Many people like to go on vacation while also doing some hiking or smaller excursions. Obviously, you can find such places everywhere, but designated tourist trails are found in fewer locations. I recommend some outstanding hiking destinations in Europe that you shouldn’t miss if you’re vacationing in those areas!
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Hiking opportunities during European vacation
Samaria Gorge (Crete)
When thinking of Crete, I believe everyone thinks of the beautiful beaches, such as Balos or Elafonissi. We wouldn’t even think that Europe’s longest gorge valley is located here!
The gorge lies on the western part of the island, running north-south for 16 km. Its starting point is on the northern side, at the Omalos plateau, from where we can descend to the seashore, to Agia Roumeli.
A stone-stepped tourist path leads down into the valley, offering an unparalleled view of the lower section.
From Agia Roumeli, you can only travel to the neighboring village by boat, and from there it’s possible to continue by bus.
Teide (Tenerife)
It’s worth traveling to the most famous member of the Canary Islands by touring around Tenerife.
In January 2019, I managed to accomplish this „tour around”, during which I climbed the volcanic Mount Teide that dominates the island, together with three companions.
We can climb the 3,718-meter Teide from a parking lot located at about 2,200 meters altitude. Actually, we can walk up on a designated path, only the altitude-related air change can cause problems.
We spent one night at the Altavista refuge hut located at 3,200 meters altitude, and started early in the morning from there to the summit. Well, we did struggle with headaches for two days.
A cable car also goes up near the summit, so we can return to the endpoint near the parking lot using it on the way down.
Wicklow Way Trail (Ireland)
Not far south from the Irish capital, Dublin, lies Wicklow Mountain, through which the tourist trail passes. It’s not called Ireland’s garden without reason.
The Wicklow Way starts from the southern part of Dublin and ends at the settlement of Clonegal. Its length is 127 km and you need to overcome 3,200 meters of elevation gain.
Ireland’s largest waterfall is also found here. The Powerscourt Waterfall is 121 meters high, and although we can only see the lower half, it’s still very beautiful.
Corfu Trail (Corfu)
Corfu’s main tourist trail leads through the island in a north-south direction for 220 km.
From the huge beaches and juniper plantations in the southern part of the island, through the olive groves in the central part, to the northern karst plateau and gorges, the Corfu Trail touches many beautiful places.
Throughout the hiking trail, a yellow diamond-shaped marking helps hikers, and it’s worth walking at least a small section of it. The Corfu Trail has become one of Greece’s most popular tourist trails.
Camí de Cavalls (Menorca)
For those who love hiking, the island is also an excellent location. You can walk around Menorca completely along the coast.
The 185 km Camí de Cavalls hiking route passes along wonderful bays and through settlements. The path is marked with red and white stripes, and helpful signs are placed in many locations.
The hiking trail is divided into 20 sections, each between 5 and 14 km long. The route’s starting point is the capital, Mahón.
On part of the route, we often encounter cyclists and even horseback riders.
Path of the Gods (Amalfi Coast)
The Amalfi Coast area south of Naples is itself a wonder due to its settlements built into the cliff face.
Here we find the tourist path called Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) between Nocelle and Bomerano, which is only 7.8 km long. But needless to say, what wonderful views we’ll enjoy if we complete this pleasant hiking trail.
You must travel very carefully, as often only a small path leads along the cliff face.
GR20 (Corsica)
Well, this requires somewhat tougher fitness. The famous hiking trail cuts through Corsica between Calenzana and Conca, roughly in a north-south direction.
Its length is about 180 km, with a total elevation difference to overcome of about 10,000 meters. So that’s quite a lot of elevation to conquer!
GR is the abbreviation for Grande Randonnée, meaning „great hike”. It’s considered one of Europe’s most difficult but most beautiful mountain hiking routes.
The hike is basically divided into two parts: the northern part is the more difficult section, as the path is steeper and rockier here.
Corsica attractions, beaches, weather
Trolltunga (Norway)
Saved for last is perhaps the most iconic point of northern Europe, the protruding rock seen by many.
Trolltunga is about 26 km long, which also belongs to the more difficult hiking trails. You need to overcome about 900 meters of elevation during the hike.
At the end of the hiking trail, that rock tongue awaits, which will guaranteed provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Just looking at the picture is enough to understand this!
