Looking to go hiking in the upcoming months? We’ve got some great routes around Spain that will let you fully enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the mountains, just as you deserve.
From half-frozen waterfalls to snow-covered terrain and breathtaking, all-white landscapes, winter is an ideal season to indulge in one of your favorite activities: hiking. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale, with the chance to explore stunning places full of special charm.
If you’re eager to immerse yourself in nature during the colder months, we’ve rounded up several winter hiking trails in Spain. These are easy, accessible routes you can tackle with friends, family, your partner, or even solo. Just remember, as hiking enthusiasts, we advise you to wear the right gear—sporty trekking clothing and weather-appropriate mountain boots. Don’t worry, we’ll give you more details on that later!
Winter Hiking Trails in Madrid
Let’s start in Madrid, a city known for its lively atmosphere, but also for its natural beauty and mountains. Just outside the city, between Segovia and Ávila, you’ll find the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, one of the most enchanting spots in winter. The Pozo de la Nieve trail, a simple 5 km route with an elevation gain of around 200 meters, takes you along abandoned train tracks, forests, and snow-covered fields.
Other must-see destinations nearby include the Cascada del Purgatorio waterfall and the El Potario forest—both are great options to explore this winter if you’re based in Madrid.
Winter Hiking Trails in Granada
Granada offers nature lovers plenty of hiking opportunities. Here are two of our favorites:
- A moderate 2-3 hour hike through the Sierra Nevada National Park, in the Los Cahorros de Monachil area.
- A more challenging 8-hour trek up to Pico Mulhacén, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views.
Winter Hiking Trails in Valencia
Valencia has some stunning hiking options for winter. You can take on the Chulilla Hanging Bridges route, an easy 10 km trail perfect for families, or enjoy a cultural experience along the Roman Aqueduct of Peña Cortada (Calles), a 9 km route with moderate difficulty.
For a refreshing twist, visit the Three Waterfalls of Anna in the Navarrés Canal for a scenic and relaxing dip.
The Duero Trail in Winter
Between Salamanca and Zaragoza, you’ll find one of Castilla y León’s most picturesque trails—the Sendero del Duero. This long-distance route spans over 750 km, broken into manageable stages of varying length and difficulty.
If you’re craving waterfalls, the Pozo de los Humos, with its dramatic 50-meter drop, is a must-see.
Hiking the Barbate Cliffs in Cádiz
Though Cádiz’s beaches are beautiful year-round, we recommend the Barbate Cliffs route for winter. This 12 km walk has an easy gradient of just 200 meters, making it perfect for a relaxed hike. Along the way, enjoy the stunning landscapes of Breña Natural Park, the Barbate Marshes, and the cliffs at Torre del Tajo. Make sure to bring your camera—you’ll want to capture these views.
Winter Hiking Trails in Asturias
Next, we head to Asturias, known for its lush green landscapes. While you’ll need to prepare for the region’s cold, rain, and humidity, you’ll be rewarded with fascinating natural phenomena. A prime example is the Bufones de Pría, a series of geyser-like eruptions visible after a 12 km hike (roughly 4 hours) in Llanes.
Winter Hiking Trails in Catalonia
Catalonia is home to more than just beautiful beaches—it also has stunning mountain landscapes. From the Camí de la Font del Roure in Tarragona to the Collformic mountain pass in the heart of the Montseny Natural Park in Barcelona, there are plenty of incredible spots to explore in the Catalan Pyrenees.
Now that you’ve got some fantastic winter hiking trails in mind, don’t forget to pack the right gear. Make sure you have snow gear, a suitable mountain backpack, and clothing tailored for the cold weather. Happy hiking!
