Spain is a colorful, cheerful country that attracts the interest of not only those who love the sun, beaches and skiing activities. Spain, being one of the highest-lying countries in Europe - mountains occupy most of the country here, is interesting for its landscape and for those who love a hiking format of travel and are fond of mountain hiking and trekking.
The Canary Islands are a unique area of \u200b\u200bvolcanic origin - there are more than six hundred volcanoes, and the Teide volcano on Tenerife is the highest point in the country. Its height is 3718m. Also, here you can find absolutely unique vegetation, whose representatives do not grow anywhere else, except for this island.
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To visit Spain you need a Shangen visa. Also, to carry out trekking in Tenerife, you need to obtain a special permit from the local authorities, therefore, the acceptance of applications for participation in the hike stops 15 days before the start date of the event.
Each participant in the hike must be insured! Since insurance is not included in the price of the hike, you need to insure yourself before departure. We strongly recommend not to save on insurance and choose a program that covers activities such as trekking and mountaineering, and does not have a deductible for any kind of evacuation if necessary.
A little about trekking in Spain or what to do in the mountains of the province of Castellon. Having carefully studied the guidebook "50 tracks in Spain", bought in the local decathlon a couple of years earlier, I concluded that the most promising mountain areas can be found somewhere in the region of Andorra and the northern provinces in general, and in the east of the country there is only sand and Nordic walking ... But Andorra is far away, and if you often go to the beach, you can become a vobla, and I decided to look around for something of interest for short walks up.
The most accessible mountains are located near Benicassim in the Natural Area Les Palmas Desert, where the CV-147 serpentine road leads to the 400m mark, on which there are more road cyclists than cars ... On the territory of the park there are the ancient ruins of a castle and a chapel, a functioning monastery (obviously female, otherwise why lay so much asphalt at such a height), olive plantations, restaurants with views, and of course the mountains. Most of the mountains are similar to the Khibiny, i.e. low (up to 800m) and flat so that they lead upstairs to the cellular stations. But among them there was an interesting ridge with two pronounced peaks, unlike anything around. If you go along the E-15 "Mediterraneo Autostrada" route north to Barcelona, \u200b\u200bthen these rocks stand out clearly from the rest of the hills. On the maps, these are the peaks under the general name of the Agujas de Santa Agueda, but we simply called them "feathers".
To get there, I had to get up at 6 am. Mainly due to the fact that I wanted to go for freshness, and not immediately to the sauna. There are at least three different trails from the coast to the ridge, but I climbed the CV-147 by car as far as possible, i.e. in fact to the foot.
The ascent "from the curb" begins at 330m, the top of the ridge closest to the road is only 538m, it is a kilometer to stomp to it, although at first the 500m path with a smooth set winds among the tenacious and biting thorny bushes, and then begins climbing stairs with high steps. In fact, there are no difficulties, except for reaching the very top: there is a 10m rope, behind which a half-meter wide slot-corridor leads literally through the top to the eastern slope. It's simple.
1. This is what the ridge looks like from the east. If you wish, you can arrange yourself an interesting trip for 6 hours from Benicassim to Oropesa. 
2. The path to the top is not difficult to find. I used the OruxMaps application with a topo4u layer, it clearly shows the trails of at least this area (trails are marked not by numbers, but by categories of difficulty). There is only one tour in the photo, basically the trail is marked with small pyramids of two or three stones and a bunch of marks of different colors and shapes (Wikipedia generally says that making marks or signs with paint or other indelible materials is prohibited here). I came across at least four different marks on the trail already running along the ridge, which does not prevent this trail from being successfully lost, bypassing all kinds of ambushes. 
3. Early morning over the Miravet Valley. The sun warms only the eastern slope and it is very comfortable in the shade. 
4. Natural Desierto de las Palmas, the Aguja del Salando ridge, and the next height - with the ruins of the Montornes castle, for the sake of which they mainly go to this park de natural. Agglomeration on the horizon is the regional center of Castellon de la Plana (city, municipality, administrative center of the province). 
