Top walking holidays on the Spanish islands
With a total of 179 islands and islets across the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, Spain has some of the most scenic walking holiday destinations. Whether you prefer a beachy vibe with dramatic coastlines or a mountainous trail with breathtaking panoramas, these islands have you covered. So, without further ado, let’s look into the top walking destinations on Spanish islands!
La Palma
Known as “La Isla Bonita” (“The Beautiful Island” in English), La Palma is a world away from the busy tourist hubs of its neighbouring Canarian islands. However, its nickname doesn’t lie – the island is the greenest in the region, hence awarded the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve title. A walking holiday in La Palma promises incredible landscapes, from volcanic cliffs to deep gorges with lush vegetation. One of the major visits here is the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, home to one of the largest erosion craters on the planet. Some of the other must-visits are the ancient laurel forests and dark sand beaches, dotted across the island’s picturesque coastline.
Gran Canaria
A popular holiday destination, the island of Gran Canaria offers a truly incredible diversity of landscapes. In fact, it’s often referred to as “a continent in miniature”. A walking holiday here is an ever-changing adventure, taking you from green forests and valleys to mountainous, volcanic landscapes, to desert dunes and sandy beaches. Also declared as Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005, Gran Canaria also offers the unique experience of visiting primitive villages, which were originally built by the island’s ancient aboriginal inhabitants known as the Guanche. Therefore, this holiday is not just a nature getaway – it’s a cultural exploration in one of the most fascinating islands in the world.
El Hierro
El Hierro is the smallest and most westerly of the Canaries, known as the “Meridian Island”. The best way to describe it is: a wild and peaceful sanctuary of untouched nature. Committed to sustainability and preservation of its natural beauty, it is yet another island holding a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and Geopark title (in 60% of it). A walking holiday through El Hierro will surprise you in the best way possible, with terrain changing from mountains to the sea in just a few steps. The island is also home to a rich culture and mostly endemic wildlife, including the giant lizard and African blue tit, as well as whales, dolphins, angel sharks and other exotic creatures.
Booking your island adventure
Planning the itinerary and all the other logistics and being overwhelmed in some of these islands. It’s, therefore, recommended to use an experienced agency to ensure the most seamless experience.
With shining customer reviews on Trustpilot (4.7/5) and a well-established network of local services, Orbis Ways is a travel agency specialising in walking holidays across Spain as well as dozens of other destinations. Their knowledgeable team will provide the best itinerary based on your budget and personal preferences as well as take care of all logistics, including quality accommodation, airport pick ups and reliable luggage transfers.
All that is left to do is to pick which one of these amazing islands will be your next big adventure!