From dramatic alpine peaks to volcanic summits rising above the Atlantic, Europe is home to some truly unforgettable hikes. These are the kinds of trails where every step reveals something new. One moment you’re walking through wild mountain valleys. The next you’re looking out over glaciers, hidden lakes, or a cosy mountain hut serving well-earned local food.
Whether you’re planning a walking holiday or simply dreaming about your next escape, Europe offers incredible routes for every type of hiker. Here are some of the most spectacular hikes to add to your list.
1. Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy and Switzerland)
Best for: An iconic multi-country hiking adventure
Distance: Up to 170km (can be walked in sections)
Duration: Day walks or multi-day treks
Best season: June to September
Difficulty: Moderate
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s most famous long-distance hiking routes, circling the dramatic Mont Blanc massif and passing through France, Italy and Switzerland. Along the way, hikers experience three distinct cultures, each with its own mountain traditions, food and landscapes.
The full route covers around 170 kilometres, typically taking between seven and eleven days to complete. However, you don’t have to tackle the entire trail to enjoy it. Many hikers choose to walk shorter sections, using mountain lifts, buses or nearby villages as starting points. This flexibility makes the trail far more accessible for those who want to experience the Alps without committing to a full multi-day trek.
The scenery is constantly changing. One day you might be walking through wide alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, while the next brings high mountain passes with sweeping glacier views. Along the route, you’ll pass through traditional alpine villages where wooden chalets, cosy cafés and welcoming mountain huts offer the perfect place to rest and refuel. For many hikers, the Tour du Mont Blanc is special not just for its scenery but for its atmosphere. The trail attracts walkers from all over the world, creating a friendly and sociable environment where people share stories, tips and encouragement along the way.
2. Mount Pico (Azores, Portugal)
Best for: A unique volcanic hike
Distance: Around 8km return
Duration: Seven to nine hours
Best season: May to October
Difficulty: Moderate
The climb up Mount Pico offers a completely different hiking experience from the Alps. Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, this volcanic peak is the highest mountain in Portugal and the defining landmark of the Azores archipelago.
The hike begins at the Casa da Montanha visitor centre, where the marked trail winds steadily upward across dark volcanic rock. While the route is physically demanding at times, it’s well signposted and achievable for most hikers with a good level of fitness.
As you climb higher, the surrounding landscape becomes more dramatic. Lava fields stretch across the mountainside, while views of neighbouring islands slowly emerge across the ocean. On clear days, you can see Faial and São Jorge rising from the Atlantic in the distance.
Reaching the summit feels like standing on the roof of the Azores. The crater at the top, known as Piquinho, offers sweeping views across the island and the vast ocean beyond. It’s a powerful reminder of the volcanic forces that shaped this remarkable landscape, and a rewarding moment for anyone who makes the climb.
3. Five Lakes Walk (Zermatt, Switzerland)
Best for: Iconic Matterhorn views
Distance: 11.3km
Duration: Three to four hours
Best season: June to September
Difficulty: Moderate
The Five Lakes Walk near Zermatt is one of the most rewarding short hikes in the Swiss Alps. It’s known for its incredible views of the Matterhorn, one of the most recognisable mountains in the world.
The trail links five beautiful alpine lakes – Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee – each offering a different perspective of the surrounding peaks. On calm days, some of the lakes reflect the sharp pyramid shape of the Matterhorn, creating one of the most photographed scenes in Switzerland.
Despite the spectacular scenery, the hike itself is relatively manageable. The route gently descends through alpine meadows, rocky paths and open viewpoints, making it suitable for most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Many hikers start the trail by taking the Sunnegga funicular or the Blauherd cable car, which means much of the elevation gain is already taken care of.
Along the way, you’ll pass grazing sheep, wildflowers and traditional alpine restaurants where you can stop for a drink or a well-earned meal. It’s a hike that combines dramatic scenery with a relaxed pace – perfect for travellers who want to experience the Alps without committing to a demanding mountain trek.
4. Sentiero Azzurro (Cinque Terre, Italy)
Best for: Coastal views and colourful villages
Distance: Around 12km
Duration: One day or shorter sections
Best season: March to May, September to October
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
If your idea of a perfect hike includes sea views, colourful villages and incredible food, the Sentiero Azzurro delivers all three.
This scenic coastal trail connects the five famous villages of Cinque Terre – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – along the rugged Italian Riviera. The path winds along dramatic cliffs, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean while terraced vineyards climb the hillsides above.
One of the best things about this route is its flexibility. The full trail stretches around 12 kilometres, but it’s divided into smaller sections between each village. That means you can walk one part, stop for lunch by the harbour, and continue when you’re ready.
Each village has its own character. You might pass fishing boats in Vernazza, narrow streets in Manarola, or quiet viewpoints above Corniglia. Along the way, cafés and small restaurants offer plenty of opportunities to pause for fresh seafood, focaccia or a glass of local wine.
It’s a hike that combines beautiful coastal scenery with the relaxed pace of Italian life, making it one of Europe’s most enjoyable walking experiences.
5. Plitvice Lakes Walks (Croatia)
Best for: Waterfalls and nature
Distance: 8–18km depending on route
Duration: Half day to full day
Best season: April to October
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re looking for a hike that feels almost magical, Plitvice Lakes National Park is hard to beat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its chain of turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls, all connected by a network of walking paths and wooden boardwalks.
Unlike many hiking routes, the trails here are gentle and easy to follow, making them suitable for most visitors. Several marked routes range from around 8 to 18 kilometres, allowing you to choose a walk that suits your pace and schedule.
As you explore the park, wooden walkways guide you across crystal-clear water and through dense forest. Waterfalls tumble between the lakes at every turn, and the colour of the water shifts from deep blue to bright emerald depending on the light.
Because the park is carefully protected, swimming is not allowed, helping to preserve the delicate ecosystem. However, the peaceful atmosphere and constant sound of flowing water make it a wonderfully relaxing place to spend a day walking in nature.
For the best experience, many visitors arrive early in the morning, when the paths are quieter, and the light over the lakes is at its most beautiful.
Find your next adventure on foot
Europe offers an incredible variety of hiking experiences. One day, you could be walking beside alpine lakes beneath the Matterhorn. Another might see you climbing a volcanic peak in the middle of the Atlantic or wandering between colourful coastal villages in Italy.
The beauty of these routes is that they’re accessible to most travellers, allowing you to experience some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes without needing specialist climbing skills. With a little planning and the right preparation, a walking holiday can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore a destination.
Wherever your next trail leads, it’s worth making sure you’re prepared before you go. InsureandGo travel insurance can include cover for many walking and hiking activities, depending on the policy you choose and the altitude you plan to reach. Always check your policy wording carefully for full details, including limits and exclusions.
So lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and start planning your next journey – one step at a time.
