The most spectacular scenic trails in Europe (and there is one in Spain)

Healthy and sustainable, hiking is an activity that gains followers worldwide every day. The Old Continent stands out for having a large number of accessible routes, ideal for exploring on foot. There are long – and even very long – distance trails and others of shorter length, which allow you to discover corners that would otherwise go unnoticed.

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The ultimate example of slow tourism, the great routes open the door to walks with well-marked itineraries that last several days. It is not necessary to complete them. You can choose to do just one stage, or a significant part, because they offer flexibility and total freedom. 

We have compiled some of the most spectacular panoramic trails in Europe. Whether alongside impressive cliffs or deserted beaches, surrounded by imposing alpine views, or crossing historic landscapes, we invite you to put on good boots to explore them… and to capture them.

With 4,327.5 kilometers, the King Charles III England Coast Path has become the longest marked route on the planet. Inaugurated last March, the route runs from Cornwall, in southwest England, to Northumberland, in the north (or vice versa), crossing fishing villages, cliffs, historic cities, beaches, and nature reserves. 

Along the way, hikers will discover especially beautiful sections. Among them stand out the imposing hills and rocky cliffs of the north Atlantic coast of Cornwall, in the Penwith peninsula; the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, where countless ancient remains are preserved; The Seven Sisters, a series of imposing porcelain-colored cliffs between the towns of Seaford and Eastbourne, along Beachy Head; the salt marshes of Suffolk, surrounded by flat landscapes; or the coast of Northumberland, dotted with heather-covered hills often shrouded in fog coming from the North Sea.

The gastronomic and accommodation offer along the entire trail is endless and diverse: from bed & breakfast establishments to historic buildings, charming hotels, farms, or campsites. The cultural and leisure offerings for all types of audiences are equally numerous.

The Rota Vicentina covers one of the most beautiful, rugged, and best-preserved areas of the Portuguese Atlantic coast. In total, it spans around 750 kilometers of the Algarve and Alentejo coasts, divided into two main routes and 24 small circular routes with great landscape diversity, which can be explored on foot or by bike. 

The first, the historic one, and the longest – 263 kilometers – runs from Santiago do Cacém to Cape St. Vincent. The second, the Fishermen’s Trail, 226.5 kilometers long, runs between Cape St. Vincent and Sao Torpes. Divided into stages that hikers can complete in a day, it offers stunning views of steep cliffs, deserted beaches, and wildflower fields.

The area allows you to enjoy countless cultural activities – the monumental heritage is enviable – and sports such as surfing. Or why not? Cool off in summer in the fresh waters of the ocean or one of the many surrounding streams. Finding accommodation in the area is not a problem – the offer is abundant and varied – as long as it is not during the summer period, when it is advisable to book in advance.

Walking it is, without a doubt, one of the most special ways to get to know and enjoy Menorca, its landscapes and gastronomy, but also its culture and history. The trail, 185 kilometers long, runs along the entire coastline of the island, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO since 1993.

The origin of the Camí de Cavalls, whose traditional function was to facilitate surveillance of the area and defend the island, dates back to the 14th century. Seven hundred years later, the old route has been restored for public use, offering a beautiful path that can be done on foot, by bike, or, as in the past, on horseback. 

Divided into twenty short stages – ranging from five to thirteen kilometers – they can be done separately or several in one day. The first ten, from Maó to Ciutadella, run along the north coast, and the remaining ten, from Ciutadella to Maó, along the south coast. The result is an endless array of attractions with scenic landscapes such as Cap Favàritx, Cavallería, and Punta Nati and their lighthouses; the beaches of Macarella, Macarelleta, Sa Mesquida, and Es Grau, among others; emblematic coves such as Galdana, Son Bou, or Cala Blanca; talayotic monuments, or defensive towers. 

Its 750 kilometers cross three countries, Austria, Slovenia, and Italy, making this long-distance hiking route one of the most fascinating in Europe. Its name, Alpe Adria Trail, offers some clues about its route: it connects Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner, in the Alps, with Muggia, a town on the Adriatic coast, just a few kilometers from Trieste, the capital of the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

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The itinerary is divided into 43 stages with very diverse landscapes and difficulty levels. The general goal is not to complete the entire route, but to choose the sections most suitable to the physical conditions and preferences of the hikers – some are family-friendly -, enjoy the territory and gastronomy, and discover the differences and similarities between the three countries. 

The best time of year to hike it is between May and early October, although depending on the chosen section, any time is suitable. The route reveals true wonders such as the Pasterze Glacier or Millstätter See in Carinthia, a spectacular turquoise lake, both in Austria; the Soca Valley and Triglav National Park in Slovenia; and Collio, famous for its vineyards and wines, and the picturesque town of Cividale del Friuli, both in Italy.

Iceland is a paradise for hikers, so daring to take on the Laugavegur Trail, considered the most beautiful trail in the country and one of the most beautiful in Europe, is, besides an adventure, a true gift for the senses. This 55-kilometer trek is done over several days of walking – between four and six days – through breathtaking landscapes.

The path goes through lava fields, lakes, glaciers, colorful mountains, and forests of the southern Highlands of the island, showing the wildest side of Icelandic nature. Because the Laugavegur Trail, accessible only in summer, has absolutely everything. 

The route, well marked with milestones and wooden stakes, starts in the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar, the Icelandic rainbow mountains, and ends in the Thorsmork valley. Along the way, there are cabins and camping areas where it is possible to spend the night. The Laugavegur Trail has historically been an important route, as it allowed islanders from different regions to communicate and trade with each other. 

Cinque Terre has become one of the most desired spots on the Ligurian coast. Located south of Genoa, this small area made up of five delightful colorful villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – holds the titles of national park and World Heritage Site.  

The best way to discover them and absorb their beauty in small sips is on foot, on a trail of only twelve kilometers, called Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail). It is the shortest route we present and is suitable for all audiences. There is only one downside: it is paid. To visit the national park and access the trails and the Levanto-Cinque Terre-La Spezia Centrale train, it is essential to have the Cinque Terre card.

The first kilometer of the walk, from Riomaggiore to Manarola – called Via dell’Amore – is the easiest. The trail continues to Corniglia and Vernazza, ending in Monterosso (or vice versa). The route is an excellent opportunity to visit the villages and taste gastronomic specialties such as focaccia or trofie al pesto. 

On the eve of the premiere of Oppenheimer by Christopher Nolan (set for mid-July), the Peloponnese is in vogue. The film, partly shot in this mountainous region of Greece, will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration when looking for a vacation destination. 

Those who choose it and travel to the area this summer will be able to use the new Peloponnese hiking trail network, scheduled to launch in June (the website is not yet available). With itineraries inspired by Hercules and Hermes, the network will extend over more than 1,600 kilometers through some of the most impressive landscapes in the country. 

Crossing traditional villages and forests and brushing rocky cliffs and archaeological sites, the network will allow visitors to get closer to Greek history, culture, and tradition and make the area a sustainable tourist destination. Besides hiking, activities offered to the public include cycling, kayaking, and canyoning. 

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