There is a good argument to make that Spain is the ultimate walking holiday destination. While it’s far from the only (and there is no real objective “best”), Spain has a broad diversity of landscapes and terrains that are suited to varying difficulties — and the infrastructure to match.
The Pyrenees and Basque region have a mild climate with mountains and incredible wildlife, while there are sunny Mediterranean shores down south and east. Beyond the landscapes, Spain has many famous trails including the historic pilgrimage routes of Camino de Santiago. So, while some hikers may want wilderness, others may want camaraderie and small-village stopoffs.
Spain’s Trail Tech
Unlike many other great hiking countries, Spain has some interesting technology to improve the experience. The Wikiloc app, launched in 2006, has transformed hiking by allowing users to find and share outdoor trails. There is also good cellular coverage in Spain, with some companies claiming they provide 100% coverage. Plus, good old-fashioned signage is ever present throughout the Spanish trails.
Customized Walking Tours in Spain
For those looking for assistance, Spain has you covered. There are many companies around that help create a personalized walking experience. Santiago Ways is one of the best-reviewed firms that provide custom itineraries for self-guided holidays. Their services include accommodation booking, restaurant suggestions, detailed maps, tips and 24/7 support. This is a great way to offload the responsibility of planning the trip, leaving you with more mental space to enjoy the walks.
Eco-Friendly Walking Initiatives
Spain is doing well when it comes to sustainable tourism. In their eyes, it’s a necessity given how many tourists they receive. The “Caminos Naturales” program, launched by the government, turns old railway lines and cattle paths into hiking trails. This initiative has created well over 10,000 kilometres of incredible trails that can access beautiful landscapes without much of an environmental impact. However, all over Spain, such as on the Camino trails, you can find “certified” eco-friendly hotels and albergues that look at minimizing waste.
Walking Through Spain’s History
Spain has a long history, and many of its routes are a time machine into them. Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage route dating back to the 9th century and it leads walkers through historical sites like the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. But all along the path it’s littered with historic churches and monasteries, along with quaint villages that haven’t seen much modernization. Traditional festivals and regional cuisines can also be explored if you plan your trip carefully.
Year-Round Walking
Spain always has a perfect climate somewhere year-round. In the summer, the Canary Islands have great winter hikes; its subtropical climate is just right in January. La Gomera in particular has well-kept trails, known as “caminos reales”. In the summer, northern Spain can remain in the 20s, while almost all of Spain is accessible in autumn and spring.
Final Word
Spain has invested heavily in its walking routes, and it is paying dividends. Perhaps the best part is that, while you can go off-grid, it’s typically easy to get a train or bus towards the beginning of routes. Spain isn’t that big, in that most of the trails are coastal like the Finisterre Way.
So, whatever the time of year or experience of the hiker, there’s something for everyone, all year round.
