Extremadura, on the western border of Spain with Portugal, is an important area for wildlife and walking. There is a major reserve at Monfrague, which was designated a National Park in 2007, in addition to the Tagus River National Park. Monfrague is an outstanding birdwatching area, especially for raptors such as the Eurasion Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, and the Spanish Imperial and Golden Eagles. With a Mediterranean climate influenced in the north where it is continental, and to the west where the influence of the Atlantic make it milder, this is a year-round destination for dedicated walkers."

A guidebook to 32 walks in the unspoilt mountains of Extremadura in western Spain. Exploring diverse landscapes including La Garganta de los Infiernos Natural Park and the Sierra de Gata, Montes de Toledo and Sierra Morena, all of the routes involve some ascent but none require mountaineering skills. Walks range from 6 to 19km (4–12 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–6 hours. Some can be linked to create longer routes of up to 28km (17 miles). Clear route description with 1:50,000 mapping GPX files available to download Information on refreshments, access, parking and water sources provided for each route Advice on walking bases Geology, history, plants and wildlife and local points of interest

This guidebook offers a selection of 38 routes from simple day walks, high mountain scrambles to very demanding multi-day treks in the striking Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain range in mainland Spain. Easily accessible from Granada and Malaga, it is a world of soaring, snow-clad peaks and deep valleys, far removed from the crowded beaches of the Costa del Sol just two hours away. The routes are spread across the national park, with attractive towns and villages such as Trevelez, Lanjaron, Hoya de la Mora and Cumbres Verdes serving as potential bases for a walking holiday. From more leisurely outings in the Cumbres Verde area to ascents of mainland Spain's highest summit, Mulhacen, there are routes to suit a range of abilities, although most require a reasonable degree of fitness, navigational skill and experience of high mountain terrain. Whilst some of the routes are day or half-day walks, others take advantage of the region's network of mountain shelters or offer an opportunity to wild camp. Also included are three longer traverses: 'Los Tres Picos' (the Spanish Three Peaks - Veleta, Mulhacen and Alcazaba), 'Los Tres Miles' Integral (a multi-day trek covering all the major 3000m peaks in the range) and an overview of the 302km Sulayr GR240. The walks can be enjoyed most of the year, however conditions may prove too hot at the peak of summer and extra care and equipment will be required in snow or ice: the descriptions assume summer conditions, but include additional notes for winter walking. The guide also includes advice on transport, bases and safety, a tick-list of the 3000m peaks and a Spanish-English glossary.

A guidebook to 40 walks spread throughout Portugal, with a focus on the country’s many natural and national parks. Walks are graded from easy to challenging, with options to suit most abilities and ambitions. The walks range from 5 to 46km (3–29 miles), with the two longest routes offering optional overnight stops; the day walks can be enjoyed in 2–11 hours. A handful of routes are easily accessible from Lisbon, with others covering Peneda-Gerês National Park, Serra da Estrela Nature Park and the Algarve. Clear route description illustrated with 1:50,000 maps GPX files available to download Information on refreshments, access and parking Local points of interest and background notes about Portugal Sized to easily fit in a jacket pocket

This guidebook describes 50 circular walks and scrambles exploring the Costa Blanca mountains, around the resorts of Alicante, Benidorm and Calp. These routes range from gentle strolls to demanding days with steep climbs, and from 3-20km in distance. The Mediterranean coast is one of Europe's most popular winter sun adventure destinations. In general UK visitors are best suited to the heat from late autumn to early spring. Beyond the beaches and high rises lies a completely different world of accessible, rocky mountains and knife-edge ridges that stretch away in long chains of gleaming white limestone pinnacles, and the range of walks ensures that everyone can enjoy this spectacular Spanish landscape. Walking on Costa Blanca also includes background information on local geology, wildlife and history, and planning details on where to go, where to stay and what to take.

A spectacular 1000km walk, the Via de la Plata is an ancient pilgrimage route from Sevilla in southern Spain to the country's northwest corner. Step by step directions with detailed sketch maps. Description of historical and religious land marks on the route. Practical info including pilgrim hostels.

Planning a birding trip to Extremadura? Then you need this book. Extremadura in Central Spain is one of the best birding destinations in Europe. Home to a wealth of bird species, including the Iberian endemics of Azure-winged Magpie and Spanish Imperial Eagle, it is a not to be missed birding destination. Unlike other bird guides, this book focuses on when to see the species that you want to see, be they wintering Common Crane, early spring Great Spotted Cuckoo, late summer White-rumped Swift or passing Osprey. Part 1 of the book goes through each month in turn, detailing the species that are present, arriving and departing, as well as suggesting the habitats to visit and the extra special birds to look out for. Excerpts from the author's own diaries give a flavour of the birding to be had each month. Part 2 looks at the different habitats, recommends the best birding areas and details some of the star species to be found in this wonderful region. Ian Parsons is a wildlife writer and bird tour guide. He runs Griffon Holidays, specialising in bird tours to Extremadura.

Religious studies and research have gained a lot of interest and attention from researchers, policy makers, and practitioners over the last few years, but the socio-economic impacts have not been explored. Taking into account the profound economic impact the tourism and hospitality industries can have on regions and cities around the world, further research in this area is critical to analyze the extent of such impact and the ramifications that are associated with it. The Handbook of Research on Socio-Economic Impacts of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage is a pivotal reference source that provides vital research on the social and economic factors in faith-based journeys. While highlighting topics such as tourist spending, spiritual tourism, and local development, this publication explores religious tourism in the middle age, as well as the methods of modern religious tourism. This book is ideally designed for business managers, cultural preservationists, academicians, business professionals, entrepreneurs, and upper-level students seeking current research on religious tourism and its socio-economic impacts.

With those words Ailsa Piper sought sponsors for a 1300km solo walk across Spain. She worried people would think she'd joined a cult. She worried her knees would give outandmdash;and not from praying! She worried that 30kms a day for six weeks, with a swag of sins for company, would send her mad. But she went. She began at Easter, a time of sin and reflectionandmdash;but not hot cross buns, as she discovered. She hiked olive groves, searched for lodgings in refuges and sports centres, and did the cryingo for those who'd sponsored her. As a child, Ailsa's plea was andlsquo;Don't cry. Don't cry. Let me do the crying!andrsquo; Her walk took that to new extremes. Like medieval believers who paid others to carry their sins to holy places, and so buy forgiveness, Ailsa's donors confessed to anger and envy, pride and lust, sloth and selfishness, among others. Along the way, their sins became hers. She was tempted and she battled. On one occasion, she was saved by a fellow pilgrim's snoring, proving sharing a room with forty belching, grunting blokes can be a blessing! Miracles also found her. Matrons stuffed homemade sausages into her pack. Angels in name and nature eased her path. And she fell in love: with kindness, strangers, and Spain. She came home changedandmdash;as were many of her sinners. Their stories made her believe in the power of confessionandmdash;acknowledging we're all sinners. All saints. Sinning Across Spain celebrates the blessing of bathtubs, the benediction of bunions, and the simple act of setting down one foot after the other.