Steeped in the grandeur of soaring peaks, emerald forests, and rugged coastlines, Spain boasts an impressive diversity of hiking trails that are nothing short of a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner just setting foot on the trails or an experienced mountaineer looking for your next challenging trek, this list has been curated to guide you through the best hikes in Spain.
Our list is compiled to ensure it caters to every experience level – from easy, serene walks perfect for those seeking to enjoy Spain’s picturesque landscapes at a gentle pace to multi-day trekking trails that will test your endurance and reward you with unforgettable vistas.
We’ve done the research, so all you have to do is lace up your boots, pack your gear, and confidently hit the best hikes in Spain.
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1. Flysch Route
Recommended by Megan from Packing up the Pieces.
- Location: GR-121 Zumaia to Deba (near San Sebastian)
- Distance: 12.8 KM / 8 miles
- Duration: +/- 4.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Those interested in beautiful landscapes and the history of our planet will love hiking the Flysch Route in the Basque region of northern Spain. This hiking trail runs along the Bay of Biscay and connects the small fishing villages of Zumaia and Deba. The Flysch route is an officially registered GR hiking trail in Spain.
The Flysch Route is an easy day trip to experience from the foodie destination of San Sebastian. It’s possible to reach either trailhead by public transportation.
This is easily one of the most scenic hiking trails in Spain. The unique rock formations of Flysch along the coast are a recognized UNESCO Geopark. While most Flysch stones can be observed in the mountains, these jetting rocks are seen along the seaside.
One of the best hikes in Spain offers spectacular sea views and twists and turns through the stunning countryside of Green Spain. The Flysch route is truly a diverse hiking trail to appreciate this otherworldly landscape. If some of the beaches look familiar, it was because they were filming locations for Dragonstone on the HBO series Game of Thrones.
Sleeping in the small fishing villages of Deba or Zumaia is possible. These coastal villages offer simple accommodations and are known for their beaches and waves for surfing. However, most people sleep in San Sebastian to delve into the food scene, stroll the cobblestone streets, and visit the many cultural sites and museums.
2. Camino de Santiago
Recommended by Kristin from Scotland Less Explored.
- Location: Starts in France in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and ends in Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain
- Distance: 770km/ 478 miles
- Duration: 30 – 35 days
- Difficulty: Difficult
The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage from medieval times. For over 1,000 years, people have been walking to Santiago de Compostela from different parts of Europe. There are 7 main routes, of which the French Way is the most popular. That is partly because it is the best-known route, and you pass through some fantastic historical cities such as Pamplona, Burgos, and Leon.
Whichever route you choose to walk, this is the best hike in Spain because such a long-distance trek makes you disconnect from the stresses and demands of everyday life. In the beginning, your feet and legs will ache, but as the days pass, you will get stronger and feel a real sense of achievement after completing the hike.
Only some have a month to do the whole route, so it is possible to split it into shorter stages or do only the last one or two weeks. To get the certificate for completing the walk, you need to walk at least the last 100km.
This is a popular walk, so many guest houses, hotels, cafes, and restaurants are along the way. Every village and town you pass has restaurants and cafes offering good value “camino meals,” a three-course meal including wine. Nights are spent either in simple hostels or in the bigger towns you sometimes even have the option of five-star hotels.
Read more: Best hikes in Europe.
3. Camino Primitivo
Recommended by Alya from Stingy Nomads.
- Location: Asturias and Galicia regions in Northern Spain
- Distance: 320 km
- Duration: 12 – 14 days
- Difficulty: Difficult
The Camino Primitivo, or the Original Way, is a multi-day hiking trail in the Asturias and Galicia regions in Northern Spain. It starts in the beautiful town of Oviedo and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia. The route offers a great combination of mountain and forest scenery and historical landmarks. Some top sights are the old town of Oviedo, the Roman Walls of Lugo, and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
The total distance of the Camino Primitivo is 320 km. It takes 12 – 14 days to complete it. Each stage of the trail can be completed as a separate day hike. The Camino Primitivo is a challenging long-distance route with many steep ascents and descents. It requires a good fitness level and some hiking experience.
