Active tourism is more popular than ever. And if any sport could be considered the queen in this field, it is hiking. With simplicity and universality as its hallmarks, this activity has become a unique way to enjoy many destinations, combining holiday relaxation with the satisfaction of a good walk among beautiful cultural and natural landscapes.
Hiking is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. The World Tourism Organization, in its latest reports, has highlighted the global growth of tourism linked to this activity, while emphasizing its negligible environmental impact, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly practice. The data is very revealing. Various sources report that the U.S. has 44 million hikers, while in Spain the number is nearly 5 million, skyrocketing in France and England (15 million each) and in Germany, where there are 40 million active hikers. These statistics confirm the trend and have a direct consequence: many enthusiasts choose their vacations based on the trails offered by each destination.
This boom can be explained by three reasons. The first, wellness. According to experts, hiking improves cardiovascular health, reduces bad cholesterol and the risk of early death, and increases bone density. In addition, there are other psychological benefits such as a significant improvement in sleep quality and stress reduction from leaving the city and being in contact with nature. The second reason is that this activity adapts to any fitness level and state of health. In other words, there are trails for every type of hiker, from those who prefer long treks to those seeking a short but stimulating outing.
The third reason for this wonderful hiking craze is the awareness of the tourism sector. On one hand, many natural parks and destinations have taken action to mark, maintain, improve, and enable trails, routes, and greenways. This has been combined with increased promotion across various channels, making it easier than ever to find the ideal route. Below, we present some of the best options for walking and enjoying the most attractive summer destinations.
Tenerife
The largest island of the Canary Islands is also the highest and most diverse – and on top of that, it is a volcano that ends in the sea! That’s why the variety of landscapes allows you to find trails and paths for all levels. Near Güimar, you can enjoy the contrast between the sea and the lava fields along trails that seem out of this world. The Anaga Peninsula is not only an unexpected paradise, but it also offers rewarding routes such as Punta Hidalgo, where the exercise ends with a dip in its natural pools. Mount Teide is a true adventure park for hiking, with paths among the pines of its crown, including the climb to the summit and the excursion to the Pico Viejo viewpoint. You can enjoy this natural paradise from end to end by staying at one of the hotels in Tenerife offered by Iberostar. Whether you are traveling with children or want to surprise your partner with one of these unforgettable romantic getaways, everything is ready for a dream trip at any of our seven hotels.
Lanzarote
An island that is entirely a Biosphere Reserve is more than enough reason to strap on your boots and explore volcanoes and geological wonders. The Martian landscapes, the contrast with the sea, and the charming local architecture complete the experience. Moreover, being so protected means the island hides many of its treasures along the roads, and they can only be discovered on foot**. Places such as the spectacular Timanfaya National Park,** the epic Montaña Roja, the vertiginous Famara massif with its challenging Gracioseros trail, or the pristine Papagayo Peninsula are sensory gifts best enjoyed on foot. And to relax, we recommend visiting one of the hotels in Lanzarote offered by Iberostar.
Málaga
Hiking in Málaga has a before and after since 2015, when the Caminito del Rey, a trail that crosses the spectacular Gaitanes Gorge via bridges and walkways anchored to the rock, reopened. Beyond this new 'must-see', the Costa del Sol offers other impressive routes such as the Torcal de Antequera, revealing this curious landscape; the Cochino and Vázquez Sell viewpoints in the Málaga Mountains Natural Park; or the Paseo de los Pinsapos in the Sierra Bermeja (Estepona). Additionally, you can stay at the Iberostar Costa del Sol, which provides everything you need for a perfect getaway. And of course, don’t miss the lively 'aftersun' promenades of Benalmádena-Torremolinos, Marbella, or Estepona.
Mallorca
When a natural sanctuary such as the Sierra de Tramontana is protected as a UNESCO Cultural Landscape, there is only one option: explore it on foot without stopping. That is why this rugged mountain range is the main mecca for indoor sports on the island and, of course, for hiking. Some of its most spectacular challenges include the ascent to Puig Major (the Everest of the Balearics), the descent from Sóller to Port de Sóller, reaching the end-of-the-world at Cabo Formentor, or the quiet option of finding the hermitage of Pare Catany on Puig de Muleta. Make your stay spectacular by choosing one of the hotels in Mallorca offered by Iberostar. A wide variety of hotels that will make your vacation an unforgettable experience.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Few places in the world bring the sea and mountains so close together as Puerto Plata, a destination that has become one of the main meccas for hiking in this Caribbean country. The distance between the coast and the peaks of Isabel de Torres National Park is covered by a vintage cable car. At the top, a botanical garden awaits, a replica of Christ the Redeemer and, above all, a tropical forest that can be explored via the new Loma Isabel de Torres Trail, a path full of viewpoints and rest areas that tames the explosion of local fauna and flora. Equally wonderful is the 5-star hotel in Puerto Plata offered by Iberostar. This all-inclusive resort is a magnificent refuge for sports enthusiasts.
Jamaica
If you take your eyes off the hypnotic sea surrounding the island and look inland, the surprise is huge. Above all, because the heart of Jamaica is green and untouched, a perfect mix for those seeking beautiful destinations reachable on foot. And all of them near Montego Bay, the quintessential sun-and-beach city! The first are the Mayfield Falls, an impressive landscape offering different trails and variations depending on how many pools you wish to explore. The second is the Cockpit Country Nature Park, a formerly inaccessible area that preserves its wild essence among hills resembling rooster combs (its name could be translated as 'chicken coop') and is still an area to explore, ideal for experienced hikers. If you dare to discover it, we invite you to stay at one of the 5-star hotels in Montego Bay offered by Iberostar. In these luxurious accommodations, guests will find a gourmet culinary offer and a complete entertainment program for the whole family.
Cuba
The Caribbean country thrives not only on culture and folklore but also on natural sanctuaries that can be explored on foot along trails and paths. Among them, the Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands out, allowing visitors to travel through different shades of green and discover spectacular spots such as the Mural of Prehistory or the José Miguel and Indio caves. A more refreshing option is to follow the streams of the Topes de Collantes Natural Park, near the beautiful city of Trinidad, where lush vegetation and turquoise pools captivate the eyes and the camera. Don’t miss the chance to visit this marvelous country and stay at one of the many hotels in Cuba offered by Iberostar, where you can enjoy all facets of the island.
