As we head towards March, the days grow longer and the Northern Hemisphere shakes off the chills of winter in anticipation of a beautiful spring! The season of new beginnings is the perfect time of year to lace up your boots and head out on a wonderful walk. Europe is home to countless breathtaking walking trails and hiking routes. To help you plan your next trip into the great outdoors, Expat Explore has put together a list of our top five spring walks to take in Europe.
It’s time to step into spring – literally! Walking and hiking are all about getting outdoors and enjoying long meanders through the countryside. Forget the sweltering heat of summer. In fact, spring is the best time of year for walks in Europe as the weather is pleasant and flowers are blooming.
While Europe is famous for several incredible lengthy multi-day hikes such as the impressive Tour de Mont Blanc and the renowned Camino de Santiago pilgrimage walks, this blog focuses on beautiful short trails that are great options for springtime and suitable for all fitness levels.
Take a look at Expat Explore’s selection of the five best spring walks to enjoy in Europe:
1. The Lake District and the Cotswolds, United Kingdom
From lakeside strolls to more challenging hikes, a walk in the Lake District is one of the best things to do this spring! The Lake District is an area of immense natural beauty in the United Kingdom. During spring, the countryside comes to life with fields of flowers, newborn animals and birds flitting between the trees. The weather is cool and mostly pleasant. Amble along countryside footpaths and admire the picturesque views of the landscapes, lakes and mountains. Popular routes include the short and scenic 1-mile Aira Force Loop, Pike o’Blisco and Crinkle Crags which is a classic day out in the Lake District, and Helvellyn, one of the most popular and challenging Lake District walks.
Further south, another naturally gorgeous area in the United Kingdom is the Cotswolds. On a balmy spring day, it’s the perfect place to explore. Explore the charming villages, meander through rolling hills to see the daffodils, bluebells, primroses and more blooming, and breathe in the fresh country air!
2. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is a must-see destination in Italy year-round. However, a visit in spring is definitely worth it! The five colourful seaside villages are nestled on the Italian Riviera and connected by a network of trails. No cars are allowed in the villages! The coastal destination can only be accessed by boat, bus, train or on foot. For centuries, walking trails were the only way to travel between the five villages. Today, when heading out to explore on foot, there is over 120km of trails and 48 routes to choose from!
In spring, the weather is cooler than the hot months of summer which makes for excellent walking conditions. The countryside is blooming and there are also fewer crowds. While most of the trails are free to access, you will need to purchase a Cinque Terre Card to access the national park and the popular Blue Trail which connects all five villages.
Related: Check out our range of exciting Italy tours.
3. Santorini, Greece
Walking along the rugged edge coastline of Santorini in Greece in late spring is like something out of a dream! The rocky cliff sides plunge into the Aegean Sea, black sand beaches hug the shore and golden sunshine warms the island. Walking trails criss-cross the island. Arguably, the most beautiful route is from Fira to Oia, visiting Firostefani and Imerovigli en route. Walk the 10km footpath, admiring the scenery as you go. Look forward to quaint villages, whitewashed houses and panoramic views of the ocean. Arrive in Oia and get ready for the best ending to a beautiful walk – watching a marvellous sunset!
Two more incredible islands in the Cyclades to explore are Paros and Naxos. Many island walking routes are open to the elements with little shade so springtime walks offer cooler and more pleasant walking conditions. Visit Santorini and the Cyclades Islands from mid-spring onwards (April – May) for the most favourable weather conditions.
Related: Embrace the island lifestyle on a tour to Greece.
4. Tuscany, Italy
Walking through Tuscany is on many travellers’ bucket lists and with good reason! Tuscany is famous for its history, cuisine, culture and countryside! From olive groves and historic vineyards to rolling hills and medieval hilltop towns, Tuscany’s landscapes will take your breath away! Combine the picturesque scenery and scenic footpaths with delicious local wine and food tastings and you have the perfect recipe for an incredible Italian countryside walking experience! Visit in spring to experience the changing colours of the landscapes as Tuscany blossoms when the new season arrives.
There are Tuscany treks for all kinds of fitness levels – whether you are keen on a gentle walk or looking for a challenging hike. There are several trails and travellers can choose to do sections or complete routes. Some popular options include the Renaissance Ring around Florence, the Chianti Classico walks, the Via degli Dei (route of the gods) between Bologna and Florence, and trekking the Apuan Alps.
5. Lake Bled and Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Slovenia is a country overflowing with natural beauty! This small, gorgeously green central European gem boasts mountains, forests, lakes and a scenic sliver of coastline alongside charming cities and towns. There is ample choice for an outdoor adventure, however, our pick is the picture-perfect Lake Bled. Located just over an hour from Ljubljana (Slovenia’s capital city) is Lake Bled; a popular resort town. Visit to explore the beautiful lake, the church located on the central island, Bled Castle and more.
Discovering the magic of Lake Bled is best done on foot. Enjoy a stroll around the lake – the walk is 6km and offers the best views of the island and surroundings from the southern and western sides. For more of a challenge, hike to Mala Osojnica. The short hike begins on the western side of the lake and the main viewpoint at the top offers breathtaking views of the popular resort town! Visit from mid-spring to enjoy the mild, pleasant weather and avoid the heat and crowds of summer.
A short drive or enjoyable 4 – 6km walk from Lake Bled (depending on where you start), is Vintgar Gorge. This strikingly beautiful gorge sits on the eastern end of the Triglav National Park. The Radovna river has cut a winding path through the gorge and moss-covered rock faces rise dramatically on either side of the flowing emerald water. Explore the gorge on the 1,6km wooden walkway and see the Šum Waterfall.
Related: find out the best things to do on your next trip to Ljubljana!
Bonus: More spring walks to enjoy in Europe
While above are just five of the breathtaking walks you can enjoy in Europe, there are several more which deserve a special mention!
Rhine Falls in Switzerland offers a scenic circular route around the magnificent waterfall – made even more impressive in spring due to melting snow on the mountains increasing water levels in the falls! Portugal’s Algarve region is home to a number of picture-perfect coastal walks offering views of the rock formations and deep blue Algarve waters. The trails are flat and usually 5 – 10km. During spring, the weather is warm enough for a swim but not too hot to make walking along the sun-exposed paths unpleasant. Enjoy walks along the coast from towns such as Lagos, Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra in the Algarve. Finally, why not embrace rolling green hills of countryside in Country Kerry, Ireland? Visit towards the end of spring for the most favourable weather and choose from short walks and longer treks. Enjoy views of varied Irish landscapes as you amble through farmlands, rolling hills, mountains and more.
Are you ready to lace up your walking shoes? Embrace nature in springtime with these breathtaking walks in Europe! Start planning your next European getaway and be sure to include time to explore the great outdoors during your next trip.