5. At the top, the views wherever you spit are a continuous song. Time half past seven, it took 40 minutes to rise. I sit and examine the surroundings, for example the resort town of Benicassim: continuous beaches, villas, hotels. The glistening puddles on closer inspection turned out to be tangerine plantations, we will raid them yet. 
6. In the foreground, the rock is the very top: it is impossible to climb it without equipment. There is not so much climbing on a smooth stone, but an opportunity to completely fly away 15 meters and then transit along the slope with 12 photos. 
7. And since to climb to the top, then all the "conquerors" are drawn where their hands have reached. And I thought this sweet tradition is only here. 
8. The entire eastern side of the Santa Agueda ridge is overgrown with mountain pine, which adds the scent of "Needles" to the atmosphere. The entire ridge is marked on the wiki as a micro-reserve, where various endemics grow and therefore it is forbidden to "develop mountaineering activities into the micro-reserve zone, unless specifically permitted for scientific or conservation purposes." Most likely, mountaineering means drilling new routes, and not wobbling back and forth along paths. 
9. You will not get bored with a bed of dry needles: in some places they lie in a thick carpet, which begins to slide down the rock under your feet. But in the crevices you can find secluded shelves for the tent (not large, but a tent like marmot eos1 can be stuck in), where you don't even need a rug. True, in the light of the specially protected status, it is likely that they can get pushed for an overnight stay. 
10. Rock-sister of the Krasnoyarsk pillars. 
11. In addition to pine trees, an endemic fan palm grows on the tops. 
12. I brought two huge cones from the mountain, the largest was 22 cm. "Especially for scientific or conservation." 
13. The summit of Agujas de Santa Agueda is western, I climbed around it for an hour (photo 4-13), after which I went along the ridge to the neighboring one. The eastern slope of the mountain is mostly asphalt-like slabs with a steepness of up to 45 °. 
14. There are many grottoes and small caves under the peaks, but I would not have stayed in them for a long time, since under my feet lay fresh layers of breakaway shale. 
15. The path along the ridge naturally leads not along the edge, but along the slabs of the eastern slope. Since the marks are partially erased, and the tours are not everywhere, in some places it is not readable and you have to either look for it, or jump a lot and climb small walls. 
16. At some point I just went and climbed up the plate to look around cleanly. While he was getting up, he doused himself with sweat three times, counted six lugs leading to the very edge and slipped a couple of times on the needles (at least walk with a broom), but still got to the rib. 
17. Panorama of Agujas de Santa Agueda and the valley. 
18. "Tongue" of the plate to which the lugs were led. Perhaps a route was punched into the tongue from a steep slope, when it was not forbidden yet. In the background there is an eastern peak, which I did not have enough time to (and I was too lazy to go to this array from below, because you will get a hell of a head-on). Well, we must leave something for the future. 
19. Neighboring rock and western peak, which seems to be reached by hand, but in fact, half an hour of a brisk step. 
20. 
21. Glory photo! 
22. The glory photo turned out to be classic: I climbed in, but only jump back with the prospect of sticking in. I had to look for a route through the steep western slope, where there is more microrelief due to weathering and shelves through which it was possible to reach the eastern plates. He struggled decently. 
23. The main uncomfortable moment of the day for me was the lack of water. The nearest water is available only in the valley either in the form of restaurants or in the form of springs, the quality of which I have not checked (the closest near the "farm" from the 3rd photo, on the map the springs appear as Font). I took only 0.5, but it felt like I had to carry three times more, because the sun and moisture began to squeeze me out as soon as I emerged from under the shadow of the mountain. 
24. Valley of Miravet. The bright illuminated rock on the right is the ruins of the castle of the same name, we also go there a day later. 
25. I returned back to the car the same way, without going to the top it took an hour. In total, I spent 3.5 hours on the mountain, taking into account meditations and photos, I walked 5.1 km with a set of 500 m. 
