Walker's Paradise: Spain On Foot

By Author: Frederick Pollard
Total Articles: 25
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If you want to genuinely experience the authentic Spanish countryside, interact with the locals, sample their cuisine and wines, participate in local events and festivals and understand and appreciate the Spanish way of life.

Walking is relatively less strenuous as compared to cycling, though it's also important to be fit on a walking tour. For seniors and those with health and fitness issues, a less arduous route can be chosen. Walks across mountainous regions may be difficult but one advantage of choosing a good-quality tour is that they provide support-vans alongside the walkers, in case of emergency, or if some walkers would like to take a break. Walking tours can be arranged for special groups and they can also include activities like climbing, swimming, horse-riding, water-sports etc at designated places along the route. Some tours cater to religious events and festivals or they can be along ancient pilgrim routes.

Some walking routes and trails:

Probably the most ancient and most famous Spanish walking route is the Way of St James to the magnificent Compostela de Santiago cathedral. Some operators ...
... offer a leisurely 35-day tour through northern Spain, starting at the French border across the Pyrenees, the beautiful Rioja vineyards, with stops en route at ancient churches, monuments and monasteries. A taste of local food, wine and cultures along the way adds charm. The cathedral and the surrounding Camino area are rich in historical features. Generally, the guide sets the pace for about 15 km per day, with a support-vehicle in tow to handle emergencies, luggage, etc. and night accommodation in hotels.

Festival walks: Scheduled during important festas, these walks are a great way to enjoy the excitement of the festival and parades, fireworks and art and music, take in local customs and traditions, sample the festive cuisine and wines. A tour during the Mascletas in Valencia would be a great option.

Coastal: Combining scenic landscapes and leisurely beach stops, this tour is great for seafood lovers and provides fabulous photo, sketching and painting opportunities. The cerulean blue of the Mediterranean, with stunning mountain backdrops and quaint fishing villages and mountain shrines make for an unforgettable walking holiday.

Take your pick of walker's ways!

Tours can also be independent or guided. Based on your level of experience, you can choose the most appropriate one for you/your group. Check weather conditions, safety aspects of lonely routes, accommodation and facilities available and whether your start and end-points are suitable in terms of your overall holiday plans. Guided tours are excellent as you can share the company of people with similar interests and also benefit from the expertise of your guide who speaks the local language. If you are very sure of the terrain and the route, the best option is to go alone or in a small group.

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