Olé! 7 super active and wildlife adventures in Spain

From the mountains to the sea, Spain offers a rich variety of landscapes to challenge and reward active travellers and nature lovers. The food isn’t too bad, either

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1: Cycle Spain’s famous pilgrim route

Cycling the Camino Way (Dreamstime)

Cycling the Camino Way (Dreamstime)

Here’s your chance to tackle the world’s most famous pilgrim route on two wheels by cycling the Santiago de Compostela with Intrepid.

Crossing the Pyrenees from France, you will cycle 800 kilometres on the Camino Frances, experiencing rural Spain like other pilgrims, but with a professional guide and full vehicle support.

It is a true pilgrimage in every sense and you will feel a real sense of achievement when you are awarded your Compostela pilgrim certificate in Santiago.

Trip: Cycle the Camino de Santiago

Who: Intrepid

When: Departures Apr, Jun and Aug-Oct

How long: 8 days

How much: £1,505 (exc. flights)

2: Track the world’s rarest cat

Iberian Lynx on a rock in Spain (Dreamstime)

Iberian Lynx on a rock in Spain (Dreamstime)

Trek deep into the wild corners of Andalucia in search of the planet’s most critically endangered feline on Wildlife Worldwide’s Iberian Lynx Quest.

The Iberian lynx is the smallest of the world’s three lynx species and a master at blending in with its scrubby habitat in the spectacular Doñana and Andújar Natural Parks. Based in local villages, you’ll learn about the local conservation efforts and join experts in two very different Iberian Lynx habitats, increasing your chances of encountering this most elusive of creatures.

Trip: Iberian Linx Quest

Who: Wildlife Worldwide

When: Oct

How long: 8 days

How much: £1,295 (exc. flights)

3: Hike the Picos De Europa

Hiking in the Picos De Europa (Shutterstock)

Hiking in the Picos De Europa (Shutterstock)

Discover Spain’s best kept secret, the mountain range of Picos de Europe, on this guided hiking holiday with Tucan Travel.

Situated in the Asturias region in Northern Spain, this is a magical landed of wide-screen landscapes and remote mountain villages. Expect glacier lakes, dense forests and deep gorges as you spend each day walking some of Europe’s the less-trodden trails.

Trip: Hike The Picos De Europa

Who: Tucan Travel

When: Departures Jun & Sep

How long: 8 days

How much: From £849 (exc. flights)

4: Discover Andalucia by train

Olvera in Cadiz province, Andalucia (Shutterstock)

Olvera in Cadiz province, Andalucia (Shutterstock)

Explore Spain’s most intriguing region by rail as you visit grand Moorish cities and travel across epic landscapes on this 7-day rail journey through Andalucia with Cox & Kings.

Using the fast and efficient AVI rail service, this journey takes in the region’s Roman, Moorish and Catholic heritage with visits to palaces, plazas and museums in Córdoba, Seville and Granada. You’ll experience breathtaking architecture and a fascinating history and enjoy incredible food and wine. It’s a journey you will never forget.

Trip: Andalucia by train

Who: Cox & Kings

When: Flexible dates throughout the year

How long: 7 days

How much: From £1,330 (exc. flights)

5: Trek from the mountains to the sea

Las Salinas in Cabo de Gata Almeria (Dreamstime)

Las Salinas in Cabo de Gata Almeria (Dreamstime)

Discover the hidden beauty of the southern Valencia region, from the Spanish Sierra to the glittering Mediterranean coast, on this moderate level trek with Ramblers Walking Holidays.

From the lunar landscapes of the Sierra Aitana to the coastal wetlands near Ria Segura, you will experience grand landscapes, a rich array of flora and fauna and extraordinary food that will keep you fuelled and satisfied.

Trip: From The Spanish Sierra To The Sea

Who: Ramblers Walking Holidays

When: Apr

How long: 8 days

How much: From £1,085 (exc. flights)

6: Enjoy epic birdwatching in Extremadura

A great bustard in Spain (Shuttertock)

A great bustard in Spain (Shuttertock)

See some of Europe’s most endangered bird species in one of their last strongholds on this birdwatching holiday with Wildlife Worldwide in the wilderness of Extremadura. 

The rolling plains of the ‘Spanish Steppes' are home to Europe's strongest remaining population of its largest bird, the great bustard. The oak woodlands hold a swathe of scarce species such as azure-winged magpie and black-shouldered kite. Throughout the area, in picturesque villages and huge savannah-like landscapes alike, white stork nests can be found everywhere you look. Monfrague National Park is the best year-round raptor-watching site in Europe.

This is a unique and incredibly distinctive region is absolutely brimming with birds.

Trip: Secret Wilderness Of Extremadura

Who: Wildlife Worldwide

When: Departures Mar, Oct & Dec

How long: 8 days

How much: From £1,495 (exc. flights)

7: A short(ish) walk along the Camino De Santiago

Walking along ‘The Way’ (Dreamstime)

Walking along ‘The Way’ (Dreamstime)

Want to walk Spain’s famous pilgrim route but short on time? Then this 8-day trip along the last 100 kilometres of the route with G Adventures is for you.

The walk will take you through the rural landscapes and rustic villages of Northern Spain, an area renowned for its tasty food and generous hospitality. Finally, at Santiago, with all the other pilgrims, you’ll receive your ‘compostela’ – proof that you have completed the walk and a reminder of your gentle amble through this beguiling region.

Trip: Walk The Camino De Santiago

Who: G Adventures

When: Departures Apr-Oct

How long: 8 days

How much: From £637 (exc. flights)

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