27. Outlier stone on the trail just below the eastern summit. 
28. The road along the Miravet valley on the map is marked as a dirt road without a number. They do not know grief! 
29. The same tangerine groves from the edge of the 5th photo. 
Day 1: meeting in the city of Santader.
This relatively small but thriving city on the shores of the Bay of Biscay is pleasing to the eye. Monumental promenade, central avenues with luxurious architecture and even the largest bank in Spain with the same name Santander. After seeing the city center, we take a train or bus and go to the town of Unquera. Then we cross a large river over the bridge and leave the province of Cantabria and enter the province of Asturias. On the other side of the river Deva, the pretty medieval town of Bustio appears. Next, we enter a dense eucalyptus forest. On the right along the way, the ruins of the Tina monastery open. Here in the canyon there will be a beautiful forest waterfall. We will set up our camp near this monastery.
2 hours, 5 km
We pass through the picturesque village of Pimiango. Next, we walk parallel to the ocean coastline through picturesque meadows and forests. After a while we will reach the mouth of the river and the magnificent Playa de la Franca beach. Next, we cross the Cabra River over an ancient bridge and head towards Bufones de Santiuste. This is the place where, during storms, sea water rises many meters. We go over the rocky cliffs and spend the night near Not far from the town of Buelna (Buelna) we will spend the night.
15 km 5 - 6 hours
In the morning we will pass near several unique rock formations, through huge holes in limestone. These are truly unique places. In the town of Buelna we will make a stop and go to the town of Pendueles to buy some food. Then we go uphill along the LLN-4 road and come out to the village of Carranzo at the foot of the Sierra de La Cuesta mountains. Then we enter a narrow gorge and stop for the night in a picturesque eucalyptus-beech forest.
10 km, 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we leave our things in the camp and start climbing the mountain. The higher the more picturesque. After passing the remote farm, we begin to climb the ridge along the sheep path. The mountains are becoming more rocky and steep. Finally, we reach the top of Coteru el Espinu, from here a wonderful view of the boundless ocean opens up and the Picos de Europa mountain range. After enjoying the views and beauty, we go down to the camp.
9 km, 4-5 hours, climb 700 m
In the morning we begin our descent to the valleys. The road is very picturesque copses interspersed with beautiful hacienda and meadows. We enter the valley of the Puron river and further along the eucalyptus forests we go down to the picturesque parking lot on the Puron river. Here we will stop for the night. 11 km, 5-6 hours
Day 6: Trekking along the coast to the town of Llanes and further to Po beachToday we are walking along the ocean again. On the way, we will visit the beautiful beaches of the Bay of Biscay. From the La Boriza lookout point, we will enjoy views of the ocean, coastline and the Ciera de La Cuesta mountains. After lunch, after passing several pretty towns, we will go out to the town of Llanes. We will devote several hours to exploring this pretty ancient town. Having bought additional products, we will go further, about 3 km more. The city is divided by a narrow sea bay - a canal in which yachts and boats are delightful to the eye. On the embankment, local artists beautifully painted the concrete cubes of the breakwater, which has become one of the landmarks of Ljanes. On the edge of a huge beach, sandwiched between high cliffs, we set up camp and the next morning. Overnight at a camping near the ocean.
Distance 14 km 5- 7 hours
In the morning, we will walk lightly along the coast, admiring the views of the sea and small islands that look like battleships standing in the water. We will walk along the Playa de Almenada and come out to San Martin. The islands of Almenada and Castro San Martin delight with their views. Today is a very busy sea day. Returning to the camp, we go to Po station or Llanes. In the evening we reach Santander. Where you can spend the night in headscarves near the airport on a campsite or in the city in a hostel.
