Article published on November 30, 2015 in LF Recommends
Walking in a Winter Wonderland: The Lucas Fox Guide to the Best Wintry Walks Across Spain
What could be lovelier at Christmas than a magical woodland or coastal walk with all the family, wrapped up in cosy knits? Each of our regional directors recommends their personal favourite walking routes for enjoying Spain’s winter sunshine and diverse landscapes over the festive season – a wonderful excuse to head outside and let off some steam (especially after all of those seasonal goodies).
Barcelona
“For feeling festive in the city…”
“For the perfect Christmassy route through twinkly Barcelona, stroll through the lush green Ciutadella park on a crispy wintry day, heading up towards the Arc de Triumf. Be tempted by the many stalls selling street food and grab a glass of delicious mulled wine in the sunshine.
Next, amble through the Born district, browsing the many independent boutiques for festive shopping, before winding up in the heart of the Gotico. The famous Santa Lucia market behind the cathedral always has a buzzing atmosphere and is sure to get you in the festive spirit!”
– Joanna Papis, Lucas Fox Barcelona
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Costa Brava
“For pretty medieval sights and warming hot chocolate rewards…”
“My ideal Christmassy walk would begin at this stunning country house in the Baix Empordà. From here you can walk to the pretty medieval town of Pals – around a kilometre and a half – for a steamy coffee or chocolate caliente. Then head back to the house via Sol Blanc – one of the best restaurants in the area – for a long, lazy wine-fuelled Xmas lunch, before staggering home to put the fire on and collapse on the sofa.”
– Tom Maidment, Partner Lucas Fox Costa Brava
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Maresme
“For cosy coastal wanders, or long seafront bike rides…”
“A wonderful seafront walking route is the coastal promenade that runs between Montgat and Blanes. It offers fabulous panoramic sea views and is a great path for exploring this gorgeous stretch of coastline. The entire promenade runs for several kilometres so I’d suggest hopping on your bike if you want to manage the whole route.”
“For a wintry walk in the woods…”
“The Parc del Montneger i el Corredor are two stunning mountainous areas parallel to the sea, with beautiful Narnia-like woodland trails covering its spectacular landscape. Seek out the ruins of Montpalau castle (an atmospheric medieval fortress), organize a 4×4 excursion or a guided walking tour for a fantastic family day out!”
“Some great woodland walks can also be found within the the Parc de la Serralada Litoral, close to Cabrera de Mar. This vast protected zone is home to the region’s characteristic rounded hills (including Céllecs, Montcabrer and Burriac) and the park covers fourteen towns and villages, so you can pick and choose which trail suits you best (some of the best include the Toni rock which goes through Cabrils and Vilassar de Dalt, the Esquirol trail in Premià de Dalt (look out for the red squirrels) or crossing Montcabrer in Cabrils).”
– Rafael Rosendo, Director Lucas Fox Maresme
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Sitges
“For lovely hilly nature walks, followed by a warming Christmas drink…”
“There are lovely nature walks to be found anywhere in the Garraf Natural Park which borders Sitges. One great route that we love runs from Sant Pere de Ribes towards Mas Mestre, ending at the Hotel Masia Sumidors – a warm, cosy environment normally attracting a bohemian crowd, perfect for a warming drink at Christmas.”
“For exploring the coast and fabulous sea views…”
“A fabulous beachy walk is between Sitges and Vilanova i la Geltrú along the coastline path – the views are breathtaking! For a shorter, more leisurely amble, stroll down the Sitges boardwalk and pop into Red Velvet for breakfast or a hot chocolate on the terrace!”
– Rachel Haslam, Director Lucas Fox Sitges
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Madrid
“For a snowy escape…”
“A really special Winter day out has to be visiting the snowy mountains, dotted with Christmassy pine trees and charming wooden houses. A favourite destination of many Madrileños is the charming Rascafria región in the Sierra de Guadarrama central mountain range, less than an hour and a half from the heart of the city.”
