Europe offers hundreds of hiking trails, but only a few of them are truly breathtaking and leave a lasting impression. Experts have identified the five best destinations where you can combine outdoor activities with stunning scenery. Learn more about the trails you should add to your travel bucket list right now

The Visit World travel guide is your key to safe and thoughtful travel, where no document or life hack will be overlooked

ORDER GUIDE

Hiking is rapidly gaining popularity among travelers seeking not just new countries, but authentic experiences. Hiking trails offer a different perspective on Europe—away from the crowds, in the quiet of the mountains, by the ocean, or amidst the wilderness. Here, every step reveals new landscapes: from alpine meadows to volcanic peaks. At the same time, many routes are accessible even without special training. This article highlights five destinations worth considering for your next trip.

In the previous article, we talked about the TOP-10 tourist destinations according to Time Out, which are definitely worth visiting in 2026.

Discovering a new country for yourself without the help of travel agents or intermediaries is very simple. All you need is a checklist or a “Travel Guide” from Visit World – a step-by-step guide with all the key information for your trip.

The guide contains information on visa requirements, visa-free entry rules, permitted periods of stay and a list of required documents.

After completing the form, the guide will be sent to your email in PDF format in just a few minutes.

Choose a country and get your travel guide today.

Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, and Switzerland)

One of Europe’s most famous trekking routes, which crosses three countries and offers views of the Alps from various angles. The total length of the route is about 170 km, and the classic traverse takes 7–11 days. The optimal season is from June to September, when the passes are open and weather conditions are more stable.

The route is of moderate difficulty but physically demanding due to constant ascents and descents. The total elevation gain can exceed 10,000 meters, so even experienced hikers should plan their training in advance. The most challenging sections are the high-altitude passes, where the weather can change drastically even in summer.

A key advantage is flexibility. The route can be adapted: you can hike only certain sections, shorten the distance using lifts, or start from any convenient town, such as Chamonix or Courmayeur. This makes the Tour du Mont Blanc accessible not only to experienced hikers but also to those who want to try a multi-day hike without completing the full route.

In terms of infrastructure, this is one of the most convenient trails in Europe. Mountain huts (refuges) are located along the route where you can spend the night and eat, and in the valleys, there are hotels and restaurants. Many travelers book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season when demand is very high.

In our previous article, we highlighted 10 off-the-beaten-path destinations as alternatives to popular resorts for summer travel in Europe.

Mount Pico (Azores, Portugal)

Climbing Mount Pico offers the chance to hike across a volcano and reach Portugal’s highest point at 2,351 meters. The route is relatively short—about 8 kilometers round-trip—but requires good physical fitness. On average, the ascent takes 3–4 hours, and the descent another 3–5 hours, depending on your pace.

The hike starts near the Casa da Montanha visitor center, where all visitors must register. The trail is clearly marked and has checkpoints, but it runs over uneven lava rocks. This makes the route more technically challenging than it might seem at first glance, so it’s important to have comfortable hiking boots and basic gear.

During the ascent, the landscape gradually shifts from black volcanic fields to panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, you can see the neighboring islands of Faial and São Jorge. At the summit lies the crater and the small Pico do Pico cone, which offers an even wider panorama.

Many hikers choose to hike at night to catch the sunrise at the summit. This is a popular option, but it requires extra preparation and warm clothing, as temperatures at the summit are significantly lower, even in summer.

In our previous article, we provided a selection of 7 European beach destinations for an early getaway, where it’s already warm in May.

Hike along the Five Lakes (Zermatt, Switzerland)

This route is considered one of the best in Switzerland for those who want to enjoy maximum scenery without a difficult trek. It is 11.3 kilometers long and takes about 3–4 hours to complete. Most travelers start by taking the funicular to Sunnegga or the cable car to Blauherd, which allows them to begin at an altitude of over 2,000 meters and avoid wasting energy on a long climb.

The route connects five lakes—Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee—each with its own unique features. Stellisee is the most popular thanks to the perfect reflection of the Matterhorn in the water when there is no wind. Grindjisee is located slightly lower and surrounded by green slopes, creating a gentler alpine landscape. Grünsee is known for the rich color of its water, while Moosjisee has a milky-blue hue due to glacial deposits. Leisee is the most convenient for relaxation, with designated picnic areas.

The trail follows a well-marked route through alpine meadows, rocky sections, and open panoramic viewpoints. The elevation changes are moderate, so the route is suitable even for people without special physical training. Along the route, there are restaurants and mountain cafes where you can stop for lunch or just take a break.

A practical consideration is that the weather greatly affects the experience. On a clear day, the route offers a continuous panorama with a view of the Matterhorn, whereas in fog, the scenery may be partially obscured. Therefore, it’s best to plan your hike for the morning hours or during stable weather to see the lakes and mountains in their full glory.

In the previous article, we talked about 3 underrated European destinations for summer vacations.

The Blue Trail (Cinque Terre, Italy)

The Sentiero Azzurro is the most famous hiking trail along the Italian coast. It runs through the Cinque Terre National Park and connects the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The total length of the route is about 12 kilometers, but most travelers cover it in sections, breaking the journey into several stages.

The route runs along steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and offers continuous panoramic views. Along the trail, you can see terraced vineyards that are literally carved into the slopes, as well as colorful houses that seem to “hang” over the water.

The most popular section runs between Vernazza and Monterosso, but it is also one of the busiest, especially during peak season.Despite its scenic beauty, the route is not entirely flat. In some sections, there are stairs and inclines that can be challenging in the heat. It’s also important to note that certain segments are periodically closed due to landslides or restoration work, so it’s advisable to check for the latest updates before your trip.

A major advantage of this route is its infrastructure. There are many cafes, bars, and small restaurants along the way where you can take a break. This allows you to combine the hiking route with relaxation, swimming, and local cuisine. That is why the Blue Trail is suitable not only for active hiking but also for a leisurely journey focused on the atmosphere of the Italian Riviera.

Earlier, we talked about the 5 most beautiful medieval cities in Europe for an incredible historical journey.

Plitvice Lakes (Croatia)

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Europe’s most famous natural sites and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is not classic mountain hiking, but a system of hiking trails ranging in length from 8 to 18 kilometers, which can be combined depending on your time and fitness level. A walk can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.

The park’s main feature is a cascade of 16 lakes connected by dozens of waterfalls. The water has a distinctive turquoise or emerald hue that changes depending on the lighting and mineral composition. The trails are built as wooden boardwalks right above the water, allowing visitors to get as close as possible to the natural landscapes without harming the ecosystem.

The area is well-organized and suitable for most visitors. The trails are flat, with no steep inclines, so no special physical preparation is required. The park offers electric boats and shuttles to help shorten the route and move between areas. This is especially convenient if you’re short on time.

An important detail is that swimming in the lakes is prohibited. This rule helps preserve the park’s unique ecosystem. The best time to visit is early morning or during the off-season, when there are fewer tourists and you can peacefully enjoy nature without the crowds.

Are you planning a trip and want to prepare without unnecessary stress? Visit World's travel guide contains key tips for travelers: rules of entry and stay, current requirements for tourists, basic safety, transportation and accommodation. Such a guide will help you quickly navigate a new country, avoid common mistakes during your trip, and plan your route taking into account practical nuances that often go unnoticed by tourists.

We remind you! Popular tourist destinations can be a trap. We have already told you which 8 places in the world Fodor’s advises to avoid in 2026 due to overtourism, environmental risks and social tension – and what alternatives to choose instead.