonga Lakes in Asturias bring you an abundance of scenic Spanish landscapes, where youll be sharing the trail with sheep and cows. This page provides information on how to access the long distance paths. It takes 2 hours and once you arrive, youll be ready to hit the trail! Grab your backpack and hit the road! Return to Santiago for a guided historical tour of the cathedral and the citys old quarter, a World Heritage site. There is no point going hiking if youre wearing a pair of shoes on thatll rub your feet. There are a lot of information online when it comes to walking the Camino de Santiago. Add to that time 1 - 2 hours of rest, lunch, etc. Distance: 124 miles | Difficulty: Medium. On the western slope, it starts at Cabo de Higuer in the Cantabrian Sea to end at the Mediterranean Sea at Cape de Creus; running for 315 Km of high mountain and landscapes full of greens, grays and whites of Catalonia. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. However, for some of the best views of the country, hiking in Spain is the way to go. This walk is famous for its wildlife and meadows that you will cross day after day. In good weather, these are next-level. You can take the R5 train from Placa Espanya in Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat. But what to pack? . These roads are marked by a white stripe on a red one, which are painted along the route in visible places such as trees, stones or specially placed supports to mark the route. The E1 is one of 12 European long distance walking paths that is maintained by the European Ramblers Association. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Theres a lot of scrabbling involved, some near-vertical sections of rock, and no balustrades or safety equipment in sight. Required fields are marked *. Nowadays there are more than one hundred long distance trails in Spain. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Getting There: The best way to get to Picos de Europa is by driving, as the surrounding scenery is absolutely astounding. The park is easy to get to by car as its off the main highway, TF-21. Your email address will not be published. This is without question one of the greatest historic long distance hikes in Europe. The best way to get to Picos de Europa is by driving, as the surrounding scenery is absolutely astounding. Pgina oficial de la carrera en formato nonstop de larga distancia "Spain Long Distance". You just have to pick a theme and a place where you want to enjoy it. 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. Mallorca has a huge network of trails and paths, as well as 2 long distance walking routes, the GR221 and GR222 that are shown on the map. Stretching across 79 miles, you can take to the Great Glen Way by foot, by bike or even by boat. Distance: 500 miles | Difficulty: Intermediate, As the most famous trail in Spain and possibly the most well-known walking route in the world, the Camino de Santiago takes first place for best hikes in Spain. Prepare for your trip in advance with our useful information on entrance requirements, money, safety, healthcare, opening times, etc. And for keen hikers out there, it can indeed be summitted. A journey of over 1,200 kilometres following the Ebro river from beginning to end. Quick fire facts: The West Highland Way is as famous as it is spectacular. 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. 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. Nowadays there are more than one hundred long distance trails in Spain. Even if you arent ready to walk the full 500 miles to complete the entire pilgrimage, many people walk the Camino in bite-sized pieces or even just go for a single-day stroll! Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure dont be daft! Theres a reason that locals sleep in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest. One of the trails you can take is the one from the base of the mountain up to the monastery. Dubbed Carros de Foc (or Chariots of Fire in English), this trek is not only one of the best hikes in Spain, but is often touted as one of the most beautiful in Europe. 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 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. Pack enough water to see you through to the end. Without further ado, lets go hiking! A shorter option is to walk from Tui in Galicia, which is just over the 100 kilometers from Santiago to allow pilgrims to be awarded with a compostela, the certificate offered for those completing a pilgrimage to Santiago. Its a 54-kilometer journey, and most people take the train. Spain's trans-Pyrenean route plots a 840km course along the mountains from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. These are just some of the many GR long-distance walking routes that Spain has to offer. Its no wonder: this area of the Pyrenees is known for gleaming lakes, sweeping forests and tough climbs. Wed recommend booking way in advance, as there is only a limited number allowed per its daily time slots and it tends to sell-out. 1. Choose from our list of the best hikes in Spain below. This is