Are the Mediterranean’s coastal trails calling? Hankering to hike the lofty peaks of Europe’s mountains? Then you might well be asking yourself, is Italy or Spain better for hiking? Both are blessed with astonishing landscapes, rich culture and trails to suit every level of hiker, so it’s not a question easily answered.
To help, Danny Bell, our expert on the best hiking in Europe, shares his insight on both, so you can choose the right trip for your next getaway.
Landscape and scenery
When it comes to landscapes, you’re spoiled for choice. Classic Italian scenes range from the sky-piercing Dolomites in the northeast to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and Umbria in the centre, to the gorgeous bays of the Amalfi Coast.
In Spain, the rugged Sierra de Aitana and Picos de Europa offer stunning mountain trails, while the sunflower fields and olive groves of Andalucia will sate your craving for an away-from-it-all hiking adventure. When it’s time to relax, the golden beaches of Catalunya beckon.
The top hiking trails in Italy and Spain
Top walking holidays in Italy
The Dolomites
In the northern Italian Alps, the Dolomites comprise a cinematic mix of vertical walls and cliffs, stretching valleys and gorgeous meadows, offering some of the most scenic hikes in Italy. The trails here take you through limestone peaks and fragrant wildflowers; then there’s the unforgettable circuit around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a trio of shark tooth-peaks standing side by side. There’s a lot of history to discover too, with First World War tunnels acting as open-air museums.
The Amalfi Coast
It’s no surprise our Walking the Amalfi Coast adventure consistently ranks as our most popular. Here, lemon groves and delicious food combine with spectacular clifftop walks above colourful fishing towns. It’s also home to the Path of the Gods, which ranks among the most beautiful coastal walks in the world. Nearby attractions, such as Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii, create the perfect recipe for a walking adventure.
Puglia and Matera
In the heel of Italy’s boot, the Puglia region, along with the nearby cave town of Matera, offer picturesque walks that combine whitewashed villages, never-ending olive groves and coastal trails. Along the way, take the chance to explore Matera’s cave dwellings, sip an espresso from a seaside café and finish the day with a glass of the local primitivo wine.
Tuscany
The classic image of Tuscany (rolling vineyards and cypress trees) has inspired artists, and walkers, for centuries.However, there is a less well-known beauty: the undiscovered Garfagnana region in the north. This is where we base our Walking in Tuscany tour, where rolling hills are replaced by dramatic peaks, and stunning lakes and alpine flower meadows leave you captivated.
Top walking holidays in Spain
Picos de Europa
This iconic mountain range dominates Spain’s oldest national park with distinctive limestone peaks. The panoramic views from Peña Main are mind-blowing as you gaze across towering rocky peaks, lush green meadows and the Atlantic Ocean. The wildlife you’ll meet along the way is equally impressive, with fabulous birds such as golden eagles and griffon vultures soaring overhead.
Camino de Santiago
One of the oldest pilgrimage routes in the world, the Camino de Santiago attracts hikers from across the globe. Along the way, you’ll pass ancient oak forests, medieval monasteries, and Roman bridges before climbing up Monte do Gozo for breathtaking views of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. The highlight for many, however, is life on the road, sharing stories and tips with fellow pilgrims. It ends in Santiago de Compostela, said to be where the Biblical apostle, St James, is buried.
Sierra de Aitana
It may only be a few miles from the Mediterranean, but the Sierra de Aitana is worlds apart from the Costa Blanca. Follow shepherds’ paths and ridgelines, escape tourist hot spots and head into tranquil valleys where mountainous landscapes and coastal views stretch out before you. The summit views from Puig Campana, Aitana Peak and Serrella Peak are arresting and worth the tough climbs.
Andalucia
Made up of fertile farmland, olive groves, rugged peaks and sleepy villages, the Andalucian countryside is ideal for a remote hiking adventure. Here, you can also walk El Caminito del Rey, a narrow cliffside path hanging high above the Guadalhorce river, before exploring the city delights of Seville and tucking into traditional Spanish tapas.
Climate and best hiking seasons
Both countries, broadly speaking, share a Mediterranean climate, meaning hot, dry summers (May to October) and fairly mild, wet winters (late October to March).
The most popular time for hiking in Italy and Spain is May to September, hitting its peak in July and August. However, savvy hikers are increasingly looking at travelling during shoulder season, the months either side of summer, when tourism (and the temperatures) are lower.
Though there may be a bit more rain during this time, the trails tend to be relatively crowd-free, while the cloud cover and cooler temperatures can make hiking a little more comfortable.
Food and drink
If the post-hike restaurant is more important to you than the trail itself, there are few places better in the world than Spain and Italy. In both, each region has its own delicacies and local flavours, more often than not, a reflection of the climate and historical influences of the region.
For true foodies, though, it’s hard to look past a hiking adventure in either Tuscany or Umbria. On our Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wines adventure, for example, you’ll experience the Garden of Italy as a local would, hiking through beautiful vineyards and tasting several varieties of the local chianti together. In the evenings, dine at the hotel bar-restaurant, where they serve delicious Tuscan cuisine and, of course, excellent local wines.
Costs
When it comes to budgeting, Spain is, generally, more affordable than Italy. For example, a mid-range two-course meal costs, on average, around 10 percent less in Spain, according to numbeo.com, though you’ll be paying slightly more for your daily coffee and bottle of water. Both Spain and Italy are more affordable than the UK and US when it comes to food and drink, so both will feel reasonable if you’re coming from those countries.
If you’re joining a small-group adventure like the ones we run, other considerations may push you towards one or the other. Obviously, the overall trip price is important. But don’t forget to look at the inclusions. How many meals are included? What activities will you be doing? What is the quality of the hotels? What level of service will you get before and after your trip? All these will impact your spending on your Spain or Italy hiking trip.
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism
When it comes to making your trip more sustainable, hiking in Spain may be the better option. It has the longest high-speed rail network in Europe (second only in the world to China), allowing you to whizz between destinations in relative ease (and speed) without resorting to more carbon-intensive flights.
Whichever you choose, there are plenty of ways to make your hiking trip more sustainable. Stick to the trails, pick up litter as you go, avoid chain restaurants and choose dishes and drinks filled with local produce.
For a walking trip with a focus on conservation, consider joining our Italian Apennines: Walks & Wildlife adventure. Over six days in the remote Abruzzo mountains, you’ll join expert nature guides from our partners Rewilding Apennines to learn, from them, about the essential conservation work they do and the intimate relationship between humans and animals in the area.
Spain or Italy hiking: Which One Will You Choose?
Whether you choose Spain or Italy for your hiking adventure, Exodus has an exciting range to explore. Or, if you’d like a little more help deciding, contact us and we’ll find the perfect trip for you.
