Best hike for rural romance. It then runs cross-country to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the apostle Saint James is said to be buried. Travel back in time with historic routes taken by pilgrims, traverse mountains with views all the way into France, and enjoy some adrenaline-filled adventures on walkways between mountains. Look no further as in this article, I will share with you information on the best hikes in the region and how to go about planning them. So which hike in Spain are you off to first? It takes about 30 minutes of walking uphill on rugged rocks to reach the prime spot. Here at LOWA, we love exploring the plethora of walking trails in Europe and have picked out just seven of the best long-distance walks for you to browse ahead of your next hiking adventure. Being the Jacobean route of more cultural, scenic and artistic richness, it is very well documented and has the complete infrastructure for a good spiritual search. 25-30km a days or 20km if 1500m+ so 7-8hrs of hiking . Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! There are tons of walking trails that take eager visitors up to the monastery, and its fairly easy to get to this point. 1. Happy hiking! If youre traveling by air, flying into the Basque Airport is the closest to get to the start of the trail in St. Pied de Port, which is roughly 50 kilometers away. To start, Spain has a collection of cool cities to base yourself. From the top of this tree-covered mountain at 1,500 feet, the views are pretty incredible even on a cloudy day. Country: Switzerland and France. However, the real treat lies just above the monastery: the remains of the Sant Salvador de Verdera fortress. 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. Required fields are marked *. It is not possible to save for offline use. The Camino Ingles is the shortest Camino trail at only 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Ferrol or 75km (46 miles) from A Coruna. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Although badly marked in some sections, Navarra has made a great effort to recover and rescue it for hikers. So get your comfy shoes on, and let's go! 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. Getting There: Accessing the monastery couldnt be easier, just as long as you have your own transport. The easiest, and most popular, trail traverses up the southern face of the mountain from Mirador de Trevelez in the Alpujarras, and only takes two hours to reach the top. The Camino stretches a full 500 miles, so unless you want to start at the very beginning, you can link up with the trail throughout different parts of Spain. Getting There: To get to this hike, basically youre going to want to aim towards France. 62.6 km. From Navarre, youre going to want to drive through Isaba to get to Zuriza, where the trailhead is located. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. She is an avid traveler, gear enthusiast, and adventure seeker. The park is easy to get to by car as its off the main highway, TF-21. Nowadays there are more than one hundred long distance trails in Spain. Who knows? The first day involves crossing the Roncesvalles pass through the Pyrenees, which reaches a maximum height of 1,601 m (5,253 ft). 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. Walking and hiking in Mallorca. Another major plus point of this hike is that theres an actual amusement park at the top of Mount Tibidabo. Like in France, these are called GR (Sendero de Gran Recorrido) and marked in red and white. Pgina oficial de la carrera en formato nonstop de larga distancia "Spain Long Distance". Plus, there are BBQs and dinners each night so sip some sangria and get social! This awesome hike in Spain is part of a popular pilgrimage route: the Camino de Santiago Francs (aka the French Way or the Way of Saint James). E1: 7.210 km Nordkapp (N) - Gteborg (S) - Aarhus (DK) - Konstanz (D) - Lugano (CH) - Genova (I) - Salerno (I) E2 E2: 5.730 km Inverness (GB) - Hoek v Holland (NL) - Antwerpen (B) - Echternach (L) - Chamonix (F) - Nice (F) E3 E3: 8.880 km Santiago (E) - Vzelay (F) - Echternach (L) - Fulda (D) - Zakopane (PL) - rtnd (H) - Nesebr (BG) E4 Websites are mostly. The Lycian Way is not a long distance walk - it's a long distance hike. Step ups. The trail is generally quite well marked as it winds through the wooded slopes. The Ignatian Way recreates the journey of Ignacio de Loyola in the year 1522, from Guipzcoa in the Basque Country to his birthplace to the Catalan town of Manresa. If youre one of those people who loves to discover new landscapes on foot, you absolutely wont want to miss out on some of these routes. Without further ado, lets go hiking! Yep, thats right, this bad boy is a volcano, which last erupted in 1909. Spilling over the Pyrenees from France into Spain, the network of trails that make up the Route of St. Jamesor El Camino de Santiagoconverges at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. 