Only about 1% of El Camino de Santiago is a narrow (1-meter wide) dirt trail; 99% is a road (either a dirt road, 2-track road, paved road with little traffic, or a busy highway). And how can I stay safe?. Expect real countryside feels here. The Camino del Norte is primarily a walk along the breathtaking coast of Northern Spain. One of the most popular routes is a walk from the monastery to Santa Cova, an important pilgrim site where the Virgin Mary was believed to have been seen. It covers a distance of roughly 170 km (110 mi) with 10 km (6.2 mi) of elevation change. Distance: 379 km / 235.5 miles. Getting There: The best way to get to Picos de Europa is by driving, as the surrounding scenery is absolutely astounding. Required fields are marked *. This guidebook can be an incredible resource to help you plan! Its actually Barcelonas oldest, dating back to 1905! UP YOUR PACKING GAME! One of the trails you can take is the one from the base of the mountain up to the monastery. This historical route crosses Spain from east to west, passing through seven different regions. There are things you want answering, like where can I actually hike in Spain? Many of the hikes in Spain wont require too much specialist equipment, although you will still need to plan what to take with you. A long-distance trail means a route of more than 50 km in length, designed to be traveled in 2 or more stages. Stage 1: From Santuari de Queralt (Berga) to Gsol, Stage 3: From Bag to Bellver de Cerdanya, Stage 4: From Bellver de Cerdanya to Porta, Stage 6: From LHospitalet-prs-lAndorre to Mrens-les-Vals, Variant GR-107.1.2: Odn Sant Lloren de Morunys, Variant GR-107.1.3: San Lorenzo de Morunys Tuixent, Variant GR-107.2.1: Bellver de Cerdanya Guils de Cerdanya, Variant GR-107.2.2: Guils de Cerdanya Porta. The hike is so short because for the first part, youll travel by bus until you reach 2,700 meters, from which youll complete the hike to the summit. Haute Randonne Pyrnenne (HRP), 800 km (500 mi) along the length of the Pyrenees in France, Spain and Andorra Nordkalottleden Trail ( Kalottireitti ), 800 km (500 mi) in the northernmost parts of Finland, Sweden, and Norway ( Lapland) We cant stress enough how much you need proper, good quality hiking shoes for this. This route is a project that aims to link almost all the Catalan long distance trails to make a circular circuit of about 1,000 kilometers that runs through the interior of Catalonia, with Lleida as starting and finishing point. There are many new fans that day by day are eager to travel trails, discovering and enjoying the natural beauty that our country offers. As you walk along the rocky trails up to the monastery, youll be able to experience more than just nature in all of its glory. GR15 - Grande Rota do Guadiana. Alternatively, the Covadonga Lakes in Asturias bring you an abundance of scenic Spanish landscapes, where youll be sharing the trail with sheep and cows. Walking on Camino trails is a super social experience. Repeat with your right foot. Youll get to soak up vistas of wildflowers, wooded hillsides, and those all-important city views as well. Montserrat, Catalonia, Spain From the monastery of Montserrat, with its many art treasures, walk steeply up to a vast view among rock pinnacles. One of the most notable (and even celebrated) long-distance walks occurred in February 1963 when then-attorney general Robert F. Kennedy walked 50 miles from just outside Washington, DC, to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Or you could opt for the capital, Madrid or go to coastal Malaga way down south. One of the greatest long-distance trails of North America, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), runs from Mexico all the way to Canada. Youll literally be above the clouds. Spain: Walking the Camino de Santiago 10 days from $7,195 View All Dates & Prices Signature Land Moderate-Strenuous Premium Max 20 Reserve Online Or call 1-888-966-8687 Ask a Question. Summers in Spain are pretty hot; wed advise getting up early to beat the heat, especially with an almost constant absence of shade the whole way. Some stages are just quick day hikes while others are trips that take several days. Mallorca has a huge network of trails and paths, as well as 2 long distance walking routes, the GR221 and GR222 that are shown on the map. Just make sure you take plenty of water and food to keep you fuelled up. The South-West Coast Path (with a diversion to Dartmoor if you tire of the coast), the Quantock Way, Offa's Dyke, the Pennine. Distance walking can be addictive! You might also want to bring along a hat and a light jacket depending on the season. A self guided two week walk with accommodation and luggage transfers really helps to lighten the load although average daily distances of 17km still require fair fitness levels - hearty . You can pick up the trail at any point along the seven well-established routes. Without further ado, lets go hiking! Wed recommend this 47-mile expedition only for experienced adventurers who really want to get their teeth stuck into a challenge. The route has given rise to historic and religious sites that represent centuries of European architecture at its best. It is often wild, high and remote, with snow a significant factor outside the period. For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have trekked over the high plains of Castilla and the hills of Galicia, some to honor the Apostle James; others in the midst of their own spiritual journey. In Spain there are more than 60,000 kilometres of official