This quarter’s series is all about finding interesting European islands for your walking and hiking holiday in spring time. Undoubtedly spring is a beautiful season, for many their favourite time of the year, hence we know some of you will try to make the most of it by going away, with hiking in mind. We have asked other bloggers, what their favourite island for walking holiday is, and we created this list of European islands perfect for hiking holidays in spring!
Some of them are great for a long weekend escapade; other will keep your legs busy for weeks, the choice is yours. Many of islands mentioned in this article are fantastic for bird watching, whale watching or simply enjoying the nature blooming.
Of course, it’s impossible to cover all hikes in one article, but we focused on providing a couple of hiking ideas on each island, to give you a flavour of them and inspire you to visit the islands in search for your own favourites!
The best European islands for walking holidays in spring time
1.Vesteralen, Norway
2.Isle of Skye, Scotland
3.Shetland Islands, Scotland
4.Isle of Wight, England
5.Isle of Man
6.Texel island, The Netherlands
7.Mon, Denmark
8.Madeira, Portugal
9.Tenerife, Spain
10.Gran Canaria, Spain
11.Lanzarote, Spain
12.Sardinia, Italy
13.Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy
14.Crete, Greece
15.Andros, Greece
16.Corfu, Greece
The best spring hikes in Europe
Stunning European national parks you should visit if you love hiking
1.Vesteralen, Norway
For your spring trip to the north of Norway, we recommend to plan some hiking in the Vesteralen archipelago. The islands are very close to the iconic Lofoten and often stand in their shadow. But do not be fooled, Vesteralen archipelago offer many incredibly scenic trails (like most areas in Norway).
Why we recommend Vesteralen over Lofoten for a spring walking holiday– it’s much easier to find gentler (less steep) trails and often Vesteralen paths are not as boggy/muddy as on Lofoten. With a considerable snow fall in arctic Norway during winter months you should definitely consider the state of hiking trails; if the terrain generally tends to be wet (like in Lofoten)- the melting snow will greatly add to the mud factor and undoubtedly influence your hiking experience!
Additionally, spring brings back birds and whales. Did you know that Vesteralen is one of the best places on Earth for whale watching?! With the success almost guaranteed any time of the year, spring is the special season when you can spot Humpback Whales feeding and breaching off the coast of Vesteralen (especially near Andoya and Langoya)!
However, back to walking. We have walked many kilometres on Vesteralen and highly recommend three MUST-HIKE trails:
– Matinden on Andoya island – easy, 7km linear walk. It’s a hike to an amazing viewpoint (photo below), if you wish you can extend it by continuing along the coastal path to Bleik Beach (+5.5 km)
– Dronningruta, also known as the ‘Queen’s Route’, on Langoya island. This is a circular walk and one which should be on your list! But be warned it is a long and rather demanding walk, which takes you through the hills, beaches, and some old fishermen settlements like Sto, where you can also take a whale watching trip.
– Breitinden on Langoya island – 8km linear hike (4km each way). The path is easy to follow and again, summit view is spectacular! It’s a quiet local trail, we only met one family along the way.
Vesteralen archipelago will not disappoint you, with many unmissable hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and abundance of activities for nature lovers!
Where to stay in Vesteralen:
Scandic Sortland
Marmelkroken
Search for more on Booking.com
2. Isle of Skye, Scotland
by Stunning Outdoors
Isle of Skye, located along the west coast of Scotland, is a hikers’ paradise. Its landscape is unique and mountains are rugged and spectacular, hence hiking on the Isle of Skye will take your breath away (quite literary!)
We strongly recommend staying on the island for at least a week, if you would like to get the feel of it. You may think that the island is not that big, but in fact Skye is one of the largest islands in Scotland and many roads are still single track only, so it takes time to travel around.
Late spring is a great time for your visit, days are longer, and weather, although very unpredictable on the island, is getting more stable and manageable.
