If lounging on the beach isn't your thing, or if you're heading to Spain during the cooler months, you're in luck! For mountain and outdoor activity enthusiasts, Spain is a true paradise. From the Pyrenees in the north to the Sierra Nevada in the south, we'll reveal the places that are definitely worth hiking.
The Pyrenees are the second-highest mountain range in Europe. Stretching along the northern border of Spain and France, they offer some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Europe. This mountain range is ideal for those who are not afraid of more challenging hikes and also want to explore untouched nature. A map of Spain with mountains reveals a dense network of hiking trails, so you don't have to worry about getting lost.
The Pyrenees can be a real adventure, even for experienced mountaineers. On the highest peaks, such as Pico de Aneto, crossing the mountains requires conquering glaciers.
We recommend visiting the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, one of the oldest national parks in Spain. It offers countless hiking trails with stunning views of canyons, waterfalls, and mountain peaks. A famous hiking trail in Spain that passes through this park is popular among nature lovers and photographers.
Tip: When visiting the Pyrenees, you can also visit the small mountainous country of Andorra.
The Sierra Nevada is the second-most famous Spanish mountain range after the Pyrenees. Located in the south of the country in Andalusia, several of its peaks exceed 3,000 meters (9,840 ft) above sea level, making it a paradise for tourists and mountaineers. These mountains are home to the highest peak on mainland Spain, Mulhacén, which measures 3,479 meters (11,414 ft).
On the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada stretch fertile mountain valleys and picturesque villages, where, among other things, a local specialty is produced—smoked ham.
Our recommendation is Pico del Veleta—the second-highest peak of Sierra Nevada. On the way to its summit along the hiking trail, you will enjoy amazing views of the surrounding landscape, and on clear days, you can see all the way to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
The white limestone mountain range, located 20 kilometers from the Bay of Biscay coast, is certainly another fascinating mountain massif worth visiting. Locals simply call it Picos, meaning "Peaks." This area is known for its striking dramatic rock formations and rich fauna and flora.
One of the most famous hiking trails in Spain is the Ruta del Cares, which runs through the canyon of the Cares River. This trail is highly popular due to its breathtaking views and relatively easy terrain, making it accessible even to less experienced hikers. Also stunning are the blue lakes of the Covadonga area—Enol and Ercina in the western part of the range.
For those who want to escape the bustling city life of Madrid for a moment during their visit to Spain, the Sierra de Guadarrama is an ideal destination. Its highest peak is Peñalara, and the hiking trail leading to the peak is well-marked, offering a beautiful walk for tourists of all levels.
Montserrat is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Spain and also a fascinating mountain massif. It is located near Barcelona and is known for its distinctive rock formations. Enormous limestone cliffs, which seem as if they want to bite into the sky, have earned this place the nickname "Serrated Mountain."
Legend has it that a Benedictine monastery from the 11th century was founded here after a bishop and local shepherds found a statue of the Virgin Mary in the rock of Montserrat. When they tried to move it, it became too heavy, and they interpreted this as a sign to stay.
The last stop on our journey through the map of the Spanish mountains is the Sierra de Cazorla. This second-largest natural reserve in Europe is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reserve is home to a vast array of animals, and in the forests, you can literally encounter deer, mountain goats, and wild boars at every turn. They are not shy, so you can observe them up close.
Regarding flora, there are numerous endemic plants, such as specific carnivorous plants and orchids, as well as a large variety of mushrooms, but you can only take up to 6 kg (13 lbs) of them.
Whether you're seeking challenging ascents, picturesque trails, or simply peace and the beauty of nature, Spain has it all to offer. Set off and plan your next trip to discover all the wonders that this amazing country has to offer. Onward on the journey!
