Olé! 7 super active and wildlife adventures in Spain
From the mountains to the sea, Spain offers a rich variety of landscapes to challenge and reward active travellers and nature lovers. The food isn’t too bad, either
1: Cycle Spain’s famous pilgrim route
Cycling the Camino Way (Dreamstime)
Here’s your chance to tackle the world’s most famous pilgrim route on two wheels by cycling the Santiago de Compostela with Intrepid.
Crossing the Pyrenees from France, you will cycle 800 kilometres on the Camino Frances, experiencing rural Spain like other pilgrims, but with a professional guide and full vehicle support.
It is a true pilgrimage in every sense and you will feel a real sense of achievement when you are awarded your Compostela pilgrim certificate in Santiago.
Who:Intrepid
When: Departures Apr, Jun and Aug-Oct
How long: 8 days
How much: £1,505 (exc. flights)
2: Track the world’s rarest cat
Iberian Lynx on a rock in Spain (Dreamstime)
Trek deep into the wild corners of Andalucia in search of the planet’s most critically endangered feline on Wildlife Worldwide’s Iberian Lynx Quest.
The Iberian lynx is the smallest of the world’s three lynx species and a master at blending in with its scrubby habitat in the spectacular Doñana and Andújar Natural Parks. Based in local villages, you’ll learn about the local conservation efforts and join experts in two very different Iberian Lynx habitats, increasing your chances of encountering this most elusive of creatures.
Trip:Iberian Linx Quest
When: Oct
How long: 8 days
How much: £1,295 (exc. flights)
3: Hike the Picos De Europa
Hiking in the Picos De Europa (Shutterstock)
Discover Spain’s best kept secret, the mountain range of Picos de Europe, on this guided hiking holiday with Tucan Travel.
Situated in the Asturias region in Northern Spain, this is a magical landed of wide-screen landscapes and remote mountain villages. Expect glacier lakes, dense forests and deep gorges as you spend each day walking some of Europe’s the less-trodden trails.
Who:Tucan Travel
When: Departures Jun & Sep
How long: 8 days
How much: From £849 (exc. flights)
4: Discover Andalucia by train
Olvera in Cadiz province, Andalucia (Shutterstock)
Explore Spain’s most intriguing region by rail as you visit grand Moorish cities and travel across epic landscapes on this 7-day rail journey through Andalucia with Cox & Kings.
Using the fast and efficient AVI rail service, this journey takes in the region’s Roman, Moorish and Catholic heritage with visits to palaces, plazas and museums in Córdoba, Seville and Granada. You’ll experience breathtaking architecture and a fascinating history and enjoy incredible food and wine. It’s a journey you will never forget.
Trip:Andalucia by train
Who: Cox & Kings
When: Flexible dates throughout the year
How long: 7 days
How much: From £1,330 (exc. flights)
5: Trek from the mountains to the sea
Las Salinas in Cabo de Gata Almeria (Dreamstime)
Discover the hidden beauty of the southern Valencia region, from the Spanish Sierra to the glittering Mediterranean coast, on this moderate level trek with Ramblers Walking Holidays.
From the lunar landscapes of the Sierra Aitana to the coastal wetlands near Ria Segura, you will experience grand landscapes, a rich array of flora and fauna and extraordinary food that will keep you fuelled and satisfied.
When: Apr
How long: 8 days
How much: From £1,085 (exc. flights)
6: Enjoy epic birdwatching in Extremadura
A great bustard in Spain (Shuttertock)
See some of Europe’s most endangered bird species in one of their last strongholds on this birdwatching holiday with Wildlife Worldwide in the wilderness of Extremadura.
The rolling plains of the ‘Spanish Steppes’ are home to Europe’s strongest remaining population of its largest bird, the great bustard. The oak woodlands hold a swathe of scarce species such as azure-winged magpie and black-shouldered kite. Throughout the area, in picturesque villages and huge savannah-like landscapes alike, white stork nests can be found everywhere you look. Monfrague National Park is the best year-round raptor-watching site in Europe.
This is a unique and incredibly distinctive region is absolutely brimming with birds.
When: Departures Mar, Oct & Dec
How long: 8 days
How much: From £1,495 (exc. flights)
7: A short(ish) walk along the Camino De Santiago
Walking along ‘The Way’ (Dreamstime)
Want to walk Spain’s famous pilgrim route but short on time? Then this 8-day trip along the last 100 kilometres of the route with G Adventures is for you.
The walk will take you through the rural landscapes and rustic villages of Northern Spain, an area renowned for its tasty food and generous hospitality. Finally, at Santiago, with all the other pilgrims, you’ll receive your ‘compostela’ – proof that you have completed the walk and a reminder of your gentle amble through this beguiling region.
Who:G Adventures
When: Departures Apr-Oct
How long: 8 days
How much: From £637 (exc. flights)
