From Portugal’s Algarve to the Swiss Alps: Europe’s best destinations for a spring hike
After a mild yet miserable winter spent hiding indoors, many Europeans are craving some quality time in nature.
Hiking is the perfect way to enjoy the spring fresh air, keep fit and admire some gorgeous scenery. But with so many epic locations in Europe, how can you choose where to stretch your legs?
To help you out, we've compiled some of the best hiking destinations in Europe.
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Take Portugal's coastal Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
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First up is a country known for its sizzling summers and beautiful beaches. But Portugal is more than sun, sea and sand and boasts some of Europe’s most wonderful walkways.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail stretches to the Algarve coast and features the famous Bengali cave. Elsewhere, dramatic red sandstone cliffs can be your backdrop on the beach walk of the Costa de Caparica Trail.
Away from the coastline, the Trilho dos Currais takes hikers through the breathtaking Inpeneda-Geres National Park.
Walk to Mont St. Michel in France
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From the Alps to the vineyards of Bordeaux, France has walks (and wine) for every occasion. If you fancy a break from the bright lights of Paris or Mediterranean beaches, hiking in the French countryside is a must-try.
The Pilgrim’s Trail best done at low tide and it’s recommended you tackle it with with a guide. It will take you to the incomparable sight of the island of Mont St Michel.
Further south, intrepid hikers can admire the Azure rivers and the Verdon River
Verdon Gorge.
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Enter a fairy tale on Germany's Rhine Castle Trail
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Germany has so many beautiful forests, rivers and mountain ranges you’ll understand instantly why hiking is such a popular German pastime.
The warm German summers are perfect for a hiking holiday and exploring routes which show fairytale castles in the home of the Brothers Grimm. On the Rhine Castle Trail, you can do just that or visitors can explore the Goethe Way in Harz National Park.
Meanwhile, the Painters’ Way is the backdrop for many films and TV shows and is widely considered the most beautiful walk in Germany.
Summit Norway's dramatic Pulpit Rock
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Enjoy a bit of Scandinavian ‘ friluftsliv’ and get into the great Norwegian outdoors. With a lunchbox full of pickled herring you can climb to the picturesque and dramatic Pulpit Rock or explore the fjords of southern Norway.
The more ambitious travellers can even try to get to the top of Galdhøpiggen, the highest peak in Northern Europe.
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Enjoy panoramic views on Switzerland's Engelberg Trail
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One on the list that you may have expected, Switzerland is home to chocolate, cuckoo clocks and sensational mountainous landscapes.
On the Engelberg Trail you can enjoy panoramic views while breathing in the crisp alpine air or climb the Matterhorn - one of the highest summits in the Alps.
Walk the spiritual Camino de Santiago in Spain
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A sun-soaked Mediterranean trail is beckoning you in Spain, which can add a walking holiday to its already established reputation as beach and culture destination.
Walk the spiritual Camino de Santiago and reach the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, or you could visit Peñalara National Park during a stay in nearby Madrid. Spain also boasts mountain trails and you can explore the Pyrenees on the Pico Sobarcal.
Experience wildlife, lakes and colourful towns in Italy
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Italian cuisine and ancient monuments are well publicised, but incorporating a hiking trip into your holiday in Italy could break up the carbs and colosseum trips.
You can spot wildlife on the Sella-Herbetet Traverse or admire the crystal clear ocean and colourful towns along the Blue Trail.
Mountain climbing is also an option with the Dolomites or even Vesuvius, thankfully less active these days than in ancient Roman times.
For a cultural camino, take the new route between Italy's two Capitals of Culture for 2023: Bergamo and Brescia.
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Climb the highest mountain in Wales
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The UK is made up of four nations with distinct characters and landscapes. As such, there are walks there to satisfy every ability. You can climb Snowdon in Wales, explore the Lake District in England or walk the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
If you have the time, why not try the famous coast to coast walk which will take through three different national parks and two feuding counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Traverse dramatic landscapes in Iceland
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Iceland might be cold but the Icelandic volcanoes, dramatic beaches and giant waterfalls will make you forget the weather. Where better to drink some fresh glacial water or see a stunning geyser?
Iceland boasts the Laugavegur which is perfect for viewing the Icelandic highlands and the Fimmvörðuháls Trek which begins at a stunning waterfall and includes views of a volcano.
Conquer Romania's Via Transilvanica
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Romania's answer to El Camino de Santiago, Via Transilvanica is a 1,400 km route that crosses the country from north to south.
Wind through 108 villages and towns as you follow the route through the Carpathians and some of the most spectacular landscapes on the continent.
If you don’t fancy walking that far or haven’t got two months to spare, the route is split up into seven key regions, each with a unique cuisine and culture.
Wander the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
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The overall winner is the Emerald Isle itself, Ireland. While Ireland’s weather may be unpredictable (it can begin raining at any moment) the temperate climate makes it perfect for hiking.
Sample some famous Irish hospitality when you walk the Giant’s Causeway or climb Torc Mountain in Kerry. The Irish countryside and coastlines are perfect and everything else there will make weary wanderers feel right at home.