Spain is often associated with beach holidays, but there’s a whole other side of the country waiting to be explored. Beyond the busy coastal resorts, you’ll find rugged mountain trails, remote villages and peaceful coastal paths, often just a short distance from the more familiar tourist hotspots. For walkers looking for something a little different, walking holidays in Spain offer plenty of opportunities to discover the country beyond the beach.

But when it comes to choosing a Spain walking holiday, there’s another question to consider: is a guided or self-guided experience right for you? To help you decide, we're looking at the differences between guided group and self-guided walking holidays in Spain, including what to expect from each and some of the trips you could choose. Both options offer a different way to explore the country and how you experience the landscapes on each holiday can be quite different.

A guided walking holiday in Spain offers the chance to explore some of the country's most rewarding walking routes alongside a knowledgeable leader and a small group of like-minded travellers. From the limestone mountain paths of the Picos de Europa to the quieter trails of the Costa Blanca's inland sierras, having an experienced guide makes all the difference, particularly on more challenging routes where local knowledge, navigation and support are invaluable.

With KE, your itinerary, accommodation and trip arrangements are organised in advance, leaving you free to concentrate on the walking and enjoy everything Spain has to offer. Your leader will guide you along the routes, some of which you will see no other traveller, share their knowledge of the local landscapes and history, and take care of the practical details along the way. There's also the social side of travelling as a group, with the opportunity to meet other walkers and share the experience.

If you're enjoy walking and looking for a guided walking holiday in Spain, where local knowledge can really add to the experience, our Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca is well worth considering. Your expert local guide, Jose Molina Lopez, has led KE trips all over the world, from Peru to Nepal and Bhutan, but there's nothing he enjoys more than showing travellers around his own backyard.

Just a short journey inland from the package holiday crowds of Benidorm, you'll discover a very different side to the Costa Blanca. Here, rugged limestone peaks, quiet mountain trails and traditional whitewashed villages characterise the Marina Baixa and Marina Alta regions, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore beyond Spain's familiar holiday hotspots.

For experienced walkers looking for a more challenging guided walking holiday in Spain, our Traverse of the Picos de Europa is a fantastic opportunity to experience the country's mountains at their very best. On this adventure, you’ll stay in traditional mountain refuges, venture beyond the more accessible trails and right into the heart of the Picos.

With demanding terrain, remote mountain paths and changing weather conditions, having experienced guides alongside you is particularly valuable. Our guides Bruno and Cris take care of navigation, help keep the group safe and share their knowledge of the region, from its dramatic geology to its wildlife.

If you're considering your first guided walking holiday in Spain, our La Gomera – Jewel of the Canaries is a wonderful place to start. Known as the 'Walker's Island', La Gomera offers an incredible variety of trails, from the ancient, cloud-covered laurel forests of Garajonay National Park to volcanic valleys, open ridges and traditional villages. With an experienced local guide leading the way, you'll explore much of the island that is difficult to walk independently. It's a fantastic introduction to Spain walking holidays, combining varied trails, spectacular scenery and the added insight that only local knowledge can bring.

If you prefer the freedom to explore at your own pace, a self-guided walking holiday in Spain could be just what you're looking for. Rather than travelling as part of a group, you'll walk independently with your chosen travel companions, following carefully planned routes through some of Spain's most beautiful landscapes.

With KE, the important details are taken care of before you set off, including your accommodation, route notes and luggage transfers all in the price of your holiday, leaving you free to enjoy the journey. You can take your time, stop off in traditional villages, enjoy a long lunch or simply soak up the scenery along the way. It's an ideal way to experience walking holidays in Spain with a little more independence, while still having the reassurance of an organised trip and support when you need it.

If you're looking for your first self-guided walking holiday in Spain, want to discover more than the usual beach resorts and prefer not to travel as part of a group, our Walking on Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, is a great place to start. While many people visit the island for a relaxing beach break, this self-guided adventure reveals a different side of Lanzarote, best explored on foot. You'll reach the island's highest point, Peñas del Chache, and discover the striking volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya and the natural beauty of Los Ajaches, all at your own pace. There's also plenty of time to enjoy the beaches, take a swim and make the most of the winter sunshine. It’s a lovely introduction to self-guided walking holidays in Spain and a chance to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Nestled in the foothills of Spain's Sierra Nevada, Las Alpujarras is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and active walkers looking to discover a different side of the country. Our Walking in Las Alpujarras self-guided holiday in Spain combines the historic Granada with the quieter mountain landscapes and traditional villages of rural Andalucia. Beginning in the city before heading into the countryside, you'll stay in traditional hotels and guesthouses, you’ll explore this lesser-known corner of Spain away from the busy coast. The region is rich in wildlife, so keep your binoculars handy for sightings of hawks, kestrels and golden eagles, while the combination of Mediterranean climate and higher altitudes creates a landscape of fig, cherry and almond trees. With two nights in each village, you'll also have the flexibility to take a day off walking, explore the local area or try your hand at traditional crafts. It's a lovely way to enjoy the independence of self-guided walking in Spain away from the crowds.

They say there is the Camino you walk, and the Camino you live. Our self-guided Camino de Santiago walking holiday follows the final stage of the Portuguese Way, from Tui to Santiago de Compostela, taking you in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims. With clear route notes and an established network of Camino trails, you can enjoy the freedom of walking independently, often alongside fellow pilgrims making the same journey from across the world, without the need for a guided group. Your luggage is transferred between overnight stops, leaving you free to walk at your own pace and enjoy the journey. Morever, on a self-guided holidays in Spain, there is more flexibility to choose where you eat, so on this adventure there’s plenty of opportunities to sample Galicia's renowned seafood and local cuisine. The highlight, of course, is arriving at Santiago de Compostela's magnificent cathedral, a memorable moment that makes every step worthwhile.

Ultimately, whether you choose a guided group adventure or the freedom of exploring independently, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy walking holidays in Spain. If you value the knowledge and company of an experienced leader, guided walking holidays in Spain offer a chance to discover the country's landscapes with like-minded travellers. If you'd rather set your own pace and travel with your chosen companions, self-guided walking holidays in Spain give you the flexibility to explore on your own terms. Whichever you choose, you'll discover a side of Spain that goes far beyond its beaches and busy resorts. So, how would you prefer to explore?