Europe’s most beautiful coastal hikes
Five ideas for discovering Europe’s most amazing coastal paths
Mountains, parks, villages, hills: Europe is packed with marvellous places for unforgettable hikes. If you’re looking for a truly exciting experience, here are some ideas for paths along the continent’s coasts. Five suggestions for anyone who loves the sea.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
In the north of Spain, and specifically the Basque country, is a place of truly extraordinary beauty: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. A little island connected to the coast by a walkway of 300 steps suspended over the ocean. Fit hikers can set off from the village of Balio and walk 6.5 km out to the church on the island.
South West Coast Path
England has a 1,000 km walking route called the South West Coast Path. This long walk begins in Somerset County and follows the cliff-tops, with breath-taking views and splendid bays
Mont Saint-Michel
Normandy, in northern France, has one of Europe’s best-known coastal pathways: the crossing to Mont Saint-Michel. A panoramic walk leads to the beautiful village and abbey on a little island. But time your visit carefully: at high tide the walkway to the island disappears completely under a splendid expanse of water.
Rota Vicentina
Portugal offers an amazing 340 km itinerary: the Rota Vicentina, a walk along the cliff-tops and beaches of the southwest coast from Santiago do Cacém to Capo St. Vincente. The eye is enthralled the whole way by a series of splendid panoramas, from sunflower fields to coves, beaches and olive groves.
Cinque Terre National Park
Italy is one of the countries offering the most beautiful coastal walking paths, including Cinque Terre National Park in Liguria. 18 km of coastal pathways among rocks, coves, and beautiful hamlets, including the splendid town of Portovenere.
Mountains, parks, villages, hills: Europe is packed with marvellous places for unforgettable hikes. If you’re looking for a truly exciting experience, here are some ideas for paths along the continent’s coasts. Five suggestions for anyone who loves the sea.
