Jako Hall is a superyacht and fleet captain who enjoys a range of physical activities in his spare time, including hiking in the many countries he is fortunate enough to visit with his work. This article will look at Spain, providing an overview of some of the country’s most celebrated hiking trails.
Boasting 16 National Parks, thousands of miles of signposted footpaths, and a diverse array of different terrains, Spain attracts hikers from all over the world, largely thanks to the country’s year-round good weather. Receiving in excess of 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, some parts of the country have an average annual temperature of 20 degrees Celsius plus. In addition to its mild climate, Spain is revered for its stunning landscapes, not to mention its delicious cuisine. The country is also home to more biosphere reserves than any other in the world.
Located in Menorca, Cami de Cavalls is a historic trail that skirts the island’s coast. Spanning 185 kilometers in total, the route is divided into 20 stretches, presenting ample opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscapes and natural spaces of this world-famous biosphere reserve. The route encompasses a wide range of different terrains, including fields, woodland, cliffs and beaches. Translating to English as the “horse path,” the origins of the Cami de Cavalls trail are believed to date back as far as the 14th century, when a royal order required knights to patrol Menorca’s coast on horseback to defend the island.
The Volcano Trail is situated on the south side of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Traversing Cumbre Vieja National Park, this exciting trail is fairly challenging but presents ample rewards for more experienced hikers with its lunar landscapes left behind by long-extinct volcanic craters. In addition to exploring several volcanoes, visitors can also take in some breathtaking sea views, as well as the imposing Taburiente Caldera, with the neighboring island of Tenerife visible on a clear day.
Located in Cuena, in the heart of the Spanish mainland, the Las Caras Trail leads hikers through the pinewoods surrounding Buendia reservoir. Here, visitors can encounter around 20 stone reliefs and sculptures to pique the imagination. The trail is short and easy, making it ideal for beginner hikers as well as families with children. Known as the “divine gorge,” the Cares trail is a more challenging hike leading through the Picos de Europa National Park, skirting mountains more than 2,000 meters tall along with a ravine carved out by the River Cares. Here, tourists can see peaks steeped in local legend, following fascinating paths through narrow tunnels and caves, stopping off at the many beauty stops along the way. At the trail’s highest point, Los Callao, hikers start their descent to Poncebos. This part of the hike offers some stunning views of the peak of Mount Urriellu and its 500-metre vertical faces on a clear day.