Active Spain: Between Mountains and Sea
On this active luxury adventure through Spain, go kayaking in San Sebastián and hike to the historic San Adrián Tunnel. Explore Madrid’s palatial grounds before taking the train to Seville, where you’ll cycle through the city and head into the Andalusian countryside. Soar over Granada in a hot air balloon taking in views of the Alhambra. And finish in Málaga with a spectacular cliffside hike along El Caminito del Rey.
Trip highlights
- Trek along the coastal Camino del Norte, an ancient pilgrimage route
- Kayak across La Concha Bay and sample pintxos on a guided tasting tour through San Sebastián
- Hike along El Caminito del Rey, a cliffside path high above a dramatic river gorge
- Pedal between whitewashed villages on a cycling and food tour through Andalusia
- Float above Granada by hot air balloon taking in views of the Alhambra
- Ride on horseback through the sand dunes of Cape Trafalgar, near Seville
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Days 1–4
Kayaking and hiking in San Sebastián
Your hiking itinerary in Spain begins in San Sebastián, close to the northern section of the Camino de Santiago. This seaside city sits between shell-shaped La Concha Bay and the Basque peaks of Urgull, Igeldo and Ulia.
You’ll hike a portion of the pilgrimage route following mountain trails past meadows grazed by wild horses. On the town’s seafront, kayak across La Concha Bay or hire a board at Playa de la Zurriola, the city’s best-known surfing beach.
Wander through the old town, where bar counters are lined with pintxos, including the classic gilda with anchovy, olive and pickled green pepper. And try Basque dishes such as kokotxas, made with hake or cod cheeks. San Sebastián’s superb produce and food culture have inspired some of Spain’s most celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants.
Where you could stay
Venture beyond
Camino del Norte
Basque Mountains
La Concha Bay
A hike along the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes across Europe. One of these, the Camino del Norte, runs along the coast from San Sebastián to Santiago and the tomb of St James. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll hike a portion of this route, following hilly paths and crossing bridges over rivers before reaching the small coastal town of Zumaia. Here, you’ll enjoy a well-earned aperitif.
A mountain walk to the San Adrián Tunnel
Walk through Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park to the San Adrián Tunnel. Set around 1,000 metres above sea level it was once used as a mountain pass by merchants, pilgrims and kings. See an ancient hermitage tucked into its walls, then continue past herds of wild horses. You’ll also visit a local cheese factory on the way to Zerain, known for its iron-mining heritage. Enjoy lunch at an 18th-century inn.
A bespoke paddle around La Concha Bay
For kayaking in San Sebastián, few places compare with La Concha. Meaning ‘the shell’, the bay takes its name from its curved shape. You’ll explore its calm waters with a private guide, paddling past the port, Santa Clara Island and Ondarreta Beach. Continue towards Peine del Viento, a striking granite-and-steel sculpture whose name translates as ‘Comb of the Wind’.
Days 4–6
Take in Madrid’s parks and peaks
Spain’s capital, Madrid, is the country’s largest city and beating economic heart. It’s also a powerhouse of culture and music, fuelled by the Madrileños’ alegría de vivir, or lust for life.
Tapas restaurants, flamenco clubs and jazz bars sit alongside generous green spaces. In El Retiro, the city’s main park, take a boat across the lake and visit the glass-and-iron Palacio de Cristal, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hiking trails run through Casa de Campo, a former royal hunting ground, and along the riverside park of Madrid Río.
Diverse natural landscapes await just beyond the city. You can trek through the alpine meadows and pine forests of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park on a hike to Peñalara Lake. This glacial lagoon is one of several scattered across the slopes of Peñalara, the area’s highest peak. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views across the valley.
Where you could stay
A royal hike to La Granja de San Ildefonso
At the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains, north of Madrid, La Granja de San Ildefonso was built in the 18th century as a summer residence for King Philip V. On this exclusive adventure, you’ll hike through the surrounding mountains and tour the Baroque palace with its vast, Versailles-inspired gardens featuring 26 fountains.
