10 gorges in Spain to combat vertigo
If human beings were only made to walk on flat surfaces, the elevator would not have been invented. The need for discovery, to know what is beyond our reach; It leads us to follow paths that would hardly occur to anyone. The gorges of Spain, narrow mountain passes formed by river erosion, are of this type. Spectacular routes that invite discovery and, always, with height as the protagonist.
If vertigo afflicts you, you may not be very attracted to them. But the truth is that these narrow openings form some of the most spectacular landscapes in our geography. There are more than fifty gorges in Spain; a complete selection of stunning views and breathtaking photographs.
Gorges, canyons and sickles, there is something for all tastes. Some accessible to anyone and others only for experienced hikers. We take a tour of the most impressive gorges in Spain, from the best known, such as Tajo de Ronda, which is not so adventurous and which you can reach by doing a circuit through Spain, to those who are yet to be discovered, so that you can choose the one that best suits you for live your adventure.
Ready to face vertigo?
Cares Gorge (León-Asturias)
Years ago when the Picos de Europa were shepherds' land and were not crossed by roads, the Cares Gorge was the only means of communication between the towns of Caín (León) and Poncebos (Asturias) during the winter.
Today this road is traveled by more tourists than goatherds. The Cares Route It is one of the most popular on the peninsula. And it is also quite accessible despite the immense gorge it crosses. For about 12 kilometers, the path advances parallel to the Cares River, literally carved into the rock, offering one of the most impressive views of northern Spain. Surely that is why it is also known as the “Divine Throat”.
You don't need great experience to explore it; With the desire and good footwear you have plenty. But you should keep in mind that it advances between high-altitude cliffs, without any intermediate exit. The difficulty is, therefore, that you cannot leave it until you reach one of the towns.
The Cares Gorge crosses bridges, caves and paths sculpted in the stone and is, without a doubt, one of the gorges of Spain most recognized.
The Tajo de Ronda (Malaga)
He Block It is a gorge on which Ronda is located. With an area of 48 hectares and a gorge excavated by the Guadalevín River that is 500 m long and 100 m deep. Its width is 50 m and it has a large gap that opens towards “La Caldera”. The entire place has typical Mediterranean fauna and flora and a huge landscape.
LUMBIER FOUNTAIN (NAVARRE)
Less known is the Foz de Lumbier, in the Sierra de Leyre (Navarra). Excavated by the Irati River, this narrow gorge is not so high (it is about 200 meters) nor so long (just a couple of kilometers), but it has something that attracts.
Perhaps it is because it runs through a Nature Reserve, surrounded by rugged vegetation. Or because of the birds that can be seen while you walk through it, especially birds of prey (vultures and Egyptian vultures). Be that as it may, the truth is that it is worth spending a morning to enjoy the path that runs at the foot of the cliffs and ends in front of the Devil's Bridge.
If you think it lacks danger, we tell you that, according to legend, Lucifer himself helped build this bridge in the 16th century. You can stop by and see if you can find out why… If you dare.
Hermida Gorge (Cantabria)
At the other end of the ranking, the length record goes to the Desfiladero de la Hermida, in Cantabria. Its 21 kilometers accompanying the Deva River make it the longest of the gorges of Spain. It's not short on height either, it has more than 600 meters of drop.
The Hermida Gorge is located in the Ándara massif and is, even today, the only gateway from the Cantabrian coast to the Liébana region. It was already famous in the 19th century, when multitudes of explorers, climbers and travelers crossed it to reach the Picos de Europa.
The narrow walls prevent vegetation from abounding; although at the bottom of the ravine you can see holm oaks, cork oaks and oaks. What does proliferate are birds. There you can see vultures, eagles and even the emblematic capercaillie. Not in vain, more than 6,000 hectares around the canyon are declared SPA (Special Protection Area for Birds).
An interesting way to explore it is to do the via ferrata of La Hermida. Suitable for both novices and experts, the route crosses several Tibetan bridges that have made it one of the most popular in the country.
Mont-Rebei Gorge (Lérida)
Between the regions of Pallars Jussà and La Noguera, this gorge is one of the best kept secrets of Lérida. It is no wonder because its walls of more than 500 meters (with a width that sometimes does not exceed 20 meters) surrounded by practically virgin nature well deserve to have been declared a Wildlife Refuge 13 years ago.
There are no roads that cross it, although you can walk from the Masieta parking lot to the Montfalcó bridge. The path carved into the rock will show us the most exceptional views of the place. Although it is not too long, it is a route to go without rushing and with plenty of courage.
In this untamed place you can feel the magic. And the contrast. From the oak forests on the north side to the arid landscapes on the south side, everything in Mont-Rebei is to be enjoyed with all five senses. If you also like caving, you can't miss a visit to the nearby Colomera cave.
Congost de Collegats (Lérida)
The one that is not a secret in Lérida in the Congost de Collegats. This gorge, cut by the Noguera Pallaresa river, makes its way between the Boumort and Peracalç mountain ranges. This time it crosses the northern end of the Pallar Jussà to reach the Pallars Sobirà.
The pass opened in the 19th century. Until then, the only way of communication between the two regions was to go up first and go down later. Although we propose a different way to explore this 5-kilometer-long gorge with walls of more than 500 meters: rafting.
