European Hiking Trips

Our Hiking Trips in Europe

European Hiking Trips offer a hiker’s dream, with some of the most incredible trails in the world. From the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Alps and the spectacular coastal footpaths of the Mediterranean to the tranquil fjords of Norway and the verdant vineyards of Italy, our European hiking trips offer something for every trekker.

Explore the rich history of the region with visits to medieval Spanish monasteries, French chateaux, and Greek temples, or seek out the natural wonders of the Dolomites, Cappadocia, or the Azores. On Europe’s most iconic hikes, including the Tour du Mont Blanc, Italy’s Path of the Gods, and the pilgrim’s path of the Camino de Santiago, you’ll explore breathtakingly beautiful landscapes on trails steeped with rich history, walking in the footsteps of thousands of explorers across the centuries.

As one of the best hiking tour companies in Europe, we stay in handpicked accommodations that are authentic to the area and often family run, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture– and to feast on plenty of delicious regional cuisine. Our walking vacations in Europe are also carefully timed so that you know you are visiting at the perfect moment, just in time to experience that local festival, bask in that dreamy weather, see those blooms, or spot that elusive creature. Whether you want to trek point-to-point or stay at a central base, our travel experts will handle all of the details and make sure that your adventure is unforgettable.

If you’re looking to hike the most iconic trails, conquer incredible summits, and experience unique cultural moments along the way, check out more information on our incredible European hiking trips below:

Our Best Hiking Tours in Europe

Italy

Walking the Amalfi Coast

8 Days from USD 2175

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Discover the highlights of Europe’s most dramatic coastline on foot with true experts of the region

Walking & Trekking

Italy

Walking The Amalfi Coast – Summer Edition

8 Days from USD 2175

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Experience the summer highlights of Italy's Amalfi coast on foot

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 3420

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Superb walking in Italy's most spectacular mountain range

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 3070

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Walk the best of Mont Blanc Circuit in France and Italy

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 2820

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Unveil one of the world's best wine regions in Italy.

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 3000

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Experience the magic of Italy in Tuscany

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 3000

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Discover the most beautiful hiking trails and views with the help of our expert tour leader

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 2925

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Romantic countryside, rugged hills and villages of Andalucia on foot

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 2020

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Enjoy varied walks in beautiful Spanish mountains

Walking & Trekking

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Our Top 5 hiking destinations in Europe:

1. Italy: Italy captivates with its rich history, incredible art, and delicious culinary delights. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, Italy offers a diverse tapestry of culture, landscapes, and experiences, making it an ideal destination for hikers. Sip, eat, and stroll as you walk through the lush vineyards of Chianti and the Prosecco Hills. Explore medieval villages, take secluded mountain hikes, discover ancient volcanoes, and walk the iconic Path of the Gods. From the ruins of Pompeii to the historic cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice and from the wilds of Sardinia to the crystal blue waters of Capri, our Italy hiking tours immerse trekkers in the very best this magical country has to offer.

2. Portugal: Portugal, nestled on the Iberian Peninsula, enchants with its stunning coastline, historic charm, and vibrant cities. From the cobbled streets of Lisbon and the stunning castles of Sintra to the scenic UNESCO Douro Valley wine region, Portugal seamlessly blends old-world allure with contemporary energy. From the islands of the Azores and Madeira to the dramatic seascapes of the Algarve and the history of the Portuguese Camino, Portugal is a trekking paradise.

3. Greece: Greece, known for its ancient history, rich mythology, and warm hospitality, is a country adorned with sun-soaked islands, crystal-clear waters, and iconic archaeological sites. Explore the idyllic isles of Paros, Santorini, and Naxos, sampling delicious Greek cuisine along the way, or venture to the island of Evia to explore Roman ruins and quaint mountain villages. Discover sun-kissed bliss while hiking on Crete, Greece’s largest island, where you’ll find colorful villages, refreshing wines, and dazzling beaches. From coastal paths to picturesque islands, Greece offers unique treks with a Mediterranean twist.

4. Spain: Spain invites visitors to experience the lively rhythm of flamenco, explore historic cities and romantic countryside, and bask in the sun on its beautiful Mediterranean beaches. Meander cobbled streets and fall under Spain’s spell as you take in humming markets, plentiful orchards, and ripe vineyards. Experience the timeless white-washed villages and flowering paths of Andalucia, trek the exciting Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges to find breathtaking views, explore the lush island of Mallorca, or hike in the footsteps of history along the Camino de Santiago route. There’s adventure around every bend on a Spain hiking tour.

5. Croatia: Croatia, the ‘land of a thousand islands’, captivates with its stunning coastline, historic cities, and variety of islands offering incredibly diverse landscapes. Explore the historic UNESCO city of Dubrovnik, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, on foot, before trekking Croatia’s stunning mountains and unbelievable islands. Croatia’s hikes include forests and mountains, coastal views of the crystal-clear sea, and gorgeous waterfalls. It’s an idyllic hiking destination that shouldn’t be missed!