The trail is well-marked from the start to the end. The scenery along the Camino Primitivo is spectacular; high mountains, lush green forests, crystal-clear rivers, small villages, and pasture fields. There are plenty of towns and villages along the route where hikers can find hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Hotel Barceló Oviedo Cervantes in Oviedo and Parador de Santiago in Santiago de Compostela are some of the best places to stay on the Camino Primitivo.
4. Los Cahorros
Recommended by Joanna from Andalucia in My Pocket.
- Location: Sierra Nevada, Granada
- Distance: 7.2 km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking the Los Cahorros trail in the Sierra Nevada makes a wonderful day trip from Granada. The start of the path is located in the village of Monachil, which is half an hour away by bus from the center of Granada. Several buses connect Monachil with Granada daily, so getting here is always easy.
The trail is 7.2 km long, and it is marked as moderate. It is not advisable to hike it in summer due to the lack of shade at the higher altitudes. However, during the hot summer months, you can hike half of it, alongside the river Monachil, through the forest.
Many families from Granada choose to come here in summer due to the river and the cooling waterfall mid-way. They usually remain here, swimming at the bottom and enjoying picnics in nature.
Los Cahorros is one of the best hikes in Spain because it has a little bit of everything: spectacular scenery, forest, a river, a canyon, wildlife, as well as hanging bridges, which make it a hit with families with children.
The path starts in Monachil, and follows the river with the same name, uphill through the mountains. After you reach the waterfall, you will cross the longest hanging bridge, 55 meters long, and 15 meters above the ground. This is where you will enter a narrow canyon, passing through caves, with the path narrowing more and more on the right-hand side.
Once you exit the canyon, you must go up the mountain, on a wide path. This is where you will see wild mountain goats. Once you are on top, the trail will lead you back to Monachil, over the mountains above the canyon.
If you want to hike this trail, you can come here on a day trip from Granada. There are also a few B&Bs in Monachil if you want a quieter resting place.
5. Camino de Ronda
Recommended by Vicki from Vicki Viaja.
- Location: Catalonia, Spain (near Barcelona or Girona)
- Distance: approx. 200 km
- Duration: 10-14 days
- Difficulty: Easy-Difficult
The Camino de Ronda is one of the most popular and best hikes in Spain. However, its popularity with locals and visitors alike is hardly surprising, as the trail runs along one of the country’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, Costa Brava.
The pine-covered countryside and crystal clear waters of the coast make the landscapes along the trail one of the most picturesque in the country. In addition, a refreshing swim is just a few steps away at almost any point along the trail. The Camino de Ronda is also famous for its cliff sections, which offer perfect views of Spain’s stunning Mediterranean Sea.
The Camino de Ronda is divided into smaller sections with different difficulty levels, which you can access from many parts along the coast. So you can choose a short walk on easy difficulty, a long hike of several days, or anything in between.
If you want to enjoy a shorter hike followed by a swim in the sea, the Camino de Ronda also makes a great hiking trip from Barcelona. After all, the Catalan capital is just a short drive from the Costa Brava. But you can also reach the trails from the beautiful city of Girona or directly look for accommodation on the Costa Brava – many options exist.
6. La Ruta de las Tres Cascadas
Recommended by Anna from Spain Inspired.
- Location: Valencia
- Distance: 3km / 1.8 miles
- Duration: Around two hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
La Ruta de las Tres Cascadas, which translates to “The Route of the Three Waterfalls,” is right next to the picturesque town of Anna, located in the Valencia region of Spain. Alternatively, for those venturing from a bigger city, this is an easy day trip from Valencia, just over an hour’s drive away.
It’s considered one of the best hikes in Spain, and it’s seriously amazing for anyone wanting a hit of nature without spending hours finding it.
Firstly, the waterfalls are simply breathtaking. As you wander through the lush forest, the sounds of cascading water will reach you before the waterfalls emerge.
The largest of the three, the Salto waterfall, is particularly awe-inspiring, with its natural pool inviting you for a refreshing dip. That said, even if you don’t choose to swim, you’ll probably get a bit wet on this hike anyway, especially as you pass the Viking waterfall, which thunders down next to you as you pass a partially submerged path.
