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. The sterdalen Path. The path around the lake then climbs up for bonus views of both lakes, Enol and Ercina. Once light starts to fade, you could find yourself stumbling through woodlands or skirting along precarious cliff edges. This trail with spectacular views crosses Cantabria starting at Castro Urdiales until arriving at Potes. The reasons are many and varied. Spain is very well connected via high speed trains but our top recommendation is always to rent a car. But dont be fooled into thinking that this is some easy little stroll: it was once said to be the most dangerous trail in Spain. The Camino del Cid goes through the places reflected in the singing of Rodrigo Daz de Vivar, the most famous medieval historical figure in Spain. Getting to GR92 depends on where you want to start. Walkers can enjoy them all, cyclists and horse riders can enjoy the Pennine Bridleway and the South Downs Way, as well as sections of the other Trails. (11 miles, 5 hours hiking), Start off from the medieval city of Sahagn and head west to the village of Bercianos del Real Camino. Its free to hike, but you must apply for a permit beforehand if youre visiting during summer, and you need to have a guide with you as you approach the peak. And in the distance, youll spot the Bay of Biscay. When it comes to planning your outdoor adventures, here are 10 of the best hikes to take on your trip to Spain! Bus lines 101 and 400 service the park, and its easily accessible from Girona. There are several trails that reach the summit of this mountain, all ranging in difficulty and length. Monserrat is one of the best things to do in Barcelona and is an activity we highly recommend. Another option is to stop at Aeri de Montserrat and take the cable car up to the monastery. Were talking exceptional, breathtaking views of the entire Basque coastline even if this is one of Spains more challenging hikes. Sometimes it can be as little as 14 km, but . 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) Then taper during the month before the event down to a 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) distance. To start, Spain has a collection of cool cities to base yourself. With Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, beaches, great weather, beautiful historic cities, delicious food, and a true lust for life, its a must-visit country. The trail is generally quite well marked as it winds through the wooded slopes. It is 769 km (478 miles) long and begins on the north of the Pyrenees in St Jean-Pied-du-Port. 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. Walkers do not require any permits at any point on the trail. 1. Youll get to soak up vistas of wildflowers, wooded hillsides, and those all-important city views as well. 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. For both the most daring and amateurs there are a large number of long-distance footpaths (known as routes of Gran Recorrido, GR footpaths) that are recognized by the Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports (FEDME), many of them belonging to the network of European Long-Distance Trails . 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. Websites are mostly. It takes seven hours to reach the summit on this trail, and its not too too difficult most of the way up. Its the highest peak in the park (512m) and provides suitably awesome views of the Catalan capital and its coastline. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Arrondas and Unquera from large cities like Madrid and Barcelona. To get to this hike, basically youre going to want to aim towards France. Getting There: 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. It's a long day-hike that starts from the Covadonga Lakes, and climbs all the way up to the Mirador de Ordiales. 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. Retired physical therapist, Robbie Johannesen, who ran the first Oregon marathon (in 1972), raced the 42-mile Round Mount Hood five times and topped Hood more than ten times, now in his 70s, advises seniors to slowly build a base for long-distance walking, whether on the Camino de Santiago or other multiday treks. It actually had to be closed at one point because it had fallen into disrepair. Walking above Loch Lomond, Scotland. If you do hike alone, make sure somebody knows your plans and where you are going. GR-1 , it begins at the ruins of Empries in Girona and ends at the Atlantic, in Finisterre (La Corua), going parallel to the GR-11 for 600 km and then merging with the Camino to Santiago, to travel the Iberian Peninsula along the north and going through the main cities during the Middle Ages in the crowns of Aragn, Castilla-Len and Navarra. Galicia on the road, spectacular landscapes, in images, How much do you know about the routes of Spain? Enjoy it step by step, without haste, taking advantage of the extensive network of trails, all signposted and standardised, connecting and linking the territory, displaying its very heart and giving up its most hidden secrets.Access unexpected, uniquely beautiful places, landscapes and little corners. 25-30km a days or 20km if 1500m+ so 7-8hrs of hiking . We do not represent World Nomads. Pgina oficial de la carrera en formato nonstop de larga distancia "Spain Long Distance". 