Best Hiking Trails in Europe

Whether it’s lofty alpine vistas, jaw-dropping oceanside walkways or calming rural countryside, Europe has something compelling to offer any hiking enthusiast. Europe features some of the best scenery, culture and adventure experiences the continent has to offer. With so many to choose from, we take you around Europe to narrow down the best as well as off beaten trails that make Europe a unique hikers paradise. Read more on our guide to The Best Walking Destinations in Europe. Ready to get on the trail?

 

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Path of Gods

Amalfi Coast, Italy

 

The Path of the Gods, also known as Sentiero degli Dei, is a well-travelled cliffside path between the villages of Agerola and Nocelle on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. A centuries-old footpath once used to transport goods by mules between the towns. This hiking trail promises unparalleled heightened views of the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri. Hike toward the medieval hamlet of Nocelle along the breathtaking Path of the Gods. Uncover this stunning ancient trail on our Amalfi Coast Walk. The Path of the Gods stretches between the tiny mountain village of Bomerano, through Nocelle, and down to the famous seaside city of Positano. You can begin hiking the Path of the Gods at either end. The entire trail is just under 8km (5 miles), the ideal distance to gain an appetite before ending in town for apperitivos and tantalising fresh seafood cuisine.

 

 

 

Tour de Mont Blanc

Chamonix, France

 

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most popular treks in Europe. It covers a distance of approximately 170 km and gains more than 10,000 meters of altitude. On this hike you are treated to pristine mountain scenery like no other. This epic long-distance trail circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif, taking you through France, Italy, and Switzerland as you loop your way around. With jaw-dropping views of jagged, snowcapped peaks, charming alpine refuges, this trail is regarded as one of the best long-distance treks in the world giving unbelievable views of the Alps landscapes. You can hike the loop or a section of it, either way this one needs to be on your hiking bucket list! Hike sections of the Tour de Mont Blanc on our Italian, French & Swiss Alps Walk.

 

 

 

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Madeira Island, Portugal

 

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike is one of the more off beaten paths of Portugal and the best-rated hikes on Madeira Island. It is a hike between two peaks of Madeira Island – Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo (the highest peak on the island). It takes about four hours to complete one way. If you are lucky enough and the weather conditions permit, you will feel like you are walking above the clouds. Mountain peaks on Madeira are frequently covered in a bright, fluffy and dreamy carpet made of clouds, which is quite spectacular and memorable. We highly recommend the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo walk and to choose Madeira Island for your next hiking holidays. With the amazing hiking route network it offers, Madeira is a true hikers paradise. Walk above clouds on our Discovery Walk of Madeira.

 

 

 

Camino de Santiago

Spain, France & Portugal

 

Walk in one of the world's only two UNESCO-listed ancient pilgrimage trails, the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St James. Since the 9th century, this sprawling network of trails has offered hikers to uncover quintessential European landscapes and immerse into the local cultures of rural Spain, Portugal and France. There many different routes of Camino de Santiago. Each one offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience. The Camino de Santiago is not a single route. It is a network of pilgrimage routes that start in different places across Europe and finish in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The Camino Frances is by far the most popular Camino de Santiago route which begins in the French Pyrenees and travels across Northern Spain. The Portuguese Camino de Santiago is another popular route which journeys north from Lisbon and Porto. Whether you’re hiking the French, Portuguese or English Way, the iconic yellow arrows of the Camino will bring you on a memorable hiking adventure. Embark on a two-country journey as you walk handpicked sections of The Camino de Santiago on our Luxury Camino De Santiago Walk From Portugal To Spain.

 

 

 

The Cotswold Way

England

 

With its scenic views, picturesque towns and villages, historic sites, private lands and working farms; The Cotswold Way is one of the England’s most beautiful long-distance walks, running for 102 miles between Chipping Campden and Bath. The Cotswolds is classic English countryside and the best way to explore the area is on foot. The trails themselves are kept up by landowners, farmers, and the Cotswold Wardens, and give you the freedom to be spellbound by rolling green hills and chocolate box cottages. And nowhere brings this more to life than the Cotswolds. Wind through golden-hued villages, wooded glens and meadows speckled with sheep. Take in expansive views; stroll from one picture-perfect village to the next; have a pint in a country pub and enjoy a beautiful part of England. Immerse into this charming countryside of England and walk sections of the Cotswold Way on our Cotswold England Luxury Walk.

 

 

 

The Isle of Skye

Scotland, United Kingdom

 

The Isle of Skye which is located on the North West coast of Scotland is a mysterious and fascinating place.  You’ll traverse the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes along your hikes. There are rocky and dark areas, sandy beaches, green areas, lots of sheep and cattle, and areas where the greenery is wilder. Inside the island, there are several lakes, small lagoons, and tiny tributaries, but there is no doubt that the highlight is the bays. The Fairy Pools trail is known for the  waterfalls of the fairy pools and as you follow the path towards the mountains you will find clear blue pools of water. At the right temperature, these pools become as transparent as crystals. The path to the Old Man Storr is another must do trail where you can really appreciate the varied landscape with its dips and peaks with rugged cliffs and sparkling pools of water. The Quiraing trail is a natural phenomenon created as a result of rockfalls that occurred in the northern part of the Isle of Skye. Marvel at unique formations so dramatic it shouldn’t be missed. Embark in this magical part of Scotland on our Inverness to Isle of Skye Luxury Walk. 

 

 

 

Valbona To Theth

Valbona Valley National Park, Albania

 

The less visited Albanian Alps gives incredible scenery and cultural encounters without the crowds. Set in the gorgeously rugged Valbona Valley National Park, the Valbona to Theth trek is quickly gaining popularity as one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe. This is a point to point trek between two alpine villages. It can easily be completed in a full day. Traverse dry river beds, across picturesque meadows, and through dense pine forests. Admire the crescendo when you cross through a dramatic mountain pass. You can do the walk in either direction, but starting in Valbona and ending in Theth is ideal. There is more to do in Theth – including a range of other short day hikes – and the village itself has warm homestays and a lovely stone church. Walk the off beaten Valbona and Theth on our Albania Walking Discovery Into The Albanian Alps.

 

 

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