Picturesque Routes through Spain
You may think there isn’t a tourist route that’s more famous than the US’ Route 66, but Spain is also full of picturesque routes worth travelling; some of them are even world renowned.
Route of Santiago de Compostela
The Route of Santiago de Compostela is a pilgrimage route dating back to the Middle Ages. Since the end of the 20th century it has regained fame and popularity among both believers and hikers from around the world.
Given that interest in the route comes from different parts of the world, there are many different starting points that can be taken, since Santiago de Compostela is the final and shared destination for all of them. The most well known routes start in Galicia, in the north of Spain, France, Portugal, Castile, areas in the east and even Germany and Great Britain.
El Monasterio de Piedra (Stone Monastery)
The Monasterio de Piedra, an architectural project from 1194, is located in Zaragoza (Aragon) and is now considered a national monument. The route leading to the monastery and its surroundings is about 30 miles (50 kms) long, and churches and museums can be seen along its entirety.
However, the most attractive sight is the Monestario de Piedra itself, along with its natural park, full of beautiful lakes and waterfalls. Rural hotels in the area provide accommodation in close contact with nature, creating an unforgettable experience for lovers of hiking and nature.
Senda del Oso (Bear’s Path)
There are infinite, stunningly beautiful routes in the Principality of Asturias, but one of them is becoming more popular for both hikers and bike lovers alike: The Senda del Oso.
This route is approximately 15 miles (25 kms) long and is divided into three stretches running along the former mining train tracks, which ran from the valley of the River Trubia to the mines in Tegerva. It is a beautiful path, traversed by animals and surrounded by infinite, green pastures.
Laguna Grande (Great Lake)
The Laguna Grandede Gredos is located in the province of Ávila (Castile and Leon) in the Sierra de GredosRegional Park. It is a very special place; when the weather is hot it becomes a beautiful site bursting with color, while in cold winter weather it freezes, creating a winter wonderland worthy of the best photographers. It is one of the most picturesque routes in the whole country.