Europe’s Best Hiking Destinations

Yes, so we’ve got city tours, beach tours, river tours, cruises, gastronomical holidays (which just means “culturally-based eating” by the way), but what about occupations for one of mankind’s most forgotten parts, his humble legs? Hiking is not only healthy and great for physique, it’s rewarding, exciting, and is almost (provided you don’t stumble off the edge of a craggy rock face) guaranteed to make you live longer, and can be both romantic (lots of “alone time” and forced companionship) and is a great way to shift that flab you’ve been building up – not to mention the fact that it’s pretty cheap as well, convenient for these times of the new depression. You don’t have to bother with so many hotels, tours, restaurants and the like – a bottle of water and some pre-packed sandwiches should be enough to see you climbing every mountain and fording every stream.

So here are some of Europe’s best Hikes:

Tuscany, Italy

Beautiful part of Italy where man and nature co-exist more naturally than osmosis (excuse the lame metaphor) – hills, castles, and farms, with a lovely warm climate, mules, peasants, sunflower fields, world- famous wines, amazing food (gastronomy, I hear you mutter? not at all), what’s not to like?

Tirol, Austria

Ski-Resort in Winter, Walking place in Summer, Austria is highly recommended – this isn’t the first time I’ve sung its praises, and won’t be the last. Despite often being rather humid and sticky in summer, accommodation is not only incredibly cheap but also rather charming, most often being of the Chalet-type with Mountains to gaze at either side when you’re not trying to dash up them. Austria is both magical and slightly unreal – Food’s very expensive here by the way – you’ll really have to pack your sandwiches or risk jeopardizing the Children’s inheritance.

Meteora, Greece

Meteora is an absolutely remarkable part of Greece where, quite simply, there are enormous chunks of rock on top of which monasteries are built upon – originally 20 of them, but only six remain today. Meteora is Greek for “in the heavens above”, and upon seeing these giant fingers of rock, it’s easy to see why. What’s fascinating is that originally the only access to these lofty monasteries was up several ladders lashed together – partly due to theological issues at the time which have thankfully been overhauled with steps cut into the rock during the 1920’s, which probably saved a fair few lives. Fascinating, eh?

Argyll, Scotland

Argyll is a secluded (don’t read as desolate), peaceful county in the west of Scotland. There is fantastic scenery and an amazing view of the strangely titled Loch Eck. It’s considered fairly easy stuff, compared to other hikes, with even octogenarians reportedly pottering about around up there. Also, it’s not too isolated to stumble upon a wee little pub to enjoy a well-earned glass of scotch whiskey at the end of your day.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your travels!

Photo of people hiking in Tuscany, Italy by pinkcanoe

Topic:  Tips and Ideas | 2 Comments
Tags:  green travel, sport

About the author

Paul Crompton is an avid reader and has a passion for cars and technology, primarily. He loves traveling to whichever exotic travel location which is cheap. His dream is to become an advertising executive.