Exploring the best coastal walking trails in Europe

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker with well-worn heels to your boots, or you just love a casual stroll in natural surroundings, almost everyone feels the majesty of a rugged coastal walk. With only a bag on your back and the path beneath you, there’s something ancient and joyous about taking a journey on foot along the edge of the land. In this post, we’re celebrating our favorite coastal walking trails in Europe: the salt-scented and misty trails of England, the myth-filled routes of western Ireland, the sun-warmed rural paths of Albania, and beyond. Read on to discover which coastlines of Europe you’d love to walk along next.

Exploring the best coastal walking trails in Europe

There are tens of thousands of miles of hike-worthy coastline around the European continent! Here are some of the most memorable to inspire your next walking trip…

The South West Coast Path: a trek around the ‘foot’ of England

This much-loved hiking route takes in the glorious coastal scenery of the ‘foot’ of England, and covers 630 miles (1,014km) through the counties of Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. Hikers who mean business cover the whole periphery – moving through an ever-changing landscape of staggering cliffs, gorgeous hidden beaches and historic South Western fishing villages – in anything from 1-3 months.

For a more schedule-friendly option, you can walk short sections of the path to get a delicious dose of salty breeze, crashing waves and stunning cliffside scenery in only a few hours, then get the bus back home. Notable spots include the villages of Fowey and St Mawe’s in Cornwall, Exmouth and Salcombe in Devon, and the iconic Durdle Door rock formation off the Dorset coast.

This route is the titular star of 2025 movie release The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson and adapted from the best-selling true memoir by Rainor Winn.

Camino del Norte, Spain: history, ocean views and cider

A lesser-trodden section of the epic Camino de Santiago, the Camino del Norte takes hikers on a journey along Spain’s northern coastline, from Irún to Santiago de Compostela. It takes around five weeks to hike the full 513 miles (826km).

This quiet trail passes through lush green landscapes, jagged cliffs and beautifully aesthetic seaside towns, such as foodie paradise San Sebastián and laid-back surf spot Gijón; as well as medieval settlements such as Santillana del Mar. The Norte provides the spiritual atmosphere of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage but combines it with some of Spain’s best ocean scenery, and also moves through Asturias, known as the ‘Green Spain’.

The views here are second to none; it’s not especially touristy and natural splendor rises up to greet you at every turn. If you work up an appetite on the way, you can take the edge off with some of the world’s tastiest seafood, and don’t miss the chance to sip on local Asturian cider – poured from a great height, as the locals do!

Read more: The best things to see and do in Spain

The Cami de Cavalls, Menorca, Spain: the island’s ancient horse paths

Literally meaning ‘Way of the Horses’, this ancient walking path encircles the island of Menorca in Spain. The trail was originally used by soldiers and watchmen on horseback during the 14th century, so it’s an immersive experience to hike it yourself, not only for its historical value but the simply beautiful scenery along the way.

As well as passing through Menorca’s most stunning beaches, with turquoise waters spanning into the distance, you’ll move across rugged cliffs, discover secluded coves, historic villages and lush, green countryside. You’ll also encounter Bronze Age ruins, ancient stone walls and remnants of the watchtowers that once served as coastal defenses.

The northeastern part of the trail runs through Albufera des Grau Natural Park, an impressive wetland reserve where you can spot all kinds of birdlife, from eagles to flamingos. Other highlights include Favàritx Lighthouse, which perches atop an unusual landscape of black and white rock formations; and the village of Fornells, a delightfully windswept place, famous for its delicious lobster stew.

The Cami de Cavalls is divided into 20 well-marked sections, but the path in its entirety covers 115 miles (185km), so it would take seven to 10 days to hike the whole island, depending on pace. As an alternative, you could follow the steps of the 14th-century watchmen and take the route by horseback – as many do.

Cinque Terre Trail, Italy: colorful houses along cliffside trails

The Cinque Terre has been the focus of some of Italy’s most iconic imagery – that of the multicolored houses spilling down the cliffs above the sparkling Mediterranean. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is composed of five distinct villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – all established on these high escarpments as protection from pirates in the 11th and 12th centuries. The Cinque Terre Trail connects them all on a rewarding hike through this simply stunning part of Italy’s coast. Expect breathtaking views high above the sprawling ocean, terraced vineyards and olive groves, and a deep sense of history.

At only 7.6 miles (12km) long, this trail can easily be done in a day if you start early – or two days if you’d rather take it at a leisurely pace. One thing to note is the trail is hugely popular, so it’s recommended you hike during the shoulder season (March, April, September and October) to avoid crowded pathways. Otherwise, you could try the Sentiero Rosso (Red Trail) as opposed to the more popular Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail). It’s higher altitude and slightly more challenging, but you can veer off to the villages via side paths.

