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Walking
holidays in Spain, why there?
This is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe, with many
different ranges.
The culture is quite diverse due mainly to the influence of nearby
Africa. Spain is also one of the more 'exotic' destinations to be
found in Europe.
The far south location means that excellent weather is to be had
in most regions most of the year, while mountainous areas offer
cool reprieve in the summer time.
Downside:
some places, in particular away from the high mountains or coasts,
will be very hot during summer months making hiking hard work.
Few walks outside of the parks are well marked.
Weather: Best April-June, Sept - Nov, and July 25th for
the feast of St James.
Where
to go:
The
Pyrenees in Catalonia and Aragon:
A natural border with France, the mountain range runs from the Atlantic
Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
For more information on the Pyrenees see Walking
Tours - Pyrenees.
Picos
de Europa 'Peaks of Europe' in Asturias and Cantabria:
An impressive mountain range of three limestone massifs, with some
stunning near vertical cliffs jutting from rich, green valley floors.
Just a few miles inland from the coast makes this area misty and
often wet, hence a lush and abundant flora.
El Naranjo de Bulnes 'Orange Mountain' - so called due to its dramatic
colour at sunset, this is Spain's most photogenic mountain.
Cares Canyon and Cain Gorge - one of the best known tours passes
through the Cain gorge on a hairy path which follows the cliff face
along much of its length.
It divides two of the limestone massifs which form the range.
Ordiales - one of the best view points in the Picos.
Lagos de Covadonga - the historically important 'birthplace' of
Spain where the Christians defeated the Moors in an 8th century
battle.
Lakes Enol and Ercin - two glacial lakes with mountain backdrops.
Horcados Rojos - a mountain with excellent views and cable car 'cheat'
access from Fuente De. The final 1500 ft of scree must be ascended
by foot leading to a clifftop viewpoint.
Vega de Liordes is a mountainside pasture of great beauty.
Tito Bustillo - caves at Ribadesella featuring 30,000 year old cave
paintings which are some of the best in the world.
Torre Cerredo - the tallest peak at 8,688 ft.
Mountains
and Foothills of Andalucia:
The Andalucia region is one of the classic walking destinations
in Spain.
Once the centre of the Moorish kingdom, this region is famous for
its traditional Spanish atmosphere and is one of the most exotic
destinations to be found in Europe. See Seville Travel Guide.
Spain has a few highly protected National Parks but many more Natural
Parks of which there are several in this region. Both National and
Natural Parks contain excellent walking tours.
Sierra Nevada National Park - also know as the 'European Himalayas'
- these mountains are relatively free of tourists, despite being
within the Sierra Nevada National Park.
The range includes Spain's highest mountain, Mulhacen (11,411 ft)
which is a popular walking ascent during the warmer, good weather
seasons.
The Alpujarras - nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada, these
foothills are a favourite for walking tours.
Pretty Moorish villages are found throughout the beautiful Trevelez
and Poquiera valleys. Some excellent views of the Sierra Nevada
can be found here.
Sierra
de Aracena Natural Park - this area north west of Seville is characterized
by greenery and hills densely populated with chestnut and cork trees.
Sierra de Subbetica Natural Park - south of Cordoba are weathered
limestone rocks including the bat cave 'Eva de los Murcielagos'.
Sierra de Grazalema - an important ecological area with plenty of
fauna amongst the rich flora, as well as tall limestone cliffs and
gorges, of which the most impressive is La Verde.
The cave La Pileta features some interesting cave paintings.
Grazalema is one of the best of the white villages.
Serrania de Ronda - a beautiful area with many river gorges.
El Torcal de Antequera - an area of spectacular limestone formations
with Nature Reserve status.
Desierto de Tabernas - the only 'true' desert in Europe but pop
over to Morocco if you want to experience the real thing.
Historic Places - in addition to the natural splendour and white
villages (pueblos blancos), the following historic towns and cities
are well worth visiting if time allows: Seville,
Ronda, Granada, Cordoba and Cadiz.
Sierra
de Tramontana in Majorca (Balearic Islands):
Behind its package holiday facade lies an altogether different,
calmer Majorca.
The best tours are in the north west of the island, where the Tramontana
mountains rise to 4,500 ft. The mountains are particularly Mediterranean
without being too rocky and barren, with pine trees and oaks surrounding
all but the most severe peaks. Orange and almond groves nestle amongst
the pretty villages such as:
Soller - reachable by train from Palma, and with a beach to boot
at Puerto de Palma - this could be a good place to stay for mixing
bathing with walking tours. There is a paved track from Soller known
as the 'Pilgrims' Way' which leads up a ravine to views from Mirador
de ses Barques.
Valledemossa - the highest village in Majorca with a charming monastery
and good views. There is a 19th C. walk from here known as the 'Archduke's
Walk'.
Deia - a very pretty village known for its artists and terracota
colours.
Fornalutz - very beautiful and surrounded by mountains
Orient - well known for its restaurants. Extremadura is becoming known as a good region for walking tours.
Way
of St. James:
One well known long distance route is the Camino de Santiago 'Way
of St. James': a classic pilgrimage walk terminating in Santiago
cathedral, Galicia. It starts in the French Pyrenees at St. Jean
Pied de Port and travels through Spain's Navarra, Rioja, Castilla
Y Leon and Galicia regions.
Places to stay are abundant and cheap for 'pilgrim' travellers,
often relying on donations, so ideal for the budget backpacker.
The path is well marked by a shell symbol.
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