Recognizing that an active and healthy lifestyle goes hand-in-hand with personal and professional success, superyacht and fleet captain Jako Hall takes care to maintain a high level of physical fitness, enabling him to comfortably participate in various sports on a regular basis. This article will look at hiking in Spain, providing an overview of some of the country’s most spectacular hiking trails.
Famous the world over for its epic trails, many of which can be found within the Ordesa y Monte Perdido and Picos de Europa National Parks, Spain’s unparalleled natural beauty makes an ideal destination for hiking vacations. In addition to the mainland, the Canary Islands also offer some unforgettable hiking experiences thanks to the archipelago’s diverse landscapes, including the forests of Anaga and Garajonay, as well as the volcanic fields of Teide and Timanfaya.
In southern Spain, the Caminito del Rey ranks as one of the region’s top hiking attractions. Known as “The King’s Little Path,” the precarious route follows the steep walls of the narrow El Chorro gorge, winding through the heart of the province of Malaga. Opened as recently as 2015, the route gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous walkways not just in Spain but on the planet. Spanning almost eight kilometers, the path was recently painstakingly restored to make it much safer, although it remains out of bounds to hikers aged under eight years. Spectacular from beginning to end, the Caminito del Rey route skirts cliffs, canyons, and a large valley, with the region inhabited by an array of rare and interesting wildlife, including golden eagles, griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, wild boar, and Iberian ibex.
Situated in Picos de Europa National Park, the Lakes of Covadonga are a natural wonder surrounded by mountains. Located close to the Shrine of Covadonga, the trail can easily be accessed by road, with the stunning mountain scenery making it a paradise for nature lovers. The largest of the Lakes of Covadonga are Enol and Ercina, both situated a dizzying 1,000 meters above sea level. To see them at their finest, hikers should follow the relatively easy, five-kilometer-long route that starts at Buferrera car park and is fully signposted throughout. Reaching 20 meters at its deepest, Lake Enol is the ideal spot to enjoy a picnic. A replica of Our Lady of Covadonga lies beneath the lake and is raised from the water by the locals each year on September 8th, her feast day.
One of the Spain’s most unforgettable hiking destinations is Bosque de Oma, a route that combines art and nature in a remarkable way. Here, thousands of pine trees are decorated with vivid colors, revealing various images and compositions depending on the observer’s viewpoint. Spanning seven kilometers in total, the route is suitable for children but not disabled visitors or parents with strollers. Bosque de Oma is best visited early in the morning outside of peak season, with this magical Spanish forest flooded with visitors each day in the summer.
The Camino de Santiago is a legendary pilgrimage undertaken by thousands of Catholics each year. Internationally celebrated as the “Way of St James,” the route is more than just a trip. Steeped in Medieval allure, the route attracts not only the devout but also individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds to marvel at the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compsotela in northwest Spain’s scenic Galicia region. Here, the remains of the Apostle St James the Great are said to rest, having been discovered by a shepherd in the 9th century. More than a popular hiking route, the Campino de Santiago is a globally cherished treasure that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, today attracting pilgrims and adventurers from all over the world.
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