9 top walking trips in Europe

Towering cliffs, unspoilt golden beaches and secluded coves are waiting to be discovered on a Pembrokeshire walking trip in Wales, United Kingdom. Get up close to nature with an abundance of bird life, the chance to spot Atlantic grey seals and wildflower-lined footpaths especially in spring and summer. See the natural beauty of the coast from a different perspective on an optional half-day kayaking.

Sitting on a wooden pew, an enormous incense burner swings like a huge pendulum down the length of Santiago Cathedral, supported by the vast vaulted ceiling high above. This spectacular Botafumeiro ceremony marks the end of an unforgettable 155km pilgrimage across undulating countryside, past rural farmland and through medieval villages along the sacred Camino-Frances trail. This ancient Christian pilgrimage is a unique journey of holy significance, and it will be particularly symbolic during 2021 as it is the Holy Year of Santiago de Compostela - a rare occasion not to be missed.

Enjoy a moderately-graded walking holiday of the secluded beaches and canyons of Crete. Setting off from the beautiful Venetian town of Chania, you’ll walk through the impressive Samaria Gorge to Agia Roumeli, before settling in at a family-run property on the beach. Indulge in delicious Cretan food served up at traditional tavernas, and admire the scenic white houses with blue shutters.

Turkey is a popular choice for walking trips in Europe, and no-where more so than the Lycian Way. Glistening turquoise waters lap golden sand beaches in secluded bays below as you make your way along the clifftop coastal path towards Faralya. Set upon a small plateau this tranquil village teeters on the edge of the sheer limestone cliffs of Butterfly Valley. Endemic Jersey Tiger butterfly flutter about the lush canyon walls and feed off of the sweet-smelling lavender-flower chaste trees in this magnificent fjord-like cove.

Hike beyond the usual tourist trails with a walking trip in Albania. A mostly undiscovered European walking destination, Albania boasts towering alpine mountain valleys, emerald green lakes and rustic highland villages. Escape everyday life in this pure and untouched natural world with treks in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains of Valbona Valley and overnight stays in the heart of the wild Accursed Mountains.