One of the best sports for enjoying nature in all its splendour is hiking. This activity, suitable for all ages, allows you to interact with local wildlife and flora while seeing life from a different perspective. This type of tourism - known as active tourism - lets you experience sensations you'd hardly discover through more traditional forms of tourism. Fancy giving it a go?
First things first, we recommend reading these essential tips to ensure your activity goes smoothly and safely.
Once you're clued up and prepared, here are some unmissable locations. Discover new hiking routes to make the most of your days off doing what you love. We'll focus on 3 regions: Madrid, Barcelona and Biscay:
OUR 3 BARCELONA HIKING SUGGESTIONS:
- Fons Collserola E01. This 17km itinerary (approximately 5 hours) is suitable for those with hiking experience. Starting at Baixador de Vallvidrera station and ending in El Papiol, you can easily travel by train. Cyclists beware - some narrow sections aren't bike-friendly. Difficulty: Medium-High.
- Vallvidrera Superior - Sant Medir - Sant Cugat. An easy-level route beginning at Vallvidrera Superior train station. The 15km trail (under 4 hours) finishes at Sant Cugat station - transport sorted! Difficulty: Medium.
- Gracia Montserrat. This challenging 60km route requires previous experience and can't be completed in one day. Difficulty: Very High.
Prefer a guided hiking route? If you'd rather have everything organised with expert guidance, check out our Barcelona hiking offers. From just €8, you'll find brilliant options to explore the area with local experts.
OUR 3 MADRID HIKING SUGGESTIONS:
- Spanish Civil War Sites. No expertise needed for this 8km circular route (about 4.5 hours) around Ciudad Universitaria. Walk through history and see events from a new perspective - don't just hear about it, witness the locations yourself. Difficulty: Low.
- CS1 - Madrid - Colmenar Viejo. This 33km route covers the first stage of the Camino de Santiago from Madrid, starting in the historic centre to Colmenar Viejo. Discover there's more to Madrid than traffic - a whole autonomous community awaits! Difficulty: Medium.
- Madrid - Segovia. For true experts: 96km with significant elevation changes. Starting at Santiago Church and finishing at Segovia's aqueduct (a key Camino de Santiago section from the capital). Allow at least 2 days, arranging accommodation and meals en route. Difficulty: High.
We've got two more suggestions - and we're sure you'll love them! One for Madrid locals, another for visitors... or mix both - your call!
From Madrid? Before leaving the capital, try one of these guided cultural tours. Even lifelong residents will discover hidden gems!
Not from Madrid? Try our experts' guided hiking routes or browse these Guadarrama Mountain trails.
OUR 3 BISCAY HIKING SUGGESTIONS:
- Bilbao - Ganekogorta - El Ereztza. Requires significant experience - though only 28km, the 6+ hour route has steep elevation changes. Choose good companions and you won't regret it. Difficulty: Very High.
- Bilbao - Amorebieta E01. This 34km route (9+ hours) crosses four northern provinces: Biscay, Gipuzkoa (San Sebastián), Navarre (Pamplona) and Álava. Suitable for experienced hikers. Difficulty: High.
- Bolintxu - Pagasarri. Suitable for all levels - complete this 12km circular route in just 2.5 hours. Discover streams and reach summits with marvellous views. Difficulty: Medium-Low
Want to access Biscay's hidden gems? We strongly recommend trying Biscay's guided hiking routes. From just €20, explore this beautiful region's possibilities. Fancy combining hiking with gastronomy? Plenty of options available.
That concludes our brief tour of some of Spain's most striking hiking routes. Got routes to share? Publish them on our platform. Now go enjoy these hiking trails like never before!
