7 of the Best Places for Hiking in Spain

Spain is loaded with natural beauty. From the volcanic landscape of the Canary Islands, to the alpine vistas of Asturias, the Spanish landscape is as diverse as its cuisine. And thanks to this, it makes for a great hiking destination. So, whether you’re a local or a nature lover planning to visit, we’ve got you in mind. Here are the best places to hike in Spain.

7 of the Best Places to Hike in Spain

1. Picos de Europa National Park

Spread across Asturias, Cantabria and Castile and Leon, you’ll find the Picos de Europa. This incredible mountain range forms part of the Cantabrian Mountains in Northern Spain and is loaded with scenic beauty at every turn. You can easily carve out a couple of day hikes using Asturias as a base or if you’re up for longer overnight treks those are doable too. Be sure to take the Covadonga Lakes trail for low difficulty but high reward.

2. Teide National Park

For some of the most surreal hiking trails imaginable, head to Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. The volcanic island is home to Mount Teide, a towering volcano that doubles as the highest peak in Spain. The Teide National Park is loaded with hiking trails of every difficulty that weave through the dramatic scenery. Trails that lead you through Roques de Garcia will provide incredible views of some unusual rock formations. But honestly, any trail is sure to impress.

3. Santiago de Compostela

The Galician capital of Santiago de Compostela has quite a lot going for it. It is surrounded by lush green hills and dotted with historical sites; but most of all, it’s the end point for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. This once religious pilgrimage now mainly functions as one of Spain’s most popular hiking routes that spans an average of 30 days. We suggest opting for a short multi day trek that would end in Santiago de Compostela or simply hiking some day trails in the area.

4. Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

Spread across the Pyrenees mountains, the natural border between Spain and France, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is best described as vast. Throughout the park you’ll find everything from deep valleys, dense forests, alpine meadows and even glaciers. Best part? It has a well organized trail system to fit every type of trekker.

5. La Gomera

This Canary Islands destination is just the place to experience some of Spain’s best natural beauty. From black sand beaches to volcanic cliffs and lush rainforests, it has it all. We suggest opting for the trails throughout the Garajonay National Park in the centre of the island. It is famous for its unique rock formations and thick woods. Best of all? There’s a very organised network of 18 trails.

6. Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park

Head to Lleida in the Pyrenees mountains and you’ll find an incredible paradise perfect for nature lovers. Its name is Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park and it is simply magnificent. Famous for its crystal clear lakes, snow capped peaks and flowery spring meadows, you can’t go wrong. In fact, there are more than 200 streams, rivers and lakes that create the breathtaking landscape. There is a wide variety of trails to choose from, too.

7. Nerja

This small Andalusian village offers something for everyone. It is right on the doorstep of not one but two natural parks. From the mountains of Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park to the stunning coastal areas of Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park you can climb mountains or take seaside trails. Nerja is a great base for those who want to dive into the rich beauty of southern Spain by hiking. Did we mention there’s also an intricate cave system?