Every part of the island offers many walking options. However, our top 3 ideas for your spring visit are:
– Walk to the top of Bla Bheinn (Blaven). This peak is part of the Red Cuillins range and provides amazing views towards the Black Cuillins range just across the glen. The hike first follows a well maintained path but then it becomes rougher as it climbs on scree, and with some scrambling sections higher up. So this walk will suit those with some walking experience.
– Part of Trotternish ridge from Flodigarry to the Old Man of Storr. This linear hike is the most scenic part of the ridge. It is a long and demanding 28km walk with a total altitude gain of over 1500m. You will walk through Quiraing and Old Man of Storr, the two most iconic landmarks on the island. This hike is an offer for those looking for some more challenge and multi-day adventure. There is public transport available to take you to and from the start/end points or you could hitchhike.
– Sligachan to Fairy Pools or Glenbrittle – this hike gives you a chance to visit the beautiful Fairy Pools, combined with a spectacular hike with amazing views to the Black Cuillin ridge.
The list goes on and there are many more beautiful hikes on Skye, some very popular and some completely off the beaten path. Just please remember driving around the island will never give you the same understanding nor experience of the island. We know it for a fact, as after our first visit to the island (many years ago), road tripping for 3 days in the rain and mist, we were disappointed with a trip. And only when we returned later again and again for hiking, we were wowed.
Skye is known for its rainy and misty weather, so come prepared.
Where to stay on Isle of Skye:
Search for more on Booking.com
3. Shetland Islands, Scotland
by Nichola from Global Mouse Travels
Shetland is a collection of beautiful islands with 15 inhabited and many uninhabited ones. The location, right at the top of the UK, means it is just 190 miles from Norway and this gives the archipelago a unique slant to everything, from the architecture to the accent of the residents. The best thing about Shetland is that it’s easy to get away from people and ‘civilisation’ and really relish in the wildlife here. You will have a chance to spot a wide range of wildlife from seals to whales, and Puffins to otters.
– Take a walk through Hermaness National Nature Reserve on the island of Unst. This is the furthest north of all the Shetland islands and the proliferation of birds here is breath-taking. Walk along the cliff tops and look out for the lighthouse of Muckle Flugga in the distance.
Shetland are abundant with unique flowers and plants to look out for along the trail.
– Another must-do walk is on the island of Mousa, accessible by boat. This is one of Shetland’s uninhabited islands although you can see the remains of a couple of dwellings from the past, when people did try to make living on the island. There’s a fantastic circular walk around Mousa, again perfect for spotting the wonderful birdlife (it’s a great place to see the elusive Storm Petrels). The walk takes around an hour with the boat waiting for you to return to the mainland at the end. Along the way you will come across Mousa broch, the oldest Iron Age broch in the world which you can climb the tiny ancient stairs to the top of for incredible views.
As the walks in Shetland are fairly gentle it’s a perfect walking destination for less experienced walkers or family with kids, and certainly it is a paradise for nature lovers.
Where to stay on Sheltand:
Valley B&B
Search for more on Booking.com
4. Isle of Wight, England
by Kat from Wandering Bird
Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Isle of Wight- the weather is fairly settled, starting to warm up (although the sea will still be chilly!) but it’s still too early for the huge crowds which flock to the island in the summer.
The Isle of Wight is only 36 kilometres wide and 21 kilometres from North to South, yet there are plenty of great hikes to enjoy in every corner.
Some of the best views are found to the west of the Island, around the Needles, Old Battery, Freshwater Bay, and the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay.
There are a couple of hikes you can do on this part of the island. The one we recommend is a circular walk from Alum Bay across the downs to Freshwater Bay, and then back along the coast to the Needles. This circular route is about 9km long and provides stunning views all the way. There are very few shops on the way though, so do take water and some snacks with you.
National Trust members get a discount on parking charges at the Needles and you can leave your car there all day if you wish.
If you’re staying at one of the many Isle of Wight campsites nearby, then you might prefer to start the hike from there (a great way to reduce your time in the car).
