Why nature routes are the best way to experience Spain’s beauty
Spain is a country blessed with diverse landscapes, from its sun-drenched coastlines to its rugged mountains and verdant valleys. As you move from one region to another, you’ll encounter a kaleidoscope of natural beauty that changes with the seasons and the terrain. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience this diversity up close, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery while getting to know the local flora and fauna. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, Spain offers an array of trails to suit all levels of experience, from gentle strolls through lush forests to challenging treks across rocky peaks. The following routes are just a few of the many options available, each offering a unique perspective on Spain’s natural wonders and a chance to discover the rich cultural heritage that lies along the way.
Back to nature in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a paradise for hikers, with their volcanic landscapes, subtropical forests, and dramatic cliffs. On the island of La Palma, you’ll find the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, where a vast crater is surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests. The Roque de los Muchachos trail offers panoramic views of the island, taking you through a landscape of pine forests and volcanic rock formations. On Tenerife, the Teide National Park is home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, a dormant volcano that dominates the island’s skyline. The Siete Cañadas trail is a popular route that traverses the park’s otherworldly landscapes, with views of lava fields, volcanic cones, and unique flora that have adapted to the harsh conditions. For a more challenging hike, the Barranco de Masca on Tenerife’s west coast is a spectacular ravine that descends from the village of Masca to the ocean, passing through towering cliffs and lush vegetation. On the island of Gran Canaria, the Ruta de las Presas takes you through a series of reservoirs and dams, offering stunning views of the island’s interior, with its rugged mountains and deep valleys. The trail passes through pine forests and agricultural terraces, providing a glimpse into the traditional way of life on the island. Lanzarote, with its lunar-like landscapes, is another hiker’s paradise, offering trails that wind through the island’s volcanic terrain. The Montañas del Fuego trail in Timanfaya National Park takes you through a landscape of lava flows, volcanic cones, and geothermal features, while the Camino de los Gracioseros leads to the remote island of La Graciosa, where you can explore pristine beaches and quiet fishing villages.
The Picos de Europa and the north
The Picos de Europa National Park, located in the north of Spain, is a rugged mountain range that offers some of the most dramatic hiking in the country. The park is home to deep gorges, high peaks, and lush valleys, with a rich variety of wildlife, including chamois, golden eagles, and brown bears. One of the most popular routes in the park is the Ruta del Cares, a spectacular trail that follows the Cares River through a narrow gorge, with sheer cliffs rising on either side. The trail is carved into the rock and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, making it a must-do for any hiking enthusiast. Another iconic route in the Picos de Europa is the Senda del Arcediano, an ancient path that was once used by pilgrims and traders. The trail takes you through forests, meadows, and mountain passes, with stunning views of the peaks and valleys below. For a more challenging hike, the Ascensión al Naranjo de Bulnes is a demanding route that leads to the base of the Naranjo de Bulnes, one of the most iconic peaks in the range. The trail offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the high mountains. In the Basque Country, the Camino de Santiago offers a unique opportunity to combine hiking with a cultural and spiritual journey. The route takes you through picturesque villages, rolling hills, and lush forests, with plenty of opportunities to sample the region’s famous cuisine along the way. The Camino del Norte, which follows the northern coast of Spain, is another popular route, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the chance to explore charming coastal towns and villages. In Galicia, the Ribeira Sacra is a stunning region of deep gorges, terraced vineyards, and ancient monasteries. The Ruta do Románico takes you through the heart of the region, passing by Romanesque churches and offering breathtaking views of the Sil River canyon.
