While there are plenty of places to hike locally for many, there’s very few places in the world that offer such incredible and diverse hiking opportunities than Spain.
Spain-Holiday ranked the following national parks according to a recent analysis of the parks including how many marked trails each one has, the Google Maps and AllTrails raings for each and the overall hiking experience.
1. Picos de Europa
Picos de Europa is a rocky paradise decorated with beech and oak groves throughout the 67,128 hectares of beautiful terrain. Located in the Asturias autonomous community, the national park has a Google rating of 4.8, an AllTrails rating of 4.0, and 156 trails to explore.
When you’re not exploring to find the Bulnes orange tree or the Tombo Viewpoint, take a break to experience the breathtaking scenery in the Fuente De Cable Car. Hear the howl of the Iberian wolf at night. Be sure to watch out for brown bears that can disturb your hiking campsite.
2. Sierras de Cazorla
Sierras de Cazorla is split into seven zones for hikers to explore situated in Spain’s Andalusia community. Segura de la Sierra, the highest castle in the park. Las Acebeas is the bountiful green forest that pushed northern European territory into the south.
One key tourist attraction is the Castle of Hornos de Segura. Standing at 867 meters in altitude. Santiago knights erected the structure between the end of the 13th century and the start of the 14th century.
This national park ranks 4.8 on Google ratings and 4.0 on AllTrails with 290 trails to explore.
3. Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada is a Special Conservation Zone and a Special Bird Protection Area located in the Andalusia autonomous community. There are 12 cycling routes designated as Routes A through K and another one called Transnevada. View the breathtaking canyons or travel to the nearby caves to see their internal structures.
The national park is ranked on Google with a 4.7-star rating and an AllTrails rating of 4.0. Enjoy navigating one of the 165 trails throughout the 85,883 hectares of terrain.
4. Teide
Teide National Park in the Canary Islands on Tenerife island. The beautiful volcano has an elevation of 12,188 feet and its last eruption was in November 1909. UNESCO classifies this volcano as a World Heritage Site
Teide National Park ranks at 4.8 on Google and 4.0 on AllTrails. You can enjoy one of the 89 trails within the national park which is frequented by about four million visitors every year.
5. Ordesa y Monte Perdido
Ordesa y Monte Perdido. Located in the Aragon community of Spain, this national park has a 4.9-star rating on Google and a 4.5 rating on AllTrails. There are four valleys and one mountain peak to explore which are named Picuain, Escueta, Anisclo, Ordesa, and the peak known as Monte Perdido hence the inspiration behind the national park’s name.
Even though there are fewer trails (55) than other national parks on this list, it makes up for it with its lush terrains of differing ecosystems. Hear the sounds of the forests, take a dare to visit the gorges, and be amazed by the glaciers in another terrain.
6. Corona Forestal
Corona Forestal on the island of Tenerife within the Canary Islands, is known as the biggest protected area within the territory. Go to Vilaflor in the park to witness the Lunar Landscape. See the archipelago’s beautiful birds such as the Canary warbler or the Teide blue finch.
With a Google rating of 4.7 and an AllTrails rating of 4.0, Corona Forestal National Park offers 121 hiking trails on its over 46,000-hectare premises. The national park is home to the Canarian pine trunk where its distinctively hard bark protects it from dying in the event of forest fires.
7. Cabo de Gata-Nijar
Cabo de Gata-Nijar is known for its many delightfully pleasing to the eye beaches: 31 to be exact. The Andalusian National Park has 63 hiking trails to explore where you can find the bitter pennyroyal plant or experience the stunning sights of Cala Higuera.
Besides hiking, you can enjoy snorkeling, diving, canoeing, kayaking, and more. No wonder it is rated 4.7 stars on Google and 4.0 on AllTrails. Stop by one of the restaurants or bars in the park to refresh and refill before doing another activity!
8. Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici
Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici is a Catalonia-territory national park with 47 hiking trails surrounded by 200 bodies of water. The serene aquatic scenery has helped to earn the park a Google rating of 4.8 and an All Trails rating of 4.5.
Nearby mountains are more than 3,000 meters high, spanning the 14,119 hectares of the location. Sant Maurici is the largest of all the lakes in the park, hence where the location got its name.
9. Sierra de Guadarrama
Sierra de Guadarrama lets you explore guided routes throughout the Castilla y Leon community in Madrid, Spain, which is convenient for novice hikers. One of the most popular sights is the Penalara Wetlands. The Penalara Massif has the most ponds throughout the national park.
The mountain rivers throughout the national park are divided into two basins. Tagus is the southern basin while Duero is the northern one. With 202 hiking routes to discover, this astounding national park ranks 4.8 stars on Google and has a 4.5 AllTrails rating.
10. Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama
Sierras de Tejeda is in the Andalusia community of Spain containing 124 hiking trails. It ranks 4.8 stars on Google and 4.0 on AllTrails.
Witness the Maro Cliffs and dive into the Nerja Caves. La Maroma is the highest peak that you can climb during your exploration which is 2,065 meters higher than the sea level.
Along the way, you will see icy peaks during the trail ride that will take you 14,074 kilometers high. Hence, tread carefully and have a safe, adventurous journey!