April is one of my favorite months to visit Spain. The temperature is rising, but the crowds are not there yet. And if you’re an outdoor-loving family like we are, hiking in Spain in April is great. No crowds, no heat waves, and beautiful lush landscapes.
We’ve selected 8 great trails for you and your family to try.
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Why April is a Good Time to Hike in Spain
April is one of the best months to go on a hike in Spain because the temperature starts rising. There’re also fewer chances of rain, and there’s more sunlight. You can thus enjoy spending more time outdoors.
The weather in Spain varies from county to county. It’s good to know that the South of Spain has warmer and drier weather than the North of Spain.
The diverse temperatures also influence the type of landscapes you’ll come across in Spain. Spain offers varied landscapes, from coastal beaches to mountain ranges. If you love abundant green spaces, then you want to visit the north. If you prefer drier landscapes, the south is your best choice.
Other good reasons to visit Spain in April are the cheaper airline fares and car rentals in comparison to the busy summer months and fewer crowds.
Best Hiking in Spain in April: Our Favorite Trails
Here are our 8 favorite hiking trails in Spain for a spring vacation. All suggested hiking trails are rated easy to moderate hiking trails. They are all perfect for hiking with kids.
1. Sendero de los Sentidos
Distance: 1.3 km
Location: Tenerife
The Sendero de los Sentidos hiking trail is ideal for any family that wants to go on a hike for the first time or hasn’t been on a hike for a while.
This beautiful route, located near Tegueste in Tenerife, is approximately 1,3 kilometers long. It’s easy, and you can do it in 30 minutes or less.
As you walk, you and your kids will enjoy the views of the forest with its diverse flora.
Sendero de los Sentidos route is perfect in April in Spain but also all year round!
👉🏻 View the Sendero de los Sentidos trail here from AllTrails!
2. Castillo de la Mota
Distance: 1,6 km
Location: San Sebastián
The Castillo de la Mota hiking trail is in the town of San Sebastian. San Sebastian is in the heart of the Basque Country in Northern Spain. It offers incredible views of the city and the coast.
The route can be completed in under an hour. It takes you to the summit of Castillo de la Mota, a 12th-century castle of great historic importance.
You can do this Spain hiking trail all year round, but we highly recommend doing it in spring. The weather in San Sebastian starts to get better in April, and there are fewer chances of rain.
👉🏻 View Castillo de la Mota Hiking trail in AllTrails here!
3. Ruta del Monte Tibidabo
Distance: 6,1 km
Location: Barcelona
If you’re visiting Barcelona with kids and you’d love to go on a hike, we highly recommend doing Ruta de la Muntanya del Tibidabo.
It’s an easy to moderate-route that takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. It’s very popular among locals, so it’s likely you’ll see other families doing the same route.
Monte Tibidabo is the highest and most iconic point in Barcelona. From this one, you can enjoy contemplating breathtaking views, walking small hills, and seeing the oldest theme park in the city.
During your walk, you’ll see the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and come across small animals like squirrels and birds.
👉🏻 View the Mount Tibidabo Trail in AllTrails here!
4. Lagar Las Quirosas
Distance: 2,1 km
Location: Malaga
The Lagar Las Quirosas is a loop trail located close to Malaga City. It’s fantastic for all types of hikers and families. You can adapt it to your preference by making your walk shorter or longer, but the starting point is Club Hípico El Pinar.
This walking route has a beautiful landscape with plenty of pine trees along the way and panoramic views of Malaga’s coast.
It’s the perfect trail in Malaga for adventure families!
👉🏻 View the Lagar Las Quirosas Train in Alltrails here!
5. Cruz Sant Miquel via Camí de Sant Miquel
Distance: 2,3 km
Location: Barcelona
The Cruz Sant Miquel walking trail is situated near Collbató in the province of Barcelona. It’s an easy and short trail suitable for all levels. You’ll get a taste of the Costa Brava.
You can easily access this area from Barcelona by train. The route takes you to San Miguel’s Cross. It overlooks a beautiful monastery that is worth visiting.
It’s a beautiful hiking trail to do in spring as the weather is pleasant but not too warm.
👉🏻 View Cruz Sant Miquel walking trail in AllTrails here!
6. Parques de Aranjuez
Distance: 2,4 km
Location: Madrid
Located in the south of Madrid, Aranjuez is a town well-known for hikers as there are many routes that follow the river Tagus.
Many of these routes aren’t suitable for children because of the difficulty. However, we love the Parques de Aranjuez route.
