10 Hidden Hiking Gems in Spain You Can’t Miss in 2026

1. Ruta de los Cahorros, Granada

Address: Monachil, Granada (start near the Monachil River)

Hours: Open year-round; best in spring/fall

Distance: 8 km (loop)

The Ruta de los Cahorros is a thrilling hike through a narrow gorge carved by the Monachil River. The trail clings to the rock face, with sections where you’ll scramble over boulders and cross suspension bridges that sway gently over the rushing water below. The highlight? A heart-pounding walk through a tunnel blasted into the rock, where sunlight filters through cracks like a cathedral’s stained glass.

I remember my first time here, gripping the handrails as the river roared beneath me, my pulse quickening with every step. The scent of damp earth and wild rosemary filled the air, and the sound of water echoing off the canyon walls was hypnotic. This isn’t just a hike—it’s an adventure.

Tip: Start early to avoid crowds, and wear sturdy shoes. The trail is family-friendly but not for those afraid of heights.

2. Caminito del Rey, Málaga

Address: Ardales, Málaga (entrance near El Chorro)

Hours: 10 AM–6 PM (last entry 4 PM)

Distance: 7.7 km (one way)

Once known as the “world’s most dangerous path,” the Caminito del Rey has been restored into a safe but exhilarating walkway pinned to the side of a sheer gorge. The trail winds through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, where the Guadalhorce River carves a dramatic chasm between towering limestone cliffs.

The first time I stepped onto the wooden walkway, my stomach flipped as I looked down at the turquoise river hundreds of feet below. The wind whipped through the canyon, and the only sounds were the distant calls of birds and the creak of the boardwalk beneath my feet. It’s a surreal experience, like walking through a painting.

Tip: Book tickets in advance—this is one of Spain’s most popular hikes, even if it’s still underrated.

3. Ruta del Cares, León/Asturias

Address: Start in Poncebos (Asturias) or Caín (León)

Hours: Open year-round; best in summer/fall

Distance: 12 km (one way)

The Ruta del Cares is a legendary trail that follows a narrow path carved into the side of a gorge, with the Cares River rushing far below. The trail connects the villages of Poncebos and Caín, passing through tunnels and over bridges that seem to defy gravity.

I hiked this in late September, when the autumn colors painted the cliffs in fiery hues. The trail is narrow in places, with sheer drops that make your heart race, but the views are worth every step. At one point, I stopped to watch a golden eagle soar above the gorge, its wings catching the sunlight like flames.

Tip: Start in Poncebos for a gentler ascent, and pack a picnic—there are plenty of spots to rest and soak in the views.

4. Senda de los Pesqueros, Rías Baixas, Galicia

Address: Start in Combarro or Arcade, Pontevedra

Hours: Open year-round; best in spring/summer

Distance: 10 km (one way)

This coastal trail winds through the lush forests and rocky shores of Galicia’s Rías Baixas, offering stunning views of the Atlantic. The path follows old fishermen’s routes, passing through charming villages where you can stop for fresh seafood.

I remember stumbling upon a tiny seaside tavern in Combarro, where the owner served me pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) so tender it melted in my mouth. The trail is dotted with ancient stone crosses and hidden beaches, where the only sounds are the waves and the wind in the trees.

Tip: Time your hike to end in Arcade for a seafood feast—this is Galicia, after all.

5. Barranco del Infierno, Tenerife

Address: Adeje, Tenerife (start near the visitor center)

Hours: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (last entry 2:30 PM)

Distance: 6.5 km (round trip)

This hike descends into a lush canyon where waterfalls cascade down volcanic cliffs, and the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers. The trail ends at a breathtaking waterfall that plunges into a crystal-clear pool.

I’ll never forget the moment I reached the waterfall, the mist cooling my skin as I stood in awe of the raw power of nature. The trail is well-maintained but steep in places, and the views of the Atlantic from the canyon’s edge are unforgettable.