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. The hike continues to Lake Enol. From Pamplona, you can take a second bus to the start. With options being seemingly endless, simply figuring out where to stay in Spain can be tricky. This is the hardest single day of the camino, so perhaps it's good to get out of the way on day one! One of its hiking routes is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site! The views on this hike are nothing short of majestic. As for where to stay on Tenerife itself, there is no end of affordable guesthouses and apartments. With a pool, rooftop terrace, and onsite bar, youre sure to make plenty of friends at this hostel. 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. Its not just the views that are amazing. Besides being an absolutely stunning place to experience Spains wild side, Montserrat is also a special place in the Catholic religion. For example, in the town of Tardajos youll find a cafe, a shop, and a 13th-century church. Then taper during the month before the event down to a 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) distance. Depending on the height of the steps, put your left foot on the second step, step up until your leg is completely straight, squeezing your glutes as you reach the top. Note: If you wanted to walk the entire trail or even take a multi-day trek along it, its best to plan your route accordingly. Some passages could even use a rope, so if you have that sort of knowledge its a plus. The entire trail is about 2,650 miles long. The sterdalen Path. 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. For your trip, it is recommended to plan according to the route as it has 44 stages and more than 10 variants to travel. The hike is an easy incline along dirt paths that are fairly well marked. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Arrondas and Unquera from large cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Staying in more out of the way towns and villages is also a possibility. You can pick up the trail at any point along the seven well-established routes. The path is relatively new - it was constructed in 2011 and is continuing to be expanded. Its also a place where many people made a pilgrimage towards a better life. Just keep in mind that the path is open every day from. Mount Tibidabo is situated in the Collserola National Park, just north of Barcelona. Solution: layers. There are 8 main Camino routes in Spain: The Camino Frances, The Camino Portugues, Camino del Norte, The English Way, Camino Finisterre, Camino de Madrid, Camino Primitivo, and the Via de la Plata. Full route in Walkaholic: https://www.walkaholic.me/route/1181120-gr-107-cami-dels-bons-homes. However, as you approach the summit, it gets much more challenging, so be sure that youre adequately prepared! Descend out of the foothills of the Pyrenees to La Rioja, one of Spains most celebrated wine regions, and set off along El Camino, walking through vineyards to the village of Navarrete. It just might take some people longer than others. 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. Sub-sections of the trail run between 20km and 30km long. You can take the R5 train from Placa Espanya in Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat. . 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! We're fit and often walk long distances eg. 16:40 h. 894 m. 889 m. The Grande Rota do Guadiana (GR15) is about 65 km long and covers the territory of the Lower Guadiana Algarve. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Meet up for a welcome dinner tonight. The highest elevation on the trail is 500m. Distance: 2.25 miles | Difficulty: Easy Medium. In Catalonia it begins in Ulldecona and crosses 50 km to the town of Beceite in Teruel, crossing the area of Matarraa (called by many the Spanish Tuscany) to end in Camarena de la Sierra, after a total of 353 km. Data and interesting facts about the country, its culture, nature, gastronomy and population. A love letter to Scottish author, Robert Louis Stevenson, who trekked across the Cvennes in 1878 with his stubborn donkey Modestine, this hike is one of France's most classic - and captivating - long-distance rambles. 10 reasons why El Camino de Santiago sucks. They fled from Occitania, where they were persecuted as Catholicism heretics to Spanish lands. It is marked in 63 stages, which given the dimensions we recommend that you plan on each route. Many long-distance paths can be linked to create a splendid walk. However, this hiking-haven is also rich with luscious green valleys with not-so-steep pathways running through them. Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. The main thing to think about when hiking in Spain is where youre going to base yourself. Italy has some of the world's best walks, hikes and treks, ranging from: - famous long distance Alpine, Dolomitic and other hiking and trekking trails such as the various Alta Vias and the Monte Rosa circuit; to day walks in the great mountain areas - Gran Paradiso and the Dolomites are the obvious ones; to exhilaratingly terrifying via ferratas; 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 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. From mountain-climbing adventures and easy-going walks in nature to ancient pilgrimages and Insta-worthy suspended walkways through gorges: weve got them all. PLUS, you save money and the environment! The trail begins way down in southern France