As the Isle of Wight is known as the Dinosaur Island, and one of the best places on the planet to find fossils. We recommend a 40 km long walk, coastal classic hike ‘Dinosaur Coast’, from Yaverland in the East to Compton Bay in the West. Not only you will have a chance to find some fossils but also explore the coast with some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. If this is too long, you have an option to split it between a couple of days or only choose the stretch most interesting for you. Do not forget to visit the Dinosaur museum, as a bonus.
The list of hikes is much longer and there are plenty of paths to be discovered.
Where to stay on Isle of Wight:
The Boathouse
The White Lion
Search for more on Booking.com
5. Isle of Man
by Larch from The Silver Nomad
The Isle of Man sits in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and Ireland. To get to the island, you can either take a ferry or fly.
Known for the annual TT races, which see motorbikes hurtling around the island at top speeds, the Isle of Man is also a haven for nature-lovers. With paths and walks criss-crossing the island, it is perfect for walking, rambling, or hiking. Spring is an exceptional time to visit, with the yellow gorse coming out against the purple heather.
– The Raad ny Foillan – Manx for ‘The Way of the Gull’ – is a coastal walk around 100 miles in length. Starting from Douglas, the path takes you in a full loop around the stunning Manx coast. You will pass hills, glens, waterfalls, sandy and pebble beaches, lighthouses, castles, crags, and cliffs. The route is signposted with white gulls on a blue background. As you pass through the countryside you will see many seabirds, possibly seals, native loaghtan sheep, and if you are lucky a tailless Manx cat or two. The walk can be taken in stages and is a 12-day gentle walk or a four day very strenuous walk.
– Snaefell is the highest point of the Isle of Man. At 621 masl, it is a steep 1.5km climb from the Bungalow station, which you can get to from further down at Laxey. Although it does not seem far, the gradient can make it quite difficult. When you get to the top, on a clear day, they say you can see the ‘Seven Kingdoms’ – Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, Mann, Heaven and Neptune. It is a very satisfying climb and the view is amazing.
The Isle of Man is truly a beautiful island to spend time exploring nature, relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Where to stay on Isle of Man:
Search for more on Booking.com
6.Texel Island, The Netherlands
by Frans from Ask The Dutch Guy
Texel is the largest North Sea island in the Netherlands that offers activities and attractions for all types of individuals. There are seven villages, fantastic beaches, and unique nature reserves on the island!
National Park Duinen van Texel is a beautiful area to visit. The reserve is 43 square kilometres and forms a sea of dunes as far as you can see over the entire west side of Texel. But there is more to it, forests, heaths, salt marshes, and extensive beaches.
You could choose to hike the whole west coast of the island, or just pick some shorter walks. Make sure to visit the lighthouse that you can find in the north of the island. Enjoy some water activities as well as visiting the seals in Ecomare where you’ll also learn about the Wadden Sea, the North Sea, and the history of Texel.
Another popular hike on Texel is De Koog, at the south end of the island. The trail starts on top of a dike along Mokbaai. This hike goes through the dunes and finally arrives at a wide stretch of beach. It’s perfect for hikers who are looking for quiet time because there are no tourist resorts nearby there. Continue further and the trail will lead you back into the dunes, towards a pine forest and some moors.
Texel is also perfect for cycling, you will find an extensive network of cycling routes there. Hence it is so easy to reduce your car travel while on Texel.
Where to stay on Texel:
Boutique Hotel De Smulpot
Studio’s De Vlijt
Search for more on Booking.com
7.Møn, Denmark
By Derek and Mike from Everything Copenhagen
One of the most intriguing places to visit in Denmark is Møn island, located at the Baltic Sea, south of Copenhagen. The unique geography makes the island a fantastic destination for a walking holiday, and there is no shortage of outdoor activities and natural wonders. Spring is the ultimate time to visit, the flowers blossom, the trees turn green and the air is fresh and salty.
