Where to walk in 2026: the best hikes around the world

Looking for inspiration for your next big walking adventure?

Start here – with 16 of the walks our destination experts rave about! The personal favourites that left a lasting impression, long after the boots came off. From iconic long-distance treks to underrated wonders you might not have heard of, each walk on this list is here for a reason – because someone who lives and breathes hiking absolutely loved it.

So dive in! Explore our top picks from across the world and start planning your adventure. Who knows? Your 2026 favourite might just be waiting for you on this list!

1. Best walk for foodies

PUGLIA – SOUTHERN ITALY’S COOLEST DESTINATION

Why? Gorgeous Puglia in Southern Italy is renowned for its handmade orecchiette pasta, creamy burrata cheese, sun-ripened vegetables, and extra virgin olive oil. Our immersive new 10-day self-guided Food, Wine & Walking trip blends gentle hiking, authentic food experiences, and the area’s beauty and rich local culture. Starting in the elegant Baroque city of Lecce you will enjoy a street food walking tour before journeying further afield, to explore more of Puglia’s countryside and its stunning coastline on foot. Visit a family-run winery, a renowned cheese producer, and enjoy a hands-on local cooking class. Walk through historic coastal towns like Otranto, Castro, and Santa Cesarea Terme, take in the endless breathtaking seaside views, and discover the region’s delicious cuisine and fine wine. With all this and more, Puglia absolutely has to be on your bucket list! 
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Location: Southern Italy
Duration: 10 days
Distance: 63km
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to walk: April to June & September to November
You may also like: Slovenia’s Mountains to Coast; Le Puy Camino: Cahors to Lectoure

2. Best walk for vibrant cities

CAMINO DEL NORTE – SAN SEBASTIAN TO SANTANDER

Why? San Sebastián (Basque Country) is famous for its stunning beaches and culinary scene; it has more Michelin stars per square metre than any other city in the world! The open air sculptures make the entire city feel like a work of art. Santander (Cantabria) exudes sophistication, elegance and charm; the Bay of Santander is often described as one of the most beautiful bays in the world! The section of the Camino del Norte between these two cities covers approximately 245km, following the beautiful coastline, passing through tiny seaside hamlets, lush landscapes, bays and beaches, historic towns and architectural marvels. There are some equally pretty inland sections, particularly in the latter stages. Arriving into Santander on the traditional ferry from Somo is a unique experience and perfect way to complete this stage of your journey.
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Location: Basque Country and Cantabria, Northern Spain
Duration: 15 days
Distance: 245km
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best time to walk: April to July & September to October
You may also like: Camino Highlights Trip; Slovenia’s Julian Alps & Coast

3. Best walk for scenic river landscapes

CÉLÉ VARIANT: FIGEAC TO CAHORS – ENCHANTING FRANCE 

Why? This enchanting hike takes you through France’s stunning Célé Valley, nestled the Lot department in the Occitanie region. Following the GR651 and GR36-46 trails, it offers a picturesque detour from the GR65 (Le Puy Camino). This less-travelled trail offers hikers a peaceful, serene experience with stunning river views, lush landscapes and dramatic limestone cliffs. You’ll love the medieval towns and villages, beautiful châteaux, and rich historical sites. Sample local delicacies and spend the night in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, one of ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France. You can walk this short immersive route on its own or weave it into a longer Le Puy Camino journey.
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Location: Cele Valley, France
Duration: 8 days
Distance: 120km
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best time to walk: April to June and September to October
You may also like: Loire Valley by eBike; Danube by eBike

4. Best walk for culture and camaraderie

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO – SPAIN’S ANCIENT PILGRIMAGE TRAIL