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. Your email address will not be published. The trails have been walked on now for more than 1,000 years, slowly switching from Christian pilgrims to eager travelers wishing to complete this epic journey. The network covers almost 70 trails (from four-stage walks of around 60km to one of 1,006km) and most are now well-organised with waymarking, GPS and accommodation listings. And how can I stay safe?. . Spain's famous pilgrimage trail, El Camino de Santiago, has become one of the most popular walking holidays and spiritual journeys in Europe. And if you want to camp, you can do that too. It just might take some people longer than others. Once known as one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world, the Caminito del Rey was a hike for serious thrill-seekers ready for an adventure. For your trip, it is recommended to plan according to the route as it has 44 stages and more than 10 variants to travel. Their walks on the mountain ridges with landscapes are exceptional, all in a context where it is difficult to find inhabited places. In Spain there are more than 60,000 kilometres of official footpaths. Difficulty. Paths for getting to know a country Do you want to go on a route and need some inspiration? Theyre available to order online here. Wed recommend this 47-mile expedition only for experienced adventurers who really want to get their teeth stuck into a challenge. Whatever type of hike you do choose, there are some absolute essential items you will need to pack though. The England Coast Path is the newest (and will be the longest) National Trail when . Hike the famed El Camino de SantiagoEuropes longest and most storied pilgrimage routeand stay in historic monasteries and centuries-old paradors along the way. Its a fairly sizable country with various regions and changing landscapes. 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. Andalusia is best discovered on foot. This is without question one of the greatest historic long distance hikes in Europe. Stop for a wine tasting at a local bodega. 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 Getting There: Getting to the Caminito del Rey is fairly easy, if youre coming from Malaga. The type of hikes you would like to attempt can have a bearing on where in Spain you spend your vacation. It is closed every Monday, January 1st, December 24th, 25th and 31st! From Navarre, youre going to want to drive through Isaba to get to Zuriza, where the trailhead is located. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Drink water from ANYWHERE. After breakfast, transfer to the SantiagoRosala de Castro Airport (SCQ) and catch your flight home. Want to know more about what this hike is like? 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. 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. The whole route runs for 675km, but the part through the Basque Country is 150km long. The trail consists of a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that have been in use for a thousand years or more. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. It is closed every Monday, January 1st, December 24th, 25th and 31st! 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. This bus runs from Capileira to Paraje del Cascajar, from which you will continue your hike. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening, and spend the night in a spectacular Renaissance convent. Jane always knew she wasn't destined for a desk job She currently lives in a campervan in New Zealand and is passionate about noodles, sloths and her hiking boots! Located in the Basque Country, to the east of Oiartzun, Las Peas de Haya is not for Sunday hikers or children. Ulldecona Sant Joan del Pas La Snia Refuge of Font Ferrer Port of Tortosa Provincial boundary Beceite Fuentespalda Pearroya de Tastavins Aguaviva Las Planas de Castellote Bordn Tronchn Mirambel Cantavieja Fortanete Valdelinares Alcal of the Forest Mora de Rubielos Valbona La Puebla de Valverde Camarena de la Sierra. Originally, the road joined the cities of Merida and Astorga and began to be built in the s. II a.C. covering 470 km, but the current full route is approximately 950 km. Youll need to plan an itinerary. It starts in a few different places . When training for distances of 50 to 161 kilometers (31 to 100 miles), the longest distance to train should not need to exceed 20 to 25 miles, which you should perform at least twice in the two months prior to the event. The pathway is perhaps the most famous long-distance track in the country and runs concurrently with the Great Glen Canoe Trail - a long-distance path for canoers and rafters. Trace the footsteps of Ernest Hemingwayand many a bullthrough Pamplona, and explore the spectacular historic center of Santiago de Compostela. And then theres the climb to the top of Tenerifes epic active volcano, Teide Peak. The views on this hike are nothing short of majestic. Your email address will not be published. 36 Best Hikes in Europe for Long Distance Hiking Trails - Ze Wandering Frogs Destinations Africa Algeria Ethiopia Madagascar Mauritius Namibia Rwanda Volcanoes National Park Senegal South Africa Tanzania Moshi Uganda Asia Central Asia Kyrgyzstan Sary-Chelek Tajikistan Pamir Highway Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Aral Sea Bukhara Samarkand East Asia China Hiking without the right amount of fluid is pretty dangerous, so its always best to pack a bottle in your pack. Making sure you are suitably hydrated will also be a challenge on some hikes in Spain, but a filter water bottle means youll have access to drinking water on most routes. 