Spain is a true hiker’s paradise, offering an extraordinary variety of landscapes: from the dramatic limestone walls of the north to the arid canyons and high alpine terrain of the south. Whether you are after an easy scenic walk or a full-day mountain adventure, these ten best hikes in spain represent some of the finest hiking experiences the country has to offer.
| Hike | Location | Difficulty | Distance (Approx.) |
| Cola de Caballo | Ordesa, Pyrenees | Medium/Hard | 17.5 km |
| Ruta del Cares | Picos de Europa | Medium | 12 km (One Way) |
| Caminito del Rey | Málaga | Easy/Medium | 7.7 km |
| Río Borosa | Sierra de Cazorla | Medium/Hard | 21 km |
| Sant Jeroni | Montserrat | Medium | 9 km |
| Lagos de Covadonga | Picos de Europa | Easy | 6 km |
| Mont-Rebei | Lleida/Huesca | Medium | 8 – 12 km |
| Chulilla Bridges | Valencia | Medium | 16 km |
| Aliaga Pasarelas | Teruel | Medium | 8 km |
| Vereda de la Estrella | Sierra Nevada | Medium/Hard | 21 km |
Set within Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, this is one of Spain’s most celebrated hikes. The well-maintained trail follows the Arazas River through a classic U-shaped glacial valley, passing a series of waterfalls such as Cascada de Arripas and Gradas de Soaso. The route gradually climbs to the impressive Cola de Caballo waterfall, which plunges from the cliffs at the head of the valley beneath Monte Perdido.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring (for waterfalls) or Autumn (for foliage).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Pro Tip: If you are a strong hiker, start via the Senda de los Cazadores for a bird’s-eye view of the valley.
Read more about the Ordesa Valley
Often described as the “Divine Gorge,” this spectacular trail cuts through the heart of the Picos de Europa. Carved into near-vertical cliffs, the path runs alongside the Cares River, dozens of meters above the canyon floor. The hike is mostly flat, making it accessible to many, but the dramatic exposure ensures a constant sense of adventure.
Best Time to Visit: May, June, or September to avoid the crowds and midday summer heat.
Difficulty: Moderate (due to length).
Pro Tip: Book a 4×4 return transfer if you don’t want to hike the 24 km round trip.
This legendary walkway through the Gaitanes Gorge was once infamous for its crumbling condition. After a complete restoration, it is now a safe yet thrilling experience, featuring wooden boardwalks bolted directly to the canyon walls. The narrow passages and dizzying heights make this one of the best hikes in Spain.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (avoiding windy days when it may close).
Difficulty: Easy (mostly flat boardwalks). Not suitable for people with vertigo.
Pro Tip: Tickets sell out months in advance; book as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Purchase tickets at Official Website – caminitodelrey.info
One of Andalusia’s most beautiful river walks, this trail follows the turquoise waters of the Borosa River through the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park. Wooden walkways hover just above the river, leading through shaded forest sections and narrow gorges before reaching mountain lagoons.
Best Time to Visit: Spring.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Pro Tip: Don’t stop at the first waterfall; the tunnels leading to the Embalse de Aguas Negras are the best part.
The Montserrat massif, famous for its distinctive rock formations, offers a unique hiking experience close to Barcelona. The ascent to Sant Jeroni passes stairways, viewpoints, and rugged paths, culminating at the highest point of the range. The summit rewards hikers with sweeping views across Catalonia and, on exceptionally clear days, the Mediterranean Sea and the distant Pyrenees.
Best Time to Visit: Autumn or Winter for clear views of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean.
Difficulty: Moderate (lots of stairs).
Pro Tip: Take the Sant Joan funicular to skip the first 250 meters of elevation.
Book tickets at turistren.cat
This classic loop in the Picos de Europa takes you to the glacial lakes of Enol and Ercina. Rolling green meadows, grazing cattle, and mist drifting across the peaks create a postcard-perfect scene. While gentler than nearby hikes, the scenery is no less impressive.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring when the grass is neon green.
Difficulty: Easy.
Pro Tip: During high season, you must take a shuttle bus from Cangas de Onís as private cars are restricted.
More info at lagosdecovadonga.org
One of Spain’s most untouched gorges, Congost de Mont-Rebei remains free of roads and power lines. The narrow trail is carved straight into the rock, clinging to cliffs above the turquoise waters of the Noguera Ribagorçana River. With minimal safety railings, it feels raw and immersive.
Best Time to Visit: April to June.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Pro Tip: The “Montfalcó stairs”—wooden steps zigzagging down a vertical cliff—are a must-see.
Book a kayak experience in Congost de Mont-Rebei
The Ruta de los Puentes Colgantes follows the dramatic canyon of the Turia River. Once used by workers maintaining the Loriguilla dam, the path now offers a scenic and historic walk through towering cliffs. The suspension bridges add a fun, adventurous element to the route.
Best Time to Visit: October to May.
Difficulty: Easy.
Pro Tip: Visit the “Charco Azul” (Blue Puddle) near the village for a perfect reflection of the canyon walls.
Read more about the Hanging Bridges route
Located in the Aliaga Geological Park in Teruel, this route combines hiking with geology. Metal walkways guide you through narrow sections of the Guadalope River canyon, where millions of years of tectonic movement are clearly visible in the rock layers.
Best Time to Visit: Spring or Autumn.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
Pro Tip: The canyon is also a great spot to observe vultures.
This historic trail in the Sierra Nevada was once used by miners and muleteers. It traverses forested slopes and open hillsides, offering constant views of Mulhacén and Veleta, the two highest peaks in mainland Spain. The path is especially beautiful in autumn, when the landscape changes color.
Best Time to Visit: Late autumn for the chestnut trees or late spring for snow-capped peaks.
Difficulty: Hard (long distance).
Pro Tip: Since the route is linear, you can turn around at any point.
Which Spanish trail is on your bucket list? Spain’s diverse landscape means there is a trail for every type of hiker, whether you prefer the lush green valleys of the north or the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Having personally hiked each one of these routes, I can vouch for the incredible beauty of Spanish mountains.
Now it’s your turn: Have you hiked any of these trails? Which one was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
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Hi, Ron! I'm sure it's a great route! Have you done it? How would you compare it to other routes in Andalucía, like Cahorros de Monachil and Vereda de la Estrella?
The GR 249 trail stage from Canillas de Aceituno to Sedella via El Saltillo Suspension Bridge was recognized as Spain’s Best Approved Trail for 2024. It’s a spectacular route over the Rio Almachares in the lower slopes of La Maroma, the highest point in Malaga Province. Most of the trail lies in the Sierra Tejada, Almijara y Alhama Parque Natural.