Best Hiking Trails in Europe

Stretch your legs, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy some incredible views… here are the best destinations across Europe for hiking holidays.

With its alluring coasts, steep mountains and dense green forests, Cyprus is a dream destination for your next hiking trip abroad.

This beautiful island is very much an underrated gem when it comes to hiking enthusiasts, but word is spreading fast that Cyprus is the place for walking holidays thanks to a growing number of new trails. 

The Aphrodite, Artemis and Atalanti routes are increasingly popular, and during spring and early summer months the weather in regions like Paphos and Limassol is perfect for navigating through the country’s scenic landscapes. Read more about the best hiking routes in Cyprus here.

Book flights to Paphos

The hiking trails throughout Portugal, including the islands of the Azores, are nothing short of breathtaking and often look like scenes from a nature documentary. 

Featuring beautiful mountain ranges, pretty waterfalls and springs, this chain of Portuguese islands is colourful, lush and incredibly eye-catching. The climate in the Azores is tropical, which means its many trails are filled with unique plant life.

Temperatures are mild year round, but early summer and autumn are perhaps the best times to plan a trip. There is simply no better feeling than the warm glow of the sun on your back as you walk, wander and explore the islands.

The best part about a hiking trip in the Azores is its largely untouched, protected landscapes that bear the scars of millions of years of volcanic activity - you're stepping back in time, quite literally.

Book flights to Ponta Delgada

When you think of ideal destinations for hiking trips, we don’t blame you if Armenia is not the first country that springs to mind. But trust us, that’s quickly changing.

This intriguing nation is famous for its traditional cuisine and fascinating historic relics (not to mention its delicious wine) and is also fast becoming one of the world’s must-visit hiking destinations.

There are over 30 excellent trails dotted throughout Armenia, ranging from intense 5-day hikes to more manageable excursions that only take a couple of hours. En route you’ll see the country’s splendid monasteries, lush forests and largely unexplored local villages.

Book flights to Yerevan

The Camino de Santiago (one of the most famous pilgrimages in the world) draws tens of thousands of visitors every single year, but It’s just one of many superb hikes and pilgrimages to be enjoyed throughout Spain.

With so much delicious food and sandy beaches on offer here, it is tempting to just sit back and relax. That said… with its mild weather, excellent scenery and rugged terrain, Spain also ticks a lot of boxes for a hiking holiday abroad.

Delve a little deeper beyond the swimming pool and the beach resorts and you’ll discover Spain is awash with incredible trails that are waiting to be explored like Caminito del Rey, the Pico Sobarcal Trail and Peñalara.

Book flights to Santiago

An absolute must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast, Croatia was made for hiking and exploration thanks to its blend of warm weather, outdoor scenery, dry grasslands and historic sites.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the country’s most popular tourist destination, welcoming over a million visitors every year, and it contains some of the most enchanting hiking trails in Europe. 

Croatia is covered in beautiful coastline on the outside and luscious green pastures on the inside. Throw in some crystal-clear blue lakes, jaw-dropping waterfalls, rocky terrain and a warm climate and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a hiking holiday abroad.

Book flights to Zadar

Gotaleden is a hiking trail consisting of 9 stages and offers a total of 71 km of scenic and varied hiking. The trail extends from the visitor centre at Kungsportsplatsen in Gothenburg to the town of Alingsås. The trail is bi-directional and you can easily reach the various stages from commuter train stations along the route. A somewhat gentle hiking trail, you can enjoy coffee, tasty local food and experience several places and sights alng the way. The trail passes some smaller towns but goes mainly through forest and natural terrain. Along the way, there are also a number of camp sites and wind shelters. You'll find the route is marked with blue signage on trees or poles.

Fly to Gothenburg

Heading on a hiking holiday soon? Make sure to tag us in your photos using the hashtag #ryanairstories – you might be featured on Ryanair’s Instagram feed!