Read more: Explore the natural wonders of Italy

Southern Coastal Trail, Albania: a slice of rural paradise

Albania’s sublime coastline is largely overlooked by much of the world’s tourism, but as you trek along this journey, which spans particularly scenic parts of the Albanian Riviera, you’ll truly understand its sparkling, oceanic magic. It’s around 62 miles (100km) long, though as with all of these routes, you could opt to hike a section if you’re short on time.

The beaches (Jale and Ksamil, for instance) are expectantly stunning, with the languid Ionian Sea forming an ever-present backdrop, particularly along the Llogara Pass. It’s a real treat to stop and take a dip while resting at pebbly or sandy beaches, but there’s also a rich cultural heritage to this trail. You’ll pass through abundant olive groves, past goats grazing on rocky terrain, and the cobbled alley ways of local villages, such as Himara and Dhermi, perched on dramatic mountain ridges that overlook the sea.

Trekking this coast is a pleasure, and one of the best ways to get an authentic dose of Albanian local life. It’s also one for enthusiastic hikers; difficulty of the trail ranges from moderate to challenging as there are some gravelly areas and high ascents.

Fisherman’s Trail, Portugal: fishing spots and unspoiled beaches

This gorgeous coastal trail follows the paths that local Portuguese fishermen once used to navigate the cliffs and access secret fishing spots, so it’s steeped in maritime history. The trail is around 140 miles (226km) long, leading you from São Torpes Beach in the Alentejo region to Lagos in the Algarve, and takes between 11 and 14 days to walk in its entirety.

One of the most defining features of this trail is its sandy terrain, meaning it can be highly challenging to walk for some stretches, and requires good fitness. The sea is also more powerful here than it is anywhere in Portugal, crashing against the cliff faces in unbridled majesty, and many of the beaches are completely undeveloped.

At the right time of year (usually shoulder season) you’ll sometimes walk in solitude for a long time, only nature stretching out ahead – until you come to the next village. These are usually clusters of whitewashed houses along quiet streets, with a laid-back energy (such as in Zambujeira do Mar and Carrapateira). The local eateries cry out for a pit stop and serve some of the freshest seafood imaginable, an irresistible way to replenish your energy.

Read more: The 10 best places to visit in Portugal

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland: the magic of the rugged west coast

Nothing beats a wild hike in green Ireland; out in the open air is one of the best ways to experience this spirited land. At a mammoth 1,553 miles (2,500km) long – from Kinsale in County Cork all the way up to Malin Head in County Donegal – it’s unlikely you’d choose to take on the whole Wild Atlantic Way, but many hike sections, depending on what they’d most like to see along the west coast.

For example, if you’re looking for soaring cliffs as well as limestone pavements, ancient monuments and caves, try combining the renowned Cliffs of Moher with the Burren. The northern coast of County Donegal is also ideal; the cliffs here reach three times the height of Moher, and are some of the highest in Europe. You could combine this with a trek through Glenveagh National Park to add forests, lakes and mountains to your nature-based hiking checklist.

If you hike for the reward of remote, rugged beaches and a sense of off-grid peace, try the Beara Peninsula. As well as cliffs and secluded coves there are glacial valleys, and not as many tourists blocking your views. The whole Beara route covers 122 miles (196km), but can be done in sections if preferred.

Achill Island in County Mayo is also super serene. The largest island in Ireland, there’s a satisfying mix of beaches and mountains to trek along as well as quiet villages to pause and sip a pint in. These walks around Achill are brilliant for a day hike at only 3-6 miles long.

Read more: Discover Ireland: coastlines, castles and the ‘craic’

Planning your coastal hiking adventure

It can be tempting to throw your boots in a bag and get straight on a plane to go hiking – and we applaud spontaneity as much as you. However, the last thing you want is a panicked realization that you’ve made a mistake while out on the paths. Preparation is key to make sure your experience is both fun-filled and safe.