I’ve wanted to visit Andalucia for more than 20 years and this trip did not disappoint. It was, to me, the perfect blend of rural walking and city time- with my favorite moments being the pastures and small villages, learning about olive production, local plants, and life in Algamitas. The Cortijo is lovely, and though simple, had everything we need (including a pool!) The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful and Felipe, the manager, was especially thoughtful in taking care of everyone. My traveling companion and I both have dietary/medical restrictions and Felipe and the wonderful kitchen staff went to great lengths to ensure we had what we needed (we know gluten free pasta, bread and cereal can’t be easy to come by in a rural area, and that making a separate version of a meal is a lot of work), but made it seem effortless. Our guide, Miguel, is funny and personable and knows so much about the area: archaeology, geology, plant life, birds, and people- and he clearly makes a great effort to know the neighbors in the village and connect with people. He also runs a tight ship to keep people safe and cared for! He also goes to great lengths to make sure his groups have a great time and get to do the things they want to do. I thought the walking was the right challenge for a level 2- the biggest variable was the sun and heat, but he made sure we were hydrated and prepared. We didn’t have any rain, but that would also make for a different kind of challenge. And we lucked out with a group of lovely, funny, caring fellow-travelers. This trip was to celebrate my friends’ and my 40th birthdays this year, and it was exactly what we wanted it to be!

Rebecca Cox Walking in Andalucia

Having booked somewhat last minute, we were anxious approaching our first multi day trek, mostly about our fitness (particularly for me as an energetic 57 year old weekend walker without any training regime), but also about travelling with strangers for 8 days. We need not have been. It was hugely challenging, especially with the unseasonably hot weather (34-36C), but the demanding ascents/descents and long days were achievable and gave us a huge sense of achievement at the end of each day. Campsites were amazing, from dusty village to green (but mostly dry) oasis and awe-inspiring mountain plateau. We barely saw a soul during the days and only small numbers of villagers at night. Seeing the little group of green tents already set up below us as we made our final descent of the day and knowing that the wonderful Exodus team would have a absolutely delicious dinner on, a brew and biscuits (or sometimes pancakes straight from the pan) on arrival was a fantastic reward at the end of each day’s walking. It was a real privilege to be looked after by such experienced, dedicated and kind people – and a hardworking mule. We always felt safe and our guide Mohamed ensured that the pace was regulated to push us onwards, but give decent rests. Lunch was a welcome reward each day, and quite extraordinary given the environment to have a hot dish and a beautiful spread of salads and fresh bread with mint tea. Shade was our one issue during the day, this is a dry landscape that is suffering as a result of climate change. But our team always found lunchtime shade and encouraged us to lie down and rest on carpets after we had eaten our meal! Our group were great, lots of different characters and ages, from multiple countries, travelling as couples, friends or individuals; everyone looked out for each other and the conversation was endless and enriching. We felt exceptionally lucky to have made our last minute decision – it was 100% one of our best ever trips.

Sophie Harrowes Hike Morocco's Anti-Atlas Mountains

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What are the most famous walking vacations in Europe?

Europe boasts many famous hiking trails that draw trekkers from around the world. The Tour du Mont Blanc, encircling Western Europe’s highest peak, offers breathtaking alpine landscapes. The Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrim routes converging in Spain, weaves through historic towns and diverse terrains. Italy’s Cinque Terre trails traverse colorful seaside villages, while the Path of the Gods treats hikers to dramatic Amalfi Coast panoramas. Each hiking trail offers its own challenges and rewards, making them all celebrated destinations for trekking enthusiasts.

Is hiking in Europe difficult?

European trails range in difficulty, accommodating both novice and seasoned trekkers. As you select the Exodus tour that is the best fit for you, pay attention to the activity level rating. These ratings range from leisurely to tough and take into account the length of the trek, trail conditions, level of support, altitude, and more. Many of our destinations offer different activity levels, so that no matter your experience or fitness level, there is a trip that is perfect for you. By selecting the tour that aligns with your fitness level, you’ll ensure that your hiking vacation is just the right amount of a challenge, and isn’t too difficult to manage.

FAQs on European Hiking Trips

How to hike in Europe for beginners?

If you’re new to hiking and trekking and looking to explore Europe’s many trails, a guided tour is the perfect option. At Exodus, we are experts in small group active tours, offering the best hiking tours in Europe as we guide hikers of all experience levels on trips that are the perfect blend of trekking, cultural moments, and sightseeing. You’ll explore the very best a region has to offer without having to do any of the planning, research, or handle any of the logistics yourself, and you can feel safe knowing that you’ll have the support of your skilled guide on the trail. It’s the best way to explore European hiking trips as a beginner, and a great way to meet like-minded fellow travelers.

When is the best time to hike in Europe?

Europe’s climate varies by region, and so does the best time of year to hike. Generally though, late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant landscapes. Summer can be ideal for higher-altitude trails, but popular routes may be busier. Winter is suitable for certain destinations, like southern Europe, where temperatures are usually warmer.

For more information on your specific destination, check the trip notes for information on the region’s climate as well as details on special departures designed to line up with local festivals or events.

Which country is best to hike in Europe?

The best country for hiking in Europe depends on personal preferences and the type of experience you seek. Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking alpine trails, offering majestic mountain views, while Italy, with diverse landscapes like the Dolomites and Amalfi Coast, provides a mix of challenging hikes and cultural exploration. Spain’s Camino de Santiago offers a unique pilgrimage experience, while the fjords of Norway offer rugged beauty. Each country has its charm, boasting iconic trails that cater to different interests and levels of expertise, making Europe a versatile destination for hiking enthusiasts. As one of the best tour companies for Europe, Exodus offers incredible small group hiking trips to all the most sought after destinations.

How to prepare for my hiking tour in Europe?

Once you’ve selected your destination and booked your tour, it’s time to prepare for your hiking adventure. Review your specific tour’s trip notes for lots of details about essential equipment, joining instructions, and even information on the typical weather in the region. You’ll also find information on the activity level, which you can use to guide your fitness preparations. It’s helpful to begin a regular exercise routine leading up to your trip, focusing on cardiovascular fitness and strengthening key muscle groups like your legs and core. Check out our walking & trekking fitness guide for more advice on how to prepare physically for your trip.