As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to Spain, here's our pick of outdoor adventure activities across the country.
Contributing writers: Paul Bloomfield, Ginny Light, Richard Hammond
Google map: shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities in our Green Traveller's Guide to Green Spain:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
Hiking in Garganta de los Infiernos, Extremadura
The Sierra de Gredos and Tormantos mountains offer a dramatic backdrop to the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve, a landscape that’s sustained by the water that drains from them. This pocket of lush vegetation is pock-marked with walking and cycle routes as well as idyllic swimming spots. Visit during the week and you could find you don’t see another soul, as we found when we visited the Los Pilones water feature, known as giant’s kettles. The series potholes linked by waterfalls have been carved out of the granite by eddying stones scouring the rocks leaving smooth bowls in a cascade down the hillside. They’re accessible by hiking up from the Centro de Interpretacion de la Reserva Natural, a visitor centre that is well worth a visit for its information on the history and geography of the area with English explanations alongside the Spanish. See our feature article: Take a dip in Extremadura. More information: gargantadelosinfiernos.com
Canyoning in the Jerte Valley, Extremadura
The Jerte Valley is less than three hours west of Madrid and is best known for its spectacular cherry blossom in Spring (see our feature on Places of interest in Spain). In summer, the region's rivers and gorges are the venue for a range of outdoor adventure, including the increasingly popular activity of canyoning, particularly at the waterfalls at Las Nogaleas and Los Hoyos. Gecko Adventures runs a range of guided canyoning trips in the Papuos ravine in the Jerte Valley where you can expect a heady mix of slides, abseils and jumps. Day trips run from April to November weather depending. https://www.aventurajerte.es/
Birdwatching in Monfrague National Park, Extremadura
Bordered by the cities of Cáceres, Plasencia and Trujillo, at the convergence of the Tajo and Tiétar rivers, Monfrague National Park is regarded as one of the best birdwatching areas in Spain. It was the first area in Extremadura to be officially protected (it was declared a Natural Park in 1979) and is particularly well known as the site of one of largest colonies of black vultures in the world. It is also the home to black storks, Egyptian vultures and the rare imperial eagle. For more information: monfraguevivo.com. Birding Extremadura runs birdwatching trips to the region.
See the Broom in Bloom in Gredos, Castilla y León
Travel to the Sierra de Gredos region of Castilla y León in late Spring (May and early June) and you'll be treated to a profusion of yellow. The broom is the Piornos flower (a bush of tightly packed branches) which is covered with previous yellow flowers and be seen throughout the area often on the hillside, and late in June and July it can be seen higher up in the mountains. turismoavila.com/web/valle_tietar_gredos_sur
Bathing in the natural waters at Puente del Duque, Castilla y León
An idyllic spot for a picnic and swim beneath a Roman bridge amid pine forests on the River Tormes in the Sierra de Gredos, just south of Hoyos del Espino. Nearby there's a campsite, adventure park, and a lovely 3.5 mile walking trail, as well as several horse-riding and cycling routes. turismoavila.com
Walking along river at Boca de Asno, Castilla y León
In the heart of the beautiful Sierra de Guadarrama National Park (in the Castilla y León part of the park) the Boca del Asno recreational area is a hub for visitors. Don't miss the interpretation centre to learn about the Valsain Valley, then lace up your boots and head off along an easy forest trail that runs alongside the beautiful river Eresma. It's a lovely walk, perfect for a few hours stroll along the river and among the trees and wild horses in a picturesque setting. To get there by public transport, Line M3 Guadarrama National Park bus runs on Saturdays from Segovia to Boca del Asno via La Granja. parquenacionalsierraguadarrama.es/visita/contacto-cv/cv-valsain
Hiking along the river at Boca de Asno. Photos: Christopher Willan/Greentraveller
Hiking to Chorreras de Despeñalagua, Castile-La Mancha
The picturesque Chorreras de Despeñalagua waterfall is deep in the heart of the Sierra Norte Natural Park in Guadalajarra. The route there from Valverde de Los Arroyos is considered a ‘popular’ trail - we saw one other group on it. On many other routes in the park - totalling 525km over 43 trails - you will find yourself alone all day, even in the peak season (spring and autumn weekends when the area is popular with Madrid residents escaping the city). The most challenging trails are the quietest and tackle the three highest peaks in Castilla-La Mancha, which are all within the boundaries of the park - Pico del Lobo (2,273 m), Cerrón (2,199 m) and Peña Cebollera Vieja or Tres Provincias (2,129 m) - and often snow-covered. There are also numerous shorter routes for families and less avid walkers, such as the 6km Senda de Carretas trail – so called because it was the route used to transport charcoal produced in the beech forest carboneras, the traditional wooden huts where charcoal is made. The region is known for its Bonelli’s and golden eagles, peregrine falcons and Griffon vultures as well as countless smaller birds. See our feature article on Hiking and Conservation in the Sierra Norte Natural Park.