but then travels up through the Pyrenees to a final destination in Catalonia. To get to the trailhead of the easiest trail, you have to take a special bus as weve mentioned above. There are two other trails that travel up the southern side of the mountain that are also moderate in difficulty, so theres something for every kind of hiker here. Hike the famed El Camino de SantiagoEuropes longest and most storied pilgrimage routeand stay in historic monasteries and centuries-old paradors along the way. Norway, for good reason, brings to mind mountainous glaciers, expansive fjords, and towering trails across icy spines. As you walk about the green valleys youll come across rustic shelters stone cabins that were once used by shepherds in the winter months. The Great Glen Way. Walking the GR7 in Andalucia is a Cicerone walking guidebook by Kirstie Shirra and Michelle Lowe. This is one of the best places to hike across a jagged mountain range, with unbelievable views of countryside, the winding trails below, and good old Spanish nature. But after much renovation (and requirements for visitors to wear a helmet), this hair-raising Spanish trail was opened once more in 2015. Youll walk through completely empty meadows where youre surrounded by nothing but grass and greenery. Additionally, if you are a purist (that is, if you won't use taxis or hitch rides) you will need the stamina to hike 7 or 8 hours a day on occasion, not counting rest stops. Alternatively, you can walk from the monastery to The Degotalls, which will give you a gorgeous view of the Pyrenees and the flat lands making up the Llobregat valley. Your email address will not be published. For me, both personally and professionally, knowing something of the history, folklore and colourful characters of . The whole route runs for 675km, but the part through the Basque Country is 150km long. The reasons are many and varied. Algarve. Alternatively, if youre an experienced mountaineer and are looking to flex your skills, opt for the northern face which is the most challenging way to reach the summit. Otherwise you can expect fines. Like in France, these are called GR (Sendero de Gran Recorrido) and marked in red and white. 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). GR92 is split up into 20 different stages to give travelers the choice of where, when, and how long theyd like to walk for. Its a quick drive from the center of Vilajuiga and Port de la Selva (the nearest towns), and theres plenty of parking available. The route covers nine provinces, namely: Asturias, Len, Zamora, vila, Salamanca, Cceres, Badajoz, Sevilla and Cdiz. Distance: 7.5 miles | Difficulty: Intermediate Hard. You can always tackle longer routes by choosing sections to walk on different trips, to suit the time you have available. 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. Busses leave four times a day from Granada and takes two and a half hours. The route of the Good Men or Cathars Path marks the exile that the Cathars traveled in the 12th and 14th centuries. Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. A natural-born butterfly, She's spent most of her adult life hovering between Australia's obscenely high minimum wage and putting that EU-proof passport to good use travelling Western Europe. The LDWA is the only organisation to have collated and continually updated the details of every known long distance path in the UK. Choose from thousands of activities thought out for you. Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure dont be daft! One of the greatest long-distance trails of North America, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), runs from Mexico all the way to Canada. Sometimes it can be as little as 14 km, but . That is a massive 620 miles. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. From there, you can move on to the other hiking trails that lead up to the top of the mountain and other sites around the monastery. Your email address will not be published. Taking a bus is a good option, especially in summer as the roads are closed to cars and by bus is the only way to get through the park. Given its high-altitude sections, which make up some 315 kilometres of its total length, this route is not suitable for everyone. The question of where exactly to stay is a good one though. If measured from the ocean floor its the fourth highest volcano in the world. Theres much adventure to be had: multiple islands, national parks, mountain ranges, and coastal countryside are all waiting to be explored. Walking in the Spanish Pyrenees. 