Europe is a diverse continent with beautiful coastlines and many breathtaking mountainous regions that make it a hiker’s paradise. As an avid hiker who’s visited more than 20 spectacular European countries, I’ve had the opportunity to sample quite a few, from trails that lead to majestic waterfalls in Iceland to coastal walks with awe-inspiring views of unique rock formations in Scotland’s Orkney Islands and a trek with views of Kotor Bay and the magnificent fjords of Montenegro. There are so many great hikes in Europe it can be hard to choose which to tackle, but these are some of the best to put on your list.
Samaria Gorge - Crete, Greece
Crete is home to several magnificent gorges, but Samaria Gorge is the most impressive, stretching for 11 miles as one of Europe’s longest canyons, providing a bucket-list trek that draws hikers from across the globe, most of whom start from the town of Chania on the island’s northwest coast. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s open between May and mid-October and brings the chance to spot unique native wildlife like the Cretan badger and the endangered kri-kri, a type of goat. Part of the trail also crosses abandoned villages and Byzantine ruins. It takes four to six hours one way, but there’s a ferry and a bus that will bring you back to Chania, making it doable as a day trip.
Lagoa do Fogo - Sao Miguel, Azore Islands
Lagoa do Fogo is one of the most famous trails in the Azore Islands. Located on Sao Miguel, the loop trail covers about seven miles and takes around four hours, plus any time that you want to spend at the lake itself. Lagoa do Fogo formed in part of the caldera, the youngest and smallest on the island, created about 15,000 years ago. It’s a relatively easy walk along the path that meanders through the forest before bringing you into the crater with its massive walls covered in lush greenery. Once you reach the shores of the lake, you might want to enjoy a picnic lunch with a view.
Vintgar Gorge - Bled, Slovenia
Vintgar Gorge, carved by the Radovna River, lies just north of the famous Lake Bled. It’s one of the best hikes in Slovenia, allowing hikers to soak up the region’s enchanting beauty with the trail winding through vertical rocks and revealing magnificent views of waterfalls, serene pools, and rapids. Short and sweet, it’s suitable for just about everyone, stretching for a mile through the narrow limestone gorge, and takes only about 30 to 40 minutes to complete. You’ll cross back and forth on bridges that hover over the turquoise river and at the end, a suspension bridge hangs above Sum Waterfall, which plunges about 40 feet. You’ll get the best view by continuing on the trail to the stairs, which lead to a platform just below the cascades.
Cinque Terre - Monterosso al Mare, Italy
One of the top things to do in Italy’s stunning Cinque Terre region is to hike between the villages that dramatically cling to the cliffs along the beautiful Ligurian coastline. You can hike from either direction, although you’ll get the best view by hiking from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza. It only takes about two hours to complete while revealing some of the best views in Europe. As such, you’ll want to avoid the peak tourist season of July and August, which also brings the most scorching heat of the year. It’s best accomplished in April or May or late September through mid-October when there will be fewer crowds and more pleasant weather.
Plitvice Lakes National Park - Croatia
Photos of the surreal aquamarine lakes and countless waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park have often gone viral, making the park one of the top tourist attractions in Croatia. There are a set of well-marked trails ranging from a short 2.2-mile stroll to a full-day, 11.4-mile hike, although the shorter Trail A is one of the best. It only takes about two hours to complete and features many of the park’s highlights, including the four lower lakes, numerous waterfalls, and the famous Kozjaka Bridge. The trail is extended by taking a quick boat ride across Kozjak Lake which connects to trails on the other side. While it’s breathtaking in any season, fall is particularly ideal, with reds and yellows blanketing the landscape, providing a particularly impressive contrast against the water.
Pulpit Rock - Norway
Pulpit Rock is another destination with images that have often gone viral. It sits atop a cliff and has a large, nearly flat top that hovers nearly 1,970 feet above the Norwegian fjords, delivering spectacular panoramic views of the sapphire water below and snow-covered peaks in the distance. Getting there requires hiking a five-mile-long trail, taking about four hours round trip, including some scrambling over boulders. Most feel the rewards are well worth it, but for those who have a fear of heights, pass the trail marked “Preikestolen” and take “Hill Trail” to Pulpit Rock instead, which skips the cliff section. It’s best accessed from the car park at Preikestolen Mountain Lodge in Stavanger.
