5 Historic Hikes For Your Next Trip to Spain

1. Ruta del Cares or “The Divine Gorge”

This well-known hike is 12 kilometres in length and is also known as the Cares Gorge Trail. It is located between Poncebos and Cain and is considered part of The Picos de Europa National Park.

This national park also houses hundreds of other famous trails.

It is Spain’s oldest park and offers exceptional biodiversity for experienced hikers. Rocks, bridges, streams, and wildlife populate the relatively level trail.

While a hiker of any skill level could, in theory, complete this hike, it is recommended for those equipped for moderate difficulty.

If you are concerned this trail may be too challenging for your experience level, consider other trails in the national park. There are many with varying difficulty levels available to hike on.

2. Hike to the Peak of The Mulhacen

Advanced hikers, this one’s for you.

The Mulhacen is the tallest mountain on the entire Iberian Peninsula. This massive mountain is part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalucia.

Expert hikers seeking an advanced challenge can opt for the path to the peak on the northern face.

This trail is by far the most difficult and leads hikers up to the 3479-meter-high summit of the Mulhacen.

If you’re hiking the Mulhacen, you’ll need to be adequately prepared. It is not recommended for beginners to attempt this trek, as it is considered fairly strenuous.

And that’s to be expected. It’s a mountain trail, after all.

Do some research first if you plan to hike up the Sierra Nevada mountain range, so you are well prepared.

3. The Historic Camino de Santiago

If you’re a history-lover, you’ll get a lot out of the experience of hiking the Camino de Santiago.

This historic trek is not so much difficult for short periods, as it is mostly flat.

The sheer length of the trail is intimidating and if you walk it during the summer months be prepared for some pretty hot and sunny conditions.

Stretching more than 500 miles, the path originated in the 9th century as a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint James the Great, an apostle.

Many people throughout history have made this trek for spiritual or religious purposes, and nowadays, many enjoy the historical significance of the hike in shorter increments.

The endpoint for the walk is Santiago de Compostela. According to National Geographic, the trail is also home to monasteries, Roman sites, Burgos Cathedral, and more.

4. Via Ferrada de la Cala del Moli

Via Ferrada Catalonia — Via Ferrata Catalonia

Hiking doesn’t always have to be on flat land. Some of Spain’s best hikes are cliffside adventures.

The Via Ferrata de la Cala del Moli is one such hike. Via Ferrata means an iron path in Catalan.

Visitors hook up to safety cables included on the climbing route and can move around exploring the cliffs.

Because this isn’t quite the standard hike, beginners may find it challenging to get the hang of the rock climbing enough to enjoy the walk, but independent and advanced hikers will love the thrill of this cliffside adventure.

While this hike may be a bit more expensive, as you need to bring your equipment or rent from a shop, it is the thrill of a lifetime for expert adventurers.

5. Montserrat

If you are staying in Barcelona and hoping to get out of the city, Montserrat is the perfect hike.

It is around an hour outside the city and combines history and natural beauty in the historic site. As far as historical significance, the area is home to:

The Black Madonna statue
Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, the Benedictine monastery
Heart Chakra Centre
St. Michael’s Cross Hilltop

Enjoy the combination of nature and Catholic history while you traverse the gorgeous hillside terrain.

Visitors also love the abundant wildlife present on the journey. Goats, wild boars, and more animal and plant life thrive on the temperate hillside.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are a new hiker or an experienced pro, there are tons of hikes in Spain that you’re sure to love.

Hiking can be a great way to stay active during your stay in Spain while taking in natural and historical sites.

Across Spain, there are hundreds of incredible hikes that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the culture, natural environment, and history of Spain, and to enjoy the spectacular views and thrilling adventures.