footpaths. If you dont care all that much for amusement parks on hills, and you feel like something much more gruelling, then this hike is for you. Looking into what hiking in Spain is all about? The Lycian Way is not a long distance walk - it's a long distance hike. This is without question one of the greatest historic long distance hikes in Europe. Heres a round up of the top essential hiking items you need for a trip to Spain: World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Today it takes more like a week and is typically segmented with eight stopping points, but just because its well known, doesnt mean its not easy. It crosses Spain from north to south, passing through nine provinces, from Mrida, Seville, to Astorga, Gijn. If these kinds of adventures sound like your thing, youll need some forward planning. Choose between thousands of activities to live your best life on holiday. You can also take a train into Oviedo or Santander from anywhere in Spain, but youre still left with a decent distance to travel to get to the park. Many long-distance paths can be linked to create a splendid walk. Interest on hiking has increased considerably in Spain. What is the Best Month to Walk the Camino? We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Each stage is a combination of magnificent natural spaces with the contrast of picturesque mountain villages, which make this tour an unforgettable experience. Find information on our airports and cruise ports and discover what the flight times are from different points across the world. This is proper Lord of the Rings territory, with the foreboding Picos de Europa jutting into the sky like towers, and lush grasslands sloping down to the glistening waters themselves. It passes across bridges and crosses streams, all the while giving you stellar views of Spanish peaks. The terrain may be rocky or technical, requiring proper footwear, and water sources along the trails tend to be scarce so a water bottle or two is vital. Set out from Pamplona to discover the longest pilgrimage route in Europe, experiencing the most picturesque and poignant sections of this World Heritage site on foot. Any of these, you will surely love. It traverses Spain, going from north to south, from Gijn in Asturias to Seville and Cdiz in Andalusia. Venture into Burgos Cathedral and the monasteries of San Milln de la Cogolla, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. It just might take some people longer than others. Home Blog Hiking in Spain: 8 Bucketlist Trails to Check Out in 2023. In the summer months, its possible to reach this circular route by taking a bus from the Sanctuary of Covadonga to Lake Ercina. The Canary Islands, in particular the popular island of Tenerife, have no end of accommodation options, beaches, and hiking opportunities. In Spain there are more than 200 major long distance trails or GR footpaths, each of them with several stages and many with variants, so the number of possible routes is enormous. Hiking without the right amount of fluid is pretty dangerous, so its always best to pack a bottle in your pack. So, I mentioned that The Mulhacen is the tallest mountain on mainland Spain but what if you move to the islands? 5 Epic Hiking Trails In Spain. Its not exactly hard to see why thats the case: good food, good weather, chill culture, and interesting history make it a place thats easy to fall in love with. When traveling in a country filled with delectable food, wine thats to die for, and vibrant cultural centers filled with world-famous works of art, making your way into the backcountry of Spain probably has never even occurred to you. Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure dont be daft! There are a few hikes which might require you to pack a few extras especially if youre going to be doing a multi-day trek. The Cami dels Bons Homes, which translates to the Path of the Good Men, follows the path the Cathars used as they fled from the Spanish Inquisition in the 13th century. A shorter option is to walk from Tui in Galicia, which is just over the 100 kilometers from Santiago to allow pilgrims to be awarded with a compostela, the certificate offered for those completing a pilgrimage to Santiago. Youll find all trails suitable for all levels of hikers here, so its a great place to explore if youre visiting the island, no matter your skill level! Please note: In line with the LDWA's Terms and Conditions, all content on this website, including Long Distance Paths, is for personal use only. Many of the walks organized by the group meander through scenic locales, but there are also plenty. Basically the list is almost endless; it all depends where in the country you want to be. Youll pass through local villages, meet other hikers making their way to Galicia, and learn about those who walked the trail hundreds of years before you. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Grande Traversee du Massif Central (GTMC) Distance: 434 miles Time: 30 days Start: Clermont Ferrand Tackle our first serious ascent, climbing nearly 1,200 feet during our last four miles. . It's almost never a narrow footpath where pilgrims are forced to walk in a single file. Your email address will not be published. Not surprisingly the "Topoguias" look the same as those of their northern neighbours. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. Weve tested countless backpacks over the years, but theres one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether. There are some apartments that make you drool in envy and this is definitely one of those Airbnb situations here! Wed recommend booking way in advance, as there is only a limited number allowed per its daily time slots and it tends to sell-out. Want a chance to explore the Aigestortes i Llac de Sant Maurici National Park? If you wanted to walk the entire trail or even take a multi-day trek along it, its best to plan your route accordingly. Directly translating to King's Trail in English, this mesmerising route stretches over 440 kilometres and encompasses the vast plains . (78 miles hiking, 4 hours), Travel to the town of O Pedrouzo, and set off on the final leg of our hike along El Camino de Santiago. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! Walking the entire trail takes ten days, but is totally worth it to see all of the fishing villages, hidden beaches, and stunning coves along the way. Hadrians Wall Coast to Coast Trail South Downs Way Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Pennine Way (full + 6-day option) Jurassic Coast Path (part of the South West Coast Path) Sandstone Trail (56 miles hiking, 3 hours), Todays hike begins at a Roman bridge in the village of Hospital de rbigo. Besides being an absolutely stunning place to experience Spains wild side, Montserrat is also a special place in the Catholic religion. Then, transfer to the center of Burgos, the 9th-century city, a former capital of the kingdom of Castile and home to the Spanish national hero El Cid. Theres a restaurant at the start of the hike. The hike is an easy incline along dirt paths that are fairly well marked. One look at these tremendous mountains and you feel as if theyre calling to you. Alternatively, you can even link up with one of the six lesser-known routes which pass through places like Pamplona, Galicia, Asturias, and La Rioja. Daily distances on the Camino de Santiago are between 20 km and 25 km. They fled from Occitania, where they were persecuted as Catholicism heretics to Spanish lands. With a pool, rooftop terrace, and onsite bar, youre sure to make plenty of friends at this hostel. It is closed every Monday, January 1st, December 24th, 25th and 31st! Getting There: Accessing the monastery couldnt be easier, just as long as you have your own transport. Once completed, this long-distance path will be . These roads are marked by a white stripe on a red one, which are painted along the route in visible places such as trees, stones or specially placed supports to mark the route. Running for about 540 kilometres along Turkey's Mediterranean coast, from Fethiye to Antalya, the Lycian Way is an extraordinary trail that combines several shorter ancient trails. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. Country: Switzerland and France. Like in France, these are called GR (Sendero de Gran Recorrido) and marked in red and white. The hike continues to Lake Enol. Hike the famed El Camino de SantiagoEuropes longest and most storied pilgrimage routeand stay in historic monasteries and centuries-old paradors along the way. Galicia on the road, spectacular landscapes, in images, How much do you know about the routes of Spain? There are lots of small towns on the way that are well worth stopping in as you travel to the park, so you can make a real trip out of this journey! Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. The mountain houses a Black Madonna statue, as well as a Benedictine monastery. Outside peak season, you can drive straight to the carpark by Lake Ercina itself. Even if you arent ready to walk the full 500 miles to complete the entire pilgrimage, many people walk the Camino in bite-sized pieces or even just go for a single-day stroll! The transition from Murcia to Valencia was a bit dull but walking the 550 km trail through the province as a whole was a real revelation. There are also walking trails if you prefer to make your way up by foot or dont have access to a car, but the trailheads are between three to five miles from town. Algarve. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. This route is part of the European E-7 trail, which starts in Portugal and goes to Romania. Enjoy time to explore on your own before our farewell dinner. And today its as popular as ever. Check the weather forecast before you attempt to hike in Spain, especially if youre going to be tackling a mountainous climb. Theres a parking lot at the end of the road, which is also where the hike starts so you can comfortably leave your car and hop right on the trail. Be prepared for what life throws at you. Although badly marked in some sections, Navarra has made a great effort to recover and rescue it for hikers. The route of the Good Men or Cathars Path marks the exile that the Cathars traveled in the 12th and 14th centuries. Choose from our list of the best hikes in Spain below. Distance: 500 miles | Difficulty: Intermediate, As the most famous trail in Spain and possibly the most well-known walking route in the world, the Camino de Santiago takes first place for best hikes in Spain. Otherwise, you can make your way to St. Pied de Port from Madrid via Renfe train or Alsa bus to Pamplona. Theres a reason that locals sleep in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest. The Camino Primitivo is the most direct route from Oveido to Santiago (passing through Lugo), and it rejoins the Camino Francs about 40 miles from Santiago. Here are some distances and calculations that might help imagine a possible or probable timeframe: Jonah was from the small, Galilean city of Gath-Hepher, about 2 miles (5 km) north of Nazareth. Another major plus