Spain has a coastline of over 6000 km and is shaped by mountain ranges. Hikers can enjoy stunning natural tableaus along their routes, which include rugged cliff edges, granite rock formations, snowcapped mountains, rushing rivers, glacier lakes, deep canyons and turquoise- colored waters.
Hikers are treated to ancient ruins, historical towns, old churches and even random castles along the way in Spain. There are many hiking routes that show off the diversity of this Iberian destination.
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14 km, 4 hours, intermediate.
The scenic backdrop of the Spanish capital's most popular hiking routes can be found just an hour's drive from Madrid. The Pealara circular route is accessible via the Puerto de Cotos pass in the mountain town of Rascafra.
The peak of Pealara, Madrid's highest summit at 2428m (7966ft), is an amphitheater-like valley formed by millions of years of glaciers. Three of the trail's lakes are located in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.
2.5 hours is easy.
This top tourist attraction in the southern Spanish city of Mlaga is not for people who have trouble with their balance. The trek will take you on a wooden bridge over the gorge. This was once dubbed the scariest walk in the world for its use as a service route. The walkway has been reinforced with steel fencing.
The trek is easy and rewards with stunning views of the Guadalhorce River below. Neolithic caves dating back 7000 years and Jurassic-era fossils embedded on the gorge walls are some of the archeological wonders along the way. The official website offers general visit tickets for hikers who wish to do the trek on their own, but for an extra cost, you could avail of a guide who could share about the Caminito's unique history.
12 km, 3 hours, intermediate.
The La Pedriza trail begins at the town of Manzanares El Real, located close to the Manzanares upper river basin and on the southern edge of the Sierra de Guadarram. The Unesco Biosphere Reserve is characterized by rugged granite formations grazed by gentle streams and waterfall. Charca Verde is named for its deep emerald hue. The peak of El Yelmo is La Pedriza's most important landmark. The Castillo de los Mendoza is a 15th-century stone castle and should be visited while you are here.
The distance is 21.9 km.
Some of Europe's most breathtaking mountain views can be seen from the top of the Picos de Europa. The Cares Trail is one of the most popular routes in the Picos de Europa National Park.
The Cares Trail was carved into the limestone in 1916 to make way for workers to maintain a water canal that powered the Camarmea Power Plant. This route is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Spain, as you can see the Cares River below and the mountains rising 2000m. If you start in the quaint mountain village of Can de Valden in the province of Len, you will be able to enjoy the experience.
7 days, intermediate to hard, 100 km.
Pilgrims walked this 500-mile stretch of northern Spain in the 8th century. This tradition has attracted people from all walks of life because of its beautiful scenery. You can take the route from the Pyrenees mountains straddling the border between Spain and France, across rugged coastlines, lush forests, traditional villages and vineyards, and finally to the Basilica of Santiago de Compostela, where Saint James the Apostle is believed to be buried.
Many pilgrims choose to start in the town of Saint Jean Pied de Port in the Pyrenees, which is the most popular route, in order to reach the final 100 km. The trail takes you through the small towns of Portomarn, Melide, and Arza, across the Mio River. It is a tradition to mingle with fellow pilgrims after a day of hiking, most likely after drinking albario.
The article was first published about a year ago.
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