Hiking in Spain - See Spain's Other Side

Tour Spain by foot to come in contact with the country's other side - nature! You'll discover some of the most unspoiled areas of Spain that are usually not reachable by motorized vehicle. No matter what your hiking experience level, you can choose from a variety of adventures.

Choosing Your Region

The different regions in Spain each offer their own unique trekking adventure. Observe wildlife in its natural habitat at game and nature reserves or at one of the many national parks. Visit scenic areas of what is frequently called "Green Spain" in the northern regions or the Pyrenees, which separate France and Spain. Or, you can hike to the highest peak on the Spanish peninsula in the Sierra Nevada, which is located in the southern region. Here you can also explore unusual architecture and art in remote locations!

Here are some recommended hiking adventures in Spain:

The mighty mountain ranges of Spain are the Cantabrian range, which crosses the Central Mountain chain, and the Iberian Mountains that begin in the Basque Country and end on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Spain is the most mountainous country in Europe. You'll enjoy visiting the foothills and valleys of the Pyrenees, one of the most popular hiking areas of Spain. Or, for a rugged hiking adventure, the Picos de Europa presents many areas where there are no roads. This is located in the regions of Cantabria and Asturias.

Hike Among the Sant Marti and Empuries Ruins

This is a Medieval town where the ruins of an ancient Greek-Roman city called Empuries lie. This is one of the most treasured sites in Spain. A hike in this area reveals ornamental mosaics on the floor, an original wall built by Romans, and the brilliant design of a Greek city.

Explore Olot's Volcanoes and la Fageda d'en Jorda

Take a hike to explore what is now a natural park. There are more than 30 volcanic cones. There's also a forest of beech trees, which is situated on the famous lava stream of Santa Margarida, a volcano that is known for having a small church in its crater.

Tour the Hidden Valley of Vall de Nuria

Encounter the quietness of nature in the hidden valley of Vall de Nuria. This hike begins with a ride on a peculiar silent railway that transports you to the valley. This railway is the only means of transportation to Nuria. The valley is engulfed by high mountains, giving you a great Alpine landscape view during your hike.

Hiking in the National Park of Aiguestortes

You'll also find great hiking opportunities at the National Park of Aiguestortes, which is located in the heart of the Pyrenees. The park offers a genuine view of High Mountain, and water is abundant throughout the area. If you like hiking around lakes, rivers and waterfalls, there are over 200 of these in the park. Don't miss the aigues tortes or "twisted waters" in the park. This is one of the most fascinating landscapes of the Pyrenees. Also while hiking in the park, you'll see plenty of fauna and flora. There are fir trees that are more than a hundred years old and also black pine tree forests where you might spot izards or bearded vultures!

Legend of the Canary Islands

Hiking in the Canary Islands has a legendary twist! The Canary Islands are part of the Atlantis legend, a place known as the disappeared continent. As you hike through the laurisilvia forest, also known as laurel jungle, you'll get the sense of being in an enchanted place. Before the Tertiary age, these forests once grew all over the Mediterranean and in most of Europe!

Hike Where Pirates Once Met

Another interesting hike is at the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range on the West coast of the Majorca Island. The mountain range runs the length of the coast, and you'll have a panoramic view of coves and cliff edges shaded by pine trees. This area of the Mediterranean used to be a meeting place for pirates. A well-preserved train in Soller that was built in 1912 will give you the feeling of being in another time from history, along with the cobbled paths that take you from the sea to L'Infern and through the beautiful cliffs of Puig Major, which is the highest peak in Majorca. The local people of the island are hospitable, and you'll receive a warm welcome after a long day's journey!

Try Great Foods while Hiking in the Navarra Pyrenees

Travel by foot through a timeless setting that has been preserved by its people. The Navarra Pyrenees offers a great hiking experience along with the best vegetables, cheese, meat and fish for the tasting. You'll also get to see where Spain's most valued wines are made - on the bank of the Ebro River. Hiking in Spain is a great way to unearth nature's beauty, meet friendly villagers and taste delicious foods and wines!

Embrace Lovely Spain as Your Next Getaway

Spain, a nation that was shaped under the rule of Catholic Kings, became the most powerful nation in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. Now, Spain has become a democracy with Autonomous Regions. Each region is distinct in appearance, culture, cuisine and even language. That's what makes Spain a great place for tourism. You can plan a dream vacation in the Spanish region of your choice no matter what your preferences!

