An Introduction to Walking Holiday Destinations in Spain

For people who enjoy a more active type of holiday than just lying around on a beach, what could be better than a walking holiday in Spain?

Spain is a veritable treasure chest when it comes to walking holidays, having something for everyone. Spain has the third largest territory in Europe after the Ukraine and France respectively) and the 2nd most mountainous (Switzerland being the most mountainous).

Popular Destinations for Walking Holidays in Spain

There are hundreds of opportunites for walking holidays in Spain: from the Pyrenees mountain ranges in Northern Spain throughout all of the mainland to Andalusia in southern Spain. Walking enthusiasts should also consider the Balearic and Canary Islands, which also offer some great locations for walking holidays.

Walking Holidays in the Pyrenees

The Spanish Pyrenees offer somthing for most oputdoor/active sports enthusiasts: rock climbing, mountaineering and other adventure sports are very well catered for in many parts of this sometimes extreme terrain. Walking holidays are also hugely popular in this part of Spain, the best times of the year for which being the summer months (April through September).

The Picos de Europa and Walking Holidays

The Picos de Europa (European Peaks) are also situated in the northern part of Spain (falling between Asturias and Cantabria). The Picos are stunningly beautiful comprising mountainous peaks, gorges, lush green valleys and canyons.

Walking the Camino de Santiago

Perhaps the most well-known walking trail in Spain is the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James). The Camino de Santiago is a journey that has been made by Christian pilgrims for over a thousand years. Although there is not a single starting point for the route, all routes begin in the north of Spain with the destination being the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (in Galicia - northwest Spain), where there is a shrine dedicated to Santiago (St. James). More experienced walkers looking for a walking holiday in Spain might consider walking the Camino de Santiago throughout one of the longer routes - starting at the Roncesvalles pass in the Pyrenees passing through the Spanish regions of Aragon, Navarra, la Rioja and Castile Leon.

Walking in the Costa Blanca

If you would like a mountainous walking holiday in Spain without the same severity of terrain that areas like the Pyrenees offer, you might like to look at the Costa Blanca. During the springtime the weather in the Costa Blanca is very pleasant and the mountains bloom with orchids and many other varities of wild flower.

Andalusia and Walking Holidays

Andalusia tends to be a good destination for walkers in the wintertime: the summer in Andalusia can be extremely hot but winter temperatures rarely drop lower than 14C. The Alpujarras mountains in Andalusia offer some of the most dramatic and spectacular vistas in the region.

Whether you are a seasoned or a more casual walker, walking in Spain has something to offer you. If you are interested in walking holidays in Spain, check out some of our other articles that should provide you with further information.