Why? There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Spain’s vibrant culture and grand history than by walking the Camino. On this unique and timeless experience you’ll meet pilgrims from every corner of the world and enjoy the extraordinary (and famous) camaraderie. Listed as a World Heritage site, this ancient trail is a treasure trove of historical sites, religious art, monuments, churches, cathedrals, and fascinating festivals, rituals and traditions. If you don’t have time for the full pilgrimage, you can walk or cycle a part of it and take a train or bus if you need to. Let us help you plan the perfect pilgrimage. We can vary the length of stages and find the accommodation that best suits your individual needs and budget.
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Location: Northern Spain
Duration: 41 days
Distance: 800km
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best time to walk: April to June and September to October
You may also like: Japan’s Michinoku Coastal Trail; Tour du Mont Blanc

5. Best walk for nature immersion

JAPAN’S SACRED KUMANO KODO – STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Why? Walking the sacred World Heritage Kumano Kodo trail feels like stepping into an enchanted kingdom. The shrines, mist, forested mountains, tranquil valleys and magnificent waterfalls create an entrancing hike and provide an awe-inspiring nature experience for hikers. As you journey along the ancient cobbled paths and staircases, you’ll pass intricate moss-covered stone statues, 800-year-old cedar trees and mountain-top villages. The seasonal contrasts of spring cherry blossoms and rich autumn foliage inject wonderful colour and magic along the route. Keep your eyes peeled for an interesting variety of creatures. You can’t help but feel the mystical energy and will return rejuvenated and reinvigorated.
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Location: Japan (Kii Peninsula)
Duration: 7 days
Distance: 68km
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Challenging to strenuous
Best time to walk: April until November
You may also like: Queen Charlotte & Abel Tasman Tracks; Western Australia’s Cape to Cape Track

6. Best walk for a physical challenge

WALKER’S HAUTE ROUTE – SWISS BLISS

Why? This famous alpine journey is one of the top 10 treks in the world! It takes you through the heart of the Swiss Alps from Martigny to Zermatt, showcasing the grandeur of high mountain passes and pristine valleys. The trail connects Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Each day brings a new pass to conquer and a new valley to descend into, with cosy mountain huts and hearty fondue never too far away. It’s the kind of walk where your legs may complain, but your soul sings. You need to be fit enough to comfortably trek long days, including ascents and descents of 1300m+.
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Location: Switzerland
Duration: 9 days
Distance: 180km
Type: Guided
Difficulty: Tough
Best time to walk: Mid-June to mid-September
You may also like: Dolomites Circular Trek; England’s South West Coast Path

7. Best walk you’ve (probably) never heard of

SOUTH DOWNS WAY – THE HEART OF ENGLAND’S COUNTRYSIDE

Why? It’s one of the most underrated long-distance walks in the UK. Unlike more rugged and demanding trails, the South Downs Way is classified as an easy to moderate walk. Expect a mix of chalk downs, peaceful woodlands, gorgeous coastal scenery. The last day as you walk the Seven Sisters cliffs into Eastbourne is stunning. The path may be straightforward, but its complex historical layers stretch back to the Neolithic era, with walkers encountering remnants of Iron Age hill forts, including Chanctonbury Ring. Our itinerary includes a loop to the historic town of Arundel, famous for its impressive castle, picturesque streets and beautiful riverside setting. We also offer shorter itineraries (7 and 8 days) allowing for a relaxed but immersive experience.
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Location: Northern England
Duration: 12 days
Distance: 178km
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best time to walk: April to September
You may also like: Scotland’s Arran Coastal Way; Japan’s Michinoku Coastal Trail

8. Best walk for vineyards and castles

VIA FRANCIGENA – THE HIGHLIGHTS TRIP

Why? This irresistible journey on the Via Francigena combines three diverse and stunning regions of Italy in one trip! It offers a wonderful blend of historic destinations, cultural treasures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique gastronomic experiences. Enjoy historic Aosta with its rich Roman heritage and surrounded by stunning Alpine scenery. Hike through part of the stunning Valle d’Aosta, dotted with vineyards and castles. Enjoy quintessential Tuscan landscapes of rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards and the iconic hilltop towns San Gimignano and Siena. Discover the contrasts of Orvieto’s majestic cathedral and Bolsena’s tranquil lakeside. Conclude your journey in the Eternal City, with a full day to explore Rome’s iconic landmarks.
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Location: Italy
Duration: 16 days
Distance: 157km
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to walk: April to June and September to October
You may also like: Lausanne to Great St Bernard Pass; Loire Valley Chateaux Loop

9. Best walk for meaningful encounters with locals

JAPAN’S MICHINOKU COASTAL TRAIL – ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME!

