Making travel plans and looking for the most beautiful hikes in Europe? Look no further! Europe is not only the continent with the most diverse cultures, it also has various landscapes, mountain ranges and islands to explore. So Europe has something to offer for every kind of hiker! Here is the list of the most beautiful hikes I did in Europe. (I will continue to update this post, every time I discover another magical hike!)
Most beautiful hikes in Europe
The coastal walk from Carvoeiro to Praia da Marinha, Algarve
I started this hike at the Alfanzina lighthouse. There is a path that leads along the gorgeous yellow rock coasts all the way to Praia da Marinha. On your way you will encounter a lot of spectacular views like sea caves, rock formations, the bluest water and giant waves. The most famous one is probably the Benagil cave (seen from above, you need to take a boat to enter the cave), but my favorite was definitely the huge arch near Praia da Mesquita.
The path continues further to more beaches if you want to do a longer hike.
Distance: 4.5 km (one way)
More info about the Algarve here
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, Madeira
There is no way that this hike isn’t in any “most beautiful hikes in Europe” list! This is the most scenic and challenging hike of Madeira! It has a lot of very steep stairs and rocky paths, so wear decent hiking shoes and a comfortable pants. How much I love my (long) dresses, it is simply not advisable to wear them during such a hike. One stumble and the chance is big you are falling into the abyss since the paths aren’t always secured and the cliffs are steep! Don’t do this hike if you are afraid of heights and suffer from vertigo! The distance between the two peaks isn’t that big, but the hike will take up to 6-8 hours (two way) due to the difficulty of the paths. Also don’t forget your flash light to be able to walk through the many tunnels! But the views are totally worth the effort! One of the most epic hikes I ever did!
Distance: 5.4 km (one way)
More info about Madeira here
Triglav National Park, Slovenia
It is impossible for me to decide which hike I think is the most beautiful at the Triglav National Park. So I will share more than one! Most hikes I did involved river canyons and waterfalls. When driving around the Julian Alps, make sure to hike to the Kozjak waterfall and the Martuljek waterfall. The most impressive canyons I saw were the Vintgar gorge near Bled, Tolmin gorge and the Mostnica gorge near Bohinj.
Distance: You can find more information about these hikes here.
More info about Slovenia here
Salto do Prego, Sao Miguel, Azores
This hike starts at the little village Faial da Terra. It will take you through a jungle-like forest with stunning views to the Prego waterfall, which drops straight into a pool. The return leads to Sanguinho a tiny town on a steep hill. It really makes you wonder how the people living there take their groceries up, since there is no road. The way back down is very steep and demanding for your knees, so be careful!
Distance: 3.7 km (circular)
More info about Sao Miguel here
The hike to Poço Ribeira do Ferreiro, Flores
The hike itself isn’t that spectacular, since this is a rocky path along a small stream through a forest. But the view this hike leads to is breathtaking! You will end up at a lake surrounded by forest and the view of a huge cliff wall from which more than a dozen waterfalls flow. One of the most epic waterfall views I’ve ever seen!
Distance: 1 km (one way)
More info about Flores here
Torcal de Antequera, Andalusia, Spain
Torcal de Antequera is a nature reserve in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range located south of the little white city of Antequera. The hike consists of a brown rocky path leading through canyons of grey rock formations that reminded me a little of Bryce Canyon (but in a different color). The path is marked very clearly so it is hard to get lost.
Distance: the yellow route is 3 km (circular)
More info about Antequera here
Mullerthal, Luxemburg
The Mullerthal region in Luxemburg, also known as Luxemburg’s Little Switzerland is a beautiful area to hike. The Mullerthal trail is 112 km long, but you can do parts of it or do smaller hikes in the area like the hike to the Kuelscheier Felsspalten. This hike will take you through very narrow canyons in the forest. Make sure to take a flash light since you’ll have to walk in the dark several times!
Haifoss, Iceland
The road taking you to Haifoss waterfall is quite challenging and I wouldn’t recommend it with a normal car (4×4 is safer). But if you manage to reach the parking lot, I strongly advise to hike down to the waterfall’s foot! The views on the way are incredible and who doesn’t want to reach the foot of a massive waterfall?
More info about Iceland here
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