Hiking in Spain: The Best Routes Based on Your Fitness Levels
Quick answer: The best routes for hiking in Spain depend on your fitness level. Novices should try the Aracena Sierra or any leg of the Camino Frances; intermediate walkers will enjoy the Camino Portuguese or Penalara near Madrid; experienced hikers can tackle the Pico Sobarcal in the Pyrenees. The Vias Verdes offer something for every level.
If you are looking for the perfect destination for a walking holiday, you need look no further than Spain. The sheer number of wonderful walking routes through beautiful, inspiring countryside cannot be underestimated, and there is something for everyone, from newcomers to experienced hikers.
We have taken a look at some of the best hiking spots in Spain and split them into three levels of experience – novice, intermediate and experienced – so you can choose the routes that suit you and your group best. Review your fitness levels carefully and choose a route that will satisfy both body and soul.
Hiking in Spain by Fitness Level at a Glance
| Level | Routes |
|---|---|
| Novice | Aracena Sierra; any leg of the Camino Frances |
| Intermediate | Camino Portuguese; Penalara (about 3.5 hours round trip) |
| Experienced | Pico Sobarcal, Pyrenees (over 2200m, 7+ hours to the top) |
| All levels | Vias Verdes (around 7000km of walks) |
Hiking Routes in Spain for Novices
Hiking is a wonderful way of getting the most out of a location, and when it comes to the most beautiful walking routes in Spain, beginners have plenty of choice.
Aracena Sierra
For many people a gentle walk is quite enough, and it is great exercise too. We strongly recommend the magnificent landscapes of the Aracena Sierra for perfect, easy walking routes. There is something peaceful and very special about this part of the country, making it a sensible choice if you or your group are inexperienced.
Camino de Santiago (Camino Frances)
The pilgrim ways of the Camino de Santiago, or “The Way of St James”, are also suitable for those with little experience. This ancient, much-travelled network of routes begins in many places close to the French border and leads to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, where the remains of the Apostle James the Great are said to be buried.
For novices, we recommend any leg of the Camino Frances in Spain. It is much less rough on the feet, yet still offers everything you want from a walk: wonderful scenery, readily available inns and hotels, and plenty of history.
Intermediate Hiking Routes in Spain
Camino Portuguese
If you are a little more experienced and want a challenge that won’t tax you or your group too much, try the magnificent Camino Portuguese. Taking in the very best of the region’s landscapes, this truly rural route makes for a magnificent experience and offers some breathtaking views.
Penalara, near Madrid
If you are near Madrid, the glorious Penalara is the place to take in the sights with an energetic hike. This round-trip walk takes about three and a half hours, offers superb views that will stay with you forever, and is recommended for those with more experience of unusual or taxing terrain.
Hiking in Spain for Experienced Hikers
The routes above are not exclusive to less experienced walkers. Many of the routes that make up the Camino de Santiago, for example, have challenging sections for those looking for more effort, and there are many more besides.
Pico Sobarcal, Pyrenees
For a real challenge, you could try the Pico Sobarcal in the Pyrenees, close to the French border. It is not for the faint-hearted, as it climbs to more than 2200m.
The early stages of the climb are simple for experienced hikers, but the higher stages near the peak should only be attempted by people with the relevant experience and knowledge. The views at the top are well worth the seven or more hours it takes to get there.
Routes for All Levels: The Vias Verdes
If you want a variety of levels and challenges, check out the Vias Verdes. This collection of marked and measured paths totals some 7000km and offers everyone, whatever their experience, a chance to enjoy the very best of walking in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hike in Spain for beginners?
The easy walking routes of the Aracena Sierra, or any leg of the Camino Frances, are ideal for novices.
How long does the Penalara hike take?
The round trip takes about three and a half hours and suits walkers with some experience of taxing terrain.
How hard is the Pico Sobarcal?
It climbs over 2200m and takes seven or more hours to reach the top; the higher stages should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
Conclusion
Spain has a rich history of walking holidays, so whatever your level of experience and whatever sort of walk you are looking for, there will be something here for you. The beautiful countryside, stunning mountains, great food and many wonderful cities, towns and villages make Spain a friendly, welcoming place to walk. Whether you are walking in a group or on your own, check out these routes and get ready for the perfect walking holiday.
Author’s Bio
Rebecca is a translator by day, and a traveler mostly at night. She is an expert on living with jet lag – and packing in tiny suitcases. You can read more of her exploits at RoughDraft.
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