The Camino de Santiago is more than a hike - it’s a journey steeped in history, culture and personal discovery. Stretching across northern Spain (with routes beginning in France, Spain and Portugal), this network of ancient pilgrimage paths leads to the magnificent cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Walk through vineyards, rolling countryside and historic villages, and look forward to a unique camaraderie shared among fellow hikers.

Popular routes include:

• Camino Francés – the classic and most sociable route, rich in heritage and atmosphere. This 8 day Walk the Camino de Santiago tour by G Adventures is an excellent choice for this stretch.

• Camino Portugués – a more varied experience, with a choice between coastal paths and inland countryside. The 10 day Portuguese Camino tour by Intrepid Travel is a popular guided group tour for tackling the coastal route, while this 11 day self-guided Inntravel tour is a perfect choice for the inland route.

• Best for: solo travellers, social backpackers, culture lovers, food lovers

• Best time to visit: May - June and September

For those drawn to dramatic landscapes, Picos de Europa offers some of the most striking mountain scenery in Spain. Here, jagged limestone peaks rise above deep gorges and green valleys, with quiet trails linking remote villages and high mountain pastures. The walking is more challenging, but the rewards are immense - vast panoramic views, fresh mountain air, and a feeling of true escape.

• Best for: walkers seeking a more adventurous, high-mountain experience

• Best time to visit: June to September

Check out one of our most popular Picos hiking tours - Walking the Picos de Europa.

Hiking in Andalucía is as much about atmosphere as it is about scenery.

Within a single trip, you can walk through:

• The high peaks of the Sierra Nevada

• The sculpted limestone formations of El Torcal de Antequera

• The wild, untouched coastline of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park

Between walks, discover Andalucía’s rich cultural heritage in cities like Seville, Granada and Ronda, or pause in whitewashed villages surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

• Best for: variety, culture, and relaxed walking with character

• Best time to visit: spring and autumn are ideal, with warm sunshine, blooming landscapes and perfect walking temperatures.

For inspiration, check out this popular Andalucía guided group walking tour - Walking in Andalucia.

Tenerife offers a truly unique hiking experience, where volcanic landscapes meet lush forests and Atlantic coastlines. At the heart of the island stands Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. Walking in Teide National Park feels almost otherworldly, with vast lava fields, craters and open skies stretching in every direction. In contrast, the north of the island reveals a completely different world in Anaga Rural Park - a misty, green landscape of ancient laurel forests and traditional hamlets.

• Best for: winter sun, varied landscapes, and flexible walking options

• Best time to visit: year-round sunshine, though March - May is cooler for hiking (between 18 - 24 degrees on average), while also being wildflower season.

One of our top recommended hiking tours is G Adventure’s Hiking the Canary Islands: Tenerife, Anaga & Beyond.

Lanzarote offers a hiking experience unlike anywhere else in Europe. Shaped by volcanic eruptions, the island’s landscapes are stark, beautiful and endlessly fascinating. Walk through the lava fields surrounding Timanfaya National Park, explore the vineyards of La Geria, or follow coastal trails with sweeping ocean views.

• Best for: quiet trails, unique scenery, and a slower pace

• Best time to visit: spring and autumn - sunny but less hot than peak summer

Explore’s Canary Islands Walking - Lanzarote tour is a brilliant choice for exploring Lanzarote’s white-washed villages and lunar landscape on a small group walking tour.

Mallorca is widely regarded as one of Europe’s best hiking destinations, and for good reason. The Serra de Tramuntana forms the island’s dramatic core, with rugged peaks, terraced hillsides and sweeping views across the Mediterranean. The famous GR221 Dry Stone Route connects some of Mallorca’s most beautiful villages, including Valldemossa and Deià, offering the perfect framework for a multi-day walking holiday.

• Best for: scenic views, adventure-seeking families, seasoned trekkers

• Best time to visit: spring (for lush, green hiking landscapes filled with wildflowers, along cooler temperatures for working up a sweat, averaging 15 - 22 degrees)

Take a look at one of our most popular hiking holidays in Mallorca, enjoyed as part of a guided group tour with Explore - Walking in Mallorca.

From the spiritual journey of the Camino to the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, Spain offers a walking experience for every kind of traveller.

With expert planning, carefully selected accommodation and seamless logistics, Trailfinders can help you turn these incredible routes into a truly memorable holiday.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Active Holidays pages.