We especially recommend visiting the private home of Cristina de Carlos, a diplomat’s daughter, and her husband, Enrique. The multilingual couple and keen adventurers will host you for lunch, served in their private garden or by the fireplace.
Days 6–9
History-steeped adventures in and around Seville
You’ll travel from Madrid to Seville by train, passing through the Sierra Morena Mountains, olive groves and oak-studded plains. Once an important centre for Moorish dynasties and the Castilian Kingdom, this Andalusian city is undeniably beautiful.
Wander past Regionalist Revival and Art Deco architecture in Plaza de España, then cycle through neighbourhoods including Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter. You can stroll along Callejón del Agua, an ivy-covered alley beside the gardens of the Real Alcázar. Together, the palace, Seville Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies form a trio of UNESCO World Heritage Sites spanning more than a millennium of history.
Over several days, take in the city’s architectural grandeur and head into the Andalusian countryside for more active adventures. Cycle through pueblos blancos, or white villages, and float above Granada and the Alhambra on a hot air balloon ride.
Where you could stay
A different perspective
Granada from above
Across dune-backed beaches
Among Andalusia’s white villages
A privileged view over the Alhambra
Travel east from Seville to Granada for a rare view over the city’s historic quarters. Your hot air balloon flight begins near the hilltop Hermitage of San Miguel Alto before carrying you above the cave houses of Sacromonte, the Albaicín and the Alhambra’s palaces and fortress walls. It’s an extraordinary way to take in Granada with a perspective few visitors ever experience.
A horseback ride along Cape Trafalgar
South of Seville, Cape Trafalgar is best known as the site of the 1805 naval battle between the British and the combined French and Spanish fleets. Today, you’ll explore its dunes and sandy coastline on horseback. Setting out from a nearby farm, ride towards the beach before continuing through the dunes and along this quiet stretch of shore.
A cycle through the Andalusian countryside
Your cycling adventure begins in Olvera, one of Andalusia’s famed pueblos blancos, or white villages. Bike along a former railway line past rivers, small villages, farmland and olive groves. Continue to the whitewashed village of Puerto Serrano for a well-earned lunch of traditional dishes made with ingredients grown in the surrounding hills.
Days 9–11
Into the mountains in Málaga
Travel to Málaga by private vehicle with the option to stop in clifftop Ronda. Here, the Puente Nuevo spans the deep El Tajo gorge, linking the historic quarter with the newer district. Málaga is known for its art. Across the city, you’ll find galleries including Centre Pompidou Málaga, a branch of the renowned Paris museum and Museo Picasso Málaga.
The surrounding landscapes are equally absorbing. Think pale-sand beaches along the Costa del Sol, limestone cliffs, ravines and forests of pinsapo, or Spanish fir. Trails cross the pine-covered slopes, riverbeds and gorges of Montes de Málaga Natural Park. We especially love hiking through the park’s canyons and climbing peaks for views across the Alboran Sea. Then take in the beaches and mountains from the water on a yacht cruise.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Canyon trek
Yacht cruise
A private hike along El Caminito del Rey
Follow the King’s Little Path, or El Caminito del Rey, on a vertiginous trek through Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a dramatic gorge carved by the Guadalhorce River. The narrow walkway sits around 100 metres above the water and takes roughly three hours to complete. The route leads past steep cliffs, reservoirs and hydroelectric channels built into the gorge.
An intimate yacht cruise from Puerto Banús to Cabopino
Experience the glamorous coastline near Marbella aboard a private yacht. Cruise between Puerto Banús and Puerto Cabopino, where pale-gold sands are backed by dunes. Drop anchor at quiet swimming and snorkelling spots along the way, keeping watch for pods of dolphins.
Meg planned our dream trip to Spain! The tours were fantastic, and the accommodations were terrific. Rita was so helpful and provided us with excellent recommendations for our food journey. She ensured we had all the necessary documents for a seamless trip. We did not need to worry about a thing...Thank you!
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
