Spain is the perfect location if you are planning a hiking or biking holiday for this summertime. The Iberian Peninsula has plenty of beautiful routes for cyclists and hikers throughout Spain. If you want to see what the Spanish countryside, the small, hidden towns and  large cities are offering just jump on a bike or take on your backpack and start to discover it. In the followings we have selected the top 5 routes for you to try!

1.Vía Verde de Ojos Negros

The paths of Via Verdes are a great choice for nature lovers who want to enjoy the scenery from their saddle. Originally the routes were old disused railway lines, as its name literally means “Green-Ways” that have been recovered and reconditioned for use by walkers and cyclists. As well the paths of the Via Verde are the largest cycling/hiking paths and contains 2700 km all over Spain. The most famous part of these routes is the so called Ojos Negros which goes for 160 from Teruel to Valencia in the North-Southern part of the country. The route goes through in natural landscapes such as the Palancia Valley (between the natural parks of La Sierra Espadán and La Sierra Calderona), Altos de Ragudo, and Llano de Barracas. As well crosses the historic town of Segorbe and Jérica.

City of Jerica

Bikers on the Vía Verde de Ojos Negros

2. Trans Andalus

Would you like to discover the communities of Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and Seville? Than the Trans Andalus path is made for you. This trekking/biking route goes through in the whole Andalusian part and includes 2000 km of track across the southern part of Spain. It will take you through stunning scenery, you will discover the natural treasures of the many protected areas, and you will stroll through the thousand-year-old history of each corner of Andalusia.

City of Malaga

Biker in the coast of Andalucía

3. Trans Catalonia

In Catalonia visitors can find altogether more than 6,400 km of marked routes which are classified according to their level of difficulty for bikers. Since, Catalonia is in the feet of the Pyrenees several routes runs there with steep roads, but visitors also can find easier plain valleys which are perfect for  biking as well for hiking. This makes this region the perfect place if you are looking for a family trip or you are an adventurous mountain biker. The most famous parts of this area is the Terra Alta Greenway which runs from Arnes-Lledó to El Pinell de Brai in the area of Tarragona. The length of this road section is 23 km and the natural landscape contains pine forests, karst landscapes with cannons and cavities. A journey through tunnels and over viaducts takes us from Aragon to the Ebro. The region is rich in cultural heritage sites, during the way travellers can admire the Sancturay of Fontcalda, the Convent of Sant Salvador d’Horta in Horta and the church of Sant Josep.

Region of Tarragona

Hikers in the Catalonian mountains

4. Picos de Europa

Picos de Europa is a mountain range situated in the north part of Spain in the autonomies communities of Asturias and Cantabria. The region is designated as a National Park, a status which reflects both the natural beauty of the region and the diverse wildlife in the region. It is accessible from major cities including Gijón, Bilbao and Oviedo – all of which are also well connected to Madrid – making it quite convenient to get to despite how remote it can feel in parts of the park. The region is perfect equally for bikers and hikers since the mountains offers several path, sharp cliffs and roads with low in traffic. As well, until the other parts of Spain in summertime can be too hot for outside sport the north of Spain offers the perfect climate and green landscapes from May to October for all kind of activities. The region is also rich in cultural heritage and the small hidden towns of Potes and Cangas de Onis are beautiful places to relax for a day, or to wander the narrow streets filled with artisan shops.

Mountains of Picos de Europa

Hikers in Picos de Europa

5. Via de la Plata

Via de la Plata is one of the oldest routes across Spain, it is older the famous Camino de Santiago. The way goes from the capital of Andalucía, from Seville up to the North to Asturias – Gijon and crossing 4 autonomous communities, 7 provinces and containing 800 km route. The Vía de la Plata visits several important cities fromsouth to the north such as Zafra, Mérida, Cáceres, Palencia, Salamanca, Zamora, León and Oviedo. Four of these cities have UNESCO World Heritage sites, while Zamora has the world’s largest concentration of Romanesque churches and Leon one of its most beautiful Gothic cathedrals. The paths of this route are plane and goes in the old main highway the N630, where there are almost no traffic anymore and makes the perfect cycling path.

City of Gijón

Biker in the path of the El Camino

Spain offers a high variety of routes for all who is seeking for adventures or just a slight family trip in the mountains. All of these routes are only part of the most beautiful paths and sights of Spain. If you would like to get to know the most of Spain, its heritage, countryside, landscapes and paths jump on your bike and start to explore!

If you get interested ask about our biking and trekking packages and we will help to organize the best outdoor activity holiday for you!

Map marking the best biking and hiking regions mentioned above