Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Northern Spain
Could you see yourself hiking northern Spain where it's surprisingly green? Picos de Europa's limestone peaks are dramatic, Basque Country's coastal paths are gorgeous, and the Pyrenees along the French border are challenging. These treks take you through landscapes that don't match Spain's sunny stereotypes at all. You'll eat pintxos, explore medieval villages, and hike picturesque trails with hardly anyone around.
10 best hiking & trekking Northern Spain tours
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Spain travel expert at TourRadar
- Camino de Santiago (Francés) Guided *TREK* (All Inclusive)
- Camino de Santiago · Way of St. James · French Way · From O Cebreiro to Santiago de Compostela
- Camino de Santiago · Way of St. James · Primitive Way · From Lugo to Santiago de Compostela
- Camino (Francés) QB (Queensland Ballet) ~ Guided *TREK*
- Camino de Santiago
- Camino de Santiago From Oviedo - 16 days
- Camino de Santiago The French Way - 8 days
- "Camino de Santiago" (Way of St James): Original Way
- Camino de Santiago · Way of St. James · French Way · From León to Santiago de Compostela
- Camino de Santiago · Way of St. James · French Way · From Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostela
Camino de Santiago (Francés) Guided *TREK* (All Inclusive)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“You'll be sure to have a fantastic time with Chris as your guide!”
Anna, traveled in April
The challenging terrain from Roncesvalles to Santiago spans 700km of historic trails. The path leads through Cruz de Ferro ascent and Galician hills, featuring expert hiking guides, traditional albergue stays, and 29 dinners.
Duration 33 days Destinations Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Roncesvalles, Zubiri, Pamplona, Puente la Reina, Estella, Torres del Río, Logrono, Najera, Santo Domingo de la CalzadaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish Distance 428 mi Operator Climbing Mountains From
- NZ$10,298
Duration 9 days Destinations O Cebreiro, Triacastela, Sarria, Portomarin, Palas de Rei, Arzua, Pedrouzo, Santiago de Compostela Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 85 mi Operator CAMINO DE SANTIAGO RESERVAS From
- NZ$1,769
Duration 7 days Destinations Lugo, Melide, Arzua, Pedrouzo, Santiago de Compostela Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 58 mi Operator CAMINO DE SANTIAGO RESERVAS From
- NZ$1,132
Duration 33 days Destinations Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Roncesvalles, Zubiri, Pamplona, Puente la Reina, Estella, Torres del Río, Logrono, Najera, Santo Domingo de la CalzadaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Distance 428 mi Operator Climbing Mountains From
- NZ$11,003
The path winds from the Pyrenees Mountains to Galician hills, covering 13-20km daily. Highlights include Alto Pradela's summit, Playa de Langosteira beach to Finisterre lighthouse, and the medieval Puente de Obrigo bridge. Moderate hiking includes 1,400m elevation gain in the Pyrenees.
Duration 13 days Destinations Bilbao, San Sebastian, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Roncesvalles, Pamplona, Estella, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Burgos, Leon, AstorgaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 25+ Distance 600 mi Operator Caspin Journeys From
- NZ$12,032
Duration 16 days Destinations Oviedo, Grado, Salas, Tineo, Pola de Allande, Berducedo, Grandas, Lugo, Melide, ArzuaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 150 mi Operator On The Go Tours From $4,420
20% Off- NZ$3,536You save $884
Duration 8 days Destinations Santiago de Compostela, Sarria, Portomarin, Palas de Rei, Melide, Arzua, Pedrouzo Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 123 mi Operator On The Go Tours From $1,900
20% Off- NZ$1,520You save $380
The original pilgrim path stretches 115km across Northern Spain, from Lugo's Roman walls to Santiago's Cathedral. Moderate terrain leads through historic villages like San Romao Da Retorta and Melide, with daily hikes averaging 23km. Boutique rural hotels provide comfort while luggage transfers between stops.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lugo, Melide, Arzua, A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 99 mi Operator Uncommon Tours From
20% Off- NZ$1,507
Duration 15 days Destinations Leon, Villadangos del Paramo, Astorga, Rabanal del Camino, Molinaseca, Villafranca del Bierzo, O Cebreiro, Triacastela, Sarria, PortomarinSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 165 mi Operator CAMINO DE SANTIAGO RESERVAS From
20% Off- NZ$2,427
Duration 36 days Destinations Roncesvalles, Zubiri, Pamplona, Puente la Reina, Estella, Los Arcos, Viana, Navarrete, Najera, Santo Domingo de la CalzadaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Distance 404 mi Operator CAMINO DE SANTIAGO RESERVAS From
20% Off- NZ$3,640
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Northern Spain
- Camino de Santiago (Francés) Guided *TREK* (All Inclusive)
Chris is adept at preparing his crew for this fantastic journey. He will surely care for you along the way, too. You’ll be sure to have a fantastic time with Chris as your guide!