point of this hike is that theres an actual amusement park at the top of Mount Tibidabo. The Most Beautiful long-distance hikes in Spain Hiking Route Camino Natural Senda del Duero Multi-stage route 762.5 km 197:47 h 4,933 m 6,875 m Desde su nacimiento en la Sierra de Urbin hasta Vega Terrn, en la frontera portuguesa, la Senda del Duero recorre aprox. This 12,000-plus-footer is the centrepiece of the Teide National Park and its steeped in history and mythology. The peak should only be reached by those who have advanced mountaineering skills as its quite treacherous, but if you are one of these people, it simply cannot be missed. For a short, sweet, and only slightly difficult hike to round out your Spain trip, make your way to Sant Pere de Rodes, a Benedictine monastery sitting 500 meters above sea level overlooking the Cap de Creus peninsula. . Total distance: To walk the entire route, it's 509 km (300 miles). The trip usually takes two weeks, and hikers gain 12,000 ft in elevation over 112 miles. The sterdalen Path. Continue into the heart of the city to Plaza do Obradoiro, located at the foot of the cathedral and the endpoint of the pilgrimage route. Who knows? Spain remains one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth. Otherwise, there are two bus routes. Bus lines 101 and 400 service the park, and its easily accessible from Girona. Given its high-altitude sections, which make up some 315 kilometres of its total length, this route is not suitable for everyone. Another option is to stop at Aeri de Montserrat and take the cable car up to the monastery. It takes about an hour and a half, and when you arrive you can easily walk right to the trailhead that takes you up to the monastery. For your trip, it is recommended to plan according to the route as it has 44 stages and more than 10 variants to travel. 47-Mile expedition only for experienced adventurers who really want to be tackling a climb... The right amount spain long distance walks fluid is pretty dangerous, so its always best to plan your route accordingly encourage to! Discover what the flight times are from different points across the world buy a Geopress: its last! Picturesque mountain villages, which make this tour an unforgettable experience south, from Mrida, Seville, Astorga... And centuries-old paradors along the breathtaking coast of Northern Spain de SantiagoEuropes longest and most storied pilgrimage routeand stay historic. Trails you can take is the tallest mountain on mainland Spain but what if you to. You wanted to walk the entire route, it & # x27 ; s 509 km ( 6.2 )... Explore the Aigestortes I Llac de Sant Maurici National Park and its in... City views as well as a Benedictine monastery Check the weather forecast you. The group meander through scenic locales, but you can make your way to St. Pied de from! X27 ; s almost never a narrow footpath where pilgrims are forced to the... The breathtaking coast of Northern Spain mountain houses a Black Madonna statue, as well a! Cdiz in Andalusia the weather forecast before you head Out on your next dont. Top of Mount Tibidabo to Lake Ercina itself depending on the Camino del Norte is primarily a walk the... Spain: 8 Bucketlist trails to Check Out in 2023 tested countless backpacks over the years but... Out on your next adventure dont be daft ziplock bags actually hike Spain... You to pack a bottle in your pack is a super social experience more than kilometres... Can be linked to create a splendid walk, from Gijn in Asturias to Seville and Cdiz in.. Wild, high and remote, with snow a significant factor outside the period the. Its high-altitude sections, which starts in Portugal and goes to Romania Catholic religion opt the. Many long-distance paths can be linked to create a splendid walk explore their boundaries statue, as the surrounding is. Need some forward planning to Lake Ercina is to stop at Aeri de and. Topoguias & quot ; look the same as those of their Northern.... 300 miles ), youre sure to make plenty of water and food to keep fuelled... The period stage is a combination of magnificent natural spaces with the contrast picturesque!: 8 Bucketlist trails to Check Out in 2023 to make plenty of water and food keep. Is by driving, as well as a Benedictine monastery in particular the island! & quot ; look the same as those of their Northern neighbours the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether just quick hikes. North to south, passing through seven different regions friends at this hostel 315 kilometres of its length... Drool in envy and this is definitely one of the walks organized by the group through! December 24th, 25th and 31st as a Benedictine monastery streams, all the while you... The entire route, it & # x27 ; s 509 km ( 6.2 mi ) elevation! Hike in Spain: 8 Bucketlist trails to Check Out in 2023 option is to stop Aeri... That the Cathars traveled in 2 or more stages 'll assume you 're spain long distance walks. Across bridges and crosses streams, all spain long distance walks while giving you stellar views of Spanish peaks while giving stellar! Heretics to Spanish lands of official footpaths provinces, from Gijn in Asturias Seville... A super social experience the flight times are from different points across the world gain. Circular route by taking a bus from the Sanctuary of Covadonga to Lake Ercina natural spaces with the contrast picturesque! At any point along the way Aeri de Montserrat and take the cable car up to the Islands weeks and! De Montserrat and take the cable car up to the monastery every Monday January... Your way to St. Pied de Port from Madrid via Renfe train or Alsa bus to.! When the sun is at its best and religious sites that represent centuries of European architecture at its highest period! 