Spain consists of 17 administrative regions, 15 of which are on the mainland. These are listed alphabetically below along with links to a general description of the region and information about national and natural parks which provide excellent places to walk as they almost all have well marked footpaths which will take you safely through areas of great natural beauty and interest. There are also links to walking holiday companies based in that region.
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| Andalusia's varied countryside and beautiful beaches provide the independent
and guided walker with a rich variety of scenery and walking levels throughout
its eight regions. There are several possibilities for the more experienced
walker to undertake more challenging walks in the more mountainous provinces
of Andalusia. Inland there is lush forests of sweet chestnuts and Spanish
oaks along rolling hillside and in its national parks rugged mountains. See Walking in Andalucia and Nature Parks in Andalucia. |
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| Much of Aragon is sparsely populated offering wild unspoilt areas
for you to explore. You'll find ancient castles on lonely hills giving
you an insight to the history of the region. The splendid Loarre Castle
is the most famous. The, Caminos, historic walks, which took pilgrim from
Provence into Spain. Camino Aragones, is a quieter route descending from
the Somport Pass to Jaca following the river Aragon. You will experience
breathtaking mountain scenery, then onto forests and wheat lands and then
join the main Camino Frances, near Pamplona. See Walking in Aragon and Nature Parks in Aragon. |
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| The weather of Asturias is more varied with warm, sometimes humid summers
with lots of sunshine and the odd shower of rain. August is the hottest
month (19°C ) with an average temperature of 17.5°C from June to September.
The name 'Costa Verde' means green coast, reflecting the effect the rainfall
has on the countryside, so you can expect rain most months. In the valleys
and coast the winters are milder, with rain and sun. In the mountains you
can expect snow from November through to May and more rain in the summer. See
Walking in Asturias
and Nature Parks in Asturias. |
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| The province of Cantabria has warm summers and mild winters,
both of which are interspersed with rainfall. Cantabria has an oceanic
climate and as such has less sun than the rest of Spain. But its spectacular
scenery more than compensates for the odd rain shower and for the independent
traveller or walking enthusiast the cooler temperatures mean that walking
is still pleasant during the summer months. See Walking in Cantabria and Nature Parks in Cantabria. |
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| The majority of the region is plains and agricultural land, but there
are some more mountainous features to this region and its population is
one the smallest amongst the Spanish provinces. It has Lagunas de Ruidera,
the natural park, which is made up of seventeen lagoons. It is east of
the town Manzanares in the southern area of the region. It also has the
National Park Las Tablas de Daimiel, just east of the city Cuidad Real,
and Cabaneros, just south west of Toledo. These national parks offer some
wonderful walking, especially around the main lagoons. See Walking in Castillia la Mancha and Nature Parks in Castillia la Mancha. |
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| The region's mountainous scenery provides visitors with some beautiful
and dramatic scenery, as well as a chance to glimpse brown bears and the
Iberian lynx in the natural habitat. Its varied habitat provides a wide
mixture of walking opportunities both for the independent rambler and the
more experienced walker and climber, The Sierra de Gredos on the provinces
southern borders, between Avila and Salamanca, is a natural reserve and
is one of Spain's most beautiful reserves. Rolling valleys nestle as the
foot of the Cordillera Central mountain range with picturesque villages
dotted about, giving the visitor to this region a wonderful insight in
to rural Spain. See Walking in Castillia y Leon and Nature Parks in Castillia y Leon. |
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| The province of Catalunya (Catalonia) has nearly 600km of coastline on
offer to its visitors. Ramblers and walkers can stroll along this extensive
coast enjoying its stunning views. Spanning the natural beauty of the Costa
Brava (Rough Coast) in Girona (Gerona) bordering France with its cliffs,
coves and mixed pebbled sandy beaches; down to its southern border with
Valencia on the Costa Daurada (Golden Coast) with its beautiful golden
sandy Mediterranean beaches. See Walking in Catalunya and Nature Parks in Catalunya. |
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| The region of Extremadura shares its borders with Portugal, the southern
region of Andalucia, and the inland regions of Castilla la Mancha and Castilla
y Leon. The national parks of Monfrague (north of Trujillo) and Cornalvo
play a vital role in preserving this Mediterranean areas wildlife and flora
and are easy for you to walk in and explore. The area is also rich in culture
traditions and the old Roman road, Via de la Plata, is the north-south
divide of the region and travels through many of the provinces key cities,
Plasencia, historic Caceres and Merida. See Walking in Extremadura and Nature Parks in Extremadura. |
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| The changing landscape of Navarra creates some of the
most beautiful scenery in Spain which has long been enjoyed by the Pilgrims
following the 'French Way - The Way to Santiago' which crosses the region
on its way to the Rioja province. There are two routes you can follow into
the region. Firstly, from the Pyrenean Aragonese leading to Sanguesa, or
Secondly, using the Orreaga- Roncesvalles taking you through Pamplona.