The main attraction on Møn is the famous natural landmark, Møns Klint, a white chalk cliff, formed 70 million years ago, that lines the eastern coastline of the island.
A great place to begin your exploration of Møns Klint is a geological education GeoCenter, where you can learn more about the cliff and the island. Along the 7 km of coastline, there are two main loops and several side trails where visitors can take in the sights and trek up and down along the 128 m cliff edge. Enjoy a picnic at the beach or take up other activities in the area like sailing or diving.
Another popular walk is along the Camøno or ‘Camønoen’. It’s a 179 km-long hiking trail that covers Møn and two adjacent islands. It’s known as Denmark’s friendliest trail because it weaves through many communities in Møn, and you can hike from village to village engaging with locals and others on a hiking holiday. Along the way, there are several Camøno benches, resting stops near ponds, and scenic lookouts.
Møn is a fantastic little island for all types and levels of walking holidays, these seaside trails and communities are one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
Where to stay on Mon:
Search for more on Booking.com
8.Madeira, Portugal
by Ilse from Digital Travel Couple
Madeira is one of the best islands in Europe for walking holidays in the spring. The mild temperatures and eternal spring what Madeira is famous for are the perfect ingredients for a comfortable stay. During spring time, the whole island starts to bloom, which is why Madeira is also named the ‘flower island’. Hiking trails will be vibrant with many wildflowers, green mountains, and powerful waterfalls. Hundreds of paths in Madeira can keep you busy for weeks, there is not a single area on the island which doesn’t have hiking trails or Levada paths. So you can either choose to base yourself in Calheta or Funchal to do all the hikes from.
The 3 most fun hikes of Madeira, each has something different to offer are the following:
- Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo; mountain hike
- Levada Caldeirão Verde; waterfall hike
- Vereda do Larano; coastal hike
Pico Arieiro is the third highest top of Madeira Island and is also one of the most beautiful sunrise spots. From this top, you can hike to the highest peak of Madeira Island, Pico Ruivo. This impressive 12 kilometre out and back hike in the heart of Madeira will, without doubt, keep you amused with endless views of the ocean and surrounding mountain peaks.
Another, completely different hike is Levada Caldeirão Verde where you can see many different waterfalls along the way. Leading you through the lush Laurisilva forest of Madeira, this levada is a must do.
The last recommendation is a lesser known coastal trail. And instead of recommending the famous Ponta de São Lourenço hike, I want to highlight the even prettier Vereda do Larano hike. Along this coastal trail, you can see Jurasic Park views with incredible rugged cliffs that go straight down into the ocean.
Where to stay on Madeira:
Cantinho Rural
Villas Quinta da Lapa by AnaLodges
Search for more on Booking.com
9.Tenerife, Spain
by Ophelie from Limitless Secrets
Tenerife is the largest of the eight main islands of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean located off the North West coast of Africa.
This island is the most visited of the Canary Islands, with about five million visitors each year! It does attract beach lovers, but many also come to Tenerife to hike. Stunning mountains and a beautiful coastline make it a perfect hiking destination. Add a dry and warm climate all year round, and you will know why we recommend this island as a perfect spring hiking destination.
The most famous areas for hiking in Tenerife are Mount Teide National Park and Masca Valley.
Mount Teide is famous for being the highest point in Spain and the third tallest volcanic structure in the world! No surprise then that this national park is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Montaña Blanca walk is the classic trail to the top of Mount Teide. The first part is an easy and well marked path that does not require any permit. The second part, leading to the top of the volcano requires a permit and is more difficult. This linear hike is around 6.5 km ascending gradually 500 m. You will enjoy breath-taking views of the islands and will see the impact of ancient eruptions, and of Mount Teide on local area.
Masca Valley is another great hiking area in Tenerife. The small village of Masca is a hidden gem lying at an altitude of 600m in the Teno mountains in the North West of Tenerife. The linear trail from the village down the gorge to the beach is 8,5 km is difficult, but you will get fantastic views of the valley in return for your effort!