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. Directly translating to King's Trail in English, this mesmerising route stretches over 440 kilometres and encompasses the vast plains . It is a cultural and nature itinerary that begins in Vivar del Cid in Burgos and concludes in Orihuela (Alicante), to travel a journey of 1,331 km, based on the figure of the Cid, historically linked to Roman walkways, trade routes and historic roads. This route is part of the European E-7 trail, which starts in Portugal and goes to Romania. Its rocky and steep, with air getting thinner as you ascend to the higher sections. Whatever type of hike you do choose, there are some absolute essential items you will need to pack though. Between each of its stages, you can stop for a rest in the small villages, shelters and hostels offering up moments of relaxation all along this route filled with incredible landscapes that will not fail to impress you. Mount Teide can be hiked on a visit to the park, and those who brave the altitude will be rewarded with insane views of an 80-meter crater thats only visible from the top. 7. Walkers do not require any permits at any point on the trail. Getting to the Caminito del Rey is fairly easy, if youre coming from, The trail runs from the village of Poncebos in Asturias to Can in. Much of its difficulty lies in this being partly high altitude, which tires you out more quickly. (1011 miles hiking, 45 hours), Transfer to Fromista, then continue across the Meseta, rambling through the endless green and gold fields of the Tierra de Campos. For this route, you start off by taking the Funicular at the monastery to Sant Joan, from which youll walk the rest of the way to the highest point on the mountain. Youll have to reserve a spot in the national park itself, and you need to book yourself into the cabins in advance (they can be fully booked in summer). Camino de Santiago is arguably the most famous Spanish walking route, it is about 500 miles long (depending on which route you take). Walk 96 miles through some of Scotland's most iconic scenery and complete one of the . From the green pastures, the path makes its way onto rocky outcrops. Getting There: Getting to the route depends on where youre starting from. Not surprisingly the "Topoguias" look the same as those of their northern neighbours. Cattle graze on grassland, and you may be sharing your path with sheep wandering around freely, too. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Best time to go: between April and early . So which hike in Spain are you off to first? Barcelona, for example, is fun, beautiful and has some great hiking right on the doorstep. The 583 kilometre route traverses the awe-inspiring Catalan coastline, beginning on the French border and progressing across the varied Spanish shoreline to Valencia. With our digital brochures and guides, you will be able to discover the best of our cuisine, culture and fiestas. Answer (1 of 8): There is no way to know how long such a journey might have taken Jonah. Stand at the bottom of a staircase. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. Although pilgrims originally made the long walk to Santiago de Compostela to see the legendary remains of the Apostle Saint James, today people walk the Camino for all sorts of reasons. The Burgos-Hontanas section of this giant route is around a 20-mile journey. While you can spend several days hiking through the Picos de Europa, if youre looking for a taste of Spanish wilderness, hop on the Ruta del Cares trail for a 12-kilometer route through some of the most beautiful parts of the National Park. From the village, you can take a shuttle bus which will drop you off at the northern entrance of the trail. Whichever hike in Spain you choose, you can expect well-marked routes that are relatively straightforward to follow. Tell somebody where you are going Attempting a hike alone brings its own risks. It's almost never a narrow footpath where pilgrims are forced to walk in a single file. Once arriving at the station, you can easily hop in a cab and make it to the park, and then the trailhead. 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. Dubbed Carros de Foc (or Chariots of Fire in English), this trek is not only one of the best hikes in Spain, but is often touted as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Spend time soaking in the beauty of the cape, and sit down to lunch at a local restaurant in town. To end our top 10, we present another classic. Its no wonder that this trail is also known as The Divine Gorge because it certainly provides some of the most divine views in all of Spain! Alternatively, the Covadonga Lakes in Asturias bring you an abundance of scenic Spanish landscapes, where youll be sharing the trail with sheep and cows. With this path, which is over 1,400 kilometres long, youll be following in the footsteps of none other than Rodrigo Daz de Vivar, El Cid, guided by the places described in his famous medieval epic: The Poem of the Cid. Want to know more about what this hike is like? What are the best hikes? Choose from our list of the best hikes in Spain below. Haute Route. Hiking boots and gear are necessary, the trail is rough and there is lots of climbing and descending along the coast line. This is no short hike, and just walking from the Spanish side takes a whopping five days to complete in full. If you look far enough, youll even be able to peek into France! And how can I stay safe?. 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! Drink water from ANYWHERE. We provide you with useful information on the connections between Spains major cities. From the top, youll have absolutely insane views of the mountains all around you, as well as the world just below. It starts in a few different places . My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags:dont be like my missus.