Three things you’ll see on a hiking holiday in Spain

Guest post by Harry Mariano.


Spain is a truly beautiful country known for its breathtaking scenery and mix of beginner and adventurous hikes. You don’t have to know much about the trails to know this is the place to go if you’re seeking stunning views – that’s a given.

But, when it comes to planning your hiking holiday, it can be helpful to know which part of the country you want to explore.

Picos de Europa

In the north of the country, you’ll get to see the Picos de Europa, a mountain range spanning 12 miles across Asturias, Cantabria, and Castille and León.

With dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges, and a number of scenic trails that wind through the rugged landscape, you’ll find awe-inspiring views around every corner.

There’s a hike to suit every ability here. Consider the Covadonga Lakes circular route for an easier walk, or the Pica el Jierru for a challenging adventure up to the peak.

Caminito del Rey, Andalusia

For a unique hiking experience, the Caminito del Rey in Andalusia is a trail not to be missed. This famous walkway is suspended 100 meters up a sheer cliff face, with stunning views of the Guadalhorse River below – a great option if you’re seeking a thrill, but best avoided if you’re afraid of heights.

With towering cliffs and glistening turquoise water, the views you’ll get to see here are truly breathtaking. Thanks to the strategically placed suspension bridges and occasional glass walkways, you won’t miss a single sight here – plus, you may even see some eagles and vultures along the route, thanks to the high elevation.

Serra Gelada National Park in Benidorm

If you’re looking for a great hike in Benidorm, consider exploring the Serra Gelada National Park. Here you’ll find seaside trails with views of the Mediterranean and its hidden coastal coves, fossil dunes, and even flora micro reserves.

The best part about choosing to hike here is that all this spectacular scenery is accessible for abilities, from beginners through to more experienced hikers. For example, the Albir Lighthouse trail is a popular and well-maintained route, ideal if you don’t want anything too demanding, while the Alt del Governador loop trail is a moderate hike that takes you to the highest point in the park.

Ready to set off? With so much to see, it’s worth planning your trip well in advance, so that you can make the most of each spot.

BestHike loves Chamonix, France

I spent a couple of weeks hiking out of the mountain town in 2009, astonished at how down to earth and welcoming it is for outdoor sportsmen from around the world.

It’s one of our Top 10 Hiking Towns in the World.


photo – ptpotts

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or, more commonly, Chamonix … was the site of the 1924 Winter Olympics. The commune’s population … around 9800 …

… Mont Blanc, at a height of 4810 metres, is the third most visited natural site in the world …

… well known and loved by skiers and by mountain enthusiasts of all types. …

Chamonix is located 80 km southeast of Geneva, Switzerland …

Chamonix Place Balmat

More interesting photos tagged Chamonix.

You can hike out of town in any direction. And be blown away by wonderful mountain vistas. Here I am just above town on a trail run.

fit hiker in the Alps

The most famous “best hikes” in the region are:

• Chamonix to Zermatt – Walkers’ Haute Route <my trip report> (top 10)
Tour of Mont Blanc

More best hikes in the Alps.

Best time to hike is late June to early October.

BestHike – Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey

 Hiking out of the small town of Göreme is one of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

Why?

Every traveller dreams of getting to  the the “fairy chimney” rock formations of Cappadocia. Göreme makes an ideal base. 

  • weird and wonderful geology
  • walk out of your Göreme accommodation directly to a trail … or take a taxi to the Rose Valley Panoramic viewpoint (15 minute drive uphill from town). There is a small entry fee.
  • most of these trails will be crowded with walkers
  • see all of the main attractions in one day: Rose Valley Panoramic viewpoint > Rose Valley > Çavuşin > Love Valley > Uchisar Castle > Pigeon Valley > Göreme

World → Asia → Turkey → Göreme

For details click over to our Göreme, Cappadocia information page.

Top 10 Hiking Destinations ➙ New Zealand

There’s no debate.

The Land of the Long White Cloud Aotearoa is by far the single best hiking destination on Earth.

North Island? South Island? Both are great. And both much different.

New Zealand has EVERYTHING a hiker could want.

Rees-Dart Track

New Zealand is insanely great for hikers. It’s safe. It’s clean. Trails are not crowded. It’s terrific for kids.

There’s no risk of altitude sickness as the glaciated peaks are at low elevation.

Best months are mid-November through mid-April for most treks.

More information on our New Zealand information page.

Our favourite tramp in New Zealand is the volcanic Tongariro Circuit. You’ll feel like you’ve entered Mordor in Lord of the Rings.

Click PLAY or watch a 1 minute introduction on YouTube.

See our Tongariro Circuit Information page.

Start planning your New Zealand hiking vacation right now.

BestHike – Puez-Odle Altopiano, Dolomites, Italy

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

Why?

  • fantastic vistas of jagged Dolomite peaks
  • family friendly as you can get to elevation with a cablecar
  • 9 miles / 14.5 km with 500 m ascent / 1100 m descent
  • Rifugio Puez is a good destination for lunch or hot drinks
  • extend the walk if you have good weather, time and energy
  • there are many more great hikes nearby

World → EuropeDolomites → Italy → Puez-Odle Altopiano

photo by Away On The Road

For details click over to our Puez-Odle Altopiano information page.

