The Iberian Peninsula is home to some of Europe’s most historic hiking trails. From pilgrimages to coastal walks full of amenities, Spain and Portugal are walkable nations with trails running through village life and incredible nature.
The Camino de Santiago from Sarria
The Camino de Santiago from Sarria covers 114 kilometers, meaning it can be completed in about 7 days. It’s an ideal starting point for those new to this historic pilgrimage because it’s relatively short distances per day and with plenty of amenities in between.
Beginning in the medieval town of Sarria, the journey’s first stage leads hikers through Galicia’s lush countryside to Portomarín, where the 12th-century Church of Santiago de Barbadelo will be your first big landmark.
The trail is well-marked with yellow arrows and shell symbols. But, if you wanted extra help, Orbis Ways can organise everything from the trail to the accommodation for you. Each day involves distances between 18 to 28 kilometers on terrain that shifts between country roads and shaded woodland paths – nothing too rugged and certainly not dangerous. The trail’s highest point is at Sierra de Ligonde, so bring your camera to capture the surrounding views.
Accommodation along the way includes cosy hotels and country cottages with en-suite rooms, and luggage transfer services are available between stages if you book with a guide company.
The Camino Portugues Coastal Route
The Camino Portugues Coastal Route stretches even further at 261 kilometers, heading from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. This is a little more of an undertaking, and you will weave together Atlantic coastal views and some incredible trail heritage and fishing villages.
Hikers experience a mix of terrains on this one, and it even includes some forested trails. Stops include notable towns like Viana do Castelo and Baiona, and you will cross the River Minho by ferry, where you enter into Spain—a memorable milestone on the journey. There’s an incredible marine archaeological site called San Paio castro along the way, as well as a 12th-century Monastery.
Just because the hike itself is a little more challenging, it doesn’t mean there isn’t modern (and cosy cottage) accommodation options along the way.
Montserrat Summit Loop
The Montserrat Summit Loop gives hikers a chance to indulge in Catalonia’s most iconic mountain ranges. This trail does have some amenities along the way, as well as a recently upgraded cable car, but is otherwise a fairly rugged countryside endeavour.
The route really shows Montserrat’s unique ‘needle’ rock formations, and it will be a good chance to bird watch. The paths are very well kept and lead to some stunning viewpoints – each can be motivation for the day to reach, where you will overlook the Catalonian countryside.
Recent upgrades have improved safety as well, with clear waymarking guiding hikers through the circuit. Facilities at the monastery’s visitor center have real-time updates on weather and trail conditions, and emergency services maintain a constant presence on the mountain, with helicopter access points at key locations. Ultimately, it’s a safe way to trek through the Catalonian mountains, and there are even distance markers and QR codes along the trail.
These ancient trails through Iberia offer more than scenic views — they’re a safe way to venture through Iberian history and culture. Camino de Santiago is of course the iconic pilgrim trail, but much of Spain and Portugal is safe and littered with well-marked trails.
