Spain’s scenic hikes are at their best in spring.
From an aerial path along the side of a gorge to trails through flower-filled meadows, Spain’s hiking routes are at their best in spring.
Maigua Ojeda Pérez, running coach, ultra-distance athlete, and ambassador for the Merrell Hiking Club, has tried most of them.
“Spain is a country with a diverse landscape that offers incredible opportunities for hiking and exploring during the spring season,” she says.
Here are her top picks for scenic routes to try in spring.
Grapple with a gorge along the Caminito del Rey
Located in the province of Malaga, the Caminito del Rey is a breathtaking hiking route that runs along the edge of a narrow gorge.
The trail was recently restored and is now considered one of the most exhilarating and picturesque hikes in Spain.
The Caminito del Rey is an impressive hiking route that runs along the edge of a narrow gorge.
This spectacular aerial path is suspended 100 meters up along the walls of the Gaitanes gorge – so sadly not one for those with vertigo. At some points, the path is no more than a meter wide.
That said, the 3-kilometer route is not physically challenging and is suitable for children.
If you want to add difficulty, you can take the Arab stairs towards the Sierra de Huma. This is a much less crowded path, with stunning aerial views of the gorge.
Conquer mountains in Montserrat
The formidable multi-peaked Montserrat mountain range offers numerous hiking trails that provide sensational views of the surrounding countryside.
Also known as “the sacred mountain,” the massif is less than 60km from Barcelona.
From the Mirador de Sant Joan at the top of the funicular, hikers can choose from several routes of varying difficulty that lead to different hermitages in the mountains.
En route, walkers can pass the Monastery of Montserrat, a significant pilgrimage site for believers and non-believers.
Tackle the highest peak in Spain in the Teide National Park
The Teide National Park in Tenerife is home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, which boasts an altitude of 3,715 meters.
The park offers a variety of hiking trails that showcase the island’s unique volcanic landscape and provide stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
What makes all the routes within the park special is the surreal lunar landscape known for its … [+]
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike to the summit of Tiede, an active volcano that emits sulfur gases – make sure you’re in good physical shape for this one.
Remember that you must request a permit to do this ascent, as access to the trail is restricted to a maximum of 200 people per day for conservation and security reasons.
The most popular hiking route leaves from Montaña Blanca and covers a total of 8.2 kilometers.
What makes all the routes within the park special is the surreal lunar landscape known for its biological richness.
Soak up the scenery along the Carros de Foc
Carros de Foc is one of the most picturesque multi-day hikes in Europe. The route is located in the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in the Catalan Pyrenees, only a 3-hour drive from Barcelona.
The full hike takes between 4 and 7 days, depending on your experience and technical knowledge.
The full hike takes between 4 and 7 days, depending on your experience and technical knowledge.
One of the best things about this hike is the constantly changing scenery from valley to valley. From stone paths and quarries to pines forests, river meadows, or snowy peaks, this route offers some spectacular views.