Seven Bay Trail - Budva, Montenegro
When visiting Montenegro, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to hike to the top of Kotor’s ancient walls, with over 1,350 steps ascending 4,000 feet, providing one of the most iconic views over Old Town Kotor and the Bay of Boka. But hiking enthusiasts should also hit the Seven Bay Trail, an easy half-day trek covering around 6.8 miles that leads to some secluded beaches and coves. It’s relatively easy, taking three to five hours from Budva while tracing the shores along the bay. Przno, with its dramatic cliffs, is a highlight, and you’ll find lots of places to stop for a memorable swim or even lunch in a waterside seafood eatery.
Ben Nevis - Scotland
There are so many breathtaking hikes in Scotland, but Ben Nevis is iconic as the tallest peak in the United Kingdom at 4,411 feet above sea level. Hikers come from around the world to experience the stunning view from its summit, with nearly half of Scotland stretched before you on a clear day. You’ll see often mist-shrouded peaks, lush valleys, and even the Isle of Skye. It’s a full day out, taking six to eight hours to complete, although no technical skills are required. You’ll just need a moderate level of fitness, but it’s best to go between May and early October when conditions won’t be as harsh. Look forward to scenic views while climbing through the Red Burn Valley and crossing a river before reaching the epic panoramic view at the top.
Glymur Waterfall - Iceland
Just about anywhere you are in Iceland, you’ll find a scenic hike, but if you’re looking for something moderate that won’t take too much time and can easily be accessed from Reykjavik, the hike to Glymur Waterfall may be perfect. It’s the second tallest in the country, plunging for 650 feet, and it can only be reached on foot. The trail is located near Hvalfjörður, about an hour from the capital city, and takes about three to four hours to complete. The 4.4-mile walk includes hiking through a cave and two river crossings. From the Botnasa River, you’ll hike up the edge of the cliffs to the final viewpoint over the waterfall, which also includes awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes. From here, you can turn around and retrace your steps or cross the river again to hike down the other side of the ravine.
Five Lakes Trail - Zermatt, Switzerland
The Matterhorn is one of Switzerland’s (and the world’s) most famous mountains, and for those who want to enjoy the most breathtaking views of the icon, the Five Lakes Trail in Zermatt is ideal. It links five small lakes while meandering along a mountain ridge and dipping into a valley, with several awe-inspiring viewpoints of the Matterhorn along the way. It’s an easy hike, best enjoyed from late spring through early fall and starts by taking a funicular followed by a gondola to the mountain station. There are some eateries right along the trail, or you can bring a picnic to enjoy in the alpine meadows or at the lakeside.
San Sebastian to Pasaia, Spain
Northern Spain offers some of the best hikes in the country, including day treks and multi-day jaunts. One of the best will bring you from the beautiful city of San Sebastian, a famous foodie spot, to the small town of Pasaia. Part of the pilgrimage route known as the Camino del Norte, it’s 4.3 miles each way. Those who want to enjoy a shorter hike can take the bus back to San Sebastian. Along the way, look forward to the scenery that includes lush forest and rugged cliffs with dramatic dropoffs. Once in Pasaia, you’ll find many cafes and restaurants to feed your appetite.
Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, Wales
The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is 180 miles long, so while you could venture on a hike of a lifetime, most do it in sections, with the route between Tenby and Saundersfoot offering some of the most jaw-dropping views with lots of little detours to take to viewpoints and secluded coves. If you do the full circular walk, it covers about eight miles, passing a number of beaches as well as heading inland through Twy Cross and New Hedge. It’s easily one of the best destinations to visit in Wales.
Pravcicka Gate Hike - Hřensko, Czechia
A fabulous day hike near the town of Hřensko, Pravcicka Gate Hike covers about six miles and takes about four hours to complete. It will take you through Bohemian Switzerland National Park, famous for its karst formations, gorges, creeks, and dense forest, while featuring the Pravcicka Gate, an extraordinary stone arch, Europe’s largest natural formation and the world’s second-largest, something you might have seen in a number of films, including “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
The Old Man of Hoy - Hoy Island, Orkney Islands, Scotland
The hike to the Old Man of Hoy is one of the best you’ll find in the Orkney Islands. Located on the island of Hoy, the 2.7-mile out-and-back route starts from a free parking area at the end of the road from Moaness and Lyness. It heads up a hill before following the coast, offering breathtaking views of the sea as it winds its way to the 449-foot-high sea stack. Carved by the waves and the weather, with the stormy seas giving it two legs that led to its name, it makes for great photo-ops.