Hiking at Valle de la Barranca, Sierra de Guadarrama
One of the highlights of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, Valle de la Barranca by the mountains of Bola del Mundo and La Maliciosa is perfect for a walk away from the crowds. There's a signposted 11-kilometre trail up from the dam at Navacerrada that takes you on a forest trail up to the stunning sightseeing spot at Mirador de las Canchas, which looks out over the beautiful National Park. For more information on the regulations regarding visiting the National Park as well as the locations of the visitor centres, see: parquenacionalsierraguadarrama.es
Cycle touring around Bilbao, Basque Country
You can tour Bilbao on foot, by rollerskate, by go-kart and by kayak, but one of the best ways to cover a lot of ground and get a feel for the city is by bike. There are numerous operators of which Tourné is highly regarded. The three-hour Bilbao introduction tour is offered every day at 10am for 2-12 people. The tour includes classic sites such as the Guggenheim and Palacio Euskalduna staying mostly to cycle paths and away from heavy traffic. It costs €43 and includes a pintxos stop. The company also offers the ‘Street Art’ tour for €39 for three hours. It visits urban art that is scattered throughout the city, public art works, cultural centres, festivals and other innovative initiatives that are emerging. tournebilbao.com
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Winetasting at Marques de Riscal, Basque Country
Rioja’s vineyards, or bodegas, are relatively new to the business of tourism but have rapidly upped the ante by building even more adventurous structures to draw visitors. One of the most arresting is the Marques de Riscal bodega, designed by Frank Gehry, of Bilbao’s Guggenheim museum fame. The company started making wine in 1862 and the original cellar remains in situ but in 2006 a dramatic new look was unveiled. It has been compared to a scrunched handkerchief and the ruffles of a flamenco dancer’s skirt. The contorted twists of pink, gold and silver titanium stand out against the combed hillsides in the village of Elciego, but strangely co-exist, reflecting the changing colours of the vines and the limestone rock. There is now a hotel, two restaurants, a shop, cafe and spa with grape-themed treatments and two ‘barrel baths’. A tour lasts 90 minutes, costs €25 per person (free for under 10s, €12.50 for 11-17 year olds) and includes tasting of two wines paired with sausage and chorizo from Rioja. marquesderiscal.com
Surfing at Somo, Cantabria
The Atlantic coastline of Green Spain makes it a popular year-round surfer’s paradise and there are countless beaches with good breaks and facilities for surfers. Somo is in the Bay of Santander in Cantabria and offers a 7km stretch of waves with lots of surf schools that are popular for their young, enthusiastic instructors and for the location. You can have individual lessons for two hours or join a group and pay less. Somo is accessible by ferry from Santander. The currents on the beach are strong and surfers should pay attention to the warning flags. For the latest surf conditions and forecast (including a webcam) and lists of surf schools see: surfatodacosta.es/en/home/
Bird watching at Covadonga Lakes, Asturias
The Covadonga lakes are two glacial lakes in the Picos de Europa National Park about 30 minutes' drive from the striking church of the same name. En route to the lake are a number of viewpoints, or mirador, from which to take in the stunning Asturian landscape. At the lakes birdwatchers can see griffon vultures, eagles, redstarts, yellow-billed choughs and northern wheatears in the summer. The company Birdwatch Asturias can provide a guide, telescope, bird guides and binoculars, including ones for children, for a four-hour tour starting in Cangas de Onís. The tours, on foot and by car, include information about agrarian life, geography and, of course, bird behaviour, and run from mid-March to the end of October. birdwatchasturias.es
Diving in Fuciño do Porco, Galicia
The Fuciño do Porco, or ‘pig’s snout’ dive site in Punta Socastro is best known for its natural tunnel. This makes for an exciting dive that is accessible for all levels of diver from beginner to advanced. Atlantic marine wildlife includes octopus, brightly coloured sea slugs and star fish. The guided dive for 1-10 people takes 90 minutes, including weights and tank air. wildsea.eu/spain
Following in the footsteps of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, Galicia
