SPAIN
This is the shortlist you would send a walking friend: 15 treks worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Join La Palma Outdoor for a four-hour guided trek to Tajogaite, the volcano born in the 2021 eruption. You’ll ride from El Paso, walk about 8 kilometers over ash and new volcanic ground, and hear clear stories from guides such as Bebe, Juan, Amanda, and Gianluca.
“We love the fact that we have to see the volcano and the view.”
Travel from Barcelona to Montserrat in a small group of up to eight. Visit the Benedictine monastery, see the Black Madonna, ride the funicular, and walk old pilgrimage paths with guides such as Frank, Juan, Jordi, or Jesús. Expect about two hours on mountain trails, including steep and rocky sections.
“Juan, many thanks for an amazing day yesterday at Montserrat. You have a peace, a calm, a smile that brought us a mood of relaxed vacation in addition to Montserrat’s tranquility. We really enjoyed the easy hike, the balanced details combining nature, history and gastronomy. A real pleasure I will keep dear for how you set the mood for the remaining of the stay in Spain!”
Join a local guide such as Sandra, Andy, Claudia, or Simon for an 8-kilometre circular hike among Timanfaya’s volcanoes. Expect lava fields, crater views, Canarian wine, cheese, mojo, water, and a quiet minute for reflection. The gentle route takes about three hours.
“Great tour with a very knowledgeable and approachable guide.”
Walk about 7 km through Timanfaya’s volcanic terrain, climb La Rilla Volcano, inspect craters and lava formations, and learn how Lanzarote was shaped by eruptions. The low-difficulty circular route takes about three hours, with English-speaking guides such as Alejandro, Ula, and Sabrina.
“The trip was amazing, Ula, the tour guide, was very friendly and easy to talk to. She was very knowledgeable about the history of volcanoes, paced the walk to suit everyone. The scenery was breathtaking and being able to get up close with the lava flows was great. I honestly couldn't recommend this tour company and guide any more highly.”
Join a Spanish or English-speaking guide for a 3.5-hour Caminito del Rey hike, including entry, canyon views, old hydroelectric works, and sturdy cliffside walkways more than 100 meters above the Guadalhorce River. Meet at Restaurante El Kiosko and bring proper hiking shoes and photo ID.
“Super guide, very nice place and really famous experience.”
Join a small group of up to eight for a three-hour climb along Sant Feliu de Guíxols’ Via Ferrata Cala del Molí. Certified guides including Cristina and Miguel provide equipment, safety support, photos, insurance, and refreshments after the route.
“Well planned activity, the explanation was in various languages with a reasonable number of people for the activity. Overall good value for money and very encouraging and professional guide Cristina.”
Spend four hours climbing Gran Canaria’s cliffs with a professional English, Spanish, or Italian-speaking guide. You’ll hike about 25 minutes to the route, cross a monkey bridge, tackle chain steps, and swing inside a cave. José and Jorge are among the guides praised for clear safety help and local stories.
“Had an amazing time with José, so knowledgeable in the area and the climb. Was my favourite activity I did on my trip, would 100% recommend!”
Leave Barcelona by air-conditioned minivan for Montserrat, where guides such as Ramón, Christian, Bernard, and Amalia lead a 5.5-kilometer mountain hike after a focused abbey visit. Expect steep sections, Catalan legends, geology, forest paths, wide views, and free time at the farmers market.
“All round a very enjoyable day out. Recommend the trip.”
Meet at Bahia Feliz for a four-hour guided via ferrata with YUKAN Outdoor Gran Canaria. After a 30-minute walk, you’ll tackle K3+ sections, a rope bridge, swing, and volcanic tunnel with guides such as Maria, Jardel, Ari, or Juan.
“An great tour with an guide, who explained us a lo about the nature and culture of the canarians. The guide is very gentle, his instructions are easy to understand and he always has his eyes on you while you climbing. The complett tour is absolutly save and worth it.”
Meet your English or Spanish-speaking guide in Bahía Feliz for a four-hour Via Ferrata adventure. Walk through a western-style valley, climb a medium-level rock route with a helmet, harness, and double-clipped Ferrata kit, then cross a high bridge and ride Gran Canaria’s highest swing.
“D was an amazing guide! Very helpful, patient, trustworthy and friendly! It was a really enjoyable experience, I would highly recommend”
Join YUKAN Outdoor Gran Canaria for a four-hour route near Santa Lucía de Tirajana. You’ll hike to an aboriginal defense site, try rock climbing, cross a short via ferrata, crawl through a volcanic tube, and finish on a 50-meter zipline. Manuel and Ari are among the guides praised for patient instruction.
“Right in the centre of the island via a scary road with steep drops all the way around gives magnifent views of the island. However, to do this activity you need to have a reasonable level of fitness as you are going to be walking uphill (although not that far) in scorching heat. The rock climbing was fun but then we had the walk to the cave which is more challenging involving scrambling and a tricky rope assisted final climb to the cave. My wife ended up with a few scrapes after this part as she lost her footing. The cave itself is not for the claustrophobic as involves a…”
Join guides such as Kristina, Carmen, Mischa, or Andy for an 8-kilometre hike near El Cardon with five tame goats. You’ll feed them corn, walk them on leads, watch them roam, and finish with goat cheese, bread, tomatoes, olives, jam, and local drinks.
“Had an absolutely fabulous time, the guide was great, the goats were so funny, just like walking a dog, great picnic with local produce. Can’t recommend this adventure highly enough, thanks very much Kristina and Carmen”
You’ll follow the Cala del Molí via ferrata near Sant Feliu de Guíxols, using fixed cables, metal steps, and bridges above the Mediterranean. Guides such as Miguel, Matías, and Lorenzo lead small groups through an easier first section and a more demanding second one, with equipment, insurance, photos, and a snack included.
“Super nice experience, challenging so you feel super proud finishing it and the guide was so kind, I do recommend it!!”
Ride an air-conditioned coach to El Roque de los Muchachos, then hike an ancient route with guides such as Henry, Henri, or Arnold. Expect sharp mountain air, wide views, observatory telescopes, and a demanding walk on marked paths. Bring food, water, sun protection, and warm layers.
“Exceptional! Stunning walk. Had great weather. Henri, the guide, is an encyclopedia of knowledge for the different tours he does. Gracias!”
Walk the famous Caminito del Rey above the Guadalhorce River with a guide, entry ticket included. Expect about three hours on cliffside paths, a one-way route, up to 30 people, and a separate bus ride back to the start.
“C'était magnifique. Belle expérience que je referais n'importe quand. Malgré le moment d'incertitude en arrivant, il manquait un peu de détails pour le.point de rencontre.”
Pick a range, a cone or a valley.