Why? The trail is located on the north-eastern Pacific Ocean coastline of Japan’s stunning and remote Tōhoku region. When you walk the Michinoku Coastal Trail you’ll experience a unique journey through a truly authentic part of Japan that sees few international travellers. The route hugs the famed Sanriku Coast and offers hikers spectacular coastal scenery, the freshest seafood, oceanside accommodation, the region’s unique culture, and memorable encounters with warm-hearted locals eager to share their stories. Our unique guided hike along the breathtaking northern section begins in Hachinohe City, easily accessible from Tokyo by bullet train, and finishes at the iconic Jodogahama Beach, known for its cobalt blue waters and rock formations. After walking along the majestic, wild coastline and through stunning forests, you’ll be rewarded with a soothing onsen and traditional Japanese cuisine. The trip is bursting with exceptional inclusions. There are surprises and delights every day.
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Location: Tokoku, Japan
Duration: 7 days
Distance: 235km
Type: Guided
Difficulty: Challenging to strenuous
Best time to walk: March to June & September to November
You may also like: Santander to Gijon (Camino del Norte); Porto to Baiona (Portuguese Camino)

10. Best walk for alpine trails

SLOVENIA’S MOUNTAINS TO COAST – A SLICE OF HEAVEN

Why? From the alpine serenity of Lake Bled to Mediterranean sunsets on the Adriatic, this is an itinerary rich in natural wonders, cultural treasures, and unforgettable food and wine experiences. This trip kicks off with a hike to Radovljica – one of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in Slovenia. You then follow sections of the stunning Juliana Trail, through olive groves, vineyards, orchards, and rolling forested hills. Next, visit the impressive Škocjan Caves before arriving in the alluring port town of Piran on the sparkling Adriatic coast, where you can savour a seaside Mediterranean feast. With its own international airport it’s easy to reach from Australia. It’s surprisingly easy for English speakers to travel in, and recently voted the safest destination in Europe for female travellers. All minus the tourist crowds. Get your friends together and go!
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Location: Northwest Slovenia and Adriatic Coast
Duration: 8 days
Distance: 93km
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to walk: Mid-May to July & September to mid-October
You may also like: Walker’s Haute Route; Great St Bernard Pass to Turin

11. Best walk for tranquility

KISO VALLEY HIGHLIGHTS – WALK JAPAN’S ANCIENT NAKASENDO WAY

Why? This short and tranquil hike offers a great introduction to walking in Japan. The trail winds through the Kiso Valley, wedged between two of Japan’s sacred Mountains (Mt Ontake 3067m and Mt Komagatake 2956m). It’s one of Japan’s most breathtaking and scenic areas. Hidden waterfalls, stunning cedar and cypress forests, and wayside temples and shrines are highlights of this walk, which you’ll discover as you follow in the footsteps of the Shogun on the ancient paved paths known as ishidatami. Enjoy the wonderful well-preserved ancient villages of Nakatsugawa, Magome, Tsumago, Kiso-Fukushima and Narai; stay overnight in traditional Japanese-style accommodation; and taste the local delights. This is an exceptional trip that will leave you feeling inspired, energised and rejuvenated.
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Location: Kiso Valley, Japan
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 43km
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best time to walk: March to May & September to November
You may also like: Swiss Rail & Hike; Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Coastal Camino

12. Best walk for hardy hikers

CAMINO PRIMITIVO: OVIEDO TO LUGO – WALK THE ORIGINAL WAY

Why? Unlike some of the popular sections of the Camino Francés, the Camino Primitivo offers a quieter experience with fewer pilgrims. It’s a rugged journey, not for the faint-hearted, but amidst daily ascents and descents through quaint villages and rugged countryside, the rewards are immeasurable. Oviedo and Lugo bookend this trip and are the largest towns along the way. They feature stunning architecture, innovative gastronomy, wonderful museums and historical sites. In between these two towns lie numerous medieval villages, holy pilgrim sights and opportunities for breathtaking views. If you prefer, you can ease into the Camino Primitivo on the more moderate Lugo to Santiago section or dive in and complete the full route from Oviedo to Santiago.
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Location: Asturias & Galicia, Spain
Duration: 12 days
Distance: 200km
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Challenging to strenuous
Best time to walk: June to September
You may also like: Camino del Norte (Spain); Coast to Coast Path (England)

13. Best walk for national parks

COAST TO COAST PATH – WALK ENGLAND’S WILD SIDE

Why? Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Path meanders through three of England’s most beautiful national parks: the world-famous Lake District, the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales and the exquisite North Yorkshire Moors. It’s an epic walking adventure that passes by stunning lakes, over rugged mountains, moors and dales and through charming rural villages. Along the way, you’ll savour majestic mountain top views, stunning fells and dales and the most glorious tarns and becks in northern England. Our fully guided walk breaks the route down into 16 manageable stages. We also include rest days in the tiny village of Grasmere and the market town of Richmond. It is an exceptional way to enjoy the culture and history of rural England including literary connections, centuries old pubs and colourful local characters.
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Location: Northern England
Duration: 20 days
Distance: 303km
Type: Guided
Difficulty: Challenging to strenuous
Best time to walk: April to October
You may also like: Triglav Hut-to-Hut Hike; Abel Tasman Coastal Track

14. Best walk for day trips

SWISS RAIL & HIKE – MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN MAGIC

Why? This trip caters to every Swiss hiker’s dream – choose lower altitude walks or high mountain trails and surround yourself with a symphony of cowbells, the sweet scent of wildflowers and the crisp mountain air. You’ll love our flexible walking options and distances. Experience the iconic Matterhorn and Eiger mountains up close, stay in the alpine meccas of Zermatt and Lauterbrunnen and ride the Glacier Express – the most scenic train journey in the world! The towns and villages in the Swiss Alps are great places to relax. Taste traditional fondues and mouthwatering mountain cuisine, or sip a cocktail or two on a sun terrace while soaking up the stunning mountain scenery.
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Location: Switzerland
Duration: 8 days
Distance: Varies
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best time to walk: June to September
You may also like: Chamonix–Courmayeur Twin Base Trek

15. Best walk for coastal scenery

PORTO TO SANTIAGO – A SEASIDE CAMINO

Why? This alluring trip begins in the vibrant riverside city of Porto and traverses the Atlantic Coast of northern Portugal before heading inland and continuing through Galicia (Spain) to the legendary city of Santiago de Compostela. The coastal route offers a choice of two paths and if you take the seashore path you will be walking on coastal tracks, beaches, old Roman roads and forest tracks crossing old villages and cities born from the Camino trail. It’s a popular choice with walkers because it offers a sunny climate, gorgeous beaches, picturesque towns, historic sites and absolutely delicious food – try the salted cod, grilled sardines, succulent oysters and of course the irresistible pastéis de nata (custard tarts).
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Location: Northern Portugal and Galicia (Spain)
Duration: 18 days
Distance: 261km
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to walk: April–June & September–October
You may also like: South West Coast Path; Camino del Norte

16. Best walk close to home

NZ’s QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK – A MAGICAL GETAWAY

Why? Gobsmacking views of the Marlborough Sounds, palm-fringed beaches, exceptionally well-maintained trails, easy access, top-notch food and wine, and the absence of dangerous wildlife (no snakes!). The Queen Charlotte Track at the top of New Zealand’s South Island is hands-down one of the best treks on the planet. The walking is not too difficult and the resort-style accommodation is set in amazing natural surroundings. With abundant marine life, beach swimming and great food, it’s a winner. And its proximity to Australia means the airfares won’t blow the budget.
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Location: New Zealand’s South Island
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 73km
Type: Self guided
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to walk: Year-round
You may also like: Abel Tasman Coastal Track