Spring is synonymous with a return to hiking at altitude — but only gradually! The high mountains are still gripped by snow and cold, so it's better to head for the mid-mountains, where there is already plenty to keep you busy. Here are 5 mid-mountain hiking ideas to inspire your spring walks, whether for a day or a few days at a time. Before you set off, don't miss our advice on gearing up properly for spring on the hiking trails!
Hiking in the mid-mountains: Cappadocia for the exotic and the unexpected
At the heart of the Anatolia region, Cappadocia is an exceptional destination with an enormous amount to offer both geologically and historically and architecturally. This region is a high plateau covered by a mantle of volcanic tufa, sculpted by erosion into an endless array of small canyons, peaks, and a multitude of fairy chimneys and other natural formations.
The hiking routes in this Turkish region reveal unique landscapes and a captivating local character. Whether it's the White Valley, the Pigeon Valley, or the Red and Rose Valleys, you'll be faced with Byzantine wonders and truly one-of-a-kind scenery. The Valley of the Fairy Chimneys will take you into an utterly magical landscape — perfect to explore in spring. Many agencies organise multi-day hikes and treks in this region, making it an ideal destination for mid-mountain hiking.
Hiking in the mid-mountains: a gentle exploration 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 — there's nothing quite like it for appreciating the island of Madeira, known since antiquity and shaped by human hands over the centuries. You can explore refreshing levadas and sharp picos, criss-cross the island on trails that overlook terraced gardens, pass through thick forests of tree heathers, and climb above beautiful coves or summit wind-swept peaks.
The island's gentle character plays a large part in its charm and makes it a prime spring destination. The trails of Madeira are rarely crowded, and the local hospitality will make your hiking stay all the more memorable.
Hiking in the mid-mountains: the Préalpes d'Azur for walking in the sunshine
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), the GR 510 (which runs from the Italian border to Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, crossing 8 valleys including the Estéron and the Siagne), and the GR 51 (Balcons de la Méditerranée). This offers a wealth of short and long hiking routes in a mountainous area that is not too rugged and, above all, benefits from very mild weather from the very first weeks of spring. The region also has a great deal to offer along the way, both in terms of historical heritage and natural discoveries.
Hiking in the mid-mountains: Les 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 old Ochre quarries and the Régalon gorges.
In the Alpilles massif, a rugged limestone range, you'll 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 breathtaking views over the Provençal mountains and the rolling plains of the Aix countryside.
Across these two massifs there are many day hikes and multi-day mid-mountain hiking routes to savour the joys of spring and the open trail. It is fairly easy to put together itineraries to suit all tastes, and the accommodation infrastructure is very dense, making it straightforward to find stopping points along your routes.
Hiking in the mid-mountains: the Catalan Pyrenees for spring hiking
Even though the eastern part of the Pyrenees has some fairly high summits, it is quite easy to plan routes that stay exclusively at mid-altitude.
Spring weather here is often glorious without being too scorching, and in the Capcir, Cerdagne and Conflent areas you'll find massifs where walking at this time of year is entirely manageable.
You can also visit charming villages of great beauty and rich history, and savour a gastronomy that already carries the unmistakable flavour of nearby Spain!