Tip: Bring a swimsuit—if you’re brave enough, you can take a dip in the pool beneath the waterfall.

6. Ruta de las Pasarelas, Huesca

Address: Start in the Ordesa Valley, Huesca

Hours: Open year-round; best in summer/fall

Distance: 16 km (round trip)

This hike in the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park takes you through one of Spain’s most stunning landscapes. The trail follows the Arazas River, passing through forests, meadows, and dramatic cliffs.

I hiked this in early October, when the larch trees turned golden and the air was crisp. The sound of the river accompanied me the entire way, and the views of the Monte Perdido massif were jaw-dropping. At one point, I sat on a rock and watched ibex graze on the cliffs above me, their horns glinting in the sunlight.

Tip: Start early—this is a long hike, and the light in the valley is magical in the morning.

7. Ruta de los Molinos, Almería

Address: Start in the village of Lucainena de las Torres

Hours: Open year-round; best in spring/fall

Distance: 10 km (loop)

This trail winds through the desert-like landscapes of the Sierra Alhamilla, passing by ancient windmills that once ground grain for the region. The stark beauty of the terrain is otherworldly, with red rock formations and endless blue skies.

I hiked this in April, when the wildflowers were in bloom, adding splashes of color to the arid landscape. The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional creak of a windmill or the call of a distant bird. It’s a place that feels untouched by time.

Tip: Bring plenty of water—this is desert country, and the sun is relentless.

8. Ruta del Bosque Encantado, La Palma

Address: Start in the Cubo de la Galga, La Palma

Hours: Open year-round; best in spring/summer

Distance: 10 km (loop)

This hike takes you through the misty laurel forests of La Palma, where ancient trees draped in moss create an enchanted atmosphere. The trail is like something out of a fairy tale, with waterfalls, hidden pools, and views of the Atlantic.

I remember walking through the forest, the air thick with mist, and feeling like I’d stepped into another world. The sound of water dripping from the leaves and the scent of damp earth were intoxicating. It’s a place that feels alive with magic.

Tip: Wear waterproof shoes—the trail can be muddy, especially after rain.

9. Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos, Cádiz

Address: Start in Zahara de la Sierra or Grazalema

Hours: Open year-round; best in spring/fall

Distance: Varies (multiple trails)

This network of trails connects the whitewashed villages of the Sierra de Grazalema, offering stunning views of rolling hills, olive groves, and dramatic cliffs. Each village has its own charm, from Zahara’s castle perched on a hill to Grazalema’s narrow streets lined with flowers.

I spent a week hiking these trails, staying in different villages each night. The food was incredible—think slow-cooked lamb, fresh cheese, and local wines—and the hospitality was warm and genuine. It’s a place where time slows down, and every turn reveals another postcard-perfect view.

Tip: Stay in a rural guesthouse—it’s the best way to experience the local culture.

10. Ruta de los Acantilados, Costa da Morte, Galicia

Address: Start in Muxía or Camariñas

Hours: Open year-round; best in summer/fall

Distance: Varies (multiple trails)

This coastal trail follows the rugged cliffs of Galicia’s “Coast of Death,” where the Atlantic crashes against jagged rocks and lighthouses stand sentinel over the sea. The trail is wild and windswept, with views that stretch to the horizon.

I hiked this in September, when the heather was in bloom and the air was filled with the scent of salt and seaweed. The sound of the waves was constant, and the light on the water changed with every passing cloud. It’s a place that reminds you of nature’s raw power and beauty.

Tip: Visit the lighthouse at Cabo Vilán—it’s one of the most dramatic spots on the trail.

Final Thoughts

Spain’s hidden hiking trails offer more than just exercise—they’re gateways to unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re scrambling through a gorge, walking along a coastal cliff, or wandering through an enchanted forest, these off-the-beaten-path hiking destinations will leave you with stories to tell and memories to cherish.

So lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and hit the trail. Spain’s hidden gems are waiting for you.