When you think about a walking holiday in Spain, the Camino de Santiago likely comes to mind first. But, beyond the iconic pilgrimage routes, like Camino Frances and Camino del Norte, there is a whole world of other trails. While they might be lesser-known, these offer a stunning variety of Spanish landscapes and cultural experiences. Here are our top pics:

The Lighthouse Way

If you want to avoid the crowds while staying in the north west, close to where Spain’s most popular walking holidays take place, look no further than the Lighthouse Way, or the Camino de los Faros. Starting in Malpica and finishing in Cape Finisterre, this spectacular trail follows the shorelines of Galicia’s infamous Costa da Morte, “the Coast of Death”. Like the name suggests, the route connects a number of historic lighthouses, guiding the walkers along picturesque beaches and dramatic cliffs. Beyond the breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, it is also dotted with small, authentic fishing villages, where you can get to know the local culture and try the delicious dishes as well as the infamous Albariño wine. 

Picos de Europa

Inland from the northern coast, you will find the Picos de Europa – one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the whole country and, for that matter, Europe. The Los Picos de Europa National Park is a true paradise for mountain lovers, with a magnificent limestone massif amongst deep valleys formed by glaciers and lush green meadows. The area is also home to a diverse selection of flora and fauna, including wild boars, genets, Eurasian badgers, wildcats, bats and various species of birds and butterflies. However, what makes the Picos de Europa highly accessible is the wide variety of walking trails, ranging from gentle day walks to more demanding 54-mile walking holidays.

Camino Lebaniego

As a quieter, yet historically rich alternative to the famous Camino de Santiago, the Camino Lebaniego offers its own unique spiritual journey. This pilgrimage route is over 500 years old, taking you through the history, culture and faith of the region one step at the time. The 44-mile trail begins in the scenic coastal town of San Vicente de la Barquera and takes around 6 days to reach its final point, the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana. This destination is not just any monastery, but one that holds deep religious significance, housing the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. It’s believed to have miraculous and curative properties, making it the perfect place to conclude your relatively short but challenging Camino. 

Organising your Spanish adventure

Although these routes are well-established, tackling the logistics around them can be overwhelming. Orbis Ways, the leading travel agency for walking holidays in Spain and Europe, removes these stresses. Boasting excellent reviews 4.7/5 on Trustpilot, the agency will take care of pre-booking airport pick-ups and drop-offs, carefully selected accommodations for each night, daily luggage transfers between hotels, as well as provide 24/7 emergency assistance for an added peace of mind.  

So, with nothing left to worry about, which of these routes will become your next epic adventure?