Across Green Spain one can expect sightings of a scallop shell sign on trees, posts and walls guiding walkers along the trail of the famous pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago. There are eight main routes but the original, the Camino Frances, starts in France at St Jean Pied de Port and crosses the Pyrenees and Green Spain region to Santiago de Compostela. The shortest version is the Camino Inglés, starting in A Coruña and covering just over 100km to Santiago. It can also be tackled by bicycle or on horseback. The idea is to complete it alone, although most travel in groups. Either way, it is time for quiet contemplation and appreciation of nature, as well as the astoundingly beautiful cathedral at the end. caminodesantiago.gal/es/inicio
Hiking at Montserrat Natural Park, Paisatges de Barcelona
The mountain of Montserrat, 50km north-west of Barcelona, is best known as the site of the historic Benedictine Monastery of Santa Maria, founded in 1025, home to the 12th-century statue of Our Lady of Montserrat (the so-called ‘Black Virgin’) that still attracts countless pilgrims today. But though the extensive main monastery complex is the big draw, the striking rock outcrops of the surrounding natural park provide a dramatic backdrop for hikes including the testing climb up to the highest peak, San Jeroni. Numerous paths offer walks for a range of levels of experience and ability; the easy Tebes Trail visits the ruins of the ancient churches of San Juan, San Onofre and Santa Magdalena. Via ferrata and rock-climbing tours are also available. montserratvisita.com
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Cycling the Greenway with Esgambi, Terres de l’Ebre, Catalonia
Nearly half a century ago, the train line between Arnes, on the Aragon border, and Tortosa on the lower Ebro closed. But the failure of the railway has been a boon for bikers – the route has now been converted into a wonderful Green Way cycle trail, looping 49km around the dramatic rock outcrops of Els Ports Natural Park and past charming and historic towns and villages such as Horta de Sant Joan, where Picasso spent some years during his youth (“Everything I know, I learned in Horta”, he once said). esgambi.com
Birdwatching by Kayak on the Ebro River, Terres de l’Ebre
The Ebro is Spain’s longest river, flowing 910km south from the Cantabrian Mountains to the Mediterranean at the shimmering delta south-west of Tarragona. It’s also thriving with life, and a guided kayak trip with En Blau offers a wonderful opportunity to admire the colourful and charismatic species that throng its banks. enblau.cat
Birdwatching by kayak on the Ebro river. Photos: Greentraveller
Watch our video of summer in Catalonia, including kayaking on the Ebro River:
Walking the Valleys and High Slopes of Las Alpujarras
As Paul Bloomfield writes in our Guide to Las Alpujarras, the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalucia’s Granada and Almería provinces: "There’s no denying the ‘Chris Stewart Effect’ in Las Alpujarras. Before the former Genesis drummer penned Driving Over Lemons, his paean to farm life in a rural Alpujarran community, few of us could pinpoint the region on a map. Today, Las Alpujarras is a byword for rustic Spanish idyll". Spring is heralded by the appearance of almond blossom, autumn brings sweet chestnuts, and the onset of winter wrestles olives from their branches, soon to be turned into the region’s prized olive oil. UK-based tour operator Inntravel runs self-guided walking through the valleys and high slopes of this beautiful region, following the trans-European long-distance GR7 path from Athens to Tarifa, in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada and along the cavernous Poqueira Gorge. It also runs trips in the desert-like landscapes of Almería, the chestnut-clad Aracena Sierra near Seville, and the mountains surrounding famous Ronda. inntravel.co.uk/walking-holidays/spain
Cross-country skiing at Puerto de la Ragua, Almería
In a lesser-known section of the Sierra Nevada National Park, Puerto de la Ragua is a hub for a range of outdoor summer activities, including hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and horse-riding, while in winter it's a playground for cross-country skiers. Covering more than 40km, the ski area has both linear and circular routes, as well as mountain passes linking the Marquesada with Ferreira and the rest of Las Alpujarras. At the resort, there's a shelter-refuge for up to 32 people with a bar-restaurant and an information point. For ski reports see: puertodelaragua.com.
