Are you looking for the most beautiful walking holiday routes around Europe? I’ve got you covered. I love to go for long walks when I travel and consider the walking holidays with my husband and friends. Walking holidays are a great example of sustainable travel.
They are fun and adventurous and promote exploring new destinations in environmentally friendly ways. This type of travelling minimizes the carbon footprint and aims to preserve the local communities and environments. So, in this article, we will explore some of the most scenic walking routes for sustainable holidays around Europe!
List of the Most Beautiful Walking Holiday Routes Around Europe:
1. Levada trails in Madeira
The route through the Levadas in Madeira, Portugal, takes you through a network of unique irrigation channels, surrounded by the island’s most beautiful landscapes. One of the most popular routes is from Machico to Funchal, which spans approximately 58 km and typically takes 8 days to complete.
Along the way, walkers can enjoy diverse flora and fauna, including the endemic Madeiran laurel forests. The trails are home to panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and varied terrain, from steep valleys to mountains. The Levada trails are the perfect way to escape everyday stresses and immerse in the natural beauty of Madeira.
2. The coastal Sicily route
The western coast path from San Vito Lo Capo to Scopello in Sicily is a picturesque walking route that showcases the Mediterranean region’s charm perfectly. This trail stretches for about 54 kilometres and takes around 8 days to complete.
Visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the turquoise sea, dramatic cliffs, and exotic coves. The path also takes you through a range of historic sites, including ancient villages and medieval churches, giving you the opportunity to learn about the local heritage.
3. Pembrokeshire coast path in Wales
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a spectacular 299-kilometre walking route that hugs the beautiful coastline of Wales. The trail offers diverse landscapes, from breathtaking cliffs and secluded beaches to charming fishing villages.
Walkers may spot marine life such as seals and dolphins along the way. The path can be challenging at times due to its rugged terrain, but it is well-maintained and signposted.
You can pick certain segments of the route, based on the number of days you want to spend on your walking holiday. The two popular segments for single-day walks include between St. Davids and Solva or from Tenby to Saundersfoot.
4. The Rota Vicentina in Portugal
The Rota Vicentina is a stunning walking route along Portugal’s southwest coast. It combines a number of different landscapes, from pristine beaches and cliffs to traditional villages overlooking rolling hills.
This trail is situated between Porto Covo and Sagres, covering about 179 kilometres in distance. Walkers can not only enjoy the region’s lush nature, but also experience the local culture, including Portuguese delicious dishes and wines. The Rota Vicentina is a perfect blend of beauty and adventure!
5. Caminito Del Rey in Andalusia, Spain
Located within the Gaitanes gorge, the Caminito Del Rey trail is an aerial route perched along the cliffs of the stunning gorge in Andalusia, Spain. The 3-kilometre walk is packed with beautiful scenery including the mighty Gualdalhorce river.
The trail begins in the municipality of Ardales and ends in El Chorro in Alora. The path was built in 1901 and finished in 1905 as part of the Renfe railway tracks and for the Hydroelectric Power Station in El Chorro.
King Alfonso XIII opened the Caminito del Rey trail in 1921 hence, where the name came about which translates to “The King’s Little Path”. I had an opportunity to trek this route during my visit to Malaga, Spain. I had a great time trekking
Walking holidays in Europe offer a unique and sustainable way to explore the continent’s diverse landscapes and cultures. There are so many trails to choose from, including the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes, meaning that you will always find something to suit your personal preferences.
Whether they take you through sandy beaches or lush forests, these walking paths provide an opportunity for personal growth and unforgettable experiences, while remaining kind to our planet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Everything Zany
Travel Blog
Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British–Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in the Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our mission is to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.