8-10 km, 4-5 hours
Today our wonderful and eventful journey along the Bay of Biscay of the Atlantic Ocean comes to an end. In the morning we inspect Santander and fly away wherever we go. From here you can go to Barcelona, \u200b\u200bBilbao or Madrid by bus or train
Wooden bridge in Montfalco, province of Huesca / Montfalcó (Huesca)
It is one of the most photographed and dizzying routes in Spain. And, at the same time, one of the least known and promoted. The road runs from Montfalco to Congost de Mont-Rebei, which is under Lleida / Congost de Mont-Rebei. The journey will take you all day. From the base in Montfalco, you can walk to the beginning of the path from the wooden bridges built into the mountain, it only takes half an hour. But to climb to a height of 83 meters along the wooden bridges hanging over the Noguera Ribagorzana river, the number of which is 291, will take at least three hours. Actually, this is not difficult, despite the fact that the bridges are attached to the sheer cliff. They are very stable and slightly sloped. But the views that open from them make tourists freeze in admiration for a long time, forgetting to get a camera to capture breathtaking landscapes.
"Flower belt", province of Huesca / Faja de las Flores (Huesca)
Destination - Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. This is a rather difficult route, passing through the Ordesa Valley along the Arazas River. In about seven hours, you can cover 15 km, while the altitude differences on the route reach 1,000 meters. The three-kilometer stretch of this route, called the "Flower Belt", is a kind of "balcony" from 3 to 7 meters wide on the cliff above the valley. It runs between vertical cliffs up to 1 km high. One of the most difficult sections of the path will have to be overcome, moving along a steep cliff, using only pins driven into it. Yes, this is not an easy walk: you will have to connect all your muscles, and before the hike it will be useful to work on your own sports form. However, the reward is worth it: the majestic landscapes of untouched nature, the harsh and at the same time eye-catching views of the rocks and the valley, the purest air, tremendous energy and ringing silence - for the sake of all this tourists come back here again and again.
Route on the Fregeneda-Vega Terrón railway, Salamanca
The Fregeneda railway station is located between the Duero and geda rivers, almost on the border with Portugal. The route from it to the water mill in Vega Terron is 17 kilometers. The road is extremely picturesque, and in some places it is also dangerous, since the tree from which some of the bridges are made is quite badly damaged. It is not recommended to embark on this journey for tourists with poor vestibular apparatus. But the daredevils will be rewarded with a view of unforgettable landscapes. In addition, the road allows you to get acquainted with samples of engineering thought, albeit slightly outdated: during the journey, tourists pass through 20 man-made tunnels and 13 bridges. The Vega Terrona river port has two 19th century mills that are currently not in use. There is also one new one, built in the 80-90s of the XX century. If you decide to take this journey, which will undoubtedly remain in your memory for a long time, agree in advance that you will be picked up from Fregeneda, otherwise you will have to go the same 17 kilometers in the opposite direction. It seems to us that one heroic deed a day is quite enough.
Wooden bridges over the Mao River, Orense province / Río Mao (Orense)
This is perhaps the most beautiful route in the Ribeira Sacra region of Galicia. The path along the wooden bridges is much easier here than in Montfalk - so much so that you can safely go with your children. The route starts from the old power plant known as the Light Factory / Fábrica da Luz, built at the beginning of the last century. The power plant provided electricity to the provincial capital and the city of Monforte. The first 1.7 kilometers of the route pass exactly along the wooden bridges over the Mao River. The views open up such that tourists often overflow camera memory cards long before the end of the 3.5-kilometer journey. The route ends in the town of Barxacoba, from where you can go back.
Route "Ruta del Cares" between Leon and Asturias / Ruta del Cares, entre León y Asturias
This route, passing through the Picos de Europa National Park, is well known both in Spain and beyond its borders for the magnificent landscapes surrounding the tourist who embarked on this trail. It is also called "God's Throat" / "Garganta Divina" - possibly due to the fact that it runs right inside the rock. The path lasts just over 11 kilometers and runs between the towns of Cain, province of Leon / Caín (León) and Poncebos, province of Asturias / Poncebos (Asturias). This route can be traversed only on foot, but, in general, for lovers of long walks, it will not seem too difficult. 3-4 hours of travel, with very small differences in height - you can cope with this, especially for the sake of emotions and impressions from what you see, because you will have beautiful views of the mountain peaks, you will pass through the river, in the scorching cold waters of which the most courageous can swim. And if you're lucky, you will encounter frisky mountain goats. The only thing to worry about is going back. Do not go 11 kilometers again, even though the delightfully beautiful nature! However, knowledgeable people say that at the end point you can use the services of a special mountain taxi.
