7 Amazing Hikes in Spain
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Loading... - Jayden Moore
- 02 Jun 2022
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From the famous Spanish walk, Camino de Santiago, to the Camino del Rey and the Picos de Europa National Park, if you’re keen to hike Spain, these 7 exciting hikes in Spain are just for you!
But before we get into the best hikes in Spain, let’s cover the essentials.
How to Get to Spain
This country is well connected to just about everywhere in the world. The capital city of Madrid has a busy international airport, and many budget airlines (such as EasyJet & Ryanair) offer super cheap fares from all over Europe.
Let’s take a look at options for how to get to Spain before we dive into the best hikes in Spain.
By Plane
With 30+ international airports in Spain, including all the islands; reaching Spain by plane is a good option. I recommend Skyscanner to book the best flight deals from just about anywhere in the world.
By Train
Yes, travelling in Europe by train is one of my favourite ways to get around. I use Trainline to book the cheapest train tickets all over the continent.
By Car
If you’re planning to spend at least one week in Spain and plan on taking on multiple hikes in Spain, I recommend that you rent a car for your trip. Europcar offers fantastic deals on all types of vehicles; the price depends on what season you plan to travel.
By Bus
Travel by bus is another win when planning multiple hikes in Spain. When you’re finished hiking in Spain, local, regional, or international buses are a convenient way to travel. I recommend BookaWay to reserve bus tickets in Spain and many other countries in Europe. It’s easy, cheap, and instant.
1) Picos de Europa National Park – Pincebos to Bulnes
Picos de Europa National Park is a true heaven on earth. It’s one of the most visited parks in Spain and it’s not hard to see why.
With an abundance of hiking trails and routes for all levels, the massive limestone peaks, vertical gorges, and lush forests make this an extraordinary place to enjoy some epic hikes in Spain.
There are hundreds of hiking trails in Picos de Europa National Park, but I’ve featured this one on my list of amazing hikes in Spain.
From Pincebos to Bulnes
This hiking trail is uphill the entire way, but you will trek along a pretty path that will take you to Bulnes. This quaint village has stone houses, cobblestone streets, and the most breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Difficulty: Moderate – An easy trail to follow, but it’s all uphill.
Distance: 9km – Takes approximately 3 – 4 hours
NOTE: Bulnes is known to be one of the prettiest villages in Spain, definitely worth a visit. If you’re not a hiker or travelling with someone who doesn’t want to hike this trail, there is also an option to ride the funicular to Bulnes for around 11 euros each way.
2) La Ruta del Agua + Peña cortada, Chelva
The stunning Ruta del Agua (Water Route) is about an hour’s drive from Valencia.
It’s an entirely signposted route featuring a topography of extraordinary panoramas. Allow half a day to complete a mix of two treks, the Ruta del Agua trail and the Pena Cortada aqueduct route.
An easy-intermediate hiking trail takes you through caves and tunnels dug into the rock. Then, pass a wooden walkway through a mountain, hand-cut by the Romans, and see a fascinating Roman aqueduct, one of the most important in Spain.
A highlight of this trail is walking through tunnels illuminated by natural light and gorgeous natural scenery—a spectacular hiking trail in Valencia, Spain.
Difficulty: Easy – Easy-Medium
Distance: 12km
3) Mulhacen
Head to the Sierra Nevadas to trek up the highest peak on mainland Spain.
The Mulhacen is near Granada, standing at almost 3,500 meters high. These hiking trails are popular during the summer months. Choose from multiple hiking trails that reach the summit of Mulhacen; all walks range in length and difficulty.
There are four primary trails up the mountain, three of which start from the south in the Alpujarras, all of varying technical levels. This climb is suited for everyone, from the beginner hiker to the more skilled, advanced mountaineer.
To start, follow paths from Granada city, to the village of Trevelez (Alpujarras) or the Sierra Nevada Ski Station, Capileira (Alpujarras).
Alternatively, you can catch a bus from Capileira to Paraje del Cascajar, 2,700m above sea level. This option will decrease the walk to 2-3 hours via the less challenging South Ridge, a popular choice among many walkers.
For the experienced mountaineers, Mulhacen is reachable in two days; the trail along the northern face of Mulhacen is the challenging way to reach the summit.
Many people hike from Hoya del Portillo to Poqueira Refuge and spend the night. However, day 2 is all about climbing to the top of Mulhacen.
To reach Capileira to experience these hikes in Spain, it’s an easy 1 hr 20 min drive from Granada, or you can take a bus; check details on OMIO. Allow up to 2.5 hours if taking this journey by bus.
Difficulty: Easy – Very Difficult
Distance: Varies according to route