He descent through the Noguera Pallaresa will allow you to enjoy the Congost de Collegats from a unique perspective. You will also pass through the Argenteria, a unique area of the gorge where, in winter, the ice stalactite and stalagmite formations shine in the sun as if they were silver. They say that Gaudi got his inspiration from this place to design the façade of La Pedrera.
On the other hand, you will also discover the typical pre-Pyrenean vegetation dominated by black pine and birds of prey, among other fauna. In 1987 this space was declared a Partial Natural Reserve.
La Yecla Gorge (Burgos)
We return to Castilla y León to head to Burgos, where the La Yecla gorge dominates the impressive landscape of the Peñas de Cervera. Even shorter than the Hermida gorge, this narrow gorge nevertheless offers a stunning route. At certain points, the passage of the El Cauce stream barely leaves a couple of meters of width between wall and wall.
The route goes through a tunnel in the wall of the gorge to end up in the same riverbed. It is worth walking through it without rushing, observing every detail. During the walk you will find bridges, walkways, pools of water, waterfalls and many other charming corners. They also say that about 100 pairs of griffon vultures nest in the area (don't forget to take your binoculars).
Another point to keep in mind is that it is located just three kilometers from the Santo Domingo de Silos monastery. And, of course, the possibility of continuing the excursion with a visit to the Sierra de la Demanda.
Sickles of the Duratón River (Segovia)
We change province. In Segovia you will find one of the most beautiful and popular gorges in Spain. The Hoces del Río Duratón, declared a Natural Park in 1989, form a narrow canyon 100 meters high and with impressive views.
Among its natural attractions, in addition to the landscape, are the hundreds of pairs of griffon vultures that populate it, as well as many other birds of prey. But it also has other claims; archaeological, such as some caves from the Bronze Age, or architectural, such as the hermitage of San Frutos, from the Romanesque period.
As in others gorges of Spain There are several routes to get to know it. To give a couple of options of different lengths, we could mention the Senda Larga, of 12 kilometers, and the Circular Senda de los Dos Ríos, of about 5. However, if walking is not your thing, we suggest you do a balloon ride through Segovia from where you can get a unique perspective of the city and the impressive canyon.
Beteta Sickle (Basin)
In the heart of the Cuenca Mountains, under the name of the Hoz de Beteta and Sumidero de Mata Asnos Natural Park, is this impressive protected space of almost 8 kilometers of cliffs.
The Guadiela River is the architect that shapes these rock walls more than 80 meters high. Once again, several routes can be taken. Even if you don't want to walk through it all, you can take the Botanical Walk path, about two kilometers long, which will allow you to see some of its main attractions.
You will find caves, meanders and waterfalls; And if you go in summer, some pools to swim in, which is appreciated. As for flora, tilares, yews and hazelnut trees predominate.
The most daring (and especially if they do not have vertigo) can continue the excursion in the nearby Hoz de Tragavivos. Parallel to the Guadiela River, the water channel through which it is passed runs, with a curb barely 40 centimeters wide. Without a doubt, only for experienced and very self-confident mountaineers.
Gaitanes Gorge (Málaga)
The path that ran through the Gaitanes Gorge in Malaga was also known for its difficulty. Built at the beginning of the 20th century by the Sociedad Hidroeléctrica del Chorro and inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII, the Caminito del Rey (as it was known) became for many the most dangerous trail in the world.
Today, fortunately, all that is behind us. Since its reopening in 2015 after having been restored, this trail has become one of the most visited in Spain, now without any type of danger.
It is not for less. Seven kilometers of walkways over walls up to 700 meters high, the narrow canyon that is sometimes only 10 meters wide... All this makes the visit overwhelming and fascinating at the same time.
You must keep in mind that access is very controlled and tickets fly. Therefore, the best idea to make sure you enjoy the hiking on the Caminito del Rey is to book your activity in advance 😉
Buitreas Canyon (Málaga)
Also in Malaga – last but not least – is the Buitreras Canyon. This ancient gorge (it is about 200 million years old) runs through the Serranía de Ronda with the Guadiaro River at its feet. It is declared a Natural Monument and, together with the Caminito del Rey, its path is undoubtedly one of the top of hiking in the Andalusian province.
Its 15 kilometers in length are not suitable for everyone. But at least you can always enjoy the splendid views from the Puente de los Alemanes, about 60 meters high. The beauty of the riverbed, full of cavities, labyrinths and waterfalls, is accompanied by the flora of the place, which includes juniper trees, mastic trees and even exotic palm trees.
In addition, the fauna accompanies. As is usual in this type of geography (you may have already noticed) several pairs of griffon vultures can be seen. Once again, remember the binoculars.
How do you see the gorges of Spain They are many and varied. Just like the options available to get to know them, whether by land, water or air. Here we present a sample but, taking into account the rivers that cross our geography, you can find many more. Don't think twice and start exploring them. Only you set the limits.
The turia gorge between Gestalgar and Chulilla spa, wild, just a narrow path. Only the fire that devastated the forests in 2012 and a river that cannot be seen through the reeds and the abandonment of the Hydrographic Confederation are its drawbacks. Videos on Instagram.
Excellent places, I would like to share some of your hiking excursions in Spain on MundoTrekking.com adventure tourism site. I send you a big hug