Walking holidays in Spain

To many, holidays in Spain evoke images of sun, sea and sangria; yet this fascinating country is a treasure trove of culture and natural beauty, and as such lends itself to fantastic walking and trekking adventures. Diverse scenery awaits visitors keen to explore this remarkable country on foot, not just on the mainland but also off shore on the Balearic and Canary islands.

Mainland Spain boasts deep valleys and limestone peaks in the northern ranges. Spain’s mountain ranges are in fact the second highest in Europe after Switzerland. The impressive Pyrenees form a natural border between Spain, France and Andorra, while the more intimate, yet equally dramatic, Picos de Europa remain Spain’s best kept secret. Those with a love of gastronomy and wine will be rewarded after a busy day on foot – taste fine wines from various regions or sample the local delicacies of the Basque country or Catalunya.

Camino de Santiago - The Camino de Santiago, otherwise known as the Way of St James, has been a pilgrim route since the 9th century. This legendary path leads from the western Pyrenees across northern Spain to the west coast and the Galician capital of Santiago de Compostela, complete with its famous 15th century cathedral, the final resting place of St James.

An ever-changing landscapes of mountains, rolling hills, farmland and forests along with interesting stops in urban and rural settlements along the way guarantee the Camino de Santiago to be a perpetually popular hiking route. On our walking trip we walk 100km of the route, for which you'll receive an official 'Compostela' (certificate).

Andalucia - The rolling hills of Andalucia are home to the little-visited Sierra Aracena, Spain’s second largest national park, complete with ancient trails through undulating, picturesque scenery made up of olive groves and vineyards, and sprinkled with quaint white-washed villages. 

The Canary Islands - Pleasant winter climate, beautiful beaches and dramatic landscapes make the Canary Islands an attractive destination for a walking holiday. Spain’s highest peak, Pico de Teide (3718 metres), crowns the island of Tenerife, while Gran Canaria, La Gomera and La Palma each have their own inspiring landscapes.

Can I go walking in Spain as a solo traveller? 
Our small group walking trips to Spain are ideal for travelling solo, and you’ll be in good company – around half of travellers on our trips are travelling on their own. Our Spanish walking holidays are designed with solo travellers in mind. You’ll meet and socialise with other like-minded holidaymakers, sharing your experiences along the way.  

When is the best time to go on a walking holiday in Spain? 
The best season to go on a walking holiday in Spain is in the ‘shoulder seasons’ spring or autumn.Outside of the hottest months, you can still have warm and sunny days, while the temperatures are more temperate and suited to walking and hiking. The exception is the Canary Islands, where it is still possible to travel between November and February. Usually the months of July and August are too hot for a walking holiday to Spain and are best avoided.

How challenging are walking holidays in Spain? 
Our walking and trekking holidays in Spain are graded from Easy through to Moderate, with walking times between two and seven hours a day. When grading walking trips, we take into account the terrain, ascents and descents as well as daily distances covered - check the grading on the trip pages to help choose the right walking holiday for you. 

Where will I stay on a Spain walking holiday?
Our accommodation in Spain is of a comfortable standard and well-located for exploring the highlights. Wherever possible, we stay in locally-owned and run Spanish hotels. 

What will the food be like on a Spain walking tour? 
Spanish cuisine is excellent and varied, and Spain is a perfect holiday destination for foodies. Seafood, gazpacho, paella, tapas - all the signature dishes can be found in abundance but don't miss the chance to try new things, from cordoba to piston and sugary turron.