This vibrant form of active tourism helps travelers explore deeper, while locals professionalize and leverage the region’s natural resources as a source of income and a way to draw visitors to Spain’s countryside.
It also aligns with practical reasoning. In 2021, more than 3.1 million trips were driven mainly by sport, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE) Resident Tourism Survey and Tourist Expenditure Survey.
Consequently, many residents in rural areas step into roles as observers or guides during the spring and summer, attracting a dedicated audience that loves active travel, sports, and outdoor adventures.
The opportunities are abundant. Guided mountain hikes or 4×4 explorations reveal the local flora and fauna, whether led by a biologist or by experienced cavers who invite visitors to explore the depths of the mountains or paddle the rivers.
in the mountain
This is the case at Cueva la Peyural in Avín, a cave in the council of Onís (Asturias) measuring about 20 meters deep and 300 meters long.
It gained international attention when it yielded the complete fossil of a 45,000-year-old ice-age baby rhinoceros calf.
Beyond the fossil, the cave offers additional attractions: it is geologically rich, and in regions like the Picos de Europa the penicillium fungus, responsible for fermenting the famous Cabrales cheese, thrives nearby.
Along nature trails—often marked with signs on trees and rocks—visitors will find perfect free hiking opportunities, while other slopes challenge seasoned travelers to pursue high-mountain sports.
rural biodiversity
In this activity, mountain guides share the curiosities of biodiversity, the local culture, and the surrounding landscape. The experience not only captivates with scenery but also emphasizes environmental stewardship and the human impact on ecosystems.
In livestock regions, wildlife watchers help detect traces of animals to document their presence in the area.
For travelers, this offers an engaging way to learn about animal behavior and the signs of wildlife, including how to recognize tracks, droppings, and what they reveal about the animals that made them.
In the Picos de Europa, for example, bear activity can be inferred from cherry seeds in their scat, since bears enjoy ripe fruit and the late cherry season aids in identifying their presence in the area.
exploring rivers
Riding down a river with rapids can be demanding, yet there are routes that suit beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. There are options for almost every age, and it is never too late to start kayaking.
In the Asco municipality in Catalonia, the Ebro’s longest descent is a popular centerpiece, while Arriondas near the Sella River is another prime hub for river-based adventures. Spain offers a wealth of rivers ready to welcome these athletes.
These examples illustrate how active tourism can become a way of life for locals who know their habitat intimately and have turned that knowledge into a sustainable profession for a country with vast, welcoming landscapes.