Long-distance hiking with pleasure

The Alpe-Adria Trail begins at the foot of Austria's highest mountain, the Großglockner, and covers around 750 kilometres through Carinthia, Slovenia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia to the coast near Muggia. Forty-three stages connect Alpine landscapes with Mediterranean flair – a long-distance hiking trail that emphasises diversity.

The trails are pleasant to walk and well secured, making them suitable for leisure hikers. Along the way, they pass quiet mountain lakes, through impressive gorges such as the Soča Gorge, to traditional alpine huts and across sunny vineyards to the sea. Each stage offers a ‘jewel of the landscape’ – a small landmark that brings the nature, culture and history of the region to life in a special way.

Stretching 3,200 kilometers (1,988 miles), the E5 is one of Europe’s longest and most celebrated long-distance hiking paths. Its most popular section leads from Oberstdorf in the Allgäu region, across Tyrol, to Merano in South Tyrol.

Over approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles), hikers traverse the main Alpine ridge—along panoramic high paths, dramatic gorges, narrow ridges, and alpine passes. Highlights include the suspension bridge at Holzgau, the ridge hike on the Venet, the high-alpine Pitztaler Jöchl (9,826 ft), and crossing the Timmelsjoch into Italy.

This route is challenging, demanding sure-footedness, a head for heights, and solid physical fitness. Several stages can be shortened using valley alternatives or public transportation.

The GR 221, or Gran Recorrido 221 in Spanish, spans roughly 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Port d’Andratx to Pollença, cutting across the Serra de Tramuntana. Hiking on Majorca here is a diverse journey of discovery: the trails are well-maintained, alternating between gentle hill paths, rocky stretches, and quiet country lanes. Along the way, you’ll pass charming villages like Valldemossa and Banyalbufar, the spiritual Lluc Monastery, and the masterfully restored dry-stone walls of the legendary “Ruta de Pedra en Sec.” Time and again, sweeping views unfold over the northwest coast, the Tramuntana peaks, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Sure-footedness and sturdy hiking boots are recommended, especially on the rocky mountain sections.

The Rota Vicentina stretches approximately 230 kilometers from Santiago do Cacém in the Alentejo region to Cabo de São Vicente in the Algarve. The trail network consists of two main routes: the Historical Way inland and the Fishermen’s Trail along the Atlantic coast.

The Fishermen’s Trail follows sandy coastal paths over dunes and cliffs, offering spectacular sea views, while the Historical Way passes through cork oak forests, rolling hills, and traditional villages. Highlights include Porto Covo, Odeceixe, Zambujeira do Mar, and Cabo de São Vicente.

The trails are well marked — blue and green along the coast, red and white inland — and mostly run on natural paths with moderate elevation changes.