If you are a fan of hiking or enjoy being in nature then check out these top 10 hikes in Spain.
Here are the top 10 hikes in Spain offering picturesque mountain views, with trip and elevation details, and great photo opportunities. To make it a full experience also check out fine dining and quality lodging accommodations to plan your trip accordingly.
Also, make sure to not litter in nature and don't forget to pack properly.
These hikes provide stunning landscapes without requiring extreme distances:
1. Peñalara Summit, Sierra de Guadarrama
Region: Madrid/Castilla y León
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) round trip
Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation: ~650 meters (2,132 ft) gain; summit at 2,428 meters (7,966 ft)
Highlights: The highest peak in the Sierra de Guadarrama, with beautiful alpine lakes and 360° views from the summit.
Photo Opportunities: Views over the Sierra, glacial cirques, and alpine lakes like Laguna Grande de Peñalara.
2. Ruta del Cares, Picos de Europa
Region: Picos de Europa National Park (Asturias/León)
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) one way
Duration: 3-4 hours one way
Elevation: ~300 meters (984 ft) gain
Highlights: A dramatic route following the Cares River through steep cliffs and narrow paths, known as the "Divine Gorge."
Photo Opportunities: Towering limestone cliffs, a narrow gorge, and spectacular river views.
3. Caminito del Rey
Region: Málaga, Andalusia
Distance: 7.7 km (4.8 miles)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation: ~105 meters (344 ft) gain; walkways suspended up to 100 meters (328 ft) above the river
Highlights: A thrilling hike along the El Chorro Gorge, with suspended pathways and stunning views of the Guadalhorce River.
Photo Opportunities: Dramatic canyon walls, bridges, and panoramic views over the gorge.
4. Faja de las Flores, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park
Region: Pyrenees, Aragón
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) round trip
Duration: 5-6 hours
Elevation: ~500 meters (1,640 ft) gain
Highlights: A scenic balcony trail high above the Ordesa Valley with breathtaking mountain views.
Photo Opportunities: Panoramic views of the Ordesa Valley, Monte Perdido massif, and the dramatic Faja cliffs.
5. Salt de Sallent
Region: Catalonia
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles) round trip
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation: ~400 meters (1,312 ft) gain
Highlights: A beautiful hike to Catalonia’s tallest waterfall, Salt de Sallent, at 115 meters (377 ft).
Photo Opportunities: Stunning waterfall, surrounding cliffs, and views over lush valleys.
6. Las Médulas
Region: León, Castilla y León
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) loop
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: ~300 meters (984 ft) gain
Highlights: A hike through the red rock formations of an ancient Roman gold mining site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo Opportunities: Striking red rock formations, green forests, and panoramic views from Mirador de Orellán.
7. Montaña Roja
Region: Tenerife, Canary Islands
Distance: 3.7 km (2.3 miles) round trip
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Elevation: ~171 meters (561 ft) gain
Highlights: A short volcanic hike to the top of Montaña Roja, overlooking Playa de la Tejita and the Atlantic.
Photo Opportunities: Red volcanic cone, the azure Atlantic Ocean, and nearby beaches.
8. Mirador de la Reina, Picos de Europa
Region: Cantabria
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: ~300 meters (984 ft) gain
Highlights: A shorter hike offering panoramic views of the towering peaks of the Picos de Europa.
Photo Opportunities: Stunning mountain vistas and picturesque alpine meadows.
9. El Torcal de Antequera
Region: Málaga, Andalusia
Distance: 3 km (1.9 miles) circular route
Duration: 1-2 hours
Elevation: ~200 meters (656 ft) gain
Highlights: A unique hike through a karst landscape of limestone rock formations resembling a natural sculpture garden.
Photo Opportunities: Surreal rock formations, panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and countryside.
10. Los Cahorros, Monachil
Region: Sierra Nevada, Granada
Distance: 8 km (5 miles) round trip
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation: ~400 meters (1,312 ft) gain
Highlights: A scenic hike through a narrow gorge, with hanging bridges, tunnels, and cascading waterfalls near Granada.
Photo Opportunities: Dramatic cliffs, hanging bridges, and views of the Monachil River.
These hikes provide stunning mountain scenery, a good workout, and ample photo opportunities, all while being manageable for a day trip. Each trail offers a unique glimpse into Spain's diverse landscapes, from volcanic peaks to dramatic gorges and alpine summits.
Where to get high quality gear?
The Spanish equivalent of REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), a popular outdoor gear and clothing retailer in the U.S., would be Decathlon. While Decathlon is a French-based company, it has a strong presence in Spain and is widely recognized for offering a broad range of outdoor and sporting goods at affordable prices.
Here are a few key details about Decathlon in Spain:
Product Range: Similar to REI, Decathlon offers equipment and apparel for hiking, camping, cycling, climbing, and other outdoor activities.
Brands: Decathlon designs and sells its own in-house brands (e.g., Quechua for hiking, Forclaz for trekking, Tribord for water sports), providing a wide variety of gear.
Stores: There are numerous Decathlon stores across Spain, from large cities to smaller towns, as well as a comprehensive online store.
While Decathlon may not offer the same membership benefits or specialized services as REI (like guided trips), it’s the go-to option for outdoor enthusiasts in Spain. Another alternative would be Barrabes, a more specialized Spanish retailer focused on mountaineering, hiking, and climbing gear.
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