10 of the Best Hikes in Europe
A guide to Europe's best multi-day treks, from the snowy Alps to volcanic Madeira.
1. The Spaghetti Tour of Monte Rosa, Italy
Perfect for: Accomplished summit baggers
Countries: Italy
Level: Challenging
Duration: 4-6 days
Highlights: Hike right across the massif of Monte Rosa, staying in high mountain huts with legendary pasta
2. Peaks of the Balkans, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia
Perfect for: People visiting wild peaks
Countries: Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia
Level: Challenging
Duration: 5-6 days
Places Highlighted: Climb Mt Korab, Gjeravica and Zla Kolata, through entirely diverse terrain.
3. Vindios Loop in the Picos de Europa, Spain
Perfect For: Challenging but secluded hikes
Countries: Spain
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 4 days
Landmarks: Hike hut to hut through the rough limestone mountains of the Picos de Europa
4. The Madeira Coast to Coast Trek, Portugal
Perfect For: Island lovers
Countries: Portugal
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 4-5 days
Highlights: Hike from Machico Bay to Seixal Beach through woodlands and across volcanic cliffs.
5. Tour de Mont Blanc, France
Ideal for: Classic Alpine scenery
Countries: France, Italy, Switzerland
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 9-11 days
Highlights: Circuit Mont Blanc, diverse Alpine landscapes.
6. The Selvaggio Blu Trail, Sardinia, Italy
Ideal for: Sea and mountain junkies
Countries: Italy
Difficulty: Tough
Length: 4-5 days
Highlights: Rock arches, deep chasms and paradise Sardinian beaches.
7. Mount Triglav, Slovenia
Perfect for: Introduction to via ferrata
Countries: Slovenia
Level: Challenging
Duration: 2 days
Highlights: Climb Slovenias highest peak via a via ferrata route.
8. The Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia
Perfect for: Wild peaks and high-altitude passes
Countries: Georgia
Level: Challenging
Duration: 10 days
Highlights: Explore the Svaneti Region, crossing diverse landscapes and major mountain passes.
9. The West Highland Way, Scotland
Perfect for: Exploring the Scottish Highlands
Countries: Scotland
Level: Moderate
Duration: 5-10 days
Highlights: Hike from Milngavie to Fort William, taking in the most stunning visions of the Highlands.
10. Gran Canaria Traverse, Spain
Ideal for: New angles on old classics
Countries: Spain
Difficulty level: Challenging
Duration: 5-6 days
Best for: Hike across Gran Canaria's varied landscapes - from deep gorges to rocky high mountains.
This is just the sample of such diverse and challenging trails that in Europe are beautiful and memorable.