You can easily spend 2 weeks walking in Tenerife. If you get tired of mountain walking, there are plenty of hikes along the coast.
All hikes on Tenerife will make you long to come back for more.
Where to stay in Tenerife:
Casa Weyler
Hostel Albergue San Jose De Los Llanos
Search for more on: Booking.com
10.Gran Canaria, Spain
by Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple
Gran Canaria is 3rd largest island of Canary Islands. Similarly to its neighbouring islands, it receives more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a perfect destination for spring holiday.
The island is so diverse geographically that it is also known as a ‘continent in a miniature’. Deep ravines, calderas, sweeping sand dunes and pine forests – Gran Canaria has it all, and offers extremely rewarding hiking experiences. The 1000 km of footpath access means, one is spoilt for choices!
If you would like to enjoy one of best views this island has to offer, set off for Way of St. James – a long distance hike. This 67km trail starts in Maspalomas and takes you through very diverse landscape up to Galdar.
If you look for day hikes, visit Tamadaba Natural Park and hike to the top of Tamadaba. This circular 22km hike starts in San Pedro, takes you through beautiful pine forest and further to El Hornillo, where some locals live in ancient cave houses.
And last but not least, hike to Roque Nublo, an 80 meters high basalt rock that sits on one of the highest points of the island, at 1813 metres. Roque Nublo located in the centre of Gran Canaria is one of the iconic landmarks of the island. This 3 km trail (to and from) begins near the parking area La Goleta. The panoramic views from the rock is spectacular and one among the best in the island.
Where to stay on Gran Canaria:
Cave house, Las Palmas
A small house in Lomo Blanco
Search for more: Airbnb or Booking.com
11.Lanzarote, Spain
by Anda from Travel For a While
Lanzarote, the 4th largest of the incredible Canaries, is one of the best European islands to enjoy an active holiday. The weather in Lanzarote, similarly to Tenerife, is pleasant all year round. In the summer, it gets crowded with tourists coming to enjoy the never-ending sun, hence I think spring is probably the best time to explore some of the islands’ spectacular hiking trails. The only potential problem I foresee is choosing your favourite trails between the coastal areas and the volcanic routes.
One of the most beautiful volcanic hikes is a walk to Caldera Blanca. It’s a loop trail that starts at Our Lady of Sorrows Church near Tinajo. The hike takes about 4 hours to complete, with a 500 meters elevation gain to the crater. You need good hiking shoes, a hat, and water, as there is no water or shade along the trail. You’ll be rewarded with most amazing views from the crater.
A coastal hike you shouldn’t miss is Playa Quemada to Puerto del Carmen. It’s a relatively easy 12 km trail, following the coastline and going through Puerto Calero, the world’s top sailing destination which managed to retain its characteristic village-type atmosphere.
Another beautiful trail is the one from Haria to El Bosquecillo. The view from the top over Famara beach will make you forget that 8 km uphill.
Those are just some examples of walks I enjoyed during my visit to the island. There are still many paths to be discovered. Hiking will allow you to explore the island slowly and enjoy some of the best places Lanzarote has to offer.
Where to stay in Lanzarote:
Studio flat in La Vegueta
Private room in a cottage, El Cuchillo
Search for more: Airbnb or Booking.com
12.Sardinia, Italy
by Claudia from Strictly Sardinia
At the heart of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is a great place to visit year round. Most travellers come to spend their summer holidays on the island, to make the most of all the gorgeous beaches, but if you are into hiking, spring is the best time to visit, by far! That’s when the island is in full bloom; temperatures are still mild; and days long enough for you to be able to enjoy even longer and more challenging hikes.
You won’t have trouble finding a good hike in Sardinia – the mountainous interior, as well as the coast offer plenty of trails for all fitness and experience levels.
