Hiking in the Spanish archipelagos

For many years, Spain has been able to boast of being one of the best destinations to visit not only in Europe, but in the whole world. Its variety of cultures, gastronomy, climates and, of course, landscapes, have made the country a tourist attraction worthy of competing with others such as the Caribbean or Southeast Asia.

Talking about hiking in the archipelagos is correct, but not entirely accurate. In addition to being two completely different archipelagos (one Mediterranean and the other Atlantic), within each of them there are also many differences and options thanks to the islands that make it up. Let's start with the smaller of the two:

Balearic Islands

Located in the Mediterranean, this archipelago is one of the most visited destinations in Spain, not only by the Spanish themselves, but also by numerous foreigners of all nationalities. Good gastronomy, a nightlife and a thousand different activities are some of the things that these visitors come looking for, and that they will undoubtedly find. Among all these tourists there are also many who seek more sporting alternatives such as trekking, to combine a bit of activity with 'Il dolce far niente', the famous Italian saying that literally it means 'the sweetness of doing nothing', and that they like so much in summer.

Majorca

It is the largest island in the archipelago and there is no doubt that it offers some of the best routes to enjoy a long walk, always accompanied by unforgettable views:

Cala Portals Vells - Cala Figuera

This excursion is quite a spectacle to behold, with a route of 8 km and a duration of around 2 and a half hours, this route that stretches along the Majorcan coast is of easy difficulty. The completely flat and linear route begins at Cala Portals Vells and ends at Cala Figuera. Its main attractions are the different landscapes that can be seen, starting with a pine forest and ending with the view of the bays. In addition, you can see native birds and enjoy the incredible stamp left by the sunset.

Sant Elm- La Trapa

It is one of the most popular routes and it is no coincidence. This excursion, which extends over 9 km, lasts a little longer than the previous one, specifically 4 hours and its level of difficulty is easy. However, during a section that approaches La Trapa, you will have to make a little more effort due to its unevenness. In addition to enjoying the path, you will also be able to soak up a bit of culture, since you will be able to visit the Valley of Sant Josep and visit the remains of the old monastery of La Trapa. The best thing about this route? You can do it in a circular way or return the same way.

Estellencs - Puig de Galatzó

For mountain lovers, Mallorca also offers different options, this time in the Sierra de Tramuntana. Of all the routes that we have mentioned, this is the longest with a distance of 12 km and a duration of approximately 5 hours. The Estellencs - Puig de Galatzo route begins at 290 meters and ascends until it reaches the highest point, which is located at 1,027 meters above sea level.

Although it is an ascent, this route is not complicated except for the last stretch before reaching the top, which is why it is advisable to be in adequate physical shape, especially to be able to endure this stretch of greater difficulty.

Menorca

It is the second largest island in the Balearic archipelago, and although it does not have as many options as Mallorca, it also has some walks and trails to enjoy the nature of the island.

The Camí de Cavalls

The Camí de Cavalls is divided into 20 stages that stretch for 180 km with a duration of around a week, but don't worry! This is only a challenge for the most adventurous. If what you want is to do something easier and quieter that allows you to enjoy the surroundings, you can also do it; You just have to look at the level of difficulty and choose the stage that you like the most. The best thing about these trails is that their signage is excellent, thus preventing you from getting lost.

Cala Escorxada

This walk is ideal especially for those who love the beach, since the path ends in Cala Escorxada, perfect for swimming and resting after finishing the route. Of medium difficulty, this route extends over 4 km (8 roundtrip), and is done in approximately 2 hours. The difficulty is medium and it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful that can be done. The mixture of walking in a forest with the views of the cove on the other side makes this tour a luxury of nature.

Canary Islands

That the Canary Islands are called ‘Lucky’ is no coincidence. Its mild climate throughout the year, its traditional and varied gastronomy, its people and its landscapes make this destination one of the most attractive. Like the Balearic Islands, the Canary archipelago has numerous routes and even more for hiking, since the territory is made up of seven islands where it is possible to go hiking on each of them. Here we mention just some of the most popular among trekking fans where enjoying the paradisiacal landscapes of the islands is quite an experience.

Tenerife

With the provincial capital on it, Tenerife is the largest island and one of the greenest in the entire archipelago. Despite being home to Teide, we prefer to mention other routes that may be less known to the public, but just as spectacular and suitable for everyone.

Anaga

Like Teno, Anaga is one of the best-known trails among the islanders. The Anaga massif, declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco since 2015, has numerous routes. However, one of the most famous is Playa de Benijo - Montaña Tafada - Las Palmas de Anaga. This circular route extends over 12 km and despite being largely a difficult route, it is highly recommended to do it due to the great variety of nature and landscapes that can be seen along it starting from the beach.

Teno

One of the most famous and recommended trails to do in Teno is the one that leads to the Masca ravine. With 10 km (descent and ascent) and a duration of around 6 hours, the Masca ravine is located in the northwest of the island, and despite the fact that its descent is not too difficult, its descent is, and that is why that most of those who do this walk opt for another alternative to return: a boat.

Don't worry, it's not something very complicated. To do this walk, you must first get to Masca, preferably by car and leave it at the farmhouse. After doing this, you can begin to descend the ravine until you reach a small beach where you can take the boat that will leave you in Puerto de los Gigantes. Once there, use public transport to finally return to the Masca farmhouse where you left the car at the beginning of the day.

La Palma

Nicknamed ‘La isla bonita’, La Palma is the westernmost island, and without a doubt, the greenest of the entire archipelago. In it are some of the best-known routes of all the islands, highlighting among others the Route of the Volcanoes.

Route of the Volcanoes

This is a 24 km long trail that lasts approximately 8 hours and a half that starts from the El Pilar Refuge and ends in Las Salinas, the southern tip of this island. Despite being one of the most popular, it is highly recommended to be in good physical condition, since it is of high difficulty due to the marked unevenness. However, the route can be shortened by reaching Fuencaliente and even starting there and ending in Las Salinas.

In addition to the ones we have mentioned here, there are endless routes to take in both archipelagos that are very worthwhile and that also hide secrets of the native nature of the places. And you, dare to trekking on your next island getaway?

Frequently asked questions about the Spanish archipelagos

Which are the Spanish archipelagos?

The archipelagos that belong to Spain are those made up of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic and a short distance from the African coast of Morocco and the Sahara.

Which is the best hiking route to do in the Balearic Islands?

Despite having different paths that are perfect for hiking and walking, it is in Mallorca where most of them are located, highlighting the one that starts in Sant Elm and ends in La Trapa and the one that starts in Estellencs and ends in Puig Galatzó in the Sierra de Tramuntana.

Which is the best hiking route to do in the Canary Islands?

Since there are seven main islands of the Canary Islands, the number of routes for hiking is incalculable, however, despite there not being one better than another, there are some more well-known ones such as Teno and Masca in Tenerife or the Route of the Volcanoes in La Palma.