Spain Tours & Hiking Adventures

Golden sand beaches, rich history, best in the world gastronomy and endless adventures await on our Spain Tours and Hiking Adventures.

It's practically impossible to describe Spain in just a few words. Influences from Romans, Greeks, Celts, Phoenicians and Arabs, all who invaded or populated the country at one time, are ever so present. Each town has its own magnificent culture, delicious cuisine and historical legacy.

Various landscapes stretch across the country, with bucket-list adventures just waiting to be ticked off. Northern Spain is especially ideal for those seeking a grand hiking tour. Being Europe's most environmentally diverse country, you can walk in the footsteps of James the Apostle, explore glorious mountains and oak forests, and discover a piece of yourself on one of the most renowned walks of Christian history. Pack a lunch, don a pack and spend days walking through historic villages, along hidden coves and across magical rolling green meadows complete with wild horses. Hop aboard our Spain Tour and Hiking Adventure and let local guides show you the many secrets of this vast country.

Spain Trips

Europe

Camino De Santiago Adventure

ActiveAdventures

4.6

  • Duration 9 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 

    • Activity Level 3

      Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.

    Read more about the Active Range

Trek in the footsteps of pilgrims, who, for thousands of years, made their way along the same routes to Santiago de Compostela. As you hike, you'll be met with rich traditions still very much alive today in these Celtic regions.
Trip Start: Bilbao Trip End: Santiago de Compostela
view trip from NZD 10099/pp (Includes taxes and fees)

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here. 

*Terms and conditions apply - read more here

Keeping you Safe: COVID-19 Safety Measures

We believe our small group, off-the-beaten-track adventures are the safest way to travel. To keep you, your fellow travellers, our guides and the communities we travel in safe, all adults over the age of 12 (i.e. 13 years and above) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

To keep you healthy during your trip, we follow all ATTA, WTTC, Qualmark and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) health and safety guidelines, as acknowledged by their stamps.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?

You will need proper hiking boots - trail shoes are not good enough. We'll be taking you to some awesome places where you'll be hiking over a variety of terrain, therefore your boots should have full ankle support and a stiff sole with a high profile tread. It's also important that whichever footwear you decide to bring that it's well broken-in and waterproofed before you come down. If you have good ankles that will be able to cope pretty well with varied terrain, then good hiking shoes should be fine, but if not then hiking boots will give you better support.

What is there to do in Bilbao?

You could visit the Guggenheim Museum; stroll around the old town (Casco Viejo) - full of interesting shops and great little places to eat or drink. Go tapas-hopping! (in the Basque Country, tapas are called pintxos ("pinchos"). You can eat standing up at the bar or at a table. Take a visit to the city's traditional La Ribera market (from early morning until around 2pm, except Sundays when closed) or take the funicular up to Mt. Artxanda for views over Bilbao. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Transporter "Vizcaya Bridge" at Getxo, down at the mouth of the estuary (ask hotel staff for directions) - you can ride in the gondola across in one direction and walk back in the other.

What is the weather like in Spain?

Spain is a sunny country with around 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. The temperatures are mild, though there are still differences depending on the seasons and areas of the country. The mildest temperatures are in spring and autumn, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors practically the whole day long. April, May and June are the best months for visiting Spain as the sun is almost always out and every day there are more hours of sunshine for enjoying the trail. Maximum temperatures are reached during the months of July and August, which are hot and dry throughout the whole country, which is why our Camino trips don't tend to run during these hot months! The temperatures start to drop in September and October, and it is colder first thing in the morning and late afternoon.

Will I have access to internet/WiFi?

WiFi is available almost everywhere in cities and easy enough to find in most towns/villages so you can rely on having regularly access during your trip. If you have data roaming switched on, then you'll be able to use the internet on your smartphone, but beware of the fees! WiFi is available at most of the accommodations that you'll be staying at, sometimes for a small cost so check this out at each location when you arrive.

What type of plugs and voltage do you use in Spain?

Spain operate on a 220V AC system with Plug Type C which consists of two round parallel pins while the wall plug has two holes where it is connected.

What is the time zone in Spain?

For the majority of the summer season Spain is in the Central European (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get local currencies?

Our trips include all transportation, guiding, meals and activities (except where indicated on the itinerary). Most people like to bring a little extra to cover a round of drinks at the pub, take home some souvenirs, book a tour and eat out on their free day, and tip our guides if they've had a great time.

Usually the easiest thing to do is use your credit or debit card to withdraw money directly from your home account, in local currency. There are plenty of ATM's and banks in larger towns in Europe, and ATM's will accept all major credit cards and many debit cards. Cash advances are the most convenient way to get cash.

What is the currency in Spain?

