When you’re thinking of how to spend your summer, you might not have considered backpacking in Spain. It’s a great place to explore and you’ll find a friendly welcome wherever you go. There’s some great hiking to do there and the countryside is amazingly beautiful.
You can follow in the footsteps of literary giants like Laurie Lee and Ernest Hemingway who found inspiration in the beauty of Spain.
Though you may think of Spain as being hot, don’t go unprepared for chilly nights. The mountains can get really cool, and even if you stay by the coast when the sun goes down it can suddenly feel very cold. So pack clothes that include something that will work well as a base layer – snug fit clothing items that will provide your core body with warmth. And don’t forget to invest in a decent sleeping bag.
If you’re a first time back packer you can’t go anywhere without buying a decent pack. These needn’t be too expensive – check out a Regatta outlet for a whole range to choose from. While you’re there, you can also pick up some hiking boots or trainers and a good waterproof jacket. Although it’s unlikely to rain in Spain too much during the summer, it can get windy, and a good jacket will protect you from both wind and rain while letting your body heat escape at the same time.
You certainly won’t be stuck for places to stay when you’re touring round Spain. There are over 250 REAJ youth hostels throughout the nation. Most of the hostels are located in the main cities in Spain and near the most popular tourist sights. The REAJ associations form part of Hostelling International and are kept to a really high standard.
