Walking in Spain

If there has ever been an ideal way to see the ‘real Spain’ then doing it on foot is the way to go. Everyone from hikers to ramblers can find something they like in this walker’s paradise of a country – especially if strolling through vineyards sampling the wine is on your list of things you like to do.

Spain’s landscape could not be more diverse, from sheer cliff faces and perilous mountain paths in the north to the lush green hills and meadows in Andalucia. As a country of Western Europe, only France has a greater area and Switzerland more mountains than Spain which means that walkers and hikers of all ages can find routes to match their mood or ability.

The Spanish side of the Pyrenees attract walkers and adventure sports enthusiasts from all over the world for the rock climbing, mountaineering or mountain biking, amongst others, although the main season for these outdoor activities is from April to September due to the fact that the winter weather here makes many of the trails impassable and very hazardous.

The stunningly beautiful Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe) is one of the most popular walking areas of northern Spain. These are a range of dramatic mountain peaks and magnificent fertile valleys which divide the autonomous communities of Asturias and Cantabria. Wild boar and wolves can be found roaming free, the mountains harbour chamois and the forests are home to brown bears and some strange exotic fauna.
Perhaps the most famous of the country’s walks has to be the Camino de Santiago (the ‘Santiago Way’) which has been the route of pilgrims for over 1000 years. The route has many starting points from where to start the journey to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.

During springtime, a favoured destination for many walkers is the mountainous inland area of the Costa Blanca with its warmer climate and the scent of rosemary and thyme which fills the air. Andalucia takes the favoured destination title in the winter months though as the temperature seldom drops lower than 13-14 degrees.

The weather is the one thing to watch out for when walking in Spain as it is generally the heat which causes more problems for hikers and walkers than any amount of wolves, snakes or bears they may meet on their way. Sunstroke and dehydration can be a killer, so be prepared with all the necessary essentials such as a hat, sun cream and water (lots of!).

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