Route "Ruta de Chanas", province of Asturias / Ruta de las Xanas, Asturias
The route passes through a gorge located in the municipality of Santo Adriano near Oviedo. It can be considered the younger brother of God's Throat in the Peaks of Europe National Park, although many tourists who have visited both places find the Ruta de Chanas even more beautiful, although it is difficult to imagine how this is possible. However, this gorge was declared a Natural Monument by the Government of Asturias in April 2002.
Chanas are popular characters in Asturian folklore. These are incredibly beautiful women who live in the river and comb their long blond hair, luring travelers. One must keep an eye on the chanas, as many men were bewitched by their spell and died in the waters of the mountain river. Perhaps the reserved beauty of these places is also the result of magic, but, unlike the beauties-chanas, it poses no danger.
You can start the journey from any of the towns of Pedroveya or Villanueva. The end of the route in Pedroveia is evidenced by the fact that there is an excellent restaurant here, known for the exceptional taste of fabade (a traditional Asturian dish of beans and blood sausage). And not far from Villanueva, the road merges with the beautiful Bear Trail, along which you can walk along the fence that encloses the territory where the bears Paka and Tola live. If you are lucky, you will see them while feeding. The entire route can be covered in 2-3 hours, but we advise you not to rush to enjoy the incredibly beautiful landscapes, absorb the energy of this magical place, and if you are lucky, see a soaring eagle or a hawk. The round trip is about 8 kilometers long, and it is quite simple and suitable for travelers of all ages. You need to go along a path located 80 meters above the river, in some places the road runs right inside the rock. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed!
Canal de Urdón (Cantabria) 
Perhaps this is the most difficult route of those we are talking about. It is delightful from the point of view of the views, but physically very difficult, so we recommend walking along it only for really prepared tourists and certainly without children. The route starts in the town of Tresviso, from where you need to go down to the source of the Urdon River. A small hydroelectric power plant was built on this river at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1913, an artificial waterfall was created to increase its power. The work, apparently, was hard, because the builders had to build a road right in the rocks. We suggest you go along it. Almost all sections of the track along the canal are fenced with wire to prevent possible falls. The most famous and beautiful part of the route is the Matallana Gallery, which is a narrow passage carved right into the rock. Immediately behind the gallery there will be a tunnel, which is almost impossible to walk through without a flashlight. After that, a rather steep climb begins, which is somewhat facilitated by rope handrails stretched along the path. Having overcome the pass, you will begin the descent, which will lead you to the very power plant, from where it is not far to the village of Urdon. Here you can arrange a trip to the start of the journey. Alternatively, you can make the route circular, starting and ending in Urdon.
Royal trail, province of Malaga / Сaminito del Rey (Málaga)
This road has long been considered the most dangerous for hiking in Spain. For 15 years it was closed for renovation, but thanks to an investment of 5 million euros, the Royal Trail is much safer than before and is ready to receive tourists again after Easter 2015.
A suspended wooden bridge is built along the walls of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, formed by the Guadalhorce River, which flows between the municipalities of lora and Ardales. At the beginning of the 20th century, this track was built to carry out maintenance work on the Gaitanejo and El Chorro dams. The trail apparently got its name after the King of Spain Alfonso XIII walked along it in May 1921 to arrive at the opening of the dam of the Count of Guadalor / Conde de Guadalhorce.
Now the bridge attached to the steep cliff, the width of which does not exceed one meter, has been completely renovated, strengthened and does not pose a danger. Its reconstruction took place with the involvement of climbers and helicopters. You can start the 4-kilometer journey from any end of it: from Ardales or Alora. By the way, next to the latter is the small town of Chorro, which is also one of the main centers of rock climbing in Europe. The most spectacular views open up at the very beginning of the gorge, so we advise you not to rush. Moreover, the whole route takes a little over three hours.
