For active travellers who relish combining some cardio fitness with the virtues of rich cultural sightseeing, Spain and Portugal Travel Connection’s new suite of walking tours traversing the many historical paths of Spain should be ideal.
The company’s marketing manager, Mike Olivotto, told tB that taking in the surroundings in such a manner was the perfect way for Australians to truly appreciate the physical beauty Spain has to offer.
“There are many reasons Australians venture over to Spain, whether it’s for the history, wine, food, art, museums, beach escapes, festivals…(these) are just the tip of the iceberg of what’s on offer,” Olivotto said.
“The interest and curiosity from Australians for Spain has continued to grow over the last few years.”
One of the tour operator’s most popular adventures is the Camino Mozarabe track, stretching 417km and lasting up to 20 nights (for those who stay on for the whole journey). The walk explores the region’s Moorish architecture and follows in the footsteps of pilgrims who have historically journeyed from Grenada to the town of Merida. Along the way you can expect to wander through the olive groves alongside the Velillos River, investigate the history of the hilltop castle in Alcaudete, and marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cordoba, the former capital of the Islamic Emirate during the Muslim golden age.
Another route favoured by visitors is the 130km Ruta Del Cantabrico tour. This 10-night journey takes in largely coastal vantage points traversing the cliffs and beaches of the Cantabrian Sea. The trail commences in the seaside port of Ribadeo located in the Spanish province of Lugo in Galicia where walkers can view the many cathedrals and rocky sculptures carved out by the sea along the way. From there the group makes its pilgrimage through the fishing village of Foz, home to the oldest cathedral in Spain, the Basilica of San Martin de Mondonedo.
All walking tours include luggage transfers, accommodation and pilgrim passport.
