Spring marks the return of high-altitude hiking, but only gradually! The high mountains are still gripped by snow and cold, so it's better to head to mid-mountain terrain where there is already plenty to explore. Here are 5 mid-mountain hiking ideas to inspire your spring walks, whether for a day or a few days. Before you set off, don't miss our tips on how to gear up properly in spring on the hiking trails!
Mid-mountain hiking: Cappadocia for the exotic and the unexpected
At the heart of the Anatolia region, Cappadocia is an exceptional area with an enormous amount to offer from a geological, historical and architectural perspective. This region is a high plateau covered by a layer of volcanic tuff, sculpted by erosion into an infinite variety of small canyons, peaks, fairy chimneys and other natural formations.
The hiking trails in this Turkish region offer a chance to discover unique landscapes and a captivating local character. From the White Valley to the Pigeon Valley, and the Red and Rose Valleys, you are confronted with Byzantine wonders and extraordinary scenery. Finally, the Valley of the Fairy Chimneys will transport you into an utterly magical landscape, ideal to explore in spring. Many agencies organise multi-day hikes and treks in this region, which is perfect for mid-mountain hiking.
Mid-mountain hiking: the gentle discovery of Madeira
Madeira offers a unique setting for mid-mountain hiking enthusiasts. The mild climate, the beauty of the landscapes, the exotic flowers, the gentle pace of the walks, the warmth of the locals, the comfort of the accommodation — nothing beats it for appreciating the island of Madeira, known since antiquity and shaped by human hands over the centuries. You can explore refreshing levadas and jagged picos, cross the island on paths overlooking terraced gardens, pass through dense tree-heather forests, gaze down over beautiful coves and climb windswept summits.
The island's gentle character plays a big part in its charm, making it a prime destination in spring. What's more, the trails of Madeira are rarely crowded, and the warmth of the local welcome will make your hiking stay all the more enjoyable.
Mid-mountain hiking: the Préalpes d'Azur for walking in the sun
The territory of the Préalpes d'Azur regional park is crossed by the GR 4 (running from Haute-Provence to the Gorges du Verdon), from Puget-Théniers to Grasse, by the GR 510 which runs from the Italian border to Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne crossing 8 valleys including the Estéron and the Siagne, and by the GR 51 (Balcons de la Méditerranée). This offers a wealth of short and long hiking routes in a mountain region that is not too rugged, and which above all enjoys very mild weather from the first weeks of spring. The region also has much to offer along the way, whether in terms of historical heritage or natural discoveries.
Mid-mountain hiking: the Alpilles and the Luberon for hiking under the Provençal sun
The Luberon, a pre-Alpine massif in Provence, has become an iconic destination thanks to its perched villages, châteaux and historic monuments. Hikers discover magnificent landscapes and viewpoints in the Provençal Colorado, the ancient ochre quarries and the Régalon gorges.
In the Alpilles massif, a rugged limestone range, you will discover natural treasures and a rich historical heritage: the towns of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Les Baux-de-Provence, the Sainte-Victoire mountain, … unique panoramas and sweeping views over the Provençal mountains and the rolling plains of the Aix countryside.
Both massifs offer numerous day hikes and multi-day mid-mountain hiking routes to enjoy the pleasures of spring walking. It is quite easy to put together itineraries for all tastes, and the accommodation infrastructure is very dense, making it easy to find stopping points along your routes.
Mid-mountain hiking: the Catalan Pyrenees for spring hiking
Even though the eastern part of the Pyrenees has some fairly high peaks, it is quite easy to plan routes entirely at mid-altitude.
Spring weather is often glorious without being too scorching, and in Capcir, Cerdagne and the Conflent area you will find massifs where it is easy to hike at this time of year.
You can also visit charming villages of great beauty and rich history, and sample a gastronomy that already carries the flavours of nearby Spain!