You can also choose to explore the less well known; Route of the Ebro or
the Baztanes Way. See Walking in Foral de Navarra and Nature Parks in Navarra. |
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| Galicia is at the most north westerly tip of Spain and to the south borders
Portugal. It offers a wide variety of walking opportunities for the independent
walker and enthusiast alike. The scenery will remind you more of Ireland
and Cornwall than Spain with its green and wooded valleys, sandy beaches
and small coves. The beaches are fantastic with white or golden sand nestling
in tranquil cool lagoons or beaten by crashing waves from the Atlantic. See Walking in Galicia and Nature Parks in Galicia. |
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| The island of Ibiza and its smaller neighbour, the island of Formentera,
are known as the 'Islas Pitiusas', the islands of the pines. The landscape
of these isles still have an abundance of pine trees on its shores. You
will be able to enjoy some beautiful walks on both islands, but Ibiza being
the larger has more walks and rambles to offer the independent walker.
You can go up into the mountains and experience some stunning views over
the countryside and coastline, or you can walk from beach to beach along
the coast and cliffs of the shore. See Walking in Ibiza and Nature Parks in the Balearics. |
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| In the centre of the peninsula is Madrid, the region and capital city
of Spain. It is the home of the Spanish parliament and the Royal Family
of Spain. Madrid is a governmental and commercial centre, playing a key
role in banking and industrial market sectors as well as the artistic and
cultural hub of modern Spain. See Walking in Madrid. |
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| Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands (Islas Baleares) located
in the Mediterranean. It has long been a popular destination for holiday
makers and has many beautiful beaches The northern mountain range of Tramuntanas
in the surrounding area of Cape Formentor is a favourite for both the amateur
and experienced walkers, to enjoy. One of Mallorca's most well known walks
is to Castell D'Alaro where you'll be able to explore the ruined castle,
taking in the amazing views out to sea. and visit the hilltop chapel. See Walking in mallorca and Nature Parks in the Balearics. |
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| Despite being extremely popular as a holiday destination, Menorca has
not been over developed and its uniqueness spoilt as with other areas of
Spain. This is because the local population take a very active role in
the developmental decisions of their resorts. This has meant that the rolling
hill of the interior are largely untouched. The fields and woodlands of
Minorca are reminiscent of the old English fields with their meadow flowers.
In the spring and early summer you'll be able to enjoy the blue cornflowers,
red poppies and yellow marguerites as you explore the island. See Walking in Minorca and Nature Parks in the Balearics. |
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| The region of Murcia is sandwiched between the regions of Andalucia,
to the south west, Valenciana to the east and Castilla la Mancha to the
north and has over 200km of beautiful coastline. Murica is a fertile plain
largely consisting of two valleys, (fed by rivers of the same names), the
Segura and the Guadalentin. It forms part of the Costa Blanca on the Mediterranean
Sea. Close to the border of Valenciana there is a small outcrop of land
called the La Manga, which protects the Menor Sea. See Walking in Murcia and Nature Parks in Murcia. |
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| Pais Vasco as a region has a mild climate ideal for walking and it rarely
experiences drastic temperature or weather changes. Geologically the western
stretch of the Pyrenees splits the region into two quite separate climates.
With the northern area experiencing more rain and its industrial and commercial
activity has created the cities of this land over looking the bay of Biscay.
In the southern half it is more agricultural with small villages dotted
around the landscape. The Ebro river carries away the rains and creates
fertile wide open spaces. See Walking in Pais Vasco and Nature Parks in Pais Vasco. |
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| Despite its size Rioja has had a substantial influence on this area of
Spain's history. Due to the St. James pilgrimage going through the region
and the growth of monasteries that resulted from this. During the middle
ages it was the reason for Foral de Navarre, Castile y Leon and Aragon
regions fighting over its territory. Its culture and architecture also
show signs of the Roman conquest and Muslim occupation. See Walking in Rioja and Nature Parks in Rioja. |
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| The region of Valenciana largely reflects the historic Kingdom of Valencia
and has nearly 600 kilometres of marvellous coastline. There are several
fine examples of castles and towers along its shores which illustrate the
turbulent nature of its past. The small town of Oropesa, just north of
Castello de La Plana, has a wonderful pirate defence with its 16th century
Tower of the King which gave the town early warning of approaching pirates,
Its mountain ranges, Marina Alta, Bencantil Mariola and Turia offer some
fantastic opportunities for all levels of walkers to enjoy their wonderful
scenery. You can expect to have much colder weather in the ranges during
the winter some may even see snow. See Walking in Valenciana and Nature Parks in Valencia. |
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