Picture yourself standing at the edge of a cliff, the breeze tousling your hair, and a picturesque seascape stretching out in front of you. Surrounded by rolling hills and greenery, a hiking excursion in Spain is unlike anywhere else. As part of a broader network of scenic trails across the continent, Spain holds its own among some of the most remarkable hiking destinations in Europe.
One of my personal favorites is the hike through the Sierra de Grazalema natural park, filled with winding, rocky paths, stunning wildflowers, gorgeous traditional architecture, and breathtaking views of the lake. Whether you’re looking to hike through the Pyrenees mountains or stroll along the Costa Brava Coastline, there’s the perfect trail in Spain for you.
10 Best Hikes in Spain for Every Adventure Seeker
1. Camino de Santiago (The French Way)
Camino de Santiago is one of the most popular hikes on this list. It stretches over 500 miles (or 800 km), and takes visitors between 30 and 35 days to complete. This moderate hike is a gorgeous point-to-point long-distance trek covering varying terrain types and is best enjoyed between April and October.
It’s easy to dip in and out of the hike, and there are plenty of great spots to stay at along the way, including popular Albergues in small nearby towns, such as Pamplona, Burgos, and Santiago de Compostela.
This hike is a soulful journey, perfect for spiritual reflection and cultural immersion.
2. Picos de Europa – Ruta del Cares
Also known as the “Divine Gorge”, this stunning route is frequently hailed by hikers as one of the best hikes in Spain. It’s quite short at just 7.5 miles or 12 km through the Picos de Europa National Park, and takes approximately 6 or 7 hours to complete.
This moderately challenging hiking route can be quite dangerous in the wrong weather conditions due to its narrow cliffside paths. To ensure your safety, it’s best to attempt this hike between May and October, when there is a less likely chance of rainfall.
Despite being a shorter hike, there are still some great places to stay nearby, including small hotels and rural casas for those looking for a down-to-earth experience when visiting this European gem for the first time.
3. Montserrat, Catalonia
Another short trail for hiking in Spain, this one sits just outside the capital city of Barcelona, and runs for 9km or 5.6 miles around a steep and rocky loop trail. Taking between 4 and 5 hours to complete, it makes the perfect hiking day out to add to any city break, at any time of year. Just be sure to give it a miss on mid-summer afternoons due to the risk of heat exhaustion.
There is a selection of great Monastery guest houses nearby to stay in.
4. Trans-Pyrenean Trail
The Trans-Pyrenean Trail is one of the longest, most difficult hikes in Spain. Running through the Pyrenees mountains, it is truly a test of endurance, not for the faint of heart. Advised to only be undertaken by experienced hikers looking to embark on a weeks-long expedition, this 820km (510-mile) trail can take anywhere between 45 and 60 days to complete.
It’s well worth the effort, though, with jaw-dropping sights and challenging obstacles. With high elevation at levels of 128,000ft (39,000 metres), snow and slippery surfaces in some seasons, and a lack of places to stay, trekkers usually spend many a night at a campsite, mountain hut, or in a hostel. It’s the kind of adventure you’ll find in some of the most iconic hiking destinations worldwide.
5. Caminito del Rey, Andalusia
Previously referred to as the “World’s most dangerous path” thanks to its narrow cliff-edge boardwalks, this short 4.8-mile (7.7km) trail has since been renovated and turned into a steady 3-4 hour hike that is both safe, and a great choice for easy hiking in Spain.
It makes for a great way to spend an afternoon in Spain during the Spring or Autumn, and is a perfect choice for first-time visitors and beginner travelers.
6. Ordesa Valley, Pyrenees
One of the shorter routes in the Pyrenees is this gorgeous loop that stretches only 16km (10 miles). It is still a moderate hike thanks to its many obstacles, including steep sections and challenging river crossings. Expect to see waterfalls, beech forests, and towering cliffs reminiscent of a nature expedition. It’s perfect for nature lovers, family travel, and active groups, taking only 5-6 hours to complete.
It is best completed between June and October when the weather is dry, and if you’re looking for the perfect spot to stay nearby, be sure to check out Torla, where you can find a range of stunning guesthouses and lodges for a culturally rich escape.
7. Sierra de Grazalema – El Torreon
Despite being a short hike at only 6km long (3.7 miles), this one-way path is quite the challenge. Visitors spend 3-4 hours traversing rocky and uneven terrain along the trail and back again, whilst enjoying some truly scenic views.
The uneven rocky ground isn’t what makes it so challenging, though. This is down to its location in one of Spain’s rainiest areas, which can make it difficult to navigate when the ground gets wet! Despite this, it’s a popular choice with solo travelers and those looking for a rural escape.
Don’t worry if you don’t feel you can manage it there and back, though, there are some cozy inns and rural spots to stay at in the small village of Grazalema. To visit when the weather is at its best, though, be sure to head here in either Spring or Autumn.
8. Teide National Park, Tenerife
Located in the Canary Islands, this stunning 5-6 hour 10km (6.2 mile) hike takes visitors up Mt. Teide, to the highest peak in the country, along a moderately difficult trail through a UNESCO site, filled with volcanic rock paths and located near stunning beach towns that make for the perfect place to stay.
This out-and-back trail is best completed between April and November for the best weather, and visitors must be cautious of the high altitudes here, as the trail takes you to an elevation of 1,400 m (4,593 ft).
9. Cami de Ronda, Costa Brava
Situated near many of Spain’s most beautiful beach towns, including Tossa de Mar and Calella de Palafrugell, and boasting stunning views of the Mediterranean, this gorgeous, moderate, point-to-point hiking trail can be completed in sections and can take anywhere between 2 and 7 days to complete.
It covers a total distance of 140 km (87 miles) and is known for its stunning coastal cliffs and direct sunlight. For the best weather conditions, this hike is best completed between April and June, or September and October.
10. Mulhacen Summit, Sierra Nevada
Taking between 6 and 8 hours to complete, this challenging trail is one of the best day hikes in Spain, as it stretches for 14km (8.7 miles), and boasts high altitudes of 1,200 m (3,937 ft) as it is located on the highest peak in mainland Spain.
It is a must-do hike for those seriously into the hobby, and boasts stunning accommodation nearby in the Capileira Village. Due to its intense nature, it should be completed during optimum weather conditions, between May and October.