Nine reasons to walk in Spain Back to News

So, how well do you really know Spain? Unless you’ve spent years exploring its seventeen regions, you may be surprised at how multifaceted this intriguing country can be.

Each of our nine Spanish walking routes will take you on a journey to discover the distinct identity of a region. In the north you’ll find a Celtic- or Iberian-influenced culture, where the older languages are alive and well. Galician has a close relationship with Portuguese, while the Basque Country has a unique language, Euskera, that is unrelated to any other. You’ll hear Catalan in fiercely independent Catalonia, and a near relative of Catalan in the Valencia region.

Further south in Andalucia, the historical influences were shaped by centuries of Moorish rule, as can be seen in the beautiful architecture of its towns and grand palaces. And crossing the waters to Mallorca or La Gomera, you’ll find distinctive cultures that have been preserved by their remoteness.

Of course each region is rightly proud of its own food and drink too, often celebrated at local festivals. Look out for tapas in the south, Valencian paella, Cantabrian cocido lebaniego, pintxos in San Sebastian, orange juice straight from the trees in Mallorca, fresh Galician seafood, and some remarkable wines in Catalonia and Ribeira Sacra.

Our local contact, Aznar, will be familiar to anyone who has walked in northern Spain. He says: “The Atlantic on one side (mild and green), the Mediterranean on the other (warm and aromatic), and the fact of it being one of the European countries with more mountains and hills, are the key elements that make Spain such an amazing hiking paradise. It has probably the most varied range of scenery, flora, local culture and food in the continent. I feel so blessed to work designing routes here for On Foot Holidays. Come and see!”

Call and speak to our friendly bookings team to find your perfect Spanish holiday. You’ll usually be able to talk to someone who has walked the route that intrigues you most of all.

Your Spanish walking holiday is waiting for you here!

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