But the rest of the hike is just as beautiful, with a huge range of nature within a relatively small distance.
The town of Anna is a great bonus. Steeped in history, it offers a warm, authentic Spanish experience – great for having a paella once you finish your hike. The dish was invented in this region, after all!
As for accommodation, consider staying in the nearby town of Xàtiva, which is just 20 minutes away by car. It offers a range of lodging options and is home to a stunning medieval castle that you can explore.
Alternatively, staying in Valencia may be better for visitors, as it’s easier to get to from outside the region with more accommodation options. Fortunately, there’s plenty to see there once you’ve had your hiking fix!
7. Rio Chillar
Recommended by Linn Haglund from Andalucia Hiking.
- Location: Nerja/Malaga
- Distance: 16 km
- Duration: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Rio Chillar hike is one of the most popular walks in Nerja and a perfect summer hike for the whole family. It goes through the river Chillar, and you will walk in the water most of the time, yet only knee-deep.
The best thing about the hike is that even with younger children, you can do parts of it and turn around whenever you want to. There are mesmerizing waterfalls along the trail, and you will come across several water holes perfect for a dip and lunch and snacking locations.
There are also two sections where the river through the narrow ravine with the cliff walls closing up on you. These are the most beautiful sections. If you choose to complete the entire 8 kilometers to the trail’s end before returning (the same way), you must be prepared for some light scrambling.
It ends at a smaller waterfall where you will realize you don’t get any further. Getting there, you can park near Nerja marketplace or walk directly from Nerja town if you are staying there.
The Hotel Paraíso Del Mar is great, where you can enjoy a pool with sea views after walking. Wear good river hiking shoes when venturing out on Rio Chillar, flip flops may break, and the river bed is rocky, so you need something comfortable to walk in. If you do not have river hiking shoes, you can wear sneakers that can get wet. But do not wear plastic water shoes for walking on the beach as they will harm your feet.
8. Chulilla Hanging Bridges
Recommended by Flor from Travel Ruta del Mate.
- Location: Chulilla, located 60 km southwest of Valencia.
- Distance: 3.5-kilometer round trip, with the return journey following the same route.
- Duration: It takes approximately 1 hour and a half to complete.
- Difficulty: Moderate (we completed it with our kids aged 6 and 2).
The Chulilla Hanging Bridges hiking route is a must-visit for nature lovers and is also suitable for families. The well-marked trail leads you through a scenic gorge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and the meandering Turia River below. The highlight of this adventure is the experience of crossing two suspension bridges over crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Once you’ve crossed the suspension bridges, you can continue exploring the Senda de los Pantaneros. This longer route extends another 5 km to the Loriguilla reservoir. Remember that you must check in advance if the entire route is open.
As you walk along the Suspension Bridges trail, the enchanting Charco Azul is visible from above. This shorter and easier route starts in the town of Chulilla, and after a 1-kilometer walk, you will arrive at this place, where the turquoise waters of the river Turia form a beautiful lagoon. Take a moment to relax on the floating platform and take a refreshing swim if you feel like an adventure.
Due to its small size, Chulilla has limited options for accommodation. It is recommended to stay in Valencia and plan a day trip to experience the hiking trails. However, if you’re lucky, you may come across rural houses in or near Chulilla that allow you to immerse yourself in the local surroundings fully.
9. Mulhacen
Recommended by Linn Haglund from Brainy Backpackers.
- Location: Sierra Nevada National Park, Granada
- Distance: 15 km
- Duration: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Mulhacén is the highest peak in mainland Spain at 3479 meters of altitude, located in Granada’s Sierra Nevada National Park. Luckily, you can hike Mulhacen in a day by heading to the mountain town Capileira, and from there, get on the park bus service to Mirador de Trevelez at an altitude of 2700 meters.
The bus will pick you up exactly 6 hours after drop off, giving you time to hike to the top, have a good break with lunch at the top, take plenty of pictures, and hike back down. The trail is well-marked, starting on a dirt track and turning into a mountain trail.
The vegetation turns more and more rocky as you ascend, and you might feel the altitude a little, so take it easy with plenty of stops on the way up. Once on the peak, you get splendid national park views, including peaks like La Veleta.
