The concept of a Spanish road trip is a well-worn travel fantasy – it’s one of Europe’s best spots for driving freely from town to town, in the sun, and through the mountains.
Despite some parts of Spain being very sparsely populated, much of it is incredibly well connected – and even the medieval towns are pedestrian friendly. Because of this, and with the problem of parking and driving in extremely narrow cobbled streets, it might be worth ditching the car in favour of walking.
Famous walking routes
Instead of being perpetually insulated and viewing the country through a pane of glass, you can live and breathe every second of your surroundings when walking. It’s not just the activity of walking though – Spain is well known for its historical pilgrim routes, like Camino de Santiago.
Amateur hikers can rest assured that the well-trodden routes and great accommodation are handled for you with agencies like Santiago Ways. This way, you can focus on your surroundings, such as your march towards Santiago, without worrying about the logistics.
Networks like Camino de Santiago spread out too, around Iberia, all the way up to France and beyond. In fact, the most popular route is Camino Frances, which begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and crosses into Spain through the Pyrenees.
The unseen Spain
Spain’s real beauty isn’t often seen from the road. While the mountains and landscapes certainly are impressive, it’s the ancient footpaths that lead to small, historical villages and secluded coastlines that are truly memorable.
The modern world fades and is replaced by the sound of goat bells in a mountain pass, or rustling leaves in an olive grove – you can’t grab a cheeky tangerine off a tree when driving in a car. Walking has a sensory experience that cannot be replicated, and it’s also far more likely going to land you into interesting situations, like asking locals for help or stopping at a local bakery that doesn’t even appear on Google Maps.
The best thing about walking in Spain is that you can either head out on some of the world’s most famous pilgrim routes, or simply design your own, less popular route, and can be rest assured it’s safe.
More than just a holiday
Choosing to walk rather than drive also opens you up to more personal, profound experiences that challenge you. Driving is fun too, but it’s constant judgement calls and focus. Walking for the span of a week can really free the mind up for some inner thinking, either about your own life or the environment around you. It’s more mindful, and the rhythm of it can spark all kinds of creativity or realisations.
Very few of us get to have time to ourselves; moments to truly sit with our own thoughts in peace and quiet. Putting one foot in front of the other brings that mental clarity, but it’s also the exact antidote to the hard working modern world we’re trying to escape from. It’s rejuvenating on every level.
A new way to holiday
Ultimately, relinquishing the car is not about deprivation, but enrichment. Though, let’s not forget it’s certainly cheaper than renting a car for the week!
Spain makes for a great road trip, but it can also be stressful with the narrow streets and different driving culture. If you’re looking to absorb yourself into as much of Spain’s culture and nature as possible, there is no better way than travelling slowly, and intentionally, on foot. Here, you will stumble on true Spanish cuisine, local cafes and wildlife.