- Walking the Camino de Santiago (from Madrid to Cape Finisterre)
Great walk great small group walkers and great guide. Overall really enjoyed. Thankyou
- Trekking the Camino de Santiago
What a wonderful way to enjoy the Spanish country's and some of its religious history that walk the last 130km of the Camino. It will not always be easy (hot humid days increase the risk of blisters) but the experience is worth every ouchie.The towns, accommodation and people are generally amazing even if the quality of food is a bit uneven until you get to Santiago. But food and drink incredibly cheap. Brilliantly organised and led by our Spanish guide David who went above and beyond to ensure we all had a memento experience. Definitely to be recommended to everyone with the capacity to have a decent walk
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Northern Spain
Where do hikers stay during multi-day treks in Northern Spain?
Northern Spain's hiking trails offer varied accommodation options that suit different budgets and preferences. The Camino de Santiago features a network of albergues (pilgrim hostels) alongside modest 2-3 star hotels. Hotel A Veiga in Samos serves as a typical example of mid-range lodging. For those exploring the Picos de Europa mountain range accommodations range from rustic mountain lodges to comfortable hotels such as La Posada del Duje in Tielve and Hotel Peña Castil in Sotres. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The accommodations typically varied but two were excellent - Hotel Gaudi and Pazo Sedor offered particularly comfortable stays."
When is the best time to go hiking in Northern Spain?
Peak hiking season runs from May through October with each region offering distinct advantages. The Picos de Europa shows its best face from July to September when mountain paths are clear and refuge huts operate at full capacity. For the Camino de Santiago April through October works well with May and September bringing pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds. Weather can be unpredictable as noted by one TourRadar traveler who experienced "4 seasons in one day in May" in the Picos so packing layers is essential.
What are the best hiking trails in Northern Spain for different skill levels?
The trails of Northern Spain accommodate all hiking abilities. In the Picos de Europa the Cares Gorge presents a moderate 24km route with 300m elevation gain while advanced hikers can tackle the technical Naranjo de Bulnes trek featuring an 800m climb. The Camino de Santiago offers easier walking such as the Sarria to Portomarin section covering 21km of gentle terrain. A TourRadar traveler describes the variety: "All the walks were different - up mountains through gorges down through valleys and forests with endless bridges to cross."
What are the food options available during Northern Spain hiking tours?
Regional cuisine forms an essential part of the Northern Spain hiking experience. The Picos area specializes in Cabrales blue cheese cordero al la menta and hearty fabada Asturiana. One TourRadar traveler notes: "The food at Hotel Torrecerredo was excellent from the breakfast through to the packed lunch and wonderful evening meals." Camino routes feature fresh coastal seafood and traditional Galician dishes. Most guided tours include breakfast dinner and local wine selections.
What support services are available during the hikes?
Organized tours typically provide essential hiking support. Services include luggage transport between stops detailed maps and expert guides. Camino tours handle pilgrim credentials and completion certificates. Picos expeditions often add vehicle backup and professional mountain guides. As one TourRadar traveler confirms: "Brilliantly organised and led by our Spanish guide who went above and beyond to ensure we all had a memorable experience."
What wildlife might I encounter while hiking in Northern Spain?
The diverse ecosystems of Northern Spain support rich wildlife populations. The Picos de Europa hosts golden eagles griffon vultures and nimble chamois. One TourRadar traveler recalls their highlight: "Spotting a chamois on the final day the eagles vultures and kites soaring overhead." Unique species inhabit specific areas from wall creepers in the Cares Gorge to various bird species in As Fragas do Eume Natural Park's Atlantic forest.