Discover Europe's Best Walking Destinations: Seven Routes for Your Next Adventure
, by FLOW Admin, 8 min reading time
1.200+ tevreden klanten (4.7/5)
, by FLOW Admin, 8 min reading time
Embark on a journey through some of Europe's most breathtaking landscapes and historical paths. Walking tours are an excellent way to experience the essence of a place, and Europe offers a plethora of scenic and culturally rich routes. Here are seven must-visit European destinations for your next walking trip.
Route: Monterosso to Vernazza
The Cinque Terre, a string of five picturesque villages along the Italian Riviera, offers stunning coastal views and charming, colourful buildings. The walk from Monterosso to Vernazza is part of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail).
Route: Milngavie to Fort William
Scotland's premier long-distance trail, the West Highland Way, showcases the country's rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes.
Route: The French Way (Camino Francés) from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela
The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage route ending at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Route: Lauterbrunnen to Mürren via Gimmelwald
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and alpine meadows.
Route: Killarney National Park
The Ring of Kerry offers an unforgettable journey through Ireland's lush landscapes, rugged coastlines, and historical sites.
Route: Fethiye to Antalya
The Lycian Way is Turkey's most famous long-distance trail, combining stunning coastal views with ancient ruins.
Route: Fishermen’s Trail from Porto Covo to Odeceixe
The Rota Vicentina in Portugal offers two main trails: the Historical Way and the Fishermen’s Trail. The latter hugs the rugged coastline of the Alentejo and Algarve regions.
Before heading out on these amazing trails, it's essential to prepare adequately. Incorporating regular walks into your daily routine can help build the stamina required for these longer journeys. If you find it challenging to fit outdoor walks into your busy schedule, consider using a walking pad. This convenient piece of equipment allows you to walk in the comfort of your home, ensuring you stay fit and ready for your European adventure.
Walking through Europe’s diverse landscapes allows for an immersive experience that combines physical challenge with cultural enrichment. Whether you seek the serene coastlines of Portugal or the rugged highlands of Scotland, these routes promise unforgettable adventures.
Ready for more European hiking adventures? Click here for Part 2 of our exploration!
For the West Highland Way in Scotland, booking accommodations in advance during peak season is recommended. On the Camino de Santiago, a Pilgrim's Passport is useful for staying in albergues and collecting stamps. In Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley, no permits are required, but checking weather conditions and trail status is important. For the Ring of Kerry in Ireland, planning accommodations and transport ahead is wise. The Lycian Way in Turkey requires no permits, but thorough planning due to its length and remote sections is essential.
In the Cinque Terre, Italy, walkers can stay in bed and breakfasts, hotels, and guesthouses in Monterosso and Vernazza. Along Scotland's West Highland Way, options include campsites, hostels, inns, and bed and breakfasts in Milngavie and Fort William. The Camino de Santiago in Spain has albergues (pilgrims' hostels), hotels, and guesthouses. In Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley, accommodations include hotels, chalets, and hostels in Lauterbrunnen, Gimmelwald, and Mürren. The Ring of Kerry in Ireland offers hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses, especially around Killarney National Park. On Turkey's Lycian Way, you can find pensions, boutique hotels, and campsites. The Rota Vicentina in Portugal has guesthouses, rural tourism farms, and small hotels in Porto Covo and Odeceixe.
To reach the Cinque Terre in Italy, trains frequently run from major cities like Genoa, Pisa, and La Spezia to Monterosso. Milngavie in Scotland is accessible by train from Glasgow, and Fort William has train and bus connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh. For the Camino de Santiago, Sarria is well-connected by bus and train from major Spanish cities, and Santiago de Compostela has a train station and an airport. Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland is accessible by train from major Swiss cities, and Mürren can be reached by cable car and train. Killarney, the starting point for the Ring of Kerry, is accessible by train and bus from Dublin and other Irish cities. The Lycian Way's start in Fethiye can be reached by bus from Istanbul or Antalya, and Antalya, the endpoint, has an international airport. For the Rota Vicentina in Portugal, Porto Covo is accessible by bus from Lisbon, and Odeceixe has bus connections to major cities.