More information: andalucia.org
Cycling in Sierra Nevada and Granada, Andalucia
One of the popular cycling destinations in Spain, the Sierra Nevada offers a range of attractions, including the white mountain villages of the Alpujarras, the cave houses in Guadix, the classic Sierra de Pandera ride that's in the Vuelta a España and the ascent of the Sierra Nevada itself "riding to the roof of Spain". Rutas MTB Granada offers a range of opportunities including road cycling, mountain biking and gravel cycling in the Sierra Nevada, while Saddle Skedaddle runs a 7-day road cycling holiday in the Sierra Nevada and Granada.
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Snorkelling and Scuba diving in Formentera
The popularity of snorkelling and scuba diving on Formentera is in no small part thanks to the existence of its posidonia oceanica seagrass plant meadows. These unique underwater seagrass fields help to oxygenate the water and maintain its clarity; visibility is so good that octopus, barracuda, plaice, grouper, bream, red mullet, moray eels, starfish and sponges are regularly seen. Some lucky divers report seeing turtles and dolphins too. Whether you want to give scuba a go for the first time or you’re an experienced diver, the island’s four local scuba companies will be glad to show you the ropes (or, rather, the reefs).
Cycle touring across Majorca
Majorca is a mecca for cyclists. The combination of mountains, scenic trails, a long winter season (October to May) has led to it becoming one of the most popular in the world for cycling. An important factor is that it has excellent infrastructure for cyclists, with over 120 hotels welcoming cyclists with bike rental and repair services, massage services and adapted menus to help you recover from and conquer the challenging routes. A series of routes have been developed with varying degrees of difficulty, both in in terms of distance and unevenness of the terrain, grouped into 4 different areas across the island. The 16 routes have a total length of 1,732 km and connect the main population centres and places of interest in Mallorca, such as its towns, lighthouses, hermitages and the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. mallorca.es/en/cycle-touring
E-biking round Ibiza
Electric cycling has boomed in recent years thanks to the improvements in battery life and availability of a new breed of bikes that can help you spend all day long without having to re-charge, whether it's an off-road adventure or a leisurely ride along the coast. You can get to see a lot of Ibiza in a day on an e-bike and there are a multitude of options, whether you want to go for just a few hours or spend the whole day in the sadddle. Bike Ibiza rents out e-bikes and provides tours all over the island for everyone from novices to seasoned cyclists, including on the neighbouring island of Formentera.
Swimming in the saltwater pools in Garachico, Tenerife, Canary Islands
Head to the quieter side of the island for a spot of natural swimming. The natural pools of El Caletón in Garachico on the northern coast of the island (about 50km west of the capital Santa Cruz) are the perfect place to cool off after exploring the historic old town of Garachico, Tenerife's first port that was built in the 15th Century. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1994, it is one of the best preserved places in the archipelago. turismo.garachico.es
Whale watching in Tenerife La Gomera Whale Heritage Site
The waters around Tenerife and La Gomera were Europe's first Whale Heritage Area - awarded the accolade for its population of pilot whales alongside a variety of other whale and dolphin species within a Special Area of Conservation, including Risso's dolphin, Sperm whale, Killer whale, Fin whale and common bottlenose dolphins. The interest in the majestic marine species has blossomed in recent years and there are ample opportunities to go whale watching, with tours departing from the west coast of La Gomera and Tenerife from just 2 hours to trips that last all day long. tenerifewhalewatching.com, lagomera.travel. For more information about Wildlife Heritage Areas, see: wildlifeheritageareas.org
Taking part in the Gran Canaria Walking Festival
In October each year, the Gran Canaria Walking Festival draws in visitors from all over the world. The four organised routes aim to showcase the best of the island's landscape - this year (the 13th year of the festival), the four routes are Under the Shelter of Doramas, The Peak of the Navigators (which starts close to the highest point on the island), Discovering the Aldea coastline, and the Road to the Top, which starts from Tejeda, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
See the full programme of walks at: grancanariawalkingfestival.com
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For nearby characterful places to stay, local food and drink, and local sights of interest, see our Green Traveller's Guide to Spain
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