Explore Spain’s most thrilling walkways over gorges

Discover some of Spain’s most breathtaking landscapes by walking along trails that take you over deep gorges, alongside crystal-clear rivers, and through narrow rock passages.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for an unforgettable experience, these trails offer a chance to see some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. Here are some of the most impressive walkways across Spain.

La Yecla gorge

Located in the southern part of Burgos, La Yecla Gorge is one of Spain’s narrowest gorges. It offers a thrilling walk between walls that tower over 100 metres high. The gorge spans 600 metres, with sections so narrow that the walls are only two metres apart. A series of bridges and hanging walkways have been installed to guide visitors through the gorge. This, therefore makes it accessible to all, including children and the elderly.

The trail through La Yecla is easy, and the walk takes around 30 minutes. The experience is made even more memorable by the chance to spot griffon vultures nesting in the cliffs. Nearby attractions include the Monastery of Silos, the medieval town of Covarrubias, and the iconic Sad Hill Cemetery, featured in the film “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”

Montfalcó to Mont-Rebei gorge nature trail

One of Spain’s most spectacular trails, the Montfalcó to Mont-Rebei Gorge nature trail, straddles the provinces of Huesca and Lleida. This 8-kilometre trail starts from the old town of Montfalcó and winds its way through rocky outcrops and across the reservoir of Canelles. The trail includes wooden walkways anchored into the rock and steep staircases carved into the cliffs.

The highlight of this trail is the Congost de Mont-rebei, a canyon that stretches over 20 kilometres and plunges 500 metres deep. This moderate-difficulty trail takes about 4 – 5 hours to complete. Furthermore, it is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of hiking, via ferrata, mountain biking, or kayaking. Just an hour’s drive away is the River Vero Walkway near Alquézar. This is a shorter and easier trail that’s perfect for families.

River Mao walkways

In the heart of Galicia’s Ribeira Sacra, the River Mao Walkways offer a serene and scenic walk through a canyon filled with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. The trail begins at the Fábrica da Luz, a former hydroelectric plant now turned hostel, and follows a wooden footbridge through the tree-lined canyon of the Mao River.

This easy and family-friendly trail spans about 3 kilometres and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The route offers a viewpoint where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the valley before descending a stairway to the banks of the Mao River, where it meets the Sil River.

The Cares trail

The Cares Trail, located between Caín in León and Poncebos in Asturias, is one of Spain’s most famous hiking routes. The trail, known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, stretches 24 kilometres round trip and takes about 6 – 7 hours to complete. The route, of medium difficulty, features tunnels carved into the rock, stunning views of the River Cares, and the towering Naranjo de Bulnes peak.

This trail is not recommended for children under 12 due to its length and some challenging sections. While in the area, visitors can also explore the Lakes of Covadonga or ride the funicular railway to the picturesque village of Bulnes.

Route through the Bridges of the La Hermida gorge

La Hermida Gorge, located between Cantabria and Asturias, is one of Spain’s most impressive gorges, with a length of over 20 kilometres and towering cliffs that rise 600 metres. The Route through the Bridges is a via ferrata that offers a thrilling adventure with its Tibetan and suspension bridges, both of which are among the longest and most dizzying in Spain.

This medium to high-difficulty trail (K4) takes about 3 – 4 hours to complete and is recommended for experienced hikers. Access to the trail is free, but it’s advisable to go with a guide who can provide equipment and guidance.

Caminito del Rey trail

The Caminito del Rey Trail, located in Málaga, is one of Spain’s most famous and thrilling walks. Once considered the most dangerous trail in the world, it has since been restored and made safe for visitors. The 8-kilometre trail takes you through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Area, with walkways suspended over 100 metres above the ground.

The trail takes about 3 – 4 hours to complete and requires a ticket, which should be booked in advance. The experience includes walking along a glass balcony that juts out from the walkway, offering vertigo-inducing views of the gorge below.

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River Borosa route

Located in the Cazorla, Segura, and Las Villas Natural Park in Jaén, the River Borosa Route offers a beautiful and relatively easy walk through a lush landscape of pine forests, turquoise pools, and impressive rock formations. The trail is approximately 7 kilometres long and takes around 3 hours to complete.

The elevated platforms along the trail provide stunning views of the crystal-clear waters of the River Borosa. Along the way, hikers may spot kingfishers, water blackbirds, and the Valverde lizard, an endemic species of the park.

Los Pantaneros de Chulilla trail

Near Valencia, the Los Pantaneros de Chulilla trail is a circular route that offers a delightful walk through the canyon of the River Turia. The 10-kilometre trail features wooden bridges and the stunning Charco Azul, a natural pool perfect for a refreshing swim.

The trail is of moderate difficulty and takes about 4 – 5 hours to complete. For those looking for another adventure in the Valencia region, the Relleu Dam Walkway near Alicante offers an exhilarating walk with wooden walkways and a glass-floored viewpoint 60 metres above the Relleu Reservoir.

Barranco de la Hoz trail

In the heart of the Albarracín mountain range in Teruel, the Barranco de la Hoz Trail offers a family-friendly adventure through the narrow canyons of the River Blanco. The 6-kilometre round trip trail takes you across suspension bridges and along walkways embedded in the rock.

The easy-to-moderate trail takes about 2 – 3 hours to complete and ends at an old mill. Visitors can also explore the nearby Calomarde waterfall. About an hour and a half away by car is the Beteta Gorge in Cuenca. This is home to another stunning canyon with cliffs over 80 metres high.

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These trails provide unforgettable experiences for those looking to explore Spain’s natural beauty from thrilling heights. Each offers a unique perspective on the country’s diverse landscapes, making them well worth a visit for any nature enthusiast.