“Though strenuous hikes up steep slippery slopes might spring to mind, there are a number of easy, relaxing walking routes to be found – including the incredibly picturesque trail from Rascafria town to the pretty historic centre of Oteruelo. Start on Calle Egido in the town centre, and head to the Plaza de la Fragua in Oteruelo for a well-earned treat in one of the local restaurants. Another scenic walk is the trail to the Monasterio de El Paular.
Another alpine hotspot is Puerto de Navacerrada – less than an hour’s drive from Madrid, with scenic and speedy RENFE connections. There are plenty of snowshoeing and hiking paths, and an abundance of local inns for hearty warming fare. With guaranteed snow, you’ll feel like you’re in Narnia in no time!”
– Rod Jamieson, Director Lucas Fox Madrid
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Valencia
“For a flat greenbelt stroll in the heart of the city…”
“A fabulous walking route in Valencia at this time of year is the Jardín Río Turia – a park extending along the protected green belt of the original riverbed. With a pretty landscape (incorporating both Mediterranean and mountain zones), and plenty of amenities including children’s play areas and, for the grown-ups a well stocked bar.
For keeping everyone entertained during the school holidays, the Bioparc is an ethical zoo covering 100,000m where the barriers are almost invisible and the animals are able to roam free. The animals housed may be exclusively from Africa, (so there may not be any Christmassy polar bears, penguins or reindeer), but it is a fantastic day out!”
“For getting in the Christmas spirit in historic Valencia…”
“Of course, at Christmas time nothing beats a stroll through the city’s historic centre, filled with festive decorations, music and regular events. There are some great walking itineraries listed here.”
– Estefanía Roig, Partner Lucas Fox Valencia
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Ibiza
“For having the beach all to yourself…”
“Winter on the white isle is crisp and sunny, so I recommend choosing one of the island’s most picturesque beaches for a stroll with the family over the holidays. In the quiet off-season you are more than likely to have the whole beach to yourself, so take some bubbly and have a festive toast by the sea.”
“For adventurous hiking off the beaten track…”
“Hiking in the Ibiza countryside is absolutely beautiful, however there are not necessarily marked walking paths! So for more serious walkers this Christmas, contact Toby at Walking Ibiza – he’s the island’s expert walking guide. Or follow the Ibiza Walking Association’s Facebook page.”
– Jason Ham, Head of Business Development
View properties for sale in Ibiza on the Lucas Fox website
Andorra
“For walking (or skiing) through beautiful snowy mountains…”
“Andorra is covered with deep snow throughout winter, so walks are mostly done with special snow shoes or touring skis (which have become very popular in recent years). Touring skiing is easy if you have a basic level of down hill skiing and now most of ski rental shops have this type of skis available.”
“A beautiful route that we enjoy through the Sorteny Natural park is a very pleasant walk in the summer too, but makes a particularly beautiful touring ski excursion during the winter
There is a pretty wooden lodge (known as a “refuge”) just 4 km from the park entrance. Managed by two friendly ladies (whom are chefs and serve up delicious warming food), the refuge is open at weekends, or by reservation.
The walk is even manageable for children, and the lodge is extremely family friendly – a group of my friends once rented the refuge for New Year’s Eve, and took all of the kids (with some on touring skis and others in snow shoes).”
– Jordi Tàpies, Director Lucas Fox Andorra
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Marbella
“For wandering through chesnut tree forests with amazing views…”
“Over the Christmas period, “El Juanar de Ojén” is definitely a must. Less than 30 minutes drive from Marbella, you arrive in the middle of a breathtaking forest filled with chestnut trees, (where you can easily find snowy clearings in winter). Follow the trail for around 2km and you will get to an amazing rest point with panoramic views across the whole of Marbella. After a nice walk in the chilly, but sunny countryside, pop into “El Refugio de Juanar” to enjoy a plato de los montes next to its huge roaring fireplace.”
– Stephen Lahiri, Director Lucas Fox Marbella
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