If you have ever come back from a holiday feeling like you only saw the landmarks from behind a bus window, then you’re not alone. For many people, conventional tourism is not cutting it; each year, more and more people are looking for something extra when it comes to traveling, which is why walking holidays have increased a lot in popularity. It’s a different way to travel, one that lets you truly connect with a place.
Those holidays are about the journey itself, immersing in the local culture and the feeling of earning the right to see a spectacular view. It’s a type of travel that engages all your senses and leaves you with stories, not just souvenirs, and there’s no better place to start than Europe! We’ve chosen five of Europe’s most incredible trails that promise exactly that kind of authentic, mind-blowing experience.
Planning Your Walk with Orbis Ways
First, a walking holiday consists of traveling to places to hike, usually doing several hikes or one big long-distance hike, and as you can imagine, yes! Organizing an international walking trip can be overwhelming, which is where a specialist hiking agency like Orbis Ways becomes your best friend. They know how and why people choose walking holidays; that’s why most of their services are self-guided walking holidays, and they excel at it. T
heir teams are composed of actual hikers, which is why they know exactly what to offer in order to secure a successful trip, handling all the logistics so you can simply enjoy the trail. They book your accommodations, which range from guesthouses to hotels, and transport your luggage ahead to each stop, meaning you only need to carry a light daypack.
They provide detailed, easy-to-follow route notes and maps, making sure you can walk with confidence. The countless positive reviews from customers consistently praise their friendly customer service, careful planning, and ability to create a stress-free experience.
They offer tailored trips on many routes, and here are some of the most popular:.
The Camino de Santiago in Spain
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is far more than a simple hike; it’s a historical pilgrimage route ending at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. It welcomes thousands of people each year, making it one of the most popular networks of trails in the world.
While its roots are religious, today people walk it for spiritual, fitness, and cultural reasons. The most famous trail is the Camino Francés, which stretches nearly 500 miles from France across northern Spain. You don’t need to walk the entire thing; many choose a final section like the last 60 miles from Sarria.
The path is well-marked with iconic yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols. You will also find several landmarks and iconic places along the way, but the real magic lies in the international community of walkers you meet.
The Tour du Mont Blanc in France
For those who dream of visiting the Alps, the Tour du Mont Blanc is the ultimate European trek. This is a classic circuit that has been walked for ages. The hike completes a loop around the Mont Blanc massif and passes through different countries (France, Italy, and Switzerland), covering over roughly 105 miles. It is often considered a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike that takes about 11 days to complete.
You will experience three distinct cultures while staying in different remote mountain refuges or alpine towns, also you will be able to try local specialties like French cheese, Italian pasta, and Swiss chocolate. It is a truly immersive mountain adventure that consistently ranks as one of the best walks in the world.
The Path of the Gods in Italy
This trail is known locally as Sentiero degli Dei and runs along the Amalfi Coast above the Mediterranean Sea. Just by reading, you can already have an idea of how amazing this trail is. It is a shorter route, often taking just a few hours to walk between the towns of Bomerano and Nocelle, but it’s stunning. Some people combine it with other popular trails, like from Amalfi to Positano.
The path takes you through lemon groves and limestone cliffs, offering great views of the Isle of Capri and the coastline below. Finishing with a swim and a slice of lemon cake is the perfect way to end this spectacular day hike.
Conclusion
These routes are just the beginning of what Europe has to offer; they prove that the richest travel experiences aren’t about how many countries you check off a list, but about the depth of your connection to a place. The slow rhythm of walking lets you absorb the details, the sounds, the smells, and the path. It’s an invitation to adventure, to stories, and to memories that will stick with you long after you’ve returned home.