Spain's Regional Variety

With Spain's vast regional variety, you'll have no problem finding the location that matches your vacation needs. Spain embraces the greater part of the Iberian Peninsula, which is found at the southwestern tip of Europe. As Europe's third largest country, Spain's land mass covers 195,350 square miles, and includes a mainland as well as widespread islands. The Balearic Islands are located in the east while the Canary Islands are over 600 miles to the south, near the shores of Africa. Melilla and Ceutra are on Africa's northern coast and also belong to Spain.

Enjoy Spain's Cultural Variety

No matter where you stay in Spain, you'll discern quickly which group of people dominated that area long ago. Evidences are displayed through cuisine, buildings, museums and sites as you tour a Spanish city or village. Spain boasts many cultural differences, from religion to business. For instance, the Romans built magnificent cities in Spain, with monuments that compete with some of Italy's best Roman exhibits. When the Moors invaded and occupied Spain, they inserted their Eastern influence, which helped shape the Spanish language, cuisine and architecture. Then, Jewish communities formed, contributing to the scholarly and business characteristics of Spain. Spain gradually became a melting pot of religions and cultures where Jewish, Moorish and Christian people lived in harmony for the most part.

Interesting Things to Do in Spain

Spain has a wide variety of attractions and things to do, from golfing to horseback riding; from touring the unique buildings and museums to eating out at fine restaurants! Below are some of the most popular activities in Spain to get you started.

Tour Spain by Horse

Take a tour of Spain equestrian style. Horseback riding has become a very popular way to see the sights in Spain, with trails available in many locations. Enjoy a ride at the Northern Castile or through the enchanting mountains of Gredos. There are trails along amazing river gorges in Segovia. Explore the towns where many men who explored America lived on the Route of the Conquistadors. This is located in the region of Extremadura. Guadalupe and the La Vera Valley both offer captivating scenic trails also. In Navarra, Catalunya and Aragon, you'll ride along the trails that climb into the Pyrenees. The famous "Way of Saint James" horse trail travels across northern Spain and to Saint James' shrine in Santiago de Compostela.

Hiking and Biking in Spain

Hike or ride a bike through some of Spain's most unspoiled areas. There is much mountainous terrain to explore. If you're an experienced hiker or biker, there are high mountains for a challenge. Or, you can relax in the gentle foothills of Spain. The well-known cycling marathon called "Tour de France" takes route through some of Spain's challenging mountains.

Take a Golfing Holiday in Spain

If you're a golf enthusiast, you'll love Spain! With around 165 golf clubs, Spain is the leading golf country in Europe, and the courses in Spain are breathtaking. On your Spain tour, you might play golf by the Mediterranean sea or on a course framed in a mountainous scene. Spain's first rate golf courses are well-kept and lushly green. Just outside Madrid are two of Spain's most elegant courses. Other great courses are near Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.

Fine Dining in Spain

You'll find dining in Spain to be delicious, with mouth-watering Mediterranean flavors based on garlic, olive oil, grains, peppers and fish. Every region has its own distinct cuisine so you'll want to inquire about the specialty of the area where you're staying. Along the coasts of Spain you'll taste exquisite fish dishes. In central Castile, look for roast lamb, game, bean dishes and sausages. In the southeastern regions of Murcia and Valencia, expect delicious rice dishes. It's wise to get recommendations for the area you're planning to visit beforehand so you'll know what to expect.

The Artistic Side of Spain

If you're an art lover, you don't want to miss the Museum of Roman Art in Merida. This museum was developed by a Spanish architect named Rafael Moneo. Also, walking through the awe-inspiring Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a great way to spend one of your afternoons. It was designed by an American architect named Frank Gehry. The capital of Madrid has more than 50 museums and a palace with 2,600 rooms!

Visit the Castles of Spain

Spain's castles capture the hearts and minds of tourists each year because they sit on almost every high ground of the country. The grand Coca castle is a Moorish-style castle that sits on the plains of Segovia. Also in Segovia is the splendid Alcazar castle. If you're staying near the foothills of the Pyrenees, you must see the Loarre castle. Other fabulous castles include the Penafiel castle of the Duero Valley, which stretches out across the rise over the Castilian landscape, the Olite castle in Navarra and Granada's Alhambra castle. It is believed that there could have been almost 10,000 castles in Spain during the Middle Ages. Spain still has 2,500 standing castles today, with some dating as far back as the 9th century! While some of the ancient castles are basically bare skeletons, there are many that have been well preserved for all to see. With Spain's many cultural and regional varieties, you're sure to find a cozy spot that will be perfect for your Spain getaway!