Spain is filled with natural treasures that make for an abundance of spectacular hiking opportunities and a hiker's paradise. From the coastline with its turquoise waters and beautiful white-sand beaches of Mallorca and Costa Brava to the famous pilgrimage route of El Camino de Santiago that leads through some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes. The peaks of the Spanish Pyrenees to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada National Park. Here is our top 6 best hikes in Spain to help you plan your hiking holiday. If you are planning a hiking adventure around Europe, you might also like to read our guide on The Best Hiking Trails in Europe.
Camino De Santiago
Nearest city: Santiago de Compostela
For: History buffs & spiritual lovers who seek to hike a section of a famed pilgrimage
Walk in one of the world's only two UNESCO-listed ancient pilgrimage trails, the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St James. What was a significant Christian pilgrimage route during the Middle Ages, is now a hiking paradise to experience the rich history and stunning landscapes. As may pilgrims tend to still hike this route today, it is more a journey where the experience is a welcoming atmosphere and lots of friendly conversation. This isn’t the average hike, it’s a spiritual experience, a companionship one during which you end up meeting people from all over the world. There are many different routes of Camino de Santiago. Each one offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience. The Camino de Santiago is not a single route like many people think referring to the most popular one – the Camino Frances. It’s a network of pilgrimage routes that start in different places across Europe and finish in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. You can either hike the entire route or sections of the trail. The Camino Frances is by far the most popular Camino de Santiago route which begins in the French Pyrenees and travels across Northern Spain. The Portuguese Camino de Santiago is another popular route which journeys north from Lisbon and Porto. Read more on our Luxury Camino De Santiago Walk From Portugal To Spain, a two-country journey as you walk handpicked sections of The Camino de Santiago. Learn and explore ruins of Celtic heritage that dates back over two millennia and travel through the oldest town in Portugal at Ponte de Lima as you tantalise on exquisite local cuisine and wines of the region.
Costa Brava
Nearest city: Barcelona
For: coastline and beach lovers
Costa Brava literally means “rugged coast.” This lovely coastal region is located in Catalonia, and starts at around 40 km north of Barcelona, in Blanes, going all the way to the border with France. Though most people go there for the beautiful beaches and lovely small cities, the nature is incredible too, and you’ll find some of the nicest hikes in Spain. Costa Brava boasts three natural parks, several areas of natural interest, and a fine range of trails which are completely different from the rest of the country: most go along the coast, with breathtaking views of small coastal towns, small coves with clear turquoise waters, and the typical Mediterranean vegetation. For hikers, the Costa Brava offers a chance to explore the best of the Mediterranean by foot. Hike the impressive coastline and follow centuries-old footpaths from cliffs to secluded bays. Hike the scenic coastal trail of Costa Brava on our Costa Brava Walk.
Spanish Pyrenees
Nearest city: Barcelona
For: Hikers who love mountain lakes, magnificent valleys and majestic mountains
Venture into the foothills of the Pyrenees, that mark the border between Spain and France, and within them there’s the small State of Andorra. With many mountain torrents and beautiful waterfalls – the most famous one is Gavarnie, with its 462 meters jump – this is a fantastic part of the country to go hiking. The most challenging trails in the Pyrenees are the GR10 in the northern area, in France; the GR11 in the southern parts; and the HRP, which is even more challenging as it goes at a higher altitude. Traverse alpine villages and quaint countryside to farmland as you journey between the two countries among mountainous topography, pine forests and alpine lakes on our Spanish Pyrenees Walking Adventure.
Basque Country
Nearest city: Bilbao
For: Off-the-beaten path, hidden mountain villages and lively beach towns
Basque Country, located in the western Pyrenees, is a part of France and Spain that pairs hiking with exquisite food and wine experiences. The Basque Country is world-renowned for its gastronomy from famous Michelin starred restaurants and the local pintxo bars synonymous of the region. It makes a perfect combination for a hiking adventure filled with hidden gems and spectacular nature. From its unique history, culture and language, traverse the peak of La Rhune, San Sebastian to the beaches of Biarritz and picturesque villages along the way. Trek in the foothills of the Atlantic Pyrenees and across the border from France to Spain as you encounter traditional charming villages, caves and lush rolling pastures on our Luxury Basque Country Walk, Bike & Kayak Adventure.
Mallorca
Nearest city: Palma
For: beach lovers and coastal hikes
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean to the east of the Iberian peninsula. It’s famous for its beach resorts, sheltered pine-fringed coves, serpentine roads, holm oak and pine forests, olive and citrus groves, and charming mountain villages. The Serra de Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dominate the entire west flank of Mallorca. It’s a rugged limestone mountain range which attracts hikers. The best hiking trails in Mallorca are concentrated in the Tramuntana mountains. From Sant Elm on the south-west coast to Cap de Formentor, the northernmost point of Mallorca, you’ll find a mix of both well-signed trails as well as unmarked trails. Trek beside striking cliffs and silvery-green olive groves en route to Galilea, a lovely village perched in the mountains. Visit the Sa Trapa ruins, an ancient monastery reachable only on foot. Mallorca offers remarkable trail variety: there are coastal trails, forest trails, mountain trails, and canyon trails from lush scenery, picture-perfect coves and towns, and effortless charm. If an island hiking adventure is what you are after, venture on a Luxury Mallorca Walk from majestic Mediterranean peaks to pristine beaches.
Rioja Wine Region
Nearest city: Bilbao
For: wine lovers
Spain’s most prestigious wine region, Rioja, is located in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. The Rioja Wine Region has over 500 wineries. in addition to offering excellent wines and delicious gastronomy, La Rioja is a fantastic place for hiking. There are many trails and paths that cover all corners of this region, offering hikers stunning routes that combine history, culture and scenery. Hemmed by mountains, provisioned by adventurous Basque cuisine, and home to spectacular wineries, Rioja is arguably the world’s most rewarding wine region that pair ideally for a walking adventure. Walk the high plains and valleys of the Pyrenees, centuries-old cobblestone streets in historic villages like Laguardia and Elciego and walk around prime grape-growing country and traverse Rioja Alavesa. At the end of each hike sip and toast to the exquisite wine of La Rioja, where hundreds of ancestral wineries have thrived for generations.
