Last updated: January 2026
Combine Spain's natural beauty and city sightseeing! 5 breathtaking hiking routes perfect for beginners [2026 Latest]
"I want to hike in the great outdoors of Spain, but serious mountain climbing is too difficult..."
In this article, I, a resident of Andalusia,① No prior mountain climbing experience required, ② Convenient to visit while sightseeing, ③ Accessible by public transportWe will introduce only the "fail-safe" courses that meet all three of the following conditions.
Written by: Kei (Resident of Andalusia, former Michelin-starred chef)
I've been living in Andalusia for four years. On weekends, I make it a habit to hike in the local mountains and search for seasonal ingredients. I'll guide you through the latest 2026 trend of "returning to nature," along with the gourmet experience of "post-hike dining," as a former chef.
- If you want to experience thrills and breathtaking views:Malaga (Caminito del Rey)
- If you want to start walking from a historic town:Granada (Los Cacharos)
- If you want to enjoy the sea and gourmet food together:San Sebastian (Pilgrimage Route)
- If you want to receive power from a sacred place:Barcelona (Montserrat)
A quick comparison of 5 recommended hiking trails for beginners!
| spot | region | Required | Difficulty | reservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Cacharos | Granada | Approximately 3 hours | ★★☆ | Unnecessary |
| Caminito | Malaga | Approximately 3 hours | ★☆☆ | Required |
| Pilgrimage Route | San Sebastian | Approximately 3.5h | ★★☆ | Unnecessary |
| Montserrat | Barcelona | 1 hour ~ | ★☆☆ | Unnecessary |
| Gastergache | Bilbao | Approximately 2 hours | ★★☆ | Need confirmation |
Enjoy both nature and history! 5 recommended hiking spots
1. Granada: Los Cahorros
👉 Suitable for: Photography enthusiasts, active individuals, and those who want to easily experience "adventure."
Located in the village of Monachil, just behind the Alhambra Palace, this trail features a suspension bridge and rock face. Its appeal lies in the fact that you can escape to another world in just 20 minutes, perfect for a break from city sightseeing.
📍Monachil | 20 minutes by city bus from Granada | Travel time: 2-3 hours |Difficulty: ★★☆ (Light exercise)| Return: Take a bus or taxi from the center of the village.
2. Malaga: El Caminito del Rey
👉 Suitable for: People who want to experience breathtaking scenery for the first time, and people who are not afraid of heights.
The grand canyon viewed from a 100-meter cliff is breathtaking. It remains Spain's number one natural spot in 2026. The paths are perfectly maintained, so you can walk safely in sneakers.
📍El Chorro | 50 minutes by train from Malaga | 3 hours total (reservations required) |Difficulty: ★☆☆ (Mostly flat roads)| Return: Take the shuttle bus back to the station and head to Malaga.
3. San Sebastian: The Pilgrimage Route (Camino de Santiago)
👉 Suitable for: People who want to enjoy the best food after a walk, and people who love the sea.
We'll walk from the gastronomic city of San Sebastián to the neighboring town of Pasaya. This walk, with the Atlantic Ocean on your right, is sure to be a highlight of your San Sebastian sightseeing.
📍Camino del Norte | Starting from the center of San Sebastian | Duration: 3 hours |Difficulty: ★★☆ (Includes ups and downs)| Return trip: 15 minutes by city bus or train from Pasay.
4. Barcelona: Montserrat
👉 Suitable for: People who want to feel the energy of a sacred place, and people who are not confident in their physical strength.
Located just an hour from Barcelona, you can take a mountain railway (Cremallera) halfway up the mountain, allowing you to enjoy the mystical scenery of "nature x religious architecture" while minimizing physical exertion.
📍Montserrat | 1 hour by train from Barcelona | Travel time: 1 hour or moreDifficulty: ★☆☆~ (Course selection available)| Return trip: Take the mountain railway and train to Barcelona
5. Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe (San Juan de Gaztelugatxe)
👉 Suitable for: People who want to see magnificent, movie-like scenery.
A staircase leads to a church built on a rocky outcrop in the sea. It's a rare spot to experience the rugged natural beauty of the Bay of Biscay amidst your Bilbao sightseeing.
📍Gaztelugatxe | 45 minutes by bus from Bilbao | Total travel time: 2 hours |Difficulty: ★★☆ (Including going up and down stairs)| Return trip: Bus or taxi recommended
🕒 Example of an "ideal day" schedule to enjoy nature and the city
- 08:30:Depart from the hotel and travel to the trailhead by bus or train.
- 09:30:Start of hiking (enjoy nature in the cooler hours)
- 12:30:Lunch at a local village bar after descending the mountain.
- 14:30:Return to town for a siesta (rest) or visit a museum.
- 19:00:Bar hopping in the old townThe best night viewEnjoy
2026 Update: Hiking Tips and Best Season
- Best season:Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best times. In summer, an early morning start is essential.
- NG behavior:Absolutely avoid wearing sandals, setting off without water, and hiking in the mountains just before sunset.
In summary: Spanish cities become even more enjoyable when you connect with nature.
The vibrancy of the city and the tranquility of nature – experiencing both allows you to discover the multifaceted charm of Spain. For your 2026 trip, why not venture a little further and experience "Walking Spain"?
- The perfect way to cap off your hike:
▶ Top 10 Spanish Cities with Beautiful Night Views and Sunsets [2026]: Hidden Gems and Safety Tips from a Local
*This is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience a moving finale after working up a sweat hiking. - To ensure a safe and enjoyable first trip:
▶ 2026 Edition | Security and Safety Measures in Spain - If you're planning a honeymoon or a special trip:
▶ Top 5 Recommended Honeymoon Itineraries in Spain
