Spain's natural beauty: 4 micro-adventures to discover without a car

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published today

Looking to get off the beaten path and discover another side of Spain — greener, wilder, and easily accessible by train or bus?
From the mountains of Asturias to the gorges of Andalusia, here are 4 nature-filled micro-adventures you can experience car-free.
Grab your hiking boots (or your bike) - the adventure starts here.

1. Hiking in the Picos de Europa from Pola de Lena (Asturias)

Welcome to northern Spain’s wild side.
Here, the Picos de Europa rise proudly, their limestone peaks towering over deep valleys and dense forests. From Pola de Lena, a small Asturian town well connected by train, you can set out on multiple hiking trails through raw nature and mountain villages.

These untouched landscapes offer total immersion: no crowds, just the whisper of the wind and the sound of cowbells echoing through the valley.
A perfect micro-adventure to disconnect and recharge.

How to get there: Regional train from Oviedo or Gijón to Pola de Lena (≈ 40 min). Several trails start directly from the town or nearby.

2. El Caminito del Rey (Andalusia)

Clinging to the cliffs of the Gaitanes Gorge, the Caminito del Rey was once known as “the most dangerous path in the world.”
Don’t worry - it’s been completely restored. Today, it’s a spectacular and safe walkway suspended along the rock face, 100 meters above the river.

The panorama is breathtaking: dizzying cliffs, hanging bridges, deep gorges, and eagles gliding above you.
A thrilling micro-adventure not to be missed if you’re passing through Málaga!

How to get there: From Málaga, take the train to El Chorro–Caminito del Rey station (50–60 min).
A shuttle bus connects the station to the trail’s north entrance (El Kiosko stop).
Be sure to book your ticket in advance at caminitodelrey.info.

3. The Route of Philip II from San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Madrid)

Need a breath of fresh air just an hour from Madrid?
Head to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the tourist office, a scenic trail winds through the La Herrería Forest up to the Silla de Felipe II - a rocky lookout point where, legend says, King Philip II used to observe the construction of the monastery below.

©Turespaña

A gentle 7 km round-trip hike, perfect for a half-day escape into nature, among pine and oak trees with sweeping views over the Sierra de Guadarrama.

How to get there: Suburban train (Cercanías) from Madrid-Chamartín or Madrid-Atocha to El Escorial (45–60 min). The trail starts in San Lorenzo, just a short walk from the station.

4. The “Tren Petit” Route (Catalonia)

Between Palamós and Palafrugell, on the Costa Brava, stretches a charming greenway built on the former “Little Train” line. Today, it’s a gentle route you can follow on foot or by bike, through Mediterranean landscapes dotted with olive groves and small stone bridges.

Flat, well-marked, and easy for everyone, it’s the perfect micro-adventure for a day outdoors by the sea.
And the best part? You finish your ride with your feet in the sand!

How to get there: Train to Figueres or Girona, then regional bus to Palamós or Palafrugell. The route (≈ 6 km) is accessible from either town.

In a nutshell, from the Asturian peaks to the Andalusian cliffs, Spain is full of wild places you can reach without a car.
These four micro-adventures prove that you don’t need to travel far to go far - just a train ticket, a backpack, and a direct line to nature.

This article was written in partnership with the Spanish Tourism Office.
To learn more, visit www.spain.info — a goldmine of practical information to plan your trip!

Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.