Home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, Spain is a popular destination for walking holidays. From dramatic mountains and lush vineyards to verdant valleys, it most definitely deserves its acclaim. Although all our guided and self-guided walking holidays in Spain are equally as spectacular, there are five that tend to be more popular among the hiking crowd.
1. Picos de Europa
Standing within the Cantabrian Mountains, Picos de Europa is wildly beautiful and made up of contrasting landscapes of forested valleys, soaring mountain passes and limestone peaks where wildlife such as Golden eagles, Griffon vultures, wolves, bears and boars are sometimes seen.
2. Camino de Santiago
This ancient pilgrimage trail is a favourite for walkers wanting to delve into the history of Spain and discover traditional rural villages, Gothic cathedrals and historical monasteries.
3. Andalucia
Surrounding the cultural cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, Andalucia provides the most picturesque scenery for walking holidays in Spain. From rugged hills and pastures strewn with sunflowers to the dramatic Caminito walkway that traverses El Chorro Gorge, there’s no better way to explore than on a walking tour.
4. Mallorca
Away from the busy streets of Palma, there’s a quieter and more peaceful side to Mallorca. Explore the UNESCO protected Tramuntana Mountains, walk through ancient forests where birds of prey circle overhead and soak up coastal panoramas that stretch for miles.
5. Catalonia
Home to medieval villages, idyllic coastline and unspoilt countryside, Catalonia has it all, making it one of the most popular destinations for walking holidays in Spain. Wildlife lovers will be in their element as this region of northeastern Spain boasts a wealth of flora and fauna.
As well as introducing you to stunning landscapes and dazzling coastline, our walking holidays in Spain take you to lesser-known areas where you can immerse yourself in local culture and history. Our guided walking tours are led by expert leaders who can share secrets that only the locals would know. Our trips take you closer to the heart of each location so you get an insight into rural and ancient Spain.
Andalucia boasts magnificent scenery ranging from the dramatic landscapes of Sierra Nevada to the undulating plains of the Guadalquivir valley. But it’s not just its aesthetics that makes it a popular region for walking holidays in Spain, it’s also steeped in history and brimming with art and Moorish architecture in the cultural cities. When you walk in Andalucia, you can explore at your own pace, taking in the mesmerising views and stopping off at traditional villages to enjoy the authentic flavours of Andalucian food.
One of the best ways to discover Spain is on foot. Our walking tours in Spain take you to the main sites as well as steering you far from the crowds towards local places. Whether you prefer guided or self-guided walking holidays in Spain with Exodus, you’re guaranteed outstanding accommodation and carefully curated routes that bring you closer to the highlights. Spain is the perfect destination for a walking holiday as it plays host to diverse scenery and wildlife, and the temperate weather can make for pleasant conditions.
Depending on your level of fitness and your interests, there are plenty of options for walking in Spain. While the volcanic island of La Palma and the limestone peaks of the Picos de Europa are perfect for wildlife lovers and seasoned walkers looking for a challenge, the coastal paths above Catalonia’s turquoise bays offer a more leisurely experience. If it’s pretty, flower-strewn landscapes and whitewashed villages that excite you, then Andalucia is the place to go. Alternatively, discover the diversity of Gran Canaria’s rugged mountains and sprawling desert dunes.
To help our travellers select the most relevant and appropriate trip, we grade each of our walking holidays in Spain so that you know what to expect and the levels of fitness required. Our grading system is based on numerous factors, such as the walking distance and the time spent walking, route conditions, level of porterage and support, altitude, weather conditions, and the overall level of comfort. Find out more about our activity level guidelines.
It goes without saying that you’ll be treated to some amazing scenery, food and culture during a walking tour in Spain, but it’s the finer details that really set our trips apart. From the meticulously planned routes that veer away from the buzz of the honeypots to the immersive trips that introduce you to the locals and their traditions, our walking tours in Spain bring you unique and exciting experiences. And our expert leaders are pretty special too, with a real passion for the country they’ll give you an insightful and unforgettable adventure.