The following are some of the most popular hikes in Sardinia;
– Gorropu Gorge – one of the deepest canyons in Europe, it can be reached over a variety of trails departing either from Urzulei or Dorgali, both at about 2.5 hours drive from Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital. The easiest trail is the one departing just outside Dorgali. It’s a linear trail which you can complete in about 6 hours. The trail is well marked and rather popular, so you will meet many other hikers, especially during the weekend. Please keep in mind that there’s a €5 charge to enter the gorge.
Cala Luna – is one of the best beaches in Sardinia, beautifully isolated, its beauty made it a the set of many movies. You can only get there by boat from Cala Gonone, or by foot. The most popular trail departs from Cala Fuili, the last beach you can reach by car from Cala Gonone. It’s a 12 km trail (there and back) that can take 6 hours or more, depending on how often you stop to admire the view. You must account for time at the beach too – but keep in mind, that some seasons can be too cold for swimming.
Sella del Diavolo – a short and sweet hike right in Cagliari! There are various trails but the best one departs from Calamosca, one of the city’s beaches. A 45 minutes hike takes you to a viewpoint from where you can enjoy impressive views of the Gulf of Angels and Poetto Beach (Cagliari’s main urban beach) below. After that, you can continue exploring the promontory where you will find some archaeological remains.
Where to stay in Sardinia:
A nice flat in Baunei
A beautiful flat in Urzulei
Search for more: Airbnb or Booking.com
13.Aeolian islands, Italy
by Emily from Wander-Lush
Sicily’s Aeolian Islands are the perfect setting for a holiday focused on sun, sea and strolls. Each of the seven volcanic atolls in the archipelago offers a unique landscape and a multitude of trails, ranging from challenging uphill climbs to gently graded walks.
Spring is an ideal time to visit the Aeolian Islands – crowds are thinner, prices are lower, and the temperatures are mild.
Some of the best walks can be found on Vulcano, a rugged island of craggy rocks and sulphuric mud baths. I recommend to hike to the Great Crater (Al Cratere) for panoramic views of the six other islands. The walk takes around 60-75 minutes depending on your pace, and the track is signposted the entire way. The gentle ascent takes you up, and over loose rocky terrain and black sand. Enclosed shoes and sun protection are essential.
The best known walk in the Aeolian islands is the Stromboli summit, which takes you to the crater of the active, always-steaming volcano. This hike is more challenging and requires joining an organised group (hiking up without a guide is forbidden and dangerous). Groups depart daily in the late afternoon for the 6-hour roundtrip, which culminates with sunset at the top of the crater.
Finally, there are a number of easy trails on the island of Salina, nicknamed the ‘Green Island’ for its Malvasia wineries and caper farms. One of the nicest walks leaves from the village of Valdichiesa to the port at Malfa. Downhill the entire way, it takes you via quiet roads and backstreets. After an hour or so you finish up at the marina, where you can grab a gelato and watch the hydrofoils come and go. For a more challenging hike, head to the Monte dei Porri viewpoint in Malfa for a view of Valdichiesa Church.
Where to stay on Aeolian Islands:
Beautiful house, Salina island
Private hilltop house iwth amazing views, Lipari island
Search for more: Airbnb or Booking.com
14.Crete, Greece
by Antoine and Marielle from Off Beat Escapades
Located οn the Southern side of the Aegean Sea, Crete is the largest of all the Greek islands.
It’s a perfect island for walking holiday in the springtime because of nice warm weather and the trails less busy than in the high season.
Crete has three main hiking regions: Lefka Ori, the South Coast, and the Cretan Gorges. These regions are mainly located in the South and South-West part of the island, but Crete offers quieter paths in the East.
Lefka Ori is the most impressive mountain range in Crete. It is also called ‘White Mountains’ because of its white colour rock formations. A total of 58 summits in the area are over 2000 metres, and some of the most popular hikes are: the peak Gingilos (2080 masl) and Volakias (2116 masl).
