Key point: On 13 August 2026, the Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA) and Paradores de Turismo de España expanded their existing cooperation to promote the programme Caminos Naturales . The partners announced plans to link the non-motorised routes more closely with Paradores sites and improve travel planning, information and services for users.
Background: Caminos Naturales is coordinated by MAPA and opens historic routes – disused railway lines, towpaths and old connections – to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Its aim is to preserve natural and cultural heritage and boost economic activity in rural areas. The latest expansion is based on a cooperation framework whose terms were published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado on 20 January 2026; it supplements the longstanding cooperation between MAPA and Paradores.
Agreed measures: Paradores will serve as information and contact points at selected locations, provide information on routes and protected areas, and take part in joint communications campaigns. The plans include themed offers along the routes and coordination of services for cycling and walking tourism; according to the partners, these include expanded information services both on site and online. According to statements from La Moncloa both sides see the cooperation as a contribution to sustainable mobility and raising the profile of rural areas. The Paradores network includes sites in historic buildings across many regions of Spain and caters to domestic and international travellers.
Interests and implications: For municipalities along the Red de Caminos Naturales , the initiative could bring additional visitor spending, better seasonal occupancy and new local services. These benefits come with requirements for route safety, maintenance and visitor management. Implementation requires coordination with autonomous communities, provinces and municipalities, since many routes fall within their remit.
Facts, attributions and outlook: The expanded cooperation is confirmed by official statements from MAPA and Paradores and by its publication in the Boletín Oficial del Estado. The official documents contain financial details and operational timetables, but the statements do not give specific figures. The potential economic impact remains uncertain and will depend on regional investment, maintenance capacity and demand in domestic and international markets. The partners say they will develop the measures gradually and implement them in coordination with the relevant local and regional authorities.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).