While the Camino de Santiago and Tour du Mont Blanc attract thousands of hikers each year (and for good reason), Europe has a near-infinite amount of hikes around. So, we've put together some lesser-known trails that offer can be just as spectacular, but much more quiet.
In Germany's largest region, the Southern Bavaria route has an 8-day journey that goes through all through the Ammergau Alps - an area which many Europeans haven't heard of. Starting and ending in Oberammergau (it's famous for its Passion Play and painted homes), the 30+ mile circuit is very hilly, though nothing overly advanced, and high in culture. Bring your camera, because there will be many mountain viewpoints and nature reserves, and it's also a great journey for beer lovers as you can stop off at local breweries along the way.
Between the many popular paths of Cinque Terre is Tuscany's southern hill walking route. It's a gentle 6-day journey covering almost 40 miles between the medieval towns. The trail hits Montepulciano through to Buonconvento, where you will be immersed in a bunch of Renaissance architecture and ancient monasteries. One particularly worthy stop is Sant'Antimo Abbey which was founded in 750 AD. You can even soak in the thermal springs of Bagno Vignoni, where Pope Pius II once relaxed.
The smallest and least visited of the Canary Islands, El Hierro offers an incredible 8-day hiking experience around the island. Once considered the "end of the earth," this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has extreme and dramatic geological formations that have been created by a massive landslide 50,000 years ago. It's a little different to the neighbouring islands, and is 50 miles. You will see the steep Gulf Valley with its laurel forests and unique endemic wildlife like the giant lizard, which was once thought to be extinct. This isn't just a volcanic island, but one with lush valleys too.
The Rota Vicentina's Fishermen's Trail heads through Portugal's wild Atlantic coast, offering 75 miles of cliff-top walking between Porto Covo and Odeceixe. The hike has great views out to the ocean and you will have lots of opportunities to stop off at remote beaches and wander into traditional fishing communities. Hikers can spot storks and experience many great villages where tourism hasn't yet dominated local life.
The Via Dinarica Green Trail winds through the dramatic mountain ranges from Slovenia to Albania, going 1,200 miles through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro along the way. There's lots of wilderness in this region, along with eight national parks and many nature reserves. Hikers will see many different cultures within a single journey, though this is a long trip that will take months. You can just do a segment, either through Alpine Slovenia, Mediterranean Albania, or perhaps glacial lakes.
These trails prove that Europe's most rewarding hiking experiences aren't always the guidebook favourites. Although Europe is very well connected, it's always best to pick a route and book accommodation before heading off.
Bavaria's Alpine trail
In Germany's largest region, the Southern Bavaria route has an 8-day journey that goes through all through the Ammergau Alps - an area which many Europeans haven't heard of. Starting and ending in Oberammergau (it's famous for its Passion Play and painted homes), the 30+ mile circuit is very hilly, though nothing overly advanced, and high in culture. Bring your camera, because there will be many mountain viewpoints and nature reserves, and it's also a great journey for beer lovers as you can stop off at local breweries along the way.
Tuscany's hidden hill country
Between the many popular paths of Cinque Terre is Tuscany's southern hill walking route. It's a gentle 6-day journey covering almost 40 miles between the medieval towns. The trail hits Montepulciano through to Buonconvento, where you will be immersed in a bunch of Renaissance architecture and ancient monasteries. One particularly worthy stop is Sant'Antimo Abbey which was founded in 750 AD. You can even soak in the thermal springs of Bagno Vignoni, where Pope Pius II once relaxed.
El Hierro's volcanic wilderness
The smallest and least visited of the Canary Islands, El Hierro offers an incredible 8-day hiking experience around the island. Once considered the "end of the earth," this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has extreme and dramatic geological formations that have been created by a massive landslide 50,000 years ago. It's a little different to the neighbouring islands, and is 50 miles. You will see the steep Gulf Valley with its laurel forests and unique endemic wildlife like the giant lizard, which was once thought to be extinct. This isn't just a volcanic island, but one with lush valleys too.
Portugal's coastline walk
The Rota Vicentina's Fishermen's Trail heads through Portugal's wild Atlantic coast, offering 75 miles of cliff-top walking between Porto Covo and Odeceixe. The hike has great views out to the ocean and you will have lots of opportunities to stop off at remote beaches and wander into traditional fishing communities. Hikers can spot storks and experience many great villages where tourism hasn't yet dominated local life.
The Balkans' mountain trek
The Via Dinarica Green Trail winds through the dramatic mountain ranges from Slovenia to Albania, going 1,200 miles through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro along the way. There's lots of wilderness in this region, along with eight national parks and many nature reserves. Hikers will see many different cultures within a single journey, though this is a long trip that will take months. You can just do a segment, either through Alpine Slovenia, Mediterranean Albania, or perhaps glacial lakes.
These trails prove that Europe's most rewarding hiking experiences aren't always the guidebook favourites. Although Europe is very well connected, it's always best to pick a route and book accommodation before heading off.
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