The South Coast is the most stunning of the three hiking regions. We recommended a hike to Loutro from Chora Sfakion, where you will join the E4 trail to reach Sweetwater Beach Crete, a beautiful place where you can go camping, swimming, or simply, have an afternoon break.
This 2h hike will give you a chance to admire stunning views of Gavdos Island.
If you’d love to visit impressive gorges during your spring holiday – the gorge of Samaria or Aradena should be on your list.
To sum up, Crete has more than 440 hiking trails that promise a diversity of landscapes and walking experiences to outdoor enthusiasts, at any level of experience. Hence plan to stay on the island for at least 10 days to discover the amazing trails, and what the island has to offer.
Where to stay on Crete:
Studio flat in the heart of Cretan nature
House with beautiful garden, Asomates
Search for more: Airbnb or Booking.com
15.Andros, Greece
by Maria and Katerina of It’s All Trip To Me
Everyone knows that the Greek Islands are perfect for the most unforgettable summer holidays. Yet few know that they are just as ideal for the best hiking trips in the springtime, too. In particular, Andros Island in the Cyclades is a real hiker’s heaven.
Even though it’s just a two-hour ferry crossing from Athens, Andros is one of the most unspoilt Greek Islands with irresistibly authentic vibes. With bare mountain ridges alternating with lush valleys, beautiful rivers, and pristine beaches, the scenery of Andros is jaw-dropping. There’s no better way to explore the natural charms of the island than walking around its wide network of hiking trails!
With over 180km of restored and signposted paths that date back to ancient times, hiking in Andros is a unique experience. There are routes for hikers of all levels of experience and ages, scattered across the entire island.
The most impressive hiking trail in Andros is the 100km Andros Route, a continuous path that runs from the North to the South of the island. This hike is primarily geared towards intermediate and advanced hikers as it takes ten days to complete, offering the rare opportunity to stay at a different village every night, meeting the locals and supporting the island’s economy and local communities.
Of course, there are many one-day and half-day hikes, too, alongside some fantastic circular routes, ideal for hikers who are short on time. Route 17 (Chora – Livadia – Chora) is an easy circular route that can be completed in 1.5 hours. It starts and ends in Chora, the island’s most picturesque town, past gorgeous countryside dotted with tall cypress trees and quaint dry-stone fences.
No matter which routes you choose to follow, one thing’s for sure: planning a spring break to walk along the ancient paths of Andros will offer you one of the best hiking experiences you could ever dream of!
Where to stay on Andros:
Colorful, artistic apartment in the port of Gavrio
Traditional Watermill Stone House in Andros
Search for more: Airbnb or Booking.com
16.Corfu, Greece
by Dani Ramos from No Hurry To Get Home
Corfu is known for being one of the best destinations in Europe for beaches, but here’s a little secret: it’s also one of the most amazing islands to put your hiking shoes on.
Aside from the beautiful beaches, Corfu has to offer, it’s also home to lush mountains that you can spend days (or weeks!) hiking on (paired with incredible views of the Ionian sea, quaint villages, and mythological legends to keep you entertained).
Most of the island is perfect for hiking, however for your spring holiday, I recommend spending time (or even staying) in Lakones village, which is one of the best places to stay in Corfu for hikers. This traditional Corfu village is a perfect starting point for several hiking trails with some of the most incredible vistas of the island.
One of the best hikes in the area is the Lakones Path, a circuit walk near Pelokastrista (considered one of the most beautiful villages in Corfu). It’s a 4-hour, moderate hike that will take you through lush slopes of citrus orchards and olive groves.
Another hike you can’t miss if you’re up for a challenge is the Donkey Track, which is a short but tough hike with wonderful views of the bay and beyond. It’s a one-way trail that will take you up a steep hill through the woods all the way from Paleokastritsa to Lakones.
Where to stay on Corfu:
Loukia’s house in Doukades
The Tree house in Ano Korakiana
Search for more: Airbnb or Booking.com