The Parques de Aranjuez trail takes about 1 hour and a half to complete. You can spend longer letting the kids burn off some energy and play in the fields and the natural park. For more fun things to do in Madrid with your little ones, read here.
During this lovely trail, you’ll enjoy seeing several fountains and gardens, including Jardin de la Isla, with its famous waterfall.
It’s worth visiting during spring and autumn to see the stunning foliage. But spring is when the waterfall is most impressive.
7. Cala d’Egos
Distance: 5 km
Location: Mallorca
Who doesn’t like a kid-friendly hike with stunning ocean views? Cala d’Egos is a trail located on the southwest coast of Mallorca. It’s a 30-minute drive from La Palma.
It’s an easy-to-moderate hiking trail that will take you a little more than an hour to complete. Its beautiful wildflowers and views make it a really special trail.
The route is a bit rocky and slippery in some parts. We recommend wearing good hiking gear for you and your little ones, like Keen hiking shoes.
In Cala d’Egos, you can also enjoy relaxing at a private beach.
👉🏻 View Cala d’Egos Trail in AllTrails here!
Distance: 5,3 km
Location: Madrid
The Embalse de Navacerrada is another hiking trail near Madrid. It’s an excellent choice for a tranquil walk with your children. It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete, and it’s not busy (even on weekends!)
Kids love this route because they can feed the ducks in the lake, play on the shore of the lake, and run freely in the area.
The views of this hiking trail are beautiful. Plus, after this hike, you can stop by nearby towns like Navacerrada and Becerril de la Sierra to have a family meal.
👉🏻 View Embalse de Navacerrada Trail in AllTrails here!
A few things to know before hiking with kids in Spain.
Here are a few things to know when hiking with kids in Spain.
🥾 Pack the right gear.
When hiking in Spain, always bring a day hiking pack back with a bottle of water, snacks, hiking poles, good hiking shoes, and sun protection.
🩹 Don’t forget a First Aid Kit.
Take a hiking first aid kit with you when hiking with toddlers. Make sure it is well-stocked, especially with bite/sting cream and band-aid – you never know when unsteady little legs might take a tumble. Keep your hiking first aid kit somewhere accessible.
📱 Download a few apps to help you plan your hiking day.
AllTrails is our app to look at trails report and see if the trail is kid-friendly. You’ll also find recent information about the status of the trail. The GoWhee app also has some great recommendations for kid-friendly hiking trails.
🎒 Bring a Quality Baby/Hiking Carrier.
A good baby/hiking carrier is a must when hiking with toddlers. There’s nothing worse than getting midway through a trail only for your little one to decide they aren’t taking another step.
There are so many great hiking back to carry your toddler. We loved our Ergobaby carrier and our Tula carrier. We’ve never been big fans of the big hiking carriers, but some families love the Osprey hiking backpack and the Deuter hiking backpack.
F.A.Q: Hiking in Spain in April
What is the most popular hiking trail in Spain?
The most popular hiking trail in Spain is El Camino de Santiago. It is a network of trails that stretches over 500 miles, starting in France and ending at the tomb of the apostle Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. The trail has become increasingly popular among hikers and pilgrims who walk the path for spiritual or physical reasons.
What time of year is best to hike in Spain?
The best time to hike in Spain is during April. The mild temperatures and sunny days make it the perfect time for outdoor adventures. Although Spain experiences a mix of Mediterranean and Atlantic climates, April is generally considered one of the best months for hiking due to its pleasant climate and lack of extreme weather. The longer days also provide plenty of daylight hours to explore the beautiful Spanish countryside.
Does Spain have good hiking?
Yes, Spain has excellent hiking opportunities. My family and I had the chance to experience some of the incredible trails throughout the country, and it’s worth a visit for anyone looking for an exciting outdoor adventure. Countless trails are available, ranging from easy to challenging routes, with stunning views and picturesque landscapes of Spain.
Final Thoughts: Hiking in Spain in April: What to Know & Our Best Trails
Hiking in Spain in April is an opportunity of a lifetime that shouldn’t be missed. The country has diverse landscapes, climates, and trails that offer an incredible and unique experience for hikers of all skill levels.
Plus, the country’s vibrant culture and delicious cuisine provide an exciting vacation on top of the outdoor adventure. With this guide to what to know and our best hiking trails in Spain, you should finally feel prepared and motivated to book that trip!
Only let another spring go by with experiencing the beauty of hiking in Spain in April. Get out there and explore– it will be an unforgettable journey!
And that is our 8 recommendations for family trails if you’re planning on hiking in Spain in April.
Do you have other must-do hikes in Spain?
¡Vamos! 🙂
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Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.