There is also a big chance of spotting mountain goats on the trail, make sure you don’t feed them, chase them, try to touch them, or make loud noises. They are wild animals.
For this hike in Spain, you need good hiking shoes or boots. Due to the altitude, weather conditions can change from shorts and t-shirt weather under the scorching sun to cold winds, so no matter what the weather forecast says, bring a wind jacket and scarf, gloves, and a beanie even in the middle of August. An excellent place to stay in Hostal Moraima in Capileira.
10. La Concha
Recommended by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling.
- Location: Marbella, Malaga
- Distance: 14 km
- Duration: 7 to 8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
La Concha is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in southern Spain. It offers breathtaking coast views, and you can even glimpse Gibraltar and the north of Africa.
This hiking trail is one of the best things to do in Marbella for nature lovers. It is only 25 minutes from the center of Marbella.
The main route starts in the Refugio de Juanar, where it is easy to park your car. Be ready to see beautiful olive and pine trees and wildlife, such as eagles and Spanish goats, on the way to the summit.
It isn’t a hiking trail for everyone, but if you are an experienced hiker, you will love the challenge. However, wear appropriate and comfortable clothing and shoes and take plenty of water to keep you hydrated.
Once you reach the top, you will find a bench to rest and admire the stunning coastal views.
The best time to go on this hike is spring and autumn when the temperatures aren’t too high.
You can stay in Marbella or Ojen if you are looking for accommodation. If you prefer to stay in a city, choose Marbella over Ojen. In Marbella, Linda Boutique Hotel is a lovely hotel in the old town, next to the main attractions. In Ojen, La Posada Del Angel offers comfortable and spacious rooms decorated in an Andalusian style.
11. GR7 Alpujarras
Recommended by Ellis from Backpack Adventures.
- Location: Alpujarras near Granada
- Distance: 69 kilometers from Valor to Pampaneira
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
The GR7 trail is one of the longest hikes in Spain. The full hike is 1900 kilometers from Tarifa in the south to Andorra in the north.
Very few people have time to do the whole GR7 trail. One of the most popular stretches of the GR7 trail is through the Alpujarras from the picturesque villages of Valor to Pampaneira.
The Alpujarras is a beautiful region on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalusia. It is an area known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The GR7 trail passes through the famous and historic white villages of the Alpujarras. Here you can explore traditional Moorish architecture, sample local cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality of the inhabitants. This cultural immersion adds an extra dimension to the hiking experience.
Nature has just as much to offer you. The GR7 trail goes through lush valleys offering spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada mountain peaks. The landscape is incredibly diverse, from forests to alpine meadows and olive groves. There you might also spot the Spanish ibex.
The GR7 trail through the Alpujarras is well-marked and offers good infrastructure for hikers. Plenty of accommodations, including guesthouses and rural hotels, along the trail, ensuring you have a comfortable place to rest and recharge after hiking.
Additionally, the trail is easily accessible from nearby Granada, making it convenient for hikers to reach the starting points.
12. Caminito Del Rey
Recommended by Jenifer from The Evolista.
- Location: near Malaga
- Distance: 4.8 miles (7.7 km) out and back trail
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
The Caminito del Rey Hike, known as the King’s Walk or Pathway in Spain, is an 8-kilometer walking trail approximately 60 km from Malaga. It is one of the best hikes in Spain and has become increasingly popular in recent years.’
Once known as the most dangerous hike in the world, the trail had fallen into disrepair and became extremely dangerous. Despite its condition, thrill-seekers continued to use the walkway, resulting in several fatal accidents. Authorities were forced to close the first 30 meters of the path.
2015 after years of renovation work, the walkway was reopened to the public with a new, safe, suspended walkway anchored along the 100-meter tall vertical cliffside over the gorge. It’s so sturdy that anyone, not afraid of heights, can thoroughly enjoy the jaw-dropping views.
Once you pass the section that hangs on the sides of the gorge, the remainder of this relatively flat hike follows the Desfiladero de Los Gaitanes gorge, which includes wooded mountain paths, leafy valley strolls, and interesting historical markers. You might even get lucky and see a train or two pass by.
