Spain and Portugal resources

Spain and Portugal

Walking in Spain offers huge diversity, with mountain walking including the Pyrenees, the Sierra Nevada, Picos and Cordillera Cantabrica, the mountains of central Spain and those of the Costa Blanca, east and west. It is possible to reach for the highest and most demanding challenges, or to choose short gentle walks, whatever suits.

Each mountain area offers unique landscapes. The Pyrenees are a high chain of glaciated mountains forming a barrier between neighbouring France to the north. The landscape is similar to the Pennine Alps, with soaring peaks, glacial lakes and deep ‘U’-shaped valleys such as the Ordessa Gorge.

Similar in height are the Sierra Nevada in the south, with snow-covered slopes throughout the winter, and a deserted landscape of challenging rocky ridges and pinnacles. In the north are the Picos and the Cordillera Cantabrica - green, deserted, challenging for those who wish them to be, yet providing endless opportunities for short and longer hillwalking.

The Costa Blanca has developed as one of Spain’s more popular walking areas, particularly attractive in spring and autumn when the temperatures are not too extreme.

The Cicerone range of titles includes guides to all these areas, plus a cycle tours guide which details eight selected cycle tours throughout Spain.