Trail Talk
Home / Trail talk / Fall hikes in Europe
Trek Planning
Best fall hikes in Europe
- Katie Mitchell
- 7 December 2022
Not satisfied with only hiking in the high-season? No problem! Europe has many inspiring fall hikes for the shoulder season that are perfect for training for your strenuous treks in the summer. Check out our list and how to prepare for them below.
Rota Vicentina
The Rota Vicentina is a 750 kilometer trail along the coast of southern Portugal. Follow the coastline from Santiago de Cacém in the north to the Cape of Sao Vicente in the south for an idyllic hike. You can head either southbound or northbound depending on preference, although the majority of hikers head southbound for their first time. And to avoid the heat, hike the trail in February – April or September – November.
There are also a few alternate sections for this trail, try the Historical Way or the popular Fisherman’s Trail to explore more of the region.
Madeira Thru-Hike
Discover Madeira, a Portuguese island off the northern coast of Africa, for a perfect short shoulder-season thru-hike. The hike is only 115 kilometers, but we label it as advanced because of the steep mountain ascents and descents every day. The trek crosses the island east to west and can be completed in five days. In addition, the trail is fully self-supported and you camp along the way.
Halfway through the route, you climb the highest peak of the trail, Pico Ruivo, for one of the astounding camping spots you’ll ever experience. And at 1862 meters, you sleep above the clouds and sip your morning coffee overlooking the famous levadas.
Lycian Way
The Lycian Way is an ancient donkey path through southeastern Turkish mountains and coast. Hike this 540 kilometer thru for a taste of history and isolation in a new culture. As you discover crystal clear beaches and dusty ruins, you learn that the way never fails to impress. The trail also passes through the famous Patara Beach and Butterfly Valley between the intense climbs and perfect camp spots.
As you hike, you’ll step back in time as you set up camp along the stone roads and gorge on delicious Turkish baked goods from trail angels.
Jordan Trail
The Jordan Trail is a new addition to the thru-hiking world. It was, similar to the Lycian Way, an ancient route for travelers, but the Jordan Tourism Board began to fund it in 2016. The trail crosses through many different ecosystems and natural wonders of the world, including the Red Sea and Petra. This 675 kilometer trail has been split into 8 sections and 40 segments and should only be hiked in spring and autumn to avoid extreme heat dangers in the summer. Additionally, we recommend this trek with experienced guides or groups to avoid the dangers that can come with water caching.
Not satisfied with only hiking in the high-season? No problem! Europe has many inspiring hikes for the shoulder season that are perfect for training for your strenuous treks in the summer. Check out our list and how to prepare for them below.