The entire hike takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. It is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially if you want to go on your own without a group.
You can stay at Apartamentos Ardales to be close by, but most people choose to stay at a hotel in Malaga because it’s so easy to make a day trip to Caminito del Rey.
The Caminito del Rey Hike is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an adventure and an opportunity to witness the breathtaking views of the gorge.
13. Montserrat
Recommended by Tina from Veganderlust.
- Location: Montserrat near Barcelona, Spain
- Distance: 4.3 miles / 7 km
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Montserrat Monastery is a popular day trip destination from Barcelona. But you can also hike at Montserrat, and it’s one of the best hikes in Spain because of the amazing views you get to see after only a short hike. There are multiple hikes you can do in the Montserrat mountain range, one of the best is the Hermitage Trail.
The Hermitage Trail takes about three hours if you set off at the Montserrat Monastery. But you can make the hike even shorter if you start at the top of the Sant Joan Funicular. Then, the return hike to the funicular station only takes around 1 hour. On the Hermitage Trail, you don’t just get to see amazing views, you also see a picturesque little chapel and the ruins of old hermitages.
Whether you start your hike at the Monastery Monastery or at the top of the funicular, you should check out the amazing view from the viewing platform of the funicular station. You don’t need a ticket to visit the viewing platform at the station.
The Hermitage Trail finishes at the last hermitage, almost hidden between some trees. It’s only a short walk to the summit, and the view from there is worth the extra few meters, as you have a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. It’s going to be the highlight of your day trip to Monserrat, for sure.
14. La Senda Litoral
Recommended by Paulina from Paulina on the Road.
- Location: near Malaga
- Distance: 180 km, from Manilva to Nerja
- Duration: 4 -10 days
- Difficulty: Easy
The coastal path is one of the fantastic hiking trails in Spain as it is a path by the sea and provides a pleasant walk. The path of this trail is made pedestrian and has no interruption of bicycles and other vehicles.
The trail runs through fourteen municipalities, including Manilva, Estepona, Casares, Mijas, Fuengirola, Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Algarrobo, Rincón de la Victoria, Málaga, Vélez-Málaga, Torrox and Nerja.
It is an excellent attraction in Spain for national and international tourists. This trail allows visitors to explore natural landscapes, beaches, and historical monuments like archaeological sites, watchtowers, and more.
Although there are various access points to the beach, Benalmadena is the promenade that is most accessible. Other areas have newly built bridges due to cliffs and other obstacles.
Various attractions make this trail even more appealing and soothing for visitors. These attractions include the Peñón del Cuervo, the Cantales de La Araña, the Artola Dunes, the Vélez river delta, Punta Chullera in Manilva, the mouth of the Guadalhorce or the stony area between Calaburras and Calahonda, in Mijas.
You can also witness the 42 beacon towers lining the Malaga coast.
You’ll find many other things to do in Benalmadena, so plan to stay more than one night. You can choose La Zambra Resort for a pleasant stay.
15. Siete Picos
Recommended by Paulina from Paulina on the Road.
- Location: Close to Madrid
- Distance: 9 km
- Duration: 5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Siete Picos is one of the best hikes in Spain as you get to climb the most iconic mountain. The shape of the mountain Sierra de Guadarrama, where this trail passes through, resembles a dragon’s backbone. Numerous paths cross from the summit that reaches the center of the forest.
The name of the trail translates to Seven Peaks because of its structure. The trail is a formation of seven granite peaks visible from a distance and among the popular destinations in Sierra de Guadarrama.
During the hiking, you will experience beautiful landscapes close to Madrid. You get to see the beauty of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. You will see the line of summits through the beautiful pine forest to reach the Prairie of Siete Picos. And when you reach the top, there is nothing as stunning as the views. There will be rocky terrain and paths through the woods.
After the summit, you can choose the paths on the north and south faces. Both paths will offer spectacular views but follow the north face for a more accessible trail.
You will discover a lot on the way back to the starting point. After the trail, don’t forget to feed yourself with regional food in Madrid. Choose to stay for at least two days. For a comfortable stay nearby, you can consider Casona De Navalmedio.
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