The Pyrenees
The Pyrenees are a mountain range that stretches along the northern border of Spain, offering some of the most spectacular hiking in Europe. The range is home to deep valleys, high peaks, and a rich variety of wildlife, including ibex, marmots, and bearded vultures. In the Aragonese Pyrenees, the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with a network of trails that take you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic canyons. The Ruta de la Cola de Caballo is one of the most popular routes in the park, leading to a stunning waterfall at the head of the Ordesa Valley. The trail takes you through a landscape of towering cliffs, dense forests, and open meadows, with breathtaking views at every turn. For a more challenging hike, the Ascensión al Monte Perdido is a demanding route that leads to the summit of Monte Perdido, the third-highest peak in the Pyrenees. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the high altitudes. In the Navarrese Pyrenees, the Selva de Irati is one of the largest and best-preserved beech forests in Europe, offering a network of trails that take you through a landscape of towering trees, crystal-clear streams, and open meadows. The Ruta de los Contrabandistas is a popular route that follows an ancient smuggling path through the forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the Catalan Pyrenees, the Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici is a stunning wilderness area with a network of trails that take you through a landscape of glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks. The Ruta dels Estanys Amagats is a popular route that takes you through a series of high-mountain lakes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
The most beautiful villages in Spain: Guadalest
Spain is home to countless beautiful villages, each with its own unique charm and character. One of the most picturesque is Guadalest, a small village perched on a rocky outcrop in the province of Alicante. The village is dominated by a medieval castle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the turquoise waters of the Guadalest reservoir. The narrow streets of the village are lined with whitewashed houses, quaint shops, and charming cafes, making it a perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Visitors to Guadalest can explore the Castell de Guadalest, which dates back to the 11th century and offers breathtaking views of the valley below. The village is also home to several fascinating museums, including the Museo de Microminiaturas, which features an incredible collection of miniature art, and the Museo de Saleros y Pimenteros, which houses one of the largest collections of salt and pepper shakers in the world. For nature lovers, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities, with trails that take you through the stunning landscapes of the Sierra de Aitana and the Sierra de Serrella. The Ruta del Castell de Guadalest is a popular hiking route that takes you through the picturesque countryside, with breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys along the way. Another charming village worth visiting is Albarracín, located in the province of Teruel. This medieval village is perched on a hilltop and surrounded by ancient walls, with narrow streets and steep alleyways that wind their way through the historic center. The village is home to several beautiful churches, including the Catedral del Salvador, which dates back to the 11th century and features stunning frescoes and altarpieces. Visitors can also explore the Museo de Albarracín, which is housed in a former bishop’s palace and offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the region. For those who love the sea, the village of Cadaqués in Catalonia is a must-visit destination. This charming fishing village is located on the Costa Brava and is known for its picturesque whitewashed houses, quaint streets, and stunning coastal scenery. Cadaqués is also famous for being the home of the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, and visitors can explore his former residence, the Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí, which is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The village is also home to several beautiful beaches and coves, where visitors can relax and soak up the sun or enjoy a range of water sports. Another gem of the Costa Brava is the village of Pals, which is located inland and surrounded by lush countryside. This medieval village is perched on a hilltop and is known for its well-preserved historic center, with narrow cobbled streets, ancient stone houses, and a beautiful 11th-century church. Visitors can explore the Castell de Pals, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, or take a stroll through the Plaça Major, where you’ll find a range of charming cafes, restaurants, and shops. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of a medieval village or soaking up the sun on a beautiful beach, Spain’s villages offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Each village has its own unique character and charm, making them a perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the authentic side of Spain.
Explore the valleys and peaks of the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees are a mountain range that stretches along the northern border of Spain, offering some of the most spectacular hiking in Europe. The range is home to deep valleys, high peaks, and a rich variety of wildlife, including ibex, marmots, and bearded vultures. In the Aragonese Pyrenees, the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with a network of trails that take you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic canyons. The Ruta de la Cola de Caballo is one of the most popular routes in the park, leading to a stunning waterfall at the head of the Ordesa Valley. The trail takes you through a landscape of towering cliffs, dense forests, and open meadows, with breathtaking views at every turn. For a more challenging hike, the Ascensión al Monte Perdido is a demanding route that leads to the summit of Monte Perdido, the third-highest peak in the Pyrenees. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the high altitudes. In the Navarrese Pyrenees, the Selva de Irati is one of the largest and best-preserved beech forests in Europe, offering a network of trails that take you through a landscape of towering trees, crystal-clear streams, and open meadows. The Ruta de los Contrabandistas is a popular route that follows an ancient smuggling path through the forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the Catalan Pyrenees, the Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici is a stunning wilderness area with a network of trails that take you through a landscape of glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks. The Ruta dels Estanys Amagats is a popular route that takes you through a series of high-mountain lakes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
The Picos de Europa: Spain’s first national park
The Picos de Europa National Park, located in the north of Spain, is a rugged mountain range that offers some of the most dramatic hiking in the country. The park is home to deep gorges, high peaks, and lush valleys, with a rich variety of wildlife, including chamois, golden eagles, and brown bears. One of the most popular routes in the park is the Ruta del Cares, a spectacular trail that follows the Cares River through a narrow gorge, with sheer cliffs rising on either side. The trail is carved into the rock and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, making it a must-do for any hiking enthusiast. Another iconic route in the Picos de Europa is the Senda del Arcediano, an ancient path that was once used by pilgrims and traders. The trail takes you through forests, meadows, and mountain passes, with stunning views of the peaks and valleys below. For a more challenging hike, the Ascensión al Naranjo de Bulnes is a demanding route that leads to the base of the Naranjo de Bulnes, one of the most iconic peaks in the range. The trail offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the high mountains. In the Basque Country, the Camino de Santiago offers a unique opportunity to combine hiking with a cultural and spiritual journey. The route takes you through picturesque villages, rolling hills, and lush forests, with plenty of opportunities to sample the region’s famous cuisine along the way. The Camino del Norte, which follows the northern coast of Spain, is another popular route, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the chance to explore charming coastal towns and villages. In Galicia, the Ribeira Sacra is a stunning region of deep gorges, terraced vineyards, and ancient monasteries. The Ruta do Románico takes you through the heart of the region, passing by Romanesque churches and offering breathtaking views of the Sil River canyon.