Choosing the right trail for your hiking experience

Clearly the most important decision is which coastal walking trail, in which destination is right for you – and there are a number of questions to ask yourself (and your local travel expert)…

• What would you most like to see and do on a coastal hike? Is it awe-inspiring ocean scenery, historic sites, finding hidden beaches and calm seas you can swim in, or stopping in villages and towns with great amenities?
• Do you prefer windswept, rugged scenery where the weather can be changeable; or calm, sunny conditions where you can dip in the ocean at each beach stop? If you prefer a warm destination, can you deal with hiking in the heat? The weather conditions can have a big impact on your walking experience each day.
• Can you handle high elevations and difficult terrain, or would you prefer a consistent, flatter hike? Some trails (the Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal, for instance) involve trekking along uneven, sandy paths, while others could have scree or some rock scrambling. If you think this would hinder your enjoyment of the hike, it could be worth opting for a section with a smoother path.
• How much help do you need when navigating? Some walking routes are well marked, with very obvious pathways, while others may need some navigational skills or the use of a GPS device. If you book a hiking tour with us at TravelLocal, you can ask your local expert about this in the planning stages.
• Would you be up for camping some of the trail, or do you need hostels, homestays or B&Bs as overnight pit stops? Some coastal routes are wondrously wild with not much in the way of amenities, while others will have shorter distances between towns and villages, so you’ll never be too far from home comforts.
• How is your fitness? This will dictate whether you pick an easy, moderate or challenging hike. Are you willing to work on your fitness in preparation for the trip, or would you rather pick a trail based on your current fitness level?
• How much walking can you realistically fit into each day? The ideal length of your hike depends on whether you’d want to start early and cover a lot of daily miles, or adopt a more relaxed pace. If you’d rather a leisurely experience, it could be a better option for you to hike just a section of a longer route so you can absorb the scenery, enjoy rest days, and take your time exploring each stopping point.

Packing essentials for a coastal hike

• Well-fitting boots: Some high-quality hiking boots or trail running shoes with good grip will be your best friends. They should fit you well, ideally be broken in (so try to do a hike at home rather than bring brand new boots with you) and also be waterproof. Whatever you do, don’t attempt a serious hike in a pair of flimsy sneakers, rubber clogs or flip-flops.
• Weather-proof clothing: You’ll want to pack no more than two changes of clothes in your day pack, and they should be lightweight, with moisture-wicking layers. Also pack a windproof, waterproof jacket, and a hat for those long days in the sun. Good socks are also an essential, and a quick-drying towel can be great for those refreshing sea dips (and you can hang it on your pack to dry off as you walk).
• A lightweight backpack: You’ll be carrying your backpack for miles, so a comfortable, lightweight pack with enough space for essentials is all you need. Test your backpack before you leave for the trip – its straps should fit comfortably around you and not weigh you down awkwardly.
• Water and snacks: Bring a lightweight but large bottle which you can refill with water whenever you get the chance, and energizing snacks like protein bars, dried fruit and nuts. If you’re only going on a day hike, bring some lunch with you. There’s nothing worse than being hungry on the trail!
• Navigational tools: Even if you know the trail will be well marked, it’s worth bringing tools to help you navigate, whether that’s a map, compass or a GPS device. If you use your phone, enquire with someone in advance whether there will be phone service the whole way (there often isn’t, so a backup is recommended), and bring a lightweight power bank in case your battery runs out.
• First aid kit: Blisters will be rife while hiking, no matter how well fitting your boots are. Pack blister pads, as well as band-aids and bandages for cuts and injuries. Antiseptic lotion, bug spray (if in a mosquito-ridden area) and painkillers are also recommended.
• Sun protection: Even if your destination is usually cloudy (Ireland or England for instance), you’ll be exposed for long days, so sun protection is essential. Take sun lotion with a high SPF, sunglasses and a hat.
• Emergency items: Bring a whistle, a headlamp or torch and a lightweight emergency blanket. Hopefully you won’t need them, but you’ll want to feel prepared especially if you’re far away from a nearby town and need assistance.

Safety tips and best hiking practices

• Know your route: Your journey should be mapped out in advance, so you have an idea of where you’re going each day. Don’t go off the marked trail, as there’s too much danger of getting lost.
• Start early to get in as many miles as possible, and sometimes catch stunning sunrises over the ocean.
• Check tide times: Occasionally on coastal routes, the sea coming in can block sections of the path. Try to time your hike around the tides that suit you most. Also, never camp in a tidal spot.
• Inform someone of your travel plans: Someone not on the trail should know what section you’re hiking each day, so keep a trusted person well-informed.
• Stock up in villages and towns: If you’re on a long hike, whenever you get the chance you should replenish your stocks of water and snacks.
• Leave no trace: Don’t leave anything behind – the beauty of hiking is immersing yourself in nature without tarnishing it. Carry this ethos as a badge of honor.

Make it happen

If you’re ready to start planning your hiking adventure across Europe’s best coastal walking trails, our local travel experts are based on the ground in each destination, with all the in-depth knowledge to build your ideal trip. Get in touch with them today and start planning!