Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. While we often hear that people visit this Atlantic-Mediterranean country for its coastal attractions, Spain is also rich in walking trails. Today, we’re give you travel tips on the best walking trails in Spain:
The Mediterranean Trail – GR92
The GR92 is a great route for families that like to stroll along the sea. It stretches from the town of Portbou on the French border all the way to Castellon. The total length of this walking route is 583km or 362 miles.
Naturally, most families won’t walk this entire path, but rather choose a part that suits their needs. The most convenient way to set out on this route is to stay in Barcelona and start walking from there. You’ll walk above and through the bays, cliffs, and peaceful little towns that dot the Costa Brava. This route also goes through the countryside above Barcelona. You can take in breath-taking views of this wonderful Catalan city. If you are looking to take night-time photos, make sure you carefully calculate your time carefully.
El Camino Natural del Ebro
The longest river in Spain, the Ebro, is one of the most popular non-seaside destinations. Among the popular walking trails in Spain is The El Camino del Ebro (GR99). You and your family can choose from as many as 42 different stages on this path. You can see the full diversity of Spanish terrain. There’s lush deciduous forests and meadows as well as the pine forests of the Mediterranean.
You can also visit a plethora of different towns on this route, like Zaragoza in Aragon. Parents who like wine and vineyards should opt for an alternative route, parallel to the GR99. This path connects Haro and Miranda del Ebro, and it runs through scenic vineyards.
El Camino de Santiago
One of the most popular pilgrimage routes in Europe, the Camino de Santiago – the Way of St James – stretches between steep mountains and fertile plains. Families with school children can take on the full-scale pilgrimage, which starts at St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France. This route will take about five weeks to complete. You’ll see some of the most attractive churches and religious edifices during this walk.
There’s an alternative if your kids are still young or are not keen on spending weeks walking. In that case, take the “English route”. It can start at El Ferrol, or in La Coruña, in Galicia. The distance from there to Santiago de Compostela is a bit more than 100km or 62 miles. So, you have a variety of starting points for you walk.
What your kids will love on this walking trail are the pilgrim’s passports, i.e. the credencial. You’ll be given a stamp for every night you spend in one of the pilgrim-friendly accommodation facilities. Once you reach Santiago, it will serve as proof that you’ve successfully finished the pilgrimage and receive the special certificate called compostela.
The Cabrera Islands
The Cabrera Islands walking routes should be at the top of the list of walking trails in Spain if you have the means. It’s for families who have enough time and assets to make their walking holidays in Spain more exciting. This group of islands is situated about 10km or 6 miles south of the island of Mallorca. It’s a national park that is not inhabited, but there are some beautiful walking trails, suitable for all generations of walkers.
The easiest way to get there is to book a walking excursion from Colonia de Sant Jordi in Mallorca to the Cabrera Islands.
Several walking options are offered here, but most people either hike to La Miranda, because of the beautiful caves in its vicinity, or walk to the famous lighthouse. This is also a pleasant trail by the sea with a wonderful view of the horizon.
Conclusion
Spain is much more than sea and palms. Spending your family holidays without trying at least some stages of these walking trails in Spain would be a shame. So, get your hiking things together and start your Spanish walking holiday.