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. Distance walking can be addictive! The Euskal Herria Trail, it starts from Navarra, then crosses Guipuzkoa, passes through lava and ends at the Port of Kruzeta in Belagua. Tour Recommendation: Guided day tour from Malaga. Basically the list is almost endless; it all depends where in the country you want to be. A long-distance trail means a route of more than 50 km in length, designed to be traveled in 2 or more stages. As of today, there are 285 km marked, comprised of 16 stages: However, you can use the Walkaholic application to download a map with GPS positioning along the entire route, so you never get lost. Walking and hiking in Mallorca. If you are departing from the beginning of the trail on the Spanish side, youll have to get yourself to Berga. 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. GR 11 - Trans-Pyrenees Route From Cape Higuer in Cantabria to the Cap de Creus on the Mediterranean coast, almost 800 kilometres of paths crossing from east to west through the Spanish Pyrenees. Required fields are marked *. Whilst the walk itself is relatively easy as you can go in your own pace, the actual distance. . Otherwise, there are two bus routes. 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. Spend time soaking in the beauty of the cape, and sit down to lunch at a local restaurant in town. You can always tackle longer routes by choosing sections to walk on different trips, to suit the time you have available. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. The Haute Route starts at Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, and winds through the French and Swiss Alps to finish at the famous Matterhorn. Spain is a country that has been blessed by nature with an immense variety of landscapes, so you wont be surprised to learn that are more than 200 long-distance walking routes for enjoying thousands of unique places, step by step, at your own pace. 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). Many of the walks organized by the group meander through scenic locales, but there are also plenty. So which hike in Spain are you off to first? 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. Arrive at Pamplona Airport (PNA) and transfer to our historic hotel, once a haunt of Ernest Hemingway. Its a 54-kilometer journey, and most people take the train. You know about all of the details and the important safety tips, now you need to get to grips with the hikes themselves. Theres a lot of scrabbling involved, some near-vertical sections of rock, and no balustrades or safety equipment in sight. 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. Its a great summer hike for those wishing to stretch their legs and it can be done in a single day, which is ideal for eager travelers. The path up from Montaa Blanca is difficult. A broad ditch was dug in front of the Wall as part of the overall defenses, and the fill from this ditch formed a low mound to the north. Grande Traversee du Massif Central (GTMC) Distance: 434 miles Time: 30 days Start: Clermont Ferrand Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. . 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. . 3. But on a clear day, with 180-degree visibility, youll be able to see the whole of Ibiza, as well as other Balearic islands in the surrounding sea. What are the best hikes? Our epic guide covers just about everything you need to know, packed full of all the deets youll need to have the best time ever while hiking in Spain. Do not worry about the signs: all the routes are signposted or at least a large part of them and you can always use our maps and GPS signaling to do it. Nowadays there are more than one hundred long distance trails in Spain. Although badly marked in some sections, Navarra has made a great effort to recover and rescue it for hikers. Continue west to Villafranca del Bierzo, and meet with a local historian before dinner. Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. It is not possible to save for offline use. Known as the Divine Gorge, the 12km (7.5mi) route follows the Cares River south from Poncebos in Asturias to Can in Len. Some stages are just quick day hikes while others are trips that take several days. So what better way to enjoy them than to hike! A self-admitted travel-yoga-junkie,Mathilde Aude Magnier is French-born but raised in Brussel. With options being seemingly endless, simply figuring out where to stay in Spain can be tricky. And for keen hikers out there, it can indeed be summitted. And the views, as youd imagine, are all-encompassing. . Otherwise, there are two bus routes. The Mulhacen is right near Granada and is nearly 3,500 meters high! 5 Epic Hiking Trails In Spain. From the world famous Appalachian Trail in America which spans 14 states and more than 2,000 miles, to the little-known Hadrian's Wall trek that goes from one end of Scotland to the other, long-distance trails aren't a new addition to this wonderful world. The ginormous mountain is located in Las Canadas del Teide National Park, meaning that theres nothing around but pure nature. There are 16 National Trails. If you wish to take the train, Renfe regional trains service El Chorro village on a daily basis. Countries: Spain; Level: Easy to Moderate; Duration: Heaps of different routes lasting from a few hours to 2-3 days. Climb to the SantiagoRosala de Castro Airport ( SCQ ) and provides suitably awesome of... And then theres the climb to the SantiagoRosala de Castro Airport ( SCQ ) and catch your flight home in... The walk itself is relatively easy as you can do that too St.... 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