Destinations and Routes
The Best Backpacking Routes in Europe
The Best Backpacking Routes in Europe
Backpacking is a popular way to travel and explore Europe, as it allows you to experience the local culture, history, and natural beauty at a leisurely pace. Europe is home to a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and attractions, making it an ideal destination for backpackers. In this article, we will highlight some of the best backpacking routes in Europe, from the picturesque countryside of Ireland to the bustling streets of Italy.
1. The Camino de Santiago, Spain
The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The most popular route is the Camino Francés, which stretches for about 800 kilometers (500 miles) from St. Jean Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
The Camino de Santiago offers a unique and transformative experience for backpackers. Along the way, you will encounter stunning landscapes, quaint villages, and historic landmarks. The route is well-marked and well-supported, with numerous hostels, restaurants, and other facilities catering to pilgrims and backpackers.
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1. The Ring of Kerry, Ireland
The Ring of Kerry is a 179-kilometer (111-mile) circular route in County Kerry, Ireland, that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. The route starts and ends in the town of Killarney and passes through the Killarney National Park, the Iveragh Peninsula, and the Dingle Peninsula.
The Ring of Kerry offers a mix of coastal and inland scenery, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, and lush green fields. You can explore historic sites such as the Skellig Islands, the ancient stone circles at Carrowmore, and the medieval castles and monasteries scattered throughout the region.
1. The Cinque Terre, Italy
The Cinque Terre is a string of five picturesque fishing villages perched on the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera. The villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, and they are connected by a series of hiking trails known as the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail).
The Cinque Terre is a popular destination for backpackers due to its stunning coastal views, vibrant culture, and delicious food and wine. The hiking trails offer a mix of easy and challenging routes, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, terraced vineyards, and colorful houses clinging to the cliffs.
1. The Berlin Wall Trail, Germany
The Berlin Wall Trail is a 160-kilometer (100-mile) hiking and cycling route that follows the former border between East and West Berlin. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes, from the bustling streets of the city center to the tranquil forests and parks that surround the city.
The Berlin Wall Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of Berlin, as it takes you through neighborhoods that were once divided by the Wall. You can visit historic sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
1. The Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
The Laugavegur Trail is a 55-kilometer (34-mile) hiking route that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Iceland, from the geothermal hot springs of the Landmannalaugar region to the glaciers and volcanoes of the Þórsmörk area.
The Laugavegur Trail offers a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems, from the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar to the lush green valleys of Þórsmörk. You can explore hot springs, glaciers, and volcanic craters, as well as observe the unique flora and fauna of the region.
1. The Via Dinarica, Balkans
The Via Dinarica is a 1,900-kilometer (1,180-mile) hiking and mountaineering route that stretches across the Dinaric Alps, which run through seven countries in the Balkans: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.
The Via Dinarica offers a mix of mountainous terrain, rolling hills, and coastal landscapes, with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, Lake Ohrid, and the Narenta River Canyon. You can explore historic sites such as the ancient city of Dubrovnik, the Ottoman-era town of Mostar, and the medieval monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
1. The GR20, Corsica, France
The GR20 is a 180-kilometer (112-mile) hiking route that traverses the length of the island of Corsica, from Calenzana in the north to Conca in the south. The route takes you through a variety of landscapes, from the granite peaks of the Monte Cinto massif to the lush forests and valleys of the island's interior.
The GR20 is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in Europe, with steep climbs, rocky terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions. However, the rewards are well worth the effort, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, the island's rugged coastline, and the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
1. The Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, and Switzerland
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170-kilometer (106-mile) hiking route that circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif, which straddles the borders of France, Italy, and Switzerland. The route offers stunning views of the highest peak in the Alps, as well as a mix of alpine landscapes, from glaciers and snowfields to lush meadows and forests.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a popular destination for backpackers due to its well-marked trails, well-maintained huts, and charming mountain villages. You can explore historic sites such as the Chapel of the Virgin of the Gendarmes, the Bionnassay Fortress, and the picturesque towns of Chamonix, Courmayeur, and Martigny.
1. The West Highland Way, Scotland
The West Highland Way is a 154-kilometer (96-mile) hiking route that stretches from the city of Milngavie near Glasgow to the town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The route takes you through a variety of landscapes, from rolling moorland and lush forests to rugged mountains and remote glens.
The West Highland Way offers a mix of easy and challenging terrain, with stunning views of lochs, rivers, and the famous Munro Mountains. You can explore historic sites such as the ruins of Balmaha Old Church, the Commando Memorial, and the hauntingly beautiful Rannoch Moor.
1. The Lycian Way, Turkey
The Lycian Way is a 509-kilometer (316-mile) hiking route that follows the coastline of southwestern Turkey, from the town of Fethiye to the ancient city of Antalya. The route takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, from the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of the Mediterranean to the rugged mountains and ancient ruins of the Lycian civilization.
The Lycian Way offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with stunning views of the sea, the mountains, and the ancient tombs and temples that dot the landscape. You can explore historic sites such as the ancient city of Myra, the rock tombs of Dalyan, and the sunken city of Kekova.
In conclusion, Europe offers a wealth of backpacking routes that cater to a wide range of interests and abilities. Whether you are looking for challenging mountain hikes, leisurely coastal walks, or cultural and historical explorations, there is a route in Europe that is perfect for you.
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