From world famous pilgrimages to secluded alpine mountain trails, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best walking holiday destinations in Europe, so you can start planning your next adventure.

Albania
Albania is an overlooked corner of Europe that’s perfect for escaping the typical tourist trails.

Mountains make up 70% of the terrain here, so it’s no surprise that they form the basis for most of the walking tours. Book a tour within the Albanian Alps to discover towering waterfalls, meadows of wildflowers and charming mountain villages, or soak up the coastal charms of the ‘Albanian Riviera’ – home to some of Europe’s best beaches.

Amalfi Coast, Italy
If you’re looking for drop-dead gorgeous scenery, a combination of sun, sea and sand, and an endless number of trails to choose from, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is the answer to all your prayers.

Covering a stretch of coastline from Punta Campanella to Salerno, the trails here are truly out of this world. Carved out by Greek settlers as early as the eighth century BC, the mythical Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is perhaps the coastline’s most famous. You’ll truly feel as though you’re walking in the heavens as you explore this sky-high coastal path, drinking in the far-reaching ocean views.

Camino de Santiago, Spain
Culminating in a visit to the spectacular Santiago Cathedral, this 155km pilgrimage in northern Spain is a journey of holy significance that dates back over 1,000 years.

Travel through undulating countryside, rural farmland and medieval villages; what makes the Camino so popular is that you can walk as much or as little as you like. Spend a month walking from St Jean Pied de Port, or just a few days trekking the final stretch. If you commit to walking the last 100km, you’ll even receive your very own Compostela pilgrim certificate.

Madeira, Portugal
Hiking Madeira’s levadas is an experience not to be missed. These irrigation canals were built to bring water from the northern slopes to the south side of the island. Although still in use, they now have another purpose, giving hikers a way to explore the island’s secret interior and dramatic landscapes.

With more than 2,000km to explore at heights reaching 1,861m, this Portuguese island has trails to suit all experience levels. If you’re up for a challenge, why not take on the island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo?

La Gomera, Canary Islands
The Canary Island that time forgot, La Gomera is shaped by cloud forests, steep-sided valleys and ancient hiking paths – the most famous of which wind their way through Garajonay National Park. Ascend to the summit of Garajonay, the highest point on the island, or follow the island’s network of stunning footpaths and historic mule trails.

Around 25% of the flora and fauna are endemic to the island, but what makes La Gomera all the more fascinating is its 500-year old whistling language, ‘el silbo gomero’.