The currency in Spain is the Euro €.

What if I need a special diet?

We are accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in our pre-trip questionnaire. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or the online questionnaire.

What is the food like in Spain?

Food is the one force that unites everyone in Spain and Spanish people’s love for food is also seen in the 5-6 meals they’ve in a day – breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, merienda (evening snack), tapas, or dinner. The first breakfast is light and usually had at home whereas the second breakfast or is called Almuerzo and is typically had at 10:30 A.M. A traditional breakfast in Spain includes café con Leche (espresso with warm milk) with a small bite of food. Paella is a typical lunch dish that consists of saffron, beans, vegetables, and a mixture of snails, rabbit, chicken, and duck. Nowadays, paella is also made with seafood as it’s abundant in Spain. A typical Spanish dinner will have a main dish, such as a seafood dish, vegetarian dish, or roasted meat. This is either stuffed in a sandwich or served with a portion of rice. Common sides include a green salad, omelette, fried potatoes, grilled vegetables, cold cuts, or cheese. The dinner may be finished with a light dessert.

What is Spain known for tourism?

Spain is possibly the only country in Europe that cares for its architectural relics as a heritage of its nation. The towns of Spain are known for being ideal for romantic tourism, and the country boasts undiscovered, hidden alcoves to popular tourist resorts, there's a beach for everyone and with over 300 days of sunshine each year you're guaranteed the weather to enjoy them!

What kind of clothing should I be packing?

Once you've booked your trip, you'll have access to a gear list in your portal on exactly what to bring along. The gear list is carefully thought out to provide you with everything you need to be warm and happy, or cool and relaxed, whatever the weather! So it is best to bring everything we recommend along, if you don't bring everything you need, we can't guarantee your comfort.

How many people are there on each of your Spain trips?

We generally take up to 14 people per trip, although this can vary, and all our trips have at least two of our guides to look after you (apart from the occasions we have a small group). We have found that our trips tend to attract a particular kind of person and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

What's included on your Spain trips?

Accommodation
On your Spain trip you'll stay in a variety of places depending on the destination and activities. For the most part you'll stay in hotels along the Camino; great locations, comfort, character and friendliness. In addition, many of these hotels offer some of the finest breakfasts to be found in Spain.

Transport
Your transport will be mainly travelling on your very own two feet on our trips in Spain! All your transport is included from the start of your trip and until we leave you in Santiago de Compostela at the end, except airprot transfers, with the details all listed in the trip specific itineraries.

Meals
All your meals are included as described in the itinerary except on your free days. We have found that people enjoy checking out what is on offer by themselves sometimes, so you can go and see what's out there! On every other day and especially after any long hikes, we've chosen places to eat that can cater for our hearty appetites, work well with our small groups (they know we are coming) and provide us with an authentic destination specific culinary experience. There are always options for you, so you can either be brave or choose something more familiar. You can be assured that on all our trips we will make sure you are very well fed, and Europe's vast array of cuisine won't disappoint you!

Trip leaders
Our trips are all led by an experienced Trip Leader alongside a local specialist guide. Our Trip Leaders are very proud to work with Active Adventures and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful, as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. They work closely with our local specialist guides to provide you with a seamless, fun, exciting and memorable trip. They will happily share with you as much or as little as you want to know about the history, culture, social aspects and lifestyle of the country you are visiting.

Can you help me find international flights to Spain?

Our preferred Travel Partner Fuzion Travel can assist with you with flights and other travel arrangements. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service that you’ll want to tell your friends about!

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Active Adventures traveller, It’s essential you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of personal injury, medical expenses, trip cancellation for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Insurance page for more in-depth information and insurance provider options. It’s also important to check your insurance covers all the activities you’ll be partaking in, in case you’re travelling to altitude or looking at extreme sports.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Spain?

You don't need any vaccinations for Spain. Easy!

Do I need a visa to visit Spain?

It is your responsibility to stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Depending on your country of origin and the type of passport you hold, you may require a visa or other endorsement to enter Spain.

You can find essential travel advice, including passport and visa information, security details and local regulations, on the government website of your home country.

Here are some helpful links:

Entry requirements can change at any time, so it’s important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.

What month is Spain closed?

Traditionally the month for holidays is August, and during this time all the locals are travelling around so it may be best to skip this month for your holiday!

How many days do you need in Spain?

Ten days is the optimum amount of time to explore two regions or cities with time left to venture to the rural neighborhoods, including Barcelona’s Catalonia coast and the Andalusian city of Cordoba, which sits a two-hour drive north of Granada. However, we recommend a minimum of 12 days so you can hope on our Camino de Santiago trip and have a day or two either side to explore elsewhere!

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