To visit the Royal Trail, you will need to register on the website of the Government of Malaga. The journey itself can be undertaken on any day except Monday, only after sunrise and before sunset. And do not forget to bring a helmet with you - its presence is a prerequisite for admission to the route.
Route "Caorros de Monachil", province of Granada / Cahorros de Monachil (Granada) 
This route is located just outside the Alhambra, just 15 minutes from the center of Granada. It runs along the Monachil River, which starts at the top of Mount Veleta. It is its waters that make the landscape unique in its beauty by a miracle. Part of the way, tourists go between the mountains, sometimes located quite close to each other, which makes the trail very narrow. There is also a 63-meter suspension bridge on the way. It was built about 100 years ago and was originally a rope. Today there is no need to be afraid: it has been reconstructed for 40 years and does not pose a danger. And all the same, walking on the suspension bridge - swinging and springing under your feet - is an additional pleasure, though not without a slight hassle. By the way, if you go a little under it before you step on the bridge, you can see a small beautiful waterfall. However, there will be several on the way.
In general, the route is not difficult, 9 kilometers are to be covered. Its advantage is looping, that is, you can return to the same place where the journey was started. The car, if you arrive by it, must be left in the parking lot on the El Purche road; a beautiful view of the river valley will open directly from it. Soon after the start of the journey, you will have to choose between two routes: the upper ("Cahorros Altos"), which gives you the opportunity to admire the river, mountains and the valley from above and the lower ("Cahorros Bajos"). Whichever option you prefer, the memories of the beauty of almost untouched nature will remain for a long time, and your friends will surely admire the photos you have taken.
You can travel around Spain in different ways: settle by the sea and go on excursions, move from city to city by car, or you can walk. At least partially. Almost all of Spain is covered with a network of hiking trails of various directions and difficulty. Whether you choose the Flower Belt or the trip to St. James with a shell on your chest, depends only on yourself.
Camino de Santiago, or the path of St. James
This is perhaps the oldest and largest walking route in Spain. Legend and biblical stories say that the Apostle James went from Palestine to the territory of what is now Spain to preach the Christian faith. Upon his return to Palestine, Jacob was killed, and his body was sent by sea back to the Iberian Peninsula. After a storm that struck the very coast of Galicia, the boat was raised from the depths, all covered with shells. Therefore, the shell-vieira, sewn on clothes or tied to a staff, has become the hallmark of all pilgrims going to the burial place of the saint.
In 899, by order of King Alphonse III, a small church was built over the relics. Later, the huge Cathedral of Santiago de Compostella was erected in its place.
It is believed that the saint appeared more than once and helped the Spanish kings in the battles with the Saracens. From the 12th to the 16th century, the place became a shrine on a par with Jerusalem and Rome, and a stream of pilgrims, including royals, flowed like a huge river. Along the way, the infrastructure along the road is growing: monasteries, drinking establishments and hotels. However, the plague, famine and the growing Protestant doctrine have suspended the flow of believers for many years. Only in the late 19th century did scientists discover fine examples of medieval architecture in places far from civilization, and only from the 80s. 20th century pilgrimage begins to revive again.
In fact, the road, or simply Camino, is a network of 15 pilgrimage roads, the end point of which is the city of Santiago de Compostella. Camino originates from various cities in Spain, France and Portugal. Camino de Norte runs along the Atlantic coast, Camino Portuguese starts in Lisbon or Porto, Camino de Levanter - in Valencia, Via de La Plata - in Seville, Camino Catalan - in Barcelona, \u200b\u200bthe British take a ferry to La Coruña and walk from there.
The most famous route, the French Route, or Camino Frances, begins in the Pyrenean town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and passes through the largest cities in northern Spain: Pamplona, \u200b\u200bBurgos and Leon. Its "official" length is 765 km, but due to the number of trails and branches, this figure can fluctuate plus or minus 50 km. The French route takes an average of 30-50 days. Beginners often choose the Portuguese route because of its shortness (250 km) and the ability to walk through two picturesque countries at once.
