From the soaring peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains to the dramatic coastlines of the Algarve, Spain and Portugal have beautiful and varied terrain just waiting to be discovered. Not to mention the vibrant cultures and historical towns and villages to visit along the way.
HF Holidays specialise in walking and leisure activity holidays all over the world, so they know a thing or two about finding the perfect location for exploring on foot. These are just some of the things to look forward to when you explore Spain and Portugal with HF Holidays…
Spain
Go on a Pilgrimage
If you’d like to follow in the footsteps of thousands and walk a truly iconic route, you can’t go wrong with the Cathar Crossing or the Camino de Santiago.
The Cathar Crossing is history rich and steeped in legend. Follow in the footsteps of ancient travellers as you traverse the stunning natural beauty of the Pyrenees Mountains through France, Andorra and Spain and take in each location’s unique cultures. You’ll walk between 4 and 6.5 hours per day and enjoy highlights such as the beautiful spa town of Ax-les-Thermes along the way.
PRICE: From £1,149 for 7 nights
BOOK IT: hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/guided-trail-cathar-crossing
The 1,000 year old Camino de Santiago trail is a well-trodden path and a truly iconic route for walkers. With HF Holidays, take on the exhilarating final stage of the trail to reach Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of St James the Apostle. You’ll cover between 11 and 17 miles of walking per day, meandering through charming medieval villages, and the serene beauty of pine groves, eucalyptus-lined trails and peaceful riverbanks.
PRICE: From £1,069 for 7 nights
BOOK IT: hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/camino-de-santiago
Rural Valencia
Brand new for 2019, this itinerary explores the relaxed way of life in rural Valencia. From the beautiful limestone landscapes of the Marina Alta with its stunning views of the Mediterranean to the towering mountain ridges such as Caballo Verde and the stunning Barranco del Infierno gorge (known to the locals as their own Grand Canyon), the natural beauty of the area is outstanding.
You’ll stroll through citrus and almond groves and really get to know the Spanish way of life here. Sample the delicious local cuisine and take a break from the bustle of life as you soak in the ambience of the local villages.
Every walking day will offer a choice of easier walks of between 4 and 7 miles, or more challenging routes of between 6 and 10 miles, all led by local guides with expert knowledge.
PRICE: From £879 for 7 nights
BOOK IT: hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/guided-walking-valencia
Las Alpujarras
Nestled at the southern flanks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Las Alpujarras is an historic area that offers a great mix of wonderful scenery, local culture and walking opportunities to get your teeth into. Trails scattered with picturesque pueblo blancos (traditional white villages), a visit to Spain's last Moorish enclave and an abundance of bodegas offering fabulous local delicacies are just some of the experiences on offer here.
Enjoy panoramic views of the natural wonders of the area such as the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the impressive Trevelez Gorge. You’ll be refreshed by the naturally sparkling mineral water as you walk through the lush landscapes, and look out for native wildlife off the beaten track.
Tailor your walking to you with a choice of 2 walks every day. Easier trails of 5-8 miles, or trickier paths of 7-10 miles are on offer to suit every interest and fitness level.
PRICE: From £799 for 7 nights
BOOK IT: hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/guided-walking-sightseeing-capileira
For more information about all of the other wonderful HF Holidays walking holidays on offer in Spain, go to: hfholidays.co.uk/destinations/europe/spain
Portugal
Douro Valley
For a walking itinerary with widely varied terrain plus wonderful food and wine, Portugal’s Douro Valley is a great choice. You’ll walk through vineyards, along trails with idyllic river views, through the Serra do Marão mountains and between picture-postcard villages.
You’ll be able to sample the delicious local port with a trip to a vineyard and there’s the option of take a relaxing cruise down the Douro river or follow the water by rail, winding through the valley to the fabulous city of Porto on your free day.
Flexibility is key with HF walking holidays. Choose between walks of 3-6 miles every walking day for a relaxed ramble, or go for a tougher hike of 5-10 miles a day on more challenging paths.
PRICE: From £949 for 7 nights
BOOK IT: hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/guided-walking-douro-valley
Western Algarve
The Western Algarve is one of Portugal’s most beautiful areas. This dramatic stretch of Atlantic coastline is dotted with national parks bursting with stunning flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the storks building their huge nests perched on top of buildings and eye-catching wild flowers along the coast. The wonderful lighthouse at the tip of the Cabo de São Vicente headland is also a must-visit.
You’ll also be spoilt for choice as far as local culture goes. The historic fishing port of Lagos, with its colourful tiled walls, and the winding cobbled streets and Roman bridge at Silves make for great opportunities to explore and sightsee.
With a flexible itinerary of walks each day, you can tailor your holiday to you. Choose between an easier walk of 4 to 6 miles or take on some more challenging terrain of between 6 and 11 miles. Or alternatively, branch out and explore by yourself.
PRICE: From £799 for 7 nights
BOOK IT: hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/guided-walking-luz
For more information about all of the other wonderful HF Holidays walking holidays on offer in Portugal, go to: hfholidays.co.uk/destinations/europe/portugal
Holidays and prices are subject to availability. Non-member associate fee of £10 per person applies. Prices shown are FROM prices per person without flights. With flight options are available.