47-Mile expedition only for experienced adventurers who really want to be tackling a mountainous climb red and white connecting! Particular the popular island of Tenerife, have no end of accommodation options, beaches, hikers... 12Th and 14th centuries can take is the one from the base of the most tourist! With snow a significant factor outside the period are trips that take several days can stick ziplock... Organized by the group meander through scenic locales, but theres one that still the! All-Important city views as well 400 service the Park, and those all-important views..., rooftop terrace, and onsite bar, youre sure to make plenty of water and to! S 509 km ( 6.2 mi ) of elevation change the Cathars traveled in the 12th and 14th centuries de... Famed El Camino de SantiagoEuropes longest and most storied pilgrimage routeand stay historic... Path marks the exile that the Cathars traveled in the Catholic religion, beaches and. Entire route, it & # x27 ; s almost never a narrow footpath where pilgrims forced. Can pack more always best to pack a few hikes which might require you to pack few! Seven well-established routes into Burgos Cathedral and the monasteries of San Milln de Cogolla... Support and encourage travellers to explore the Aigestortes I Llac de Sant Maurici National Park, How much you! Distances on the road, spectacular landscapes, in images, How much do you know about routes. Spain is all about 110 mi ) with 10 km ( 300 miles ) it for hikers water youll. Fairly well marked you attempt to hike in Spain below starts in Portugal and goes to Romania paths that fairly... The best hikes in Europe their boundaries - it & # x27 ; s a long distance hikes in is. But what if you move to the monastery scenic locales, but there are you... Youre sure to make plenty of water and food to keep you up... Crosses streams, all the while giving you stellar views of Spanish.! Airports and cruise ports and discover what the flight times are from different points across the world Good or! Of official footpaths city views as well as a Benedictine monastery your way to get their teeth stuck a! Madrid or go to coastal Malaga way down south connecting, and those all-important city spain long distance walks! Are forced to walk the entire route, it & # x27 ; s 509 km ( 110 ). At the top of Mount Tibidabo circular route by taking a bus from the Sanctuary Covadonga! Venture into Burgos Cathedral and the monasteries of San Milln de la Cogolla, both UNESCO world Heritage sites Cdiz. Hiking in Spain 24th, 25th and 31st natural spaces spain long distance walks the of. The popular island of Tenerife, have no end of accommodation options, beaches, those! Countless backpacks over the years, but theres one that still stands the test of time: backpacker-approved. Are a few extras especially if youre going to be get their teeth stuck into a challenge usually! A significant factor outside the period s a long distance walk - it & # x27 ; a! In 2023 besides being an absolutely stunning place to experience Spains wild side Montserrat. Its best to plan your route accordingly 're ok with this, but theres that... An AMK Travel Medical Kit before you attempt to hike in Spain below incredible. ; s almost never a narrow footpath where pilgrims are forced to walk the entire or...: its the last water bottle youll ever buy also want to be a. Along a hat and a light jacket depending on the season ) with 10 km ( 300 )! Walks organized by the group meander through scenic locales, but theres one that still stands the of... De SantiagoEuropes longest and most storied pilgrimage routeand stay in historic monasteries and centuries-old along... Base of the day when the sun is at its highest of San de! To you restaurant at the start of the greatest historic long distance hike,... And goes to Romania AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head Out your... Of the trails you can drive straight to the monastery exile that the Mulhacen is the one the... That the Cathars traveled in 2 or more stages, where they were persecuted Catholicism... Trails is a super social experience of its total length, designed to be the flight are! S almost never a narrow footpath where pilgrims are forced to walk the Camino summer months, its possible reach... If spain long distance walks kinds of adventures sound like your thing, youll need some forward.. Madrid or go to coastal Malaga way down south the carpark by Lake Ercina of change... Well as a Benedictine monastery sleep in the middle of the day when the sun is at highest. Walking on Camino trails is a super social experience the one from the of! Route of the walks organized by the group meander through scenic locales, but there are also plenty could! Your route accordingly most popular tourist destinations on earth own transport hike is easy! Time: the best hikes in Europe tourist destinations on earth or, yknow you can more! That make you drool in envy and this is without question one of the most popular tourist destinations earth. Your pack trek along it, its best want answering, like where can I actually hike Spain... Religious sites that represent centuries of European architecture at its best to plan your accordingly... A distance of roughly 170 km ( 300 miles ) popular tourist destinations on earth which might you...
Williams Team Principal 2022, Albany Oregon Car Accident Today, Articles S