The meaning of walking travel is not only religious. Even the Pilgrim's Codex Calixtinus, drawn up in the 12th century, says that the meaning of a hike is not the end goal, but the road itself. It is important not just to go to the goal, staying overnight in shelters, it is important who you met along the way and how you treated them. Perhaps someone needed help in word or deed in your face.
In ancient times, people walked through the stars, and even now the "grid" of Kamino resembles the Milky Way. For the pilgrimage to be considered complete, it is not necessary to walk all 800 km. It is enough to walk 100 km, or ride 200 km by bike or horse. Many Spaniards take the route in small portions on weekends.
Documentary evidence of the pilgrimage path is the Credencial del Peregrino, a temporary pilgrim's passport, which is stamped with a visit to a cafe, tourist center or church.
Pilgrims move on foot, without a map, often alone. Travelers are guided by yellow arrows and shells painted on the walls of houses, the sidewalk or special posts. Everyone decides for himself how much to go in a day and in which shelter (alberge) to stay.
Shelters are monastic, municipal, donativo (for a donation), private and, in fact, hotels. The latter are rarely popular on such a campaign, because they are expensive and do not correspond to the spirit of asceticism. However, for the elderly, the hotel is more suitable than a 20-bed monastery.
A night at the shelter costs between 5 and 12 euros, often including dinner and breakfast. In donated shelters, dinner is prepared based on the money left by previous pilgrims.
In ancient times, a hat, a staff and a dried pumpkin for storing water were indispensable attributes of the pilgrim on this road. Now, not much has changed: boots and a trekking stick, a backpack, a change of footwear and a supply of water - that is what distinguishes those walking around the Casino.
The one who reaches the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostella receives the Compostella, a certificate in Latin with the date of completion of the path and the altar seal of the cathedral. Pilgrims visit the relics of the saint, and, if they wish, a festive dinner awaits them.
However, not everyone is limited to this point. Specially prepared ones go another 88 km to Cape Finisterre (Latin finis terrae - literally, the end of the earth), the westernmost point of Spain, where St. Jacob and where, according to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to him. Only every tenth pilgrim reaches Finisterre and necessarily burns some piece of clothing in which he went this long way.
Mount Montserrat, Barcelona (Catalonia)
If you don't have a few weeks to spare, but have a burning desire to make a pilgrimage on foot or just a short hike through the mountain beauty, then take a fresh look at the famous Montserrat Monastery, which is located near Barcelona.
Montserrat is not only a monastery with a museum and winery at an altitude of 720 meters. It is a rather bizarre mountain with stunning views of the outskirts and neighboring cliffs. There are five official and many unofficial walks on the mountain.
The most famous: Path of Prayers (Rosari Monumental de Montserrat)leading to the Holy Cave (Capella de la Santa Cova), where in the 9th century. the first sculpture of Our Lady of Montserrat was found. A copy of the statue in the abbey's cathedral is still kept in the cave. This Madonna can also be approached and touched by making a wish and avoiding the line that gathers in the main temple. Along the way, 15 sculptures of the early 20th century are placed, depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin. As you descend, you will have stunning views of the neighboring cliffs and areas.
Route length: 1.5 km one way. Travel time is 30-40 minutes one way. First down the wide paved road to the Sant João funicular station (the path can be cut in half by taking a trolley from the entrance to the abbey). Then the road goes up to the cave. The "Cave" is a small chapel, where it is quiet, cool and not crowded. The temple has a statue of the Virgin Mary, a bronze sculpture of Christ and a special room for votives - objects left as a gift to the Virgin Mary for a fulfilled wish. As a votive, there are plaques with inscriptions, plaster prints of a baby's foot or a motorcycle helmet with a request to pray for the victim's health (in Spain, a scooter is a fairly popular form of transport, but, unfortunately, accidents with their participation are not uncommon).
