Hiking along Europe’s diverse coastlines is an unparalleled experience, especially when you factor in overnight stays in cozy seaside villages and memorable local cuisine.
Over the past ten years, Kati and I have explored some of Europe’s most stunning coastal trails, hiking in Spain, Portugal, England, France, the Faroe Islands, Crete, and Malta. What follows is a recap of our favorite coastal walks along Europe’s most spellbinding shores, including village-to-village treks as well as day hikes that can be woven into a road trip, or car-free holiday.
My affinity for rugged, weather-battered coastlines means many of these hikes are high in drama, and in difficulty, requiring surefootedness on uneven terrain.
My thoughts on Coastal Walking
- Coastal and village-to-village hiking often go hand in. One of the main advantages of these walking trips is comfort. You get to stay overnight in private rooms in B&Bs, guesthouses, and hotels of your choosing. Meals are usually readily available along the trail.
- Luggage transfer is usually an option.
- Village-to-village coastal walking is a stress-free way to travel. You don’t have to compete and pay for parking, navigate tricky roads, or figure out what to do every day. You simply have to hike from point A to point B, just like hut-to-hut hiking.
Camiño dos Faros in Spain
Camiño dos Faros, the Lighthouse Way, is a 200 km coastal path along Galicia’s Coast of Death in Northern Spain. In my view, no coastal trek in Europe rivals this village-to-village hike for its blend of excitement, scenic variety, challenge, and serenity.
Clinging fiercely to the coastline from Malpica to Finisterre, the trail rises and falls over cliffs, linking a chain of spectacular lighthouses built to guide ships safely along this treacherous stretch of coast.
Along the way, hikers overnight in B&Bs, guesthouses, apartments and hotels in Galician seaside villages. Wild camping is not allowed.
When to Hike | (April) May & September (early October)
How to Do It – DIY | I recommend booking independently if you’re a seasoned long-distance hiker, comfortable carrying your own pack (and up to 3 liters of water on certain stages) and managing the logistics of a multi-day trek, such as accommodations and transportation to and from the trailhead. Consult our Lighthouse Way Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay along the route.
How to Do It – Self-Guided | Given the route’s difficulty, long days and occasionally unclear navigation, most hikers would benefit from expert support, including route customization and luggage transfer.
That’s why we recommend On Foot Holidays, a UK-based company widely regarded as one of Europe’s most reliable and ethical self-guided hiking specialists. They arrange accommodations, luggage transfer, end-to-end transfers, optional taxi shortcuts for tougher stages, and provide an excellent offline navigation app. With itinerary options of 5, 7, or 10 nights, they make the Lighthouse Way achievable for a much wider range of walkers.
Exclusive offer: On Foot Holidays is offering our readers a £20 voucher for their first trip. To redeem, enter the coupon code M&H20 in the “Promotional or voucher code” field on any inquiry or booking form. This offer is available to new On Foot Holidays customers only.
Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal
Portugal’s Fisherman’s Trail is an ideal introduction to the pleasures of coastal trekking. The trail itself is moderate, though hiking on sand ought not be underestimated.
Following historic pathways, historically used by fishermen to access the best fishing spots, the trail hugs the rugged Vicentine Coast of Alentejo and later Algarve, connecting a series of fishing villages.
Walkers overnight in guesthouses and hotels along the route, all of which can easily be booked via booking.com. Wild camping is not allowed.
The Original Fisherman’s Trail is a four-day trek from Porto Covo to Odeceixe. Its popularity later prompted the Rota Vicentina Association to extend the route to 13 stages. We hiked the original four-day version before the extension and still think it’s the perfect adventure for hikers with limited time, or for those looking to integrate a coastal trek into a longer car-free Portugal itinerary.
When to Hike | October – November / April – early May. Some people also hike this trail in winter (December – March), but fewer establishments are open and weather is less predictable. This trail is not suitable for summer, due to the heat.
How to Do It – DIY | This trek is easy to book independently. Unlike Spain’s Lighthouse Way, it’s effortless to book luggage transfers by yourself and navigating the route is straightforward. Use our Fisherman’s Trail to plan your trip.
South West Coast Path in England
Stretching 1,014 km (630 miles) across England’s southwest peninsula, the South West Coast Path runs from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The trail winds along windswept cliffs, secluded coves, and charming fishing villages, offering scenery that feels magical.
While few attempt the full route, hiking even a section provides an unforgettable mix of dramatic coastal views, pristine beaches, and welcoming seaside inns. And of course, there are the savory pasties and charming cream tea stops along the way.
This is one of Europe’s most rewarding and comfortable long distance trails. Hikers overnight in B&Bs, inns, and hotels along the way. There are campgrounds along the route, though not always evenly distributed. Camping outside of official campgrounds is prohibited.
When to Hike | May – September (October). I recommend avoiding the busy school holidays between late July through August.
How to Do It – DIY | Having booked a stretch of the SWCP independently ourselves, my advice is to start the booking process as early as possible. I highly recommend the dramatic, undulating section between Westward Ho! in Devon and Padstow in Cornwall. Consult our South West Coast Path Hiking Guide for our specific itinerary and helpful trip planning info.
How to Do It – Self-Guided | One of the most beautiful stretches of the South West Coast Path is around the Penwith Peninsula, between St. Ives and Marazion. I recommend booking On Foot Holidays’ Lands End Circuit. Alternatively, their Coastal Exmoor itinerary is the best option for hikers who want to follow the quietest section of the SWCP. Don’t forget to use our coupon code M&H20 to receive a £20 voucher on your first trip with On Foot Holidays.
Cassis to Marseille in France
The Mediterranean coastline between Cassis and Marseille is a dazzling seascape defined by
soaring, pearly-white limestone cliffs, deeply-carved inlets known as Calanques, and unique flora and fauna.
The best way to experience Calanques National Park is by walking from Cassis to Marseille, dividing the trail into 3 stages. Unlike the village-to-village treks listed above, there are no overnight possibilities in the national park and camping is strictly prohibited.
From Marseille, Kati and I tackled the route in 3 day trips using public transit. Since some stages are quite strenuous, you can easily build in a rest day in between, which will give you an opportunity to explore dynamic Marseille, France’s second largest city.
Stage 1 | Cassis – Devenson Cliffs – Luminy Hike
Stage 2 | Calanque de Sugiton – Calanque de Morgiou Hike
Stage 3 | Les Baumettes – Calanque de Sormiou – Les Goudes Hike
When to Hike | October – May in dry weather
How to Do It – DIY | Read our Marseille – Calanques Itinerary. Book 4-5 nights in Marseille (or Cassis): Hôtel Le M (where we stayed), Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites (luxury), Maison Juste (midrange-luxury), Boutique Hôtel Provencia (midrange), and Hotel Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port (luxury). Follow our trail guides.
Marmara Beach – Chora Sfakion in Crete
Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, is a mountainous isle with 1