proper Lord of the Rings territory, with the foreboding Picos de Europa jutting into the sky like towers, and lush grasslands sloping down to the glistening waters themselves. Country: Scotland. This epic UNESCO-recognised trail runs all the way from various starting points in France, across the Pyrenees and into Spain. Because of its popularity, accommodation in Spain is a breeze. The 211 km route passes through medieval villages, Romanesque churches and castles, starting at the Santuari de Queralt in the province of Barcelona and ending in France, in Montsegur (Arige). There are also walking trails if you prefer to make your way up by foot or dont have access to a car, but the trailheads are between three to five miles from town. And in the distance, youll spot the Bay of Biscay. It is not possible to save for offline use. It takes 2 hours and once you arrive, youll be ready to hit the trail! 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. Hadrians Wall Coast to Coast Trail South Downs Way Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Pennine Way (full + 6-day option) Jurassic Coast Path (part of the South West Coast Path) Sandstone Trail For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have trekked over the high plains of Castilla and the hills of Galicia, some to honor the Apostle James; others in the midst of their own spiritual journey. The path around the lake then climbs up for bonus views of both lakes, Enol and Ercina. This trail with spectacular views crosses Cantabria starting at Castro Urdiales until arriving at Potes. It is also just a five minutes drive away from the Aiguamolls dEmporda Nature Reserve. Also consider if the grip is suitable for the hike youre tackling. It actually had to be closed at one point because it had fallen into disrepair. Theres the option to stay overnight in a mountain pension, reaching the top for sunrise instead. 3. The England Coast Path is the newest (and will be the longest) National Trail when . However, as you approach the summit, it gets much more challenging, so be sure that youre adequately prepared! 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. Their walks on the mountain ridges with landscapes are exceptional, all in a context where it is difficult to find inhabited places. The ginormous mountain is located in Las Canadas del Teide National Park, meaning that theres nothing around but pure nature. 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. Expect real countryside feels here. Its certainly challenging and shouldnt be taken on by inexperienced hikers. If you dont want to walk back down, or youve had too much fun at the amusement park, no sweat. Don't put your right foot on the step, but step down to the floor with it. Distance: Varies with route | Difficulty: Easy Medium, Tour Recommendation: Montserrat Monestary Visit + Farmhouse Lunch. It will take approximately 25 days to complete. The highest elevation on the trail is 500m. Galicia on the road, spectacular landscapes, in images, How much do you know about the routes of Spain? Even so, in the web rutadelaplata.com the Asturias stages are detailed. 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. The 1 Thing We Never Leave Home Without. The route begins at the southernmost tip of Spain on the co. (78 miles hiking, 4 hours), Travel to the town of O Pedrouzo, and set off on the final leg of our hike along El Camino de Santiago. The Camino Ingles is the shortest Camino trail at only 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Ferrol or 75km (46 miles) from A Coruna. The Lycian Way is not a long distance walk - it's a long distance hike. Spain is very well connected via high speed trains but our top recommendation is always to rent a car. A long-distance trail means a route of more than 50 km in length, designed to be traveled in 2 or more stages. Your daypack shouldnt feel like it weighs you down even when its got your kit in it. Cattle graze on grassland, and you may be sharing your path with sheep wandering around freely, too. The transition from Murcia to Valencia was a bit dull but walking the 550 km trail through the province as a whole was a real revelation. Bus number 348 runs from Puerto de la Cruz to the park, as does bus 342 from Playa de las Americas. It's almost never a narrow footpath where pilgrims are forced to walk in a single file. You can read about the journey in Stevenson's . (8 miles hiking, 4 hours), Todays route rises onto the Meseta Central, high plains that stretch across much of central Spain. No matter which route you choose in Montserrat, youre bound to be amazed! Las Peas de Haya is such a challenging hike thats almost like mountain-climbing at some points. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. To start, Spain has a collection of cool cities to base yourself. Well, heres the trek for you. Distance: 2.25 miles | Difficulty: Easy Medium. For a short, sweet, and only slightly difficult hike to round out your Spain trip, make your way to Sant Pere de Rodes, a Benedictine monastery sitting 500 meters above sea level overlooking the Cap de Creus peninsula.