Then you need to make the way back to the monastery along the same road. Although the route is considered easy, an untrained person should still be careful, have comfortable shoes and a supply of water. If you arrived at the monastery with an excursion group, then you will have free time for a mini-hike in the very sunshine (13:00 - 14:00). Therefore, the last meters of the road from the habit may seem the longest in your life.
Also on the mountain there are routes 5-7 km long along narrower mountain paths up from the monastery to the chapel of St. Michael (Camí de Sant Miquel). You can climb to the cross of St. Michael (Creu de Sant Miquel) by either a short path or the more difficult road La Font Seca, leading to the observation deck past the 19th century cannons.
Camino de Ronda (Catalonia)
Camino de Ronda (Catalan Cami de Ronda) is a road that has been preserved since the 18th century and originally stretched along the entire coast of Catalonia. The road was used by both civilian guards to patrol the coastal borders and sea territory, and fishermen who moored in the storm far from their village. Pirates and smugglers made their way along the same fireplace.
Over time, the road became dilapidated, somewhere it turned out to be littered with stones, and eventually fell apart into several parts. Several stretches ranging from 2 to 13 km long in the Costa Brava have now been restored and serve as hiking trails for pleasant walks.
- San Pol - S'Agaro: a beautiful trail under the pine trees along the rocky seashore. Travel time is 1 hour. Also suitable for cyclists, wheelchair ramps are available in some places. The road is equipped with signs, green arrows GR-92.
- Roc de San Gaileta - Platja Llarga: wide walking path 2.5 km long with observation platforms and the possibility of going down to the sea and swimming. Two thirds of the way is an asphalted sea promenade, the last third is a wooden deck. On the way, you can come across beautiful houses and an old church.
- Vilanova - Sitges: 7 km of earthen trail with white and red markings and several paths. You can keep a little inland or walk along the sea. The last trail is more beautiful, but at times it goes along the edge of the cliff and over small hills. It is positioned as a simple one, for walking with children, but it is not recommended to take very small children and strollers here. Comfortable trekking shoes are more than desirable.
Today, the Camino de Ronda is also part of the GR'92 (Grand Recorrer), a huge 561 km hiking trail that stretches along the entire Mediterranean coast from Portbou to Tarifa, passing through Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia. And with the desire and appropriate preparation, you can go through this long path entirely.
Vias Verdes del Carrilet, or "green roads" of Girona (Catalonia)
Since the beginning of the 90s. in Spain, 7.5 thousand km of railway tracks were left idle. The government decided to rebuild some of the roads into cycling and hiking trails, and by 2011 there were 2,000 km of green roads. There are practically no differences in altitude on the routes, so the flat road makes it possible for people to travel even with minimal physical training. The roads in the Girona region are especially beautiful. There are four routes to choose from:
- Olot Girona, 54 km along the volcanic valley of Garoccia and the narrow streets of the ancient cities of Catalonia,
- Girona-Sant Feliu de Guixols, 40 km of a gentle slope along the valley to the sea,
- Vía verde del Hierro y del Carbón (Ripol - Ogassa 12 km), literally "road of iron and coal",
- Vía verde del Tren Petit, or the "small train route" (Palomos - Parafruzhle), 6 km along the oldest steam locomotive road.
Fregeneda Route - Vega Terron (Castilla and Leon)
Fregeneda route - Vega Terron another result of the Green Roads project.
Fregeneda railway station is located between two rivers almost on the border with Portugal. From the station to the water mill in Vega Terron, 17 kilometers of a very scenic path. This route is a kind of open-air museum of engineering art. Tourists pass through 20 man-made tunnels and 13 wooden bridges. However, some of them are badly dilapidated. It is not recommended to embark on this journey for tourists with poor vestibular apparatus. The end point of the route is the river port of Vega Terron. Here you can see two old mills from the 19th century, which are currently not in use, and one new one, built in the 80s-90s of the 20th century. The way back should be taken care of in advance.
Text: Alla Anikina
