Hiking in Spain

Hiking tours in Spain specialize in small groups of up to 14 walkers and will emphasize culture heritage, various landscapes, and flora and fauna within the various regions. These tours can be self-guided or organized by local guides from different companies. The main areas are Galicia, an isolated coastline, Picos De Europa, which includes pastures and mountains, Camino De Santiago, the northern medieval tour, Compostela, from Leon to Galicia, seeing cathedrals, and the Basque country and Pyrenees, starring the oldest European heritage.

These tours are filled with quality trails, less traffic and important and historical points of interest. Spain is one of the warmest countries in Europe and the year round temperature is usually moderately warm and dry, making excellent hiking. There is a slight difference between day and night temperatures, but nothing uncomfortable or challenging to prepare for. This makes the climate excellent for walking tours, especially those that are extended in duration. In the northern regions near the coast, there is a mild climate but high rainfall. In the Pyrenees, the Sierra Nevada, the Central and Iberian ranges, and the Cantabrian Mountains the climate is harsher with snow in the winter season. 

The organized tours provided by an agency can have support vehicles that carry a variety of food, drinking water, maps, and space for extra luggage and provide basic first-aid supplies. Tours will vary in length and destinations. The maps are provided and are a must for all walkers whether independent or organized tours. There are usually three levels of trails, such as easy, 4-8 miles, medium, 6-12 miles, and difficult, 8-15 miles per day The physical limits of the walker needs to be considered carefully to avoid injuries. Each walker needs to be able to keep up with the pace set by the group so they do not hold up fellow walkers in an agency’s guided tour. An independent tour is a great idea for novice or experienced hikers, however, walking alone is not recommended for safety reasons. Companions are always more fun and can share the walking experience. Many tours will offer walking match-ups to allow even single travelers to hike with someone.

The best advice for a successful walking tour is to have suitable and tested equipment and full understanding of what a hiking tour involves for a walker. It is the responsibility of each walker to select the appropriate tour, to be in good health for such a tour, to have the suitable clothing and equipment, and to know and respect the laws and customs of each area. Medical insurance is required for each walker plus travel insurance for cancellations, loss or theft of personal items, or emergency evacuations.