10 Best Hikes in Spain: Your Ultimate Hiking Guide

Hola, adventure seekers! 

We bet you know about Spain's rich culture and mouthwatering cuisines, such as tapas and paellas. But did you know that Spain is Europe's second most mountainous country?

That's right! With 16 National Parks and countless trails, the country offers many hiking experiences, from challenging routes like the Caminito del Rey to historic paths like the Camino de Santiago. 

Thanks to a favourable climate for year-round hiking, Spain's natural beauty and rich history are yours to explore. 

At Skyhook, we want to help you plan your next adventure. So, we've compiled this list of the best Spain hikes. Let's tell you more!

The mighty Pyrenees, straddling the border between Spain and France, are the stuff of legends and kick off our Spanish hiking fiesta.

Fun fact: They are named after a princess who fled here to escape a lovesick Hercules!

The Pyrenees offer an array of trails, from gentle field walks to challenging summit assaults. The star of the show? Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. 

With over 200 lakes, thundering waterfalls, and peaks that seem to touch the sky, it's Mother Nature showing off.

To hike in the Pyrenees without the hassle of planning, book our Hut to Hut Hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains trip.

The journey takes you deep into Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, where you'll encounter breathtaking mountain vistas, glacial valleys, and pristine mountain lakes. 

From the lofty Pyrenees, let's head south to the Sierra Nevada. Here, you can ski in the morning and sunbathe on the beach in the afternoon. 

The Sierra Nevada is home to mainland Spain's highest peak, Mulhacén. At 3,479 metres, it's no Everest, but it'll still have you puffing like a steam engine on the way up. 

For a taste of Sierra Nevada magic, try the Vereda de la Estrella trail. It's got everything: rushing rivers, alpine fields, and vistas of the three highest peaks in the range. 

Also, keep an eye out for mountain goats that roam these hills!

Book our Sierra Nevada: Hiking in Blossom trip if you're looking for a genuinely unique Sierra Nevada experience. We will take you through the stunning Las Alpujarras region, where it's blanketed in almond blossoms. 

You'll enjoy three days of guided walking in this ancient landscape, soaking in the cultural history and glorious views.

Next is the granddaddy of all Spanish hikes: the Camino de Santiago. This isn't just a walk in the park but a centuries-old pilgrimage route giving hikers spiritual awakenings (and sore feet) since the Middle Ages.

The most popular route, the Camino Francés, stretches 780km from the French border to Santiago de Compostela. But you don't have to do it all at once. 

Many hikers tackle it in stages, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims, the historic towns, and the promise of a Compostela certificate at the end.

Remember, the Camino isn't about the destination but the journey. And the journey involves a lot of walking. Like, a lot! But also tapas. 

Lots of tapas!

Despite the name, the Picos de Europa aren't the highest mountains in Europe. They're not even the highest in Spain. But they make up for what they lack in height in sheer drama.

These limestone peaks in northern Spain offer some of the most spectacular hiking in the country. 

The star attraction is the Cares Gorge, a 12km path carved into the side of a deep ravine. 

It's been called the "Divine Gorge," and when you're walking along its narrow ledges with the river roaring below, you'll be praying it lives up to its name!

You can now book Skyhook's Picos de Europa trip. We start with a cable car ride to Refugio Veronica, where we can already see the Picos.

It's a fascinating journey where we explore Cares Gorge on the sixth day before saying our goodbyes in Bilbao the next day. 

Once dubbed the "world's most dangerous walkway," the Caminito del Rey has had a safety makeover. But don't worry, it's still thrilling enough to make your mum nervous.

This 7.7km path in El Chorro gorge clings to the side of sheer cliffs, sometimes narrowing to just a metre wide.

Initially built for workers at a hydroelectric plant, it got its royal name when King Alfonso XIII strolled along in 1921. We're guessing he didn't look down.

Today, it's perfectly safe, with sturdy walkways and handrails. But as you're suspended 100 metres above the ground, with nothing but air beneath your feet, you'll feel like the king (or queen) of the world!

Just an hour from Barcelona, Montserrat offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. The name means "serrated mountain" in Catalan, and one look at its jagged peaks will tell you why.

The star attraction here is the Montserrat Monastery, perched precariously on the mountainside. But for hikers, the real draw is the network of trails that crisscross the mountain. 

The hike to Sant Jeroni, the highest peak, offers panoramic views of Catalonia, giving you a feeling of being on top of the world.

Legend has it that the mysterious Holy Grail is hidden somewhere in Montserrat. We can't promise you'll find it, but we can guarantee views worth their weight in gold!

Head to Cabo de Gata in Almería for a complete change of scenery. This is Spain's only true desert, where cacti replace trees, and the landscape looks more Arizona than Andalucía.

The coastal walks here are out of this world. Think pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. 

The trail from Las Negras to Cala de San Pedro is a local favourite, leading to a hidden beach with the ruins of an old castle. 

Just remember to pack plenty of water – this isn't the place to rely on finding a conveniently placed café!

Located in the Asturias region of northern Spain, the Senda del Oso is a scenic, family-friendly trail that follows a former mining railway line.

The trail is named after the native brown bears that still roam the surrounding mountains. 

Spanning about 22 kilometres, it offers relatively easy walking through lush forests, along rivers, and past charming villages. 

The trail is also known for its bear enclosures, where you can observe rescued bears in their natural habitat.

Located in the province of León, Las Médulas is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. 

The area was once the most important gold mine in the Roman Empire, and Roman mining techniques dramatically altered the landscape. 

The result is a surreal terrain of red cliffs and tunnels. 

The circular hiking route around Las Médulas is about 10 kilometres long and offers stunning views of the ancient excavations and the surrounding countryside.

Monfragüe National Park in Extremadura is a must-visit for those who love both hiking and birdwatching. 

The park is one of the best places in Spain to observe birds of prey, including griffon vultures, eagles, and even the rare Spanish imperial eagle. 

It offers several hiking trails, with the Castillo de Monfragüe route being particularly popular. This hike takes you to the top of a hill, where you can see a historic castle and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Spain's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it a top destination for hikers worldwide. 

Whether you're seeking the spiritual journey of the Camino de Santiago, the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees, or the sun-soaked trails of Cabo de Gata, Spain has something to offer every type of adventurer.

So, pack your hiking boots, grab your map, and embark on an adventure that will take you through some of Europe's most beautiful and varied terrain.