Backpacking in Spain: TOP 5 Multi-Day Trails

Backpacking in Spain offers immense variety for outdoor enthusiasts, from the rocky peaks of the Pyrenees to the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa Brava, including popular destinations like the Camino de Santiago.

And that’s what this post is all about – backpacking in Spain. We’ll provide tips to help you prepare for backpacking in this diverse country as well as showcase the best multi-day trails in Spain.

Interested? Let’s get started.

Key Tips for Backpacking in Spain

• What to expect: Anticipate hot and sunny weather throughout most of the year, especially in the summer. The trails range from rugged and steep to relatively flat dirt paths. Get ready for both coastal and high mountain hiking. You’ll explore diverse landscapes, including coastline, forests, valleys, canyons, and high alpine terrain. After your hike, look forward to charming towns with local bars and restaurants to enjoy.
• Essential gear: It’s a good idea to wear lightweight, breathable layers since temperatures can change a lot between night and day, especially as you climb higher. Also, don’t forget to bring a water filter.
• Wildlife: Venomous snakes and harmful insects present risks, though rare, in parts of Spain like Catalonia, Burgos, the Ebro valley, and Northern Spain. Be vigilant for vipers, widows, scorpions, centipedes, and disease-carrying mosquitoes. Ticks carrying diseases like Lyme are also a hazard throughout the country.
• Wild camping is technically illegal in Spain, but enforcement varies by region. Some autonomous communities and municipalities turn a blind eye to responsible backcountry camping, while others like Aragon and Galicia strictly enforce the ban. If you plan to camp outside organized campgrounds, research local regulations first to avoid fines or other hassles. If you’re determined to go wild camping, don’t forget to take a look at our post on stealth camping.
• Best times to go are from mid-March to May when temperatures are mild and wildflowers bloom, and early fall in September and October when the weather is dry and the crowds thin out. Experienced backpackers can also find tranquility and beautiful snowcapped scenery in the mountains in winter from December to February.

Top 5 Backpacking Trails in Spain

Explore Spain’s best scenic long trails for epic adventures:

1. Camino Primitivo Full Route

Length: 192.3 mi / 309.5 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 33 169 ft / 10 110 m
Location: Reserva de la Biosfera Río Eo, Oscos y Tierras de Burón
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 44 200 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

The Primitive Way trail travels 192 miles from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela in Spain’s scenic Asturias mountains. Considered one of the more challenging routes on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, it takes around 89 hours to complete. Dating back to the 9th century, hikers traverse a mix of trails, roads, and rocky paths with striking mountain scenery along the way. Go in summer for comfortable temperatures and bring trekking poles to ease tired legs over long days on challenging terrain. With incredible views and a bit of history, it offers a beautiful backpacking escape despite its difficulty over varied terrain between Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela.

2. Geneva Way: Estella to Logroño

Length: 30.4 mi / 48.9 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 3687 ft / 1124 m
Location: Estella-Lizarra
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 7500 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

The Geneva Camino trail is a 30-mile point-to-point route near Estella-Lizarra, Spain. Taking around 12.5 hours to complete, it offers a challenging section of the multi-week long Geneva Way pilgrimage from Switzerland to Santiago de Compostela. Traversing historic towns and French villages between August-September, hikers enjoy vineyards, mountain scenery of the Alps, and cultural attractions along the mixed terrain route of rugged trails and roads. Sections involve off-road hiking over rocky paths rewarding hikers with stunning views. Though featuring beautiful landscapes, summer hiking brings hot conditions when sun is exposed.

3. French Way: Sarria – Santiago de Compostela

Length: 70.8 mi / 113.9 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 9816 ft / 2992 m
Location: Reserva da Biosfera Ribeira Sacra e Serras do Oribio e Courel
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 15 800 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

The French Way trail covers 71 miles near Sarria, Spain, taking around 31 hours to complete as part of a challenging multi-week pilgrimage along the famous Camino de Santiago route. Legend says St. James the Apostle is buried in Santiago de Compostela, drawing hikers, cyclists and tour groups year-round for spiritual growth. Late May offers ideal cool mornings and warmer days to traverse the stunning northern Spanish landscapes. Sections involve rocky and cobblestone paths rewarding hikers with scenic views, though rain helps cool down the hotter mid-June terrain.

4. Carros de Foc

Danel Solabarrieta, CC BY-SA 2.0, via flickr

Length: 39.6 mi / 63.7 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 14 032 ft / 4277 m
Location: Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 12 750 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

The 39-mile Carros de Foc loop near Lérida is for experienced backpackers. The scenic but challenging trail through the Pyrenees takes about a week, with advance reservations required. Despite beautiful scenery, the terrain is repetitive. The trail is sparsely marked with snow lingering as late as mid-June. Plan for 6-9 hours hiking daily over rocky and snowy mountain passes between huts offering basic amenities. Recommended itineraries cover 9+ grueling miles and 6 passes a day. For a comfortable 7-day hike, take a more relaxed pace. With proper planning and experience, the solitude and pristine nature of this stunning trail are enjoyable.

5. Dry Stone Route (GR®221)

Length: 83.8 mi / 134.8 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 19 996 ft / 6095 m
Location: Finca Pública de Planícia
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 21 000 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

The challenging 84-mile point-to-point Dry Stone Route spans Mallorca from Port D’Andraxt to Pollença. Despite the island’s popularity, solitude can be found on this scenic trail through the Tramuntana Mountains and Mediterranean views. Plan for multi-day hikes between shelters requiring reservations. Beware unmarked, steep scrambles up and down, especially at the top. It’s easy to lose the route. Carry plenty of water as shade is minimal. While considered a great trail overall, inexperienced hikers may feel unsafe due to tricky navigation.

Annual Weather Averages

The Mediterranean climate brings precipitation in spring and fall, with hot, dry summers ideal for higher elevation trekking:

• Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures of 10-20°C, wildflowers blooming, pleasant hiking conditions. Some rain expected.
• Summer (June-August): Hot, dry weather from 25-35°C. Best to backpack at higher elevations for cooler temps. Afternoon storms possible.
• Fall (September-November): Moderate temps of 15-25°C. Less chance of rain. Leaves changing color in mountainous areas in October/November.
• Winter (December-February): Cold temperatures ranging from highs of 5-15°C to lows below freezing in the mountains. Snow common at higher elevations.

Check the weather forecast for Spain (Madrid), before selecting your gear. Spain has five climate zones, with Madrid primarily experiencing a continental climate, covering 70% of the country.

Remember, the north of Spain is cooler, and the south is warmer, so plan accordingly:

Alternative Backpacking Destinations

Not sure if Spain is right for you?

Don’t forget to check out our backpacking guides for France and Portugal.

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