Spain is home to an extensive network of long-distance hiking trails known as GR routes (Gran Recorrido), offering hikers a wide variety of landscapes—from mountain paths and coastal walks to rural interiors and historical tracks. These trails are marked with red and white blazes and are maintained by national and regional hiking federations.
What Are GR Routes?
GR (Gran Recorrido) routes are long-distance trails recognized at the European level. In Spain, they range from a few dozen to over a thousand kilometers in length, crossing regions, natural parks, and historical areas. Most are well signposted and are designed for multi-day hikes, with some intersecting pilgrimage routes, such as the Camino de Santiago.
Major GR Routes in Spain
Below is a detailed list of GR routes currently established in Spain. While some are fully completed and maintained, others are in development or partially signposted.
- GR 1 – Sendero Histórico: From Ampurias (Girona) to Finisterre (A Coruña)
- GR 2 – Montseny to La Jonquera (Catalonia)
- GR 3 – Central Path of Catalonia: Circular route in Lleida province
- GR 4 – Puigcerdà to Montserrat (Catalonia)
- GR 5 – Circular route in Catalonia, crossing the Montseny and Garraf regions
- GR 6 – Barcelona to Montserrat
- GR 7 – From Andorra through Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, Andalusia to Tarifa (part of European path E4)
- GR 8 – Maestrazgo route (Teruel and Castellón)
- GR 9 – Portbou to Fredes (Catalonia, coastal-mountain route)
- GR 10 – Valencia to Lisbon (part of E7), crosses the Iberian Peninsula
- GR 11 – Senda Pirenaica: From Cape Higuer (Basque Country) to Cap de Creus (Catalonia) along the Spanish Pyrenees
- GR 12 – Basque Country route from Navarra to Biscay
- GR 13 – Sierra de Aracena (Andalusia)
- GR 14 – Camino Natural del Duero: From Soria to Porto (Portugal)
- GR 15 – Espacio Natural Alto Pirineo in Catalonia
- GR 16 – Serranía de Ronda route (Málaga)
- GR 17 – Litoral de Bizkaia (Basque coast)
- GR 20 – Circular route in Lanzarote (Canary Islands)
- GR 21 – Camino de Ronda (Costa Brava)
- GR 36 – Parque Natural de la Sierra de Espadán (Castellón)
- GR 38 – Ruta del Vino y el Pescado (Basque Country)
- GR 42 – Moncayo to Soria
- GR 45 – Licor 45 Route from Cartagena (Murcia)
- GR 46 – Vía Verde del Aceite (Andalusia)
- GR 48 – Sierra Morena Trail: From Santa Elena (Jaén) to Barrancos (Portugal)
- GR 52 – Route through the Picos de Europa
- GR 56 – Pyrenean trail in Aragón
- GR 65 – Camino de Santiago Francés (also a GR route)
- GR 66 – Sendero Castellano-Manchego
- GR 70 – Ruta de los Pueblos de la Sierra Norte (Madrid)
- GR 73 – Basque mountains route
- GR 74 – Sierra Nevada trail
- GR 78 – Camino de Santiago Catalán from Montserrat
- GR 80 – Valles de Saja-Besaya
- GR 85 – Sendero de los Sentidos (Burgos)
- GR 86 – Sendero Ibérico Soriano
- GR 88 – Route through Huelva province
- GR 90 – Paths through the Iberian System (Zaragoza province)
- GR 92 – Sendero del Mediterráneo: Portbou to Ulldecona, running along the Catalan coast
- GR 93 – Rioja Alta to Rioja Baja
- GR 94 – Montserrat to Tarragona
- GR 95 – Senda del Ebro (Catalonia and Aragon)
- GR 99 – Camino Natural del Ebro: From Fontibre (Cantabria) to Deltebre (Tarragona)
- GR 100 – Ruta de la Plata: From Gijón to Seville, based on the ancient Roman road
- GR 101 to GR 299 – Various shorter or regional trails established by autonomous communities or provinces, such as GR 131 (Canary Islands), GR 221 (Ruta de Pedra en Sec in Mallorca), and others
Hiking Tips
- Always check the current status of the trail via local hiking federations before departure.
- Equip yourself with detailed maps or GPS tracks.
- Be mindful of seasonal weather conditions, especially in high mountain or remote areas.
- Overnight options vary: from hostels and guesthouses to camping and refugios.
Conclusion
Spain’s GR routes are ideal for exploring the country’s varied landscapes, cultures, and traditions. Whether you’re hiking through the Pyrenees on the GR 11, tracing Roman roads on the GR 100, or hugging the Mediterranean coast on the GR 92, the trail network offers something for everyone with a passion for walking.
