The 6 Best Long-Distance Walking Routes in Spain

Explore Spain one step at a time, from the high Pyrenees to the Atlantic coast.

Spain is a dream destination for walking enthusiasts. With its rich and complex history, Mediterranean climate, diverse geography, and timeworn footpaths that stretch across mountains, coastlines, and ancient cities, this is a country best experienced on foot. Whether you're seeking solitude in the Pyrenees, reflection on a pilgrim path, or the serenity of the Mediterranean coast, hiking in Spain delivers an incredible adventure that you won’t soon forget.

Here are six of the very best long-distance walking routes that Spain has to offer:

1. GR11 – The Trans-Pyrenean Trail

Distance: ~840 km
Duration: 35–45 days (can be broken into sections)
Best Time to Walk: June to September
Start/End: Cabo Higuer (Atlantic) to Cap de Creus (Mediterranean)

The GR11 is one of Europe’s great mountain routes, spanning the full width of Spain’s northern border along the Pyrenees. This is a high-alpine odyssey, threading its way through the wild backcountry of Navarra, Aragón, and Catalonia, and dipping in and out of charming villages and remote valleys.

Expect challenging ascents, dramatic views, pristine glacial lakes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters—this trail is ideal for seasoned trekkers looking for a rugged and rewarding thru-hike. While physically demanding, it's surprisingly well-supported with mountain huts (refugios), small inns, and local hospitality throughout.

Highlights:

• Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
• High mountain passes like Collado de Tebarray
• Traditional Basque and Catalan mountain culture
• Sweeping views from the French-Spanish border

2. Camino de Santiago

Distance: Varies based on route (100–1,000+ km)
Duration: 5–40+ days
Best Time to Walk: April to October
Most Popular Start: Sarria, León, or St. Jean Pied de Port

The Camino de Santiago is not one path, but a vast and deeply spiritual network of pilgrimage trails converging on the city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The most famous is the Camino Francés, a 780 km route beginning in France and cutting westward across northern Spain. But there are many alternatives: the Camino del Norte follows the coast, the Camino Portugués enters from Lisbon or Porto, and the Via de la Plata heads north from Andalusia.

Pilgrims walk the Camino for many reasons—spiritual, cultural, physical—and every journey is unique. You'll find waymarkers of scallop shells, albergues (pilgrim hostels), camaraderie, and a growing sense of purpose with each passing kilometer.

Highlights:

• Shared pilgrim spirit and community
• Cultural and architectural landmarks like Burgos Cathedral and León
• Wine country of La Rioja
• Reaching the Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago

3. GR160 – El Camino del Cid

Distance: ~1,330 km
Duration: 45–50 days (or split into segments)
Best Time to Walk: Spring and Fall
Start/End: Vivar del Cid (Burgos) to Orihuela (Alicante)

Follow in the footsteps of Spain’s legendary medieval knight, El Cid, across eight provinces from Castile to the Mediterranean. The Camino del Cid is a fascinating blend of history, literature, and wild landscapes, retracing the fictionalized journey of El Cid as told in the epic poem El Cantar de Mio Cid.

This route is ideal for walkers with a love of cultural immersion and rural tranquility. The GR160 is dotted with medieval castles, ancient watchtowers, and fortified towns where time seems to stand still. While long, it’s rarely crowded, and it offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience than the Camino de Santiago.

Highlights:

• Fortress cities like Albarracín and Molina de Aragón
• Quiet, open landscapes of Castilla-La Mancha
• Historic trail towns with well-preserved architecture
• A tangible sense of walking through legend

4. GR92 – Sendero del Mediterráneo

Distance: ~580 km (Catalonia section; full route extends further)
Duration: 25–30 days
Best Time to Walk: March–June or September–November
Start/End: Portbou (French border) to Ulldecona

For those drawn to the sea, the GR92 hugs the stunning Catalan coastline along the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada. This route offers endless Mediterranean beauty—sun-drenched beaches, cliffside paths, ancient fishing villages, and pine-scented forests.

It's a more leisurely long-distance trail, with plenty of amenities, and can be broken into day hikes or walked continuously. Ideal for hikers who prefer coastal scenery and cultural charm to high-altitude challenge.

Highlights:

• Medieval towns like Tossa de Mar and Begur
• Hidden coves and golden beaches
• Roman ruins in Tarragona
• Easy access to seafood, wine, and vibrant culture

5. GR7 – Andalusia and Beyond

Distance: ~1,900 km across Spain (part of the E4 European Trail)
Duration: 40+ days (varies by segment)
Best Time to Walk: Spring or Fall
Start/End: Tarifa to Andorra (Spanish section)

The GR7 is Spain’s first long-distance trail and remains one of its most varied. Beginning at the southern tip of Europe in Tarifa, it crosses Andalusia’s olive-strewn hills, the rugged Sierra Nevada, and eventually joins trails in Valencia and Catalonia.

This is an ideal route for those looking to explore lesser-visited inland Spain, dotted with whitewashed villages, Moorish ruins, and panoramic vistas. The southern sections offer milder winter weather and a more laid-back rhythm than many northern hikes.

Highlights:

• Alpujarras villages in the Sierra Nevada
• Olive orchards, almond groves, and Moorish trails
• Scenic Andalusian countryside and village hospitality
• Option to connect with other major European routes

6. GR38 – The Wine & Fish Route

Distance: ~166 km
Duration: 6–8 days
Best Time to Walk: Spring or Fall
Start/End: Oyón (Rioja Alavesa) to Bermeo (Basque coast)

This historic trade route once carried wine, olive oil, and salt from the inland Rioja region to the Basque coast. Today, the GR38 makes for a deliciously scenic walking holiday, especially for those who appreciate fine food and wine.

Beginning among the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa, the path winds through rolling farmland, forests, and mountain villages, eventually descending to the rugged coastline of the Bay of Biscay. A fantastic cultural journey for walkers who enjoy a taste of everything.

Highlights:

• Rioja vineyards and wine tastings
• Forested trails and traditional Basque farms
• Seaside charm in Bermeo and Gernika
• Culinary diversity from inland tapas to coastal seafood

Practical Tips for Long-Distance Walking in Spain

Plan Your Walking Adventure in Spain

Spain is a walker’s paradise. Whether you're tracing the steps of saints and soldiers or weaving through vineyards and fishing villages, these long-distance routes offer something truly special. They’re not just hikes, they’re journeys through time, terrain, and culture.

Feeling inspired? We offer self-guided and guided trips that let you experience Spain your way - with curated routes, hand-picked accommodations, and support every step of the way. Contact a travel advisor today and let us help you plan the Spanish walking adventure of your dreams.

Best Treks in the World

Looking to explore some of the World’s best treks in countries other than Spain? Check out our collection of articles in the Best Treks series, where we highlight all of the best treks around the world to help you plan your upcoming long-distance adventures!

• 8 Best Multi Day Hikes in Iceland
• 10 Best Multi Day Hikes in Canada
• 10 Best Long Distance Hikes in the United States
• 10 Greatest Multi Day Hikes in Europe
• Africa's Best Treks
• 10 Best Long Distance Walks in the UK
• 10 Amazing Treks in Asia
• Australia’s Greatest Thru-Hikes
• 10 Spectacular Long Distance Hikes in New Zealand
• 10 Best Pilgrimage Routes
• 10 Best Treks in the Mediterranean
• 10 Best Treks in Italy