1. Carminito del Rey
- Where: El Chorro, Andalusia, Spain
- Starting Point: North Access (Ardales)
- End Point: South Access (El Chorro)
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 7.7 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: March to November (closed in January and February)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations in the nearby towns of Ardales and El Chorro.
Caminito Del Rey is a famous trail in Andalusia, Spain, known for its narrow walkways and stunning views of the gorge and river below. The trail was originally built in the early 20th century to provide access to two hydroelectric power plants, and was named after King Alfonso XIII, who walked along the path during the inauguration of the plants. After falling into disrepair and becoming known as one of the most dangerous trails in the world, the path was renovated and reopened in 2015. Today, the trail is a popular tourist attraction and offers a thrilling and unique hiking experience. It’s important to note that reservations are required, and visitors must follow safety guidelines while on the trail.
2. Ruta del Cares
- Where: Picos de Europa National Park, Spain
- Starting Point: Poncebos (Asturias)
- End Point: Caín (León)
- Time Needed: 5-6 hours.
- Distance and Type: 12 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: April to November (closed in the winter months due to snow and ice)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations in the nearby towns of Poncebos and Caín.
Ruta del Cares is a stunning hiking trail that follows the Cares Gorge through the Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain. The trail offers breathtaking views of the rugged mountains and the river below and passes through several tunnels and over several bridges. The trail can be hiked in either direction, starting from either Poncebos or Caín, and is a popular day hike for both locals and tourists. It’s important to note that the trail can be narrow and steep in some sections, and visitors should take caution and follow safety guidelines. Overall, Ruta del Cares is a must-do hike for nature lovers visiting northern Spain.
3. Puig Campana
- Where: Finestrat, Valencian Community, Spain
- Trail Head: Font del Moli car park
- Time Needed: 5-6 hours (round trip)
- Distance and Type: 14 kilometers cicuit
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to Hike: October to May (avoid hiking in the summer months due to high temperatures)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations in the nearby towns of Finestrat and Benidorm.
Puig Campana is a mountain located near the town of Finestrat in the Valencian Community of Spain. The mountain is known for its distinctive shape and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail to the summit starts from the Font del Moli car park and follows a steep ascent through a pine forest. As hikers near the summit, some scrambling is required to reach the peak, which offers 360-degree views of the coast and surrounding mountains. The hike is challenging, but well worth the effort for the stunning views at the top. Hikers should come prepared with sturdy footwear and plenty of water, as the trail can be rocky and exposed to the sun.
4. Montserrat
- Where: Montserrat mountain range, Catalonia, Spain
- Starting Point: Montserrat Monastery
- End Point: Montserrat Monastery
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
- Distance and Type: 5-6 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Difficult
- When to Hike: Year-round, but spring and fall are the most popular times to hike.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations near Montserrat Monastery, including hotels and hostels.
Montserrat is a stunning mountain range located in Catalonia, Spain. The range is known for its distinctive jagged peaks and the Montserrat Monastery, a famous pilgrimage site. There are several hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy strolls to challenging ascents, with options for loop trails and out-and-back trails. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the monastery and the Catalan countryside. The most popular trail is the Sant Jeroni trail, which leads to the highest peak in the range and offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Hikers should come prepared with sturdy footwear and plenty of water, as some of the trails can be steep and rocky. Overall, Montserrat is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hikers visiting Catalonia.
5. El Torcal de Antequera Top of Form
Bottom of Form
- Where: Antequera, Andalusia, Spain
- Trail Head: El Torcal Visitor Centre
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
- Distance: 3-5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Year-round, but spring and fall are the most popular times to hike.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations in Antequera, including hotels and hostels.
El Torcal de Antequera is a unique limestone rock formation located in Andalusia, Spain. The area is known for its unusual karst topography, with bizarre rock formations and deep gorges. There are several hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy strolls to moderate ascents, with options for loop trails and out-and-back trails. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the rock formations and the Mediterranean Sea. The most popular trail is the Green Route, which is a relatively easy hike that takes visitors through some of the most interesting rock formations in the park. Hikers should come prepared with sturdy footwear and plenty of water, as some of the trails can be rocky and steep. Overall, El Torcal de Antequera is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hikers visiting Andalusia.
6. Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park (Garganta Verde Trail)
- Where: Grazalema, Andalusia, Spain
- Trail Head: Parking area near the El Bosque-Grazalema Road
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 8.6 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: Spring and fall are the most popular times to hike, as the temperatures are cooler, and the wildflowers are in bloom.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations in the nearby towns, including hotels and hostels.
The Garganta Verde Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. The trail takes visitors through a deep gorge and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs. Hikers will see several species of birds, including vultures and eagles, as well as unique plant species such as the Spanish fir. The trail begins at a parking area near the El Bosque-Grazalema Road and follows a steep, rocky path down into the gorge. Hikers will follow the stream that runs through the gorge, passing by several waterfalls and natural pools along the way. The trail is moderately difficult, with several steep ascents and descents, but the stunning views and unique landscape make it well worth the effort. Hikers should come prepared with sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and a camera to capture the stunning views. Overall, the Garganta Verde Trail is a must-do hike for visitors to Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.
7. Caldera de Taburiente National Park
- Where: La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
- Starting point: Visitor Center in El Paso
- End point: Roque de los Muchachos Observatory
- Time needed: 6-8 hours.
- Distance and Type: 16 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to hike: Best to hike between May and October when the weather is dry and mild.
- Where to stay: Accommodations are available in El Paso and nearby towns.
Caldera de Taburiente National Park is a unique geological formation and one of the most popular hiking destinations on La Palma. The hike to Roque de los Muchachos Observatory takes visitors through the park’s volcanic landscape, dense forests, and stunning vistas. The trail is well-marked and can be hiked in either direction, but starting from the visitor center in El Paso is recommended. Hikers will encounter steep inclines and declines, rocky terrain, and narrow paths, so proper footwear and caution are necessary. The highlight of the hike is reaching the observatory at the summit which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the park and the island.
8. La Gomera (The Valle Gran Rey trail)
- Where: La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain
- Starting point: Playa del Inglés
- End point: Mirador del Santo viewpoint
- Time needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and type: 7.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Best time to visit is from October to May, but it can be hiked year-round.
- Where to stay: Valle Gran Rey, San Sebastián de La Gomera, and Hermigua are some of the best places to stay on the island.
The Valle Gran Rey trail is a scenic hike that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains. The trail starts at Playa del Inglés and takes hikers through lush forests, past terraced farmlands, and over rocky terrain. The highlight of the trail is the Mirador del Santo viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the valley and the ocean. Along the way, hikers can also stop at several small villages and enjoy local cuisine and culture. This hike is suitable for intermediate hikers and offers a unique and memorable experience in the heart of La Gomera.
9. Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park (San José Trail)
- Where: Andalusia, Spain
- Starting Point: San José village
- End Point: Genoveses Beach
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 6 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: Best time to hike is from September to June, avoiding the hottest summer months.
- Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodation in San José village or nearby towns such as Cabo de Gata or Níjar.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is a protected area located on the southeastern coast of Spain. The park boasts stunning beaches, cliffs, volcanic hills, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. The trail from San José village to Genoveses Beach is a popular route that takes hikers through some of the park’s most beautiful landscapes. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, making it a great option for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, hikers will see towering cliffs, hidden coves, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The route ends at Genoveses Beach, a picturesque cove with crystal-clear water and white sand. Hikers can enjoy a swim or relax on the beach before returning to San José village.
10. La Pedriza
- Where: Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain
- Starting Point: Canto Cochino
- End Point: Canto Cochino
- Time Needed: 4-5 hours.
- Distance and Type: 12 kilomter circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Spring or Fall (avoiding extreme heat in the summer and snow in the winter)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby town of Manzanares el Real, including hotels and guesthouses.
The trail starts at the Canto Cochino parking lot and leads through a rocky and mountainous terrain of granite formations, pine trees, and small rivers. The trail goes through various viewpoints, including the Mirador de la Huerta de los Pollos, where you can enjoy stunning views of the La Pedriza valley. It then goes uphill to reach the Collado de la Dehesilla, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. From there, the trail descends and leads to the Charca Verde, a popular swimming spot with a natural pool surrounded by rocks. The last stretch of the trail follows the Manzanares River before arriving back at Canto Cochino.
