SPAIN & PORTUGAL

Millenary Trails

Spain & Portugal hikes

Millenarian paths cross the Iberian Peninsula from one side to the other. From Roman times to the present day, many pilgrims have crossed its mountains and travelled through extensive valleys to reach their desired goal. But also shepherds in transhumance or fishermen en route to the coast have opened routes that today allow us to enjoy a wide diversity of landscapes in Spain and Portugal hikes.

Camino dos Faros - Natour Travel
Picos de Europa - Natour Travel
Costa brava - Natour travel

Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago
Discover the first pilgrimage route to Santiago following the paths that King Alfonso II walked in the 9th century: the first pilgrim to a Compostela that did not yet exist. Possibly the most authentic of the routes, surrounded by the beautiful nature of the highlands of Asturias and Galicia.

Picos de EuropaMagic Adventure
Summits that have been venerated by various civilisations throughout the ages. Today their trails allow us to understand the magic and energy of these mountains. The imposing height of its peaks and the singular orography of Naranjo de Bulnes (2650 m) or Torre Cerredo (2519 m), transmit a special force that is projected throughout each hike.

Trilho dos PescadoresThe Wild Coast
A spectacular walk along the Portuguese coastline, from the Alentejo region to the Algarve. A path born of the fishermen’s footprints, with a succession of almost deserted beaches, imposing cliffs and imposing fields of vegetation, all of which are accompanied by excellent traditional and seafood gastronomy.

Camí de RondaAlong the most Brave Coast
A trail along the most spectacular coastline of the Costa Brava, crossing picturesque coves of crystal-clear water from Palamós to Begur. A route through a myriad of wild panoramas, crossing pine forests that grow at the water’s edge and with the formidable backdrop of the Formigas Islands and the Medes Islands.

Camiño dos Faros Seafaring Galicia
Route from lighthouse to lighthouse along the Galician sea trail. More than 200 kilometres from Malpica to Finisterre, in permanent contact with the sea. The Costa da Morte offers a multitude of landscapes crossing lighthouses, beaches, dunes, rivers, cliffs, forests and estuaries with a large number of birds.

Camino pescaderos - Natour Travel
camino primitivo oviedo - Santiago - Natour Travel
Costa brava - Natour travel

Vías Verdes (Green Routes)

These are former railway lines that have been restored and reconditioned to be used as routes for cyclists, hikers and people who enjoy outdoor activities. They are characterised by their ease of access, low gradient and natural surroundings, making them ideal routes for people of all ages and levels of ability.

Caminos de Ronda (Coastal Paths)

These are coastal paths found mainly in the region of Catalonia, especially along the Costa Brava. Originally, these paths were used by the Guardia Civil and other security forces to guard the coast and prevent smuggling and, in the past, pirate raids.

Transhumance routes

They are ancient paths used by shepherds to move their herds of cattle, mainly sheep, between winter pastures in the valleys and summer pastures in the mountains. This type of seasonal migration of livestock, known as transhumance, has been a traditional practice in Spain for centuries and is an important part of the country’s cultural and agrarian heritage.

Camino de Santiago

It is one of the oldest and most famous pilgrimage routes in the world, leading pilgrims to the city of Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, northwestern Spain. Santiago de Compostela is the place where, according to Christian tradition, the remains of the apostle St. James the Greater are to be found. This pilgrimage has deep religious, historical and cultural roots, and has been travelled by millions of people over the centuries.

The Way of St. James is made up of itineraries with different starting points, which always converge in Santiago de Compostela. The best known are the French Way, the Portuguese Way, the Northern Way, the Primitive Way and the Silver Way.

Portuguese Trilhos

Portuguese trilhos are trails steeped in history and deeply linked to the geography, culture and traditions of the country. Throughout the centuries, the paths and trails used today for hiking have had essential functions in the daily life of rural communities and in the development of the Portuguese territory. Among the best known are the following:

▸ The Trilho dos Sete Vales. A relatively short route but rich in spectacular scenery, perfect for a day’s walk.

▸ The Trilho da Serra da Estrela. A set of hiking trails through the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, famous for its stunning mountain scenery, lakes and traditional villages.

▸ The Trilho dos Pescadores. Belongs to the Rota Vicentina and follows the coastline, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, secluded beaches and steep cliffs, from the Alentejo region to the Algarve.

Roman Roads and Medieval Ways

During the Roman occupation (1st century BC – 5th century AD), roads were built connecting different parts of the Iberian Peninsula. Some of these Roman routes, known as Roman roads, have remained in use throughout the centuries and are the basis for some of today’s trilhos and paths. During the Middle Ages, these paths were used by traders, pilgrims and armies, consolidating themselves as fundamental routes for the economy and religious life.

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