BestHike loves Cortina, Italy

You can see weird and wild limestone spires right from town. Convenient, efficient public transport makes for easy access to trails for hikers of all levels of ability.

One of our top 10 hiking towns in the world.

Cortina d’Ampezzo (German: Hayden) is a town and commune in the southern (Dolomitic) Alps …

The city centre is located at an altitude of 1,224 m …

Cortina is situated more or less to the center of the Ampezzana valley, encircled nearly completely on four sides by the high Dolomites. …

Population (2008) was 6150.

Shop at La Cooperativa di Cortina for gear and trekking food.

More interesting photos tagged Cortina.

La Baita

Our favourite hike hikes in the Dolomites, to mention just a few, are:

• Bocca di Brenta to Molvena
• Over the Nuvolau
• Sciliar through the Catinaccio
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit

Check our Dolomites information page.

besthike editor Rick McCharles – Tre Cime

Best months for hiking are mid-June to early October.

Check our Dolomites information page.

NOTES app on Apple Devices

One thing I use non-stop all day is the free NOTES app.

It looks simple — but is surprisingly powerful once you dig into all the extras.

Synchronized between devices using Apple’s iCloud service, I can watch VIDEOS in notes on my iPhone while offline.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

The free version quickly fills up, however. I pay CAD $1.29 / month for 50GB of additional iCloud storage.

Any NOTE currently underway I “pin” and keep open in the app.

I’ve tried many other list making apps including Apple’s Reminders and Evernote.

NOTES is better. Faster.

Top 10 Hiking Destinations ➙ Dolomites, Italy

High altitude adventure and colourful sunsets.

Wow!

At BestHike we rank all mountain vistas in the world against Paine in Chile, and Fitz Roy in Argentina.

The scenery in the Dolomites may be just as good. And there are far, far more stunning jagged peaks in Italy than in all of South America.

Seceda – Odle mountains.

Many, many Europeans get out hiking during the Summer. Trails are crowded everywhere throughout the Dolomites and the Alps. There’s a great shared sense of community here.

Instant gratification. You can ride chair lifts up to the very tops of some of these peaks. How convenient is that? Almost anyone can find a best hike for themselves in this range.

WW I history in the Dolomites is sobering. German, Austrian and Italian soldiers were stuck digging tunnels through these mountains through several winters. This was the “Front”. Needless to say, far more young men died from the elements and falls than by fire fights. There are reminders of the Great War everywhere.

Here is the home of via ferrata (Italian for “iron road”). (In fact, our next trip to the Dolomites will be dedicated to doing some of the best of those assisted climbing routes.)

photo by Away On The Road

Not everything is perfect in the Dolomites. We prefer the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, overall.

In the Sierras I can put up a tent anywhere I want. Fantastic.

Unfortunately, in the Dolomites you are required to sleep in alpine buildings called Refuges. (Refugios – Italian). Their locations are stunning. Many people love them. But – personally – I prefer my tent over sleeping on the floor. Or in bunk beds.

Happily you can reach almost any place in the Dolomites by day hike. Public transportation in the valleys below is good!

The two regions – the Sierras and the Dolomites – are similar in that everywhere is a best hike.

I do like the food and drink at Refugios. Prices are regulated.

The main reason I had not hiked in Europe in 30yrs is cost. Italy can be expensive.

It’s possible to hike on the cheap. Putting up my tent in a campground in Cortina only cost 9€ (US$12.80) / night in 2009.  Ryan tells us it’s up to 44€ / night summer 2023!

Bread, chocolate, soft cheese and wine are inexpensive. What more do you need?

Dan & Janine Patitucci relocated from California to the Dolomites. A good site in English for inspiration. A partner offers Dolomite hiking and biking tours.

For specific information on how to hike these limestone mountains, check our Dolomites Information page.

Leave a comment if you have your own favourite hike in the Dolomites.

15 Great Hikes in Europe

As chosen by Alice Ford:

  • Alta Via 1, Dolomites
  • West Highland Way, Scotland
  • Mare a Mare Nord, Corsica
  • Kungsleden, Sweden
  • Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
  • Triglav Traverse, Slovenia
  • Ridge Path (Creasta Principală), Romania
  • Eagle Walk, Austria
  • Ruta Del Cares, Spain
  • Soomaa National Park, Estonia
  • Via Dinarica, Bosnia
  • Trolltunga, Norway
  • Rota Vincentina, Portugal
  • Samaria Gorge and White Mountains, Crete
  • Haute Route, Alps

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

South America’s BEST Trek?

We’d argue for the Ausangate Circuit in Peru — BUT it has gotten a lot more popular in recent years.

Many would name the Paine treks in Chile.

The newest of the best hikes in South America is the Huemul Route out of ut of  El Chaltén, Argentina.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Especially if you want something even more adventurous.

Check out Huemul information page.