TOP 10 WALKS IN SPAIN
There are sides to Spain that casual tourists rarely see, but walking reveals them. Trails wind through Spain’s lesser known regions and, for those travelers who come here, there is ample gorgeous scenery to go round. From the milder climate of Picos de Europa National Park to the high peaks of Andalucia’s Sierra de Grazalema, our top 10 walks in Spain will expand your mind and stretch your calf muscles, while also benefitting areas that are way off the tourist trail.
1. Catalonia
Tied to northeast Spain like a hiker's neckerchief, Catalonia stretches from the Med to Andorra and the Pyrenees to provide a variety of walking trails across rocky mountain crags, bird filled wetlands, beautiful beaches and rugged coastline, including Cap de Creus and the Bay of Roses.
When to go: April to June and September to October
Our top selling trip: Catalonia self guided walking vacations
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When to go: April to June and September to October
Our top selling trip: Catalonia self guided walking vacations
See all our trips: Catalonia walking vacations
Read more: Catalonia travel guide
2. Walking & wildlife watching in the Spanish Pyrenees
Spot wildlife as you walk in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, one of Spain’s oldest parks, accompanied by a local Pyrenean naturalist guide. Look out for chamois, marmots and the magnificent lammergeier (bearded vulture), plus a host of other birdlife. Follow trails that thread along valley floors and through ancient beech forests, to high alpine meadows and paths carved into cliffs.When to go: June
Our top selling trip: Wildlife and walking vacation in the Spanish Pyrenees
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3. Camino de Santiago, French Way
This traditional pilgrimage trail, leading across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela in the northwest, provides a serious walking challenge for some; for others, walking it is a chance to appreciate the beautiful rural landscapes of Galicia and Castilla y León en route from one hostel or comfy hotel to the next.When to go: May to June and September
Our top selling trip: Spain walking vacation, León to Santiago de Compostela
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4. Andalucia
The countryside surrounding Andalucia's cultural capitals – Seville, Cordoba and Granada – is an absolute walkers' paradise with trails through rolling swathes of sunflowers and olive groves linking to rustic farms and villages, as well as the limestone cliffs and gorges of the Sierra de Grazalema.
When to go: March to May and late September to October
Our top selling trip: Walking in Andalucia, Spain
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When to go: March to May and late September to October
Our top selling trip: Walking in Andalucia, Spain
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5. Gran Canaria
Outside of the hot summer months, the Canary Islands surprise many visitors by being a walker’s paradise. The high plateaus of Gran Canaria’s volcanic landscapes soar above fragrant pine forest. There are mountain villages where you can stop for a coffee before tackling a challenging descent into one of the island’s dramatic gorges. Gorgeous.When to go: October to April
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6. Camino de Santiago, Northern Way
The lesser-walked 800 km-long Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago goes along the coast of northern Spain for most of its route. The first section is a very popular one – who wouldn’t want to walking between the cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao, taking in the Basque Country coast between bites in the cities’ many pinchos bars.When to go: April to June and September to October
Our top selling trip: The Northern Way vacation, San Sebastian to Bilbao
See all our trips: Camino de Santiago walking vacations
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7. Majorca
Discover the real Majorca as you step into its interior, walking through the UNESCO protected realm of the Serra de Tramuntana. From pine forest trails, indented by bays such as Cala de Tuent, to lakes surrounded by steep valley slopes, there's more to walking vacations in Majorca than may at first meet the eye.
When to go: March to May and September to October
Our top selling trip: Mallorca walking vacation in the Balearic Islands
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When to go: March to May and September to October
Our top selling trip: Mallorca walking vacation in the Balearic Islands
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8. Walk & learn Spanish in the Picos de Europa
There's nowhere better to immerse yourself in the language and landscapes of Spain than the lesser walked trails and limestone peaks of Picos de Europa National Park. Take language lessons in the morning and chat to local people and Spanish speaking walking guides during the afternoon – pan comido!When to go: April to June and September to October
Our top selling trip: Spanish course and walking vacation, Picos de Europa, Spain
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9. Cooking & walking in the Spanish Pyrenees
Tuck into the good life as you walk within the wine regions and national parks of the Spanish Pyrénées, making the most of locally produced cheese, honey, olive oil and sloe infused Patxaran liquors. Picnics, tapas bars and cooking workshops help to reveal the true taste of northern Spain.When to go: March to May and September to October
Our top selling trip: Cooking and walking vacation, Spanish Pyrenees
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Read more: Cooking & food vacations travel guide and Walking in Spain travel guide
10. Yoga & walking in Spain
The combination of daily yoga and guided hiking, against a canvas of untouched Spanish countryside and coastline, is all you need to extend physical and mental muscles, far from the madding crowd. Yoga and walking vacations in Spain let you unwind within one of the world's healthiest climates.
When to go: March, April and October
Our top selling trip: Yoga and walking vacation in Spain
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When to go: March, April and October
Our top selling trip: Yoga and walking vacation in Spain
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