Trek Europe and beyond: The most unforgettable hiking destinations

Belfast Telegraph

3 days ago

Walking holidays offer something standard getaways rarely match — a deeper, more rewarding way to explore, with time and space to truly connect with your surroundings. Travelling on foot brings you closer to the landscape, the culture, and the authentic pace of local life. If you see walking as the most meaningful way to experience the world, these unforgettable hiking destinations are well worth discovering.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Set in the heart of Turkey, Cappadocia is known for its surreal landscapes — from towering fairy chimneys and honeycombed cave dwellings to sun-baked valleys carved from soft volcanic rock. This is a region where nature and history blend beautifully, creating an unforgettable backdrop for walking.
Hiking Highlights: Many of Cappadocia's most rewarding walks follow scenic valley routes. You can explore Meskendir Valley with its hidden cave chapels, then continue into the Red Valley, where the pink-hued cliffs glow in the evening light. Routes between Göreme, Uçhisar and Çavuşin offer a mix of traditional village life, fruit orchards, and sweeping views from ancient hilltop lookouts.
Transylvania, Romania
In Romania, nestled between the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania is steeped in folklore, forested hills, and quiet rural charm. With Saxon villages and Gothic architecture dotted amongst wildflower meadows, it's a wonderfully atmospheric destination for walking.
Hiking Highlights: You can discover the peaceful landscapes around Viscri and Meșendorf, where trails lead past wooden barns, grazing sheep, and fortified churches. In Piatra Craiului National Park, more dramatic hikes take you through the narrow Zărnești Gorge and up limestone ridges with views across the Bucegi Mountains. The region's mix of open meadows, forest trails, and traditional farmsteads creates a rich and varied walking experience.
Madeira, Portugal
Rising from the Atlantic, Madeira combines dramatic cliffs, deep green valleys, and subtropical forests—all on one compact island. Its mild climate and scenic routes make it a favourite year-round destination for walkers.
Hiking Highlights: Many of Madeira's best walks follow its levada paths — flat, narrow routes that wind through the island's lush interior. One standout is the trail at Rabaçal, which leads to the fairytale-like 25 Fountains Lagoon, a peaceful spot hidden in the forest. For coastal views, Ponta de São Lourenço offers wild, windswept cliffs, while higher up, routes near Pico do Arieiro reveal views that stretch above the clouds.
Cinque Terre & Liguria region, Italy
Cinque Terre – five pastel-painted villages hugging the Ligurian coast – forms a chain of terraced vineyards, colourful houses, and cobbled lanes. There's much more to discover beyond the famous five, as the surrounding Liguria region offers a mix of coastal charm and quiet countryside ideal for walkers.
Hiking Highlights: You can explore scenic trails that link Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, with each path offering striking views over the Mediterranean and passing through citrus groves and vine-covered hills. Inland, you can follow the Via dei Santuari through peaceful woodland and hidden sanctuaries or take on the rewarding route from Riomaggiore to Portovenere — a less-travelled path with panoramic sea views and a tranquil harbour waiting at the end. It's a perfect blend of coastline, culture, and natural beauty.
Sierra Nevada, Spain
Southern Spain's Sierra Nevada region is a land of rugged ridges, sunlit valleys, and whitewashed villages that reflect the area's Moorish roots. With dramatic mountain landscapes and peaceful hillside paths, it's an ideal destination for walkers who want variety and charm.
Hiking Highlights: You can explore the Alpujarras, where ancient mule tracks wind between Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira — traditional villages that seem to tumble down the hillsides. The Vereda de la Estrella trail is a highlight, following a riverside path through deep gorges and chestnut forests. For wider vistas, walks near Veleta take you into high mountain terrain where the landscape opens up to sweeping views across the Sierra.
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
The Atlas Mountains stretch across a landscape of quiet valleys, terraced farmland, and Berber villages nestled into the hillsides. This region in Morocco is rich in culture and natural beauty, perfect for those looking to explore at a slower, more immersive pace.
Hiking Highlights: You can walk through the Imlil Valley, passing walnut groves, prayer flags, and traditional homes in villages like Aremd. A hike to Sidi Chamharouch, a sacred pilgrimage site, offers a rewarding challenge with dramatic scenery along the way. For solitude and panoramic views, the Tizi n'Tamaterte trail takes you over mountain passes with endless ridgelines and a real sense of remoteness.
Choose from a variety of walking holidays tailored to different skill levels, with routes offering varying paces and distances. All holidays include flights, accommodation, and transfers, and is led by expert guides. Along the way, you'll explore incredible landscapes and connect with like-minded travellers.
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