Top Self-Guided Walking trips in Europe

Greece's largest island, Crete, offers a variety of landscapes to explore on this moderately-paced self-guided walking trip. Ascend the towering crests of the White Mountains and wander along Europe's longest canyon, Samaria Gorge. Panoramic views stretch over steep hillsides cloaked in verdant forest, and the rocky river bed leads you to the peaceful seaside village of Agia Roumeli. End the day with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea and enjoy freshly made mezze in a traditional Greek tavern. 

From mossy Levada trails to sky-high clifftop passes, Portugal's island of Madeira offers plenty of scenic routes to explore on this self-guided European walking holiday. A highlight of the trip takes you to the peak of Pico Ruivo at 1862 metres above sea level. Follow undulating trails along rocky gullies, pass through dark tunnels, and watch your step as you shuffle along narrow paths suspended on a vertical cliff edge. As you break through the clouds and reach the summit, the sunbeams over forested peaks stretching towards the horizon, and the azure-blue Atlantic Ocean glistens in the distance.

Set off at your own pace to explore the windswept sandy beaches and craggy limestone cliffs of south-west Portugal on our self-guided European hiking tour along the walking trails of Rota Vicentina. Rustic white-washed villages boast eclectic boutique shops, and alfresco restaurants entice you to sample the local speciality; a tasty feast of grilled sardines seasoned with salt. Amble amongst sand dunes and admire panoramic vistas of aquamarine Atlantic Ocean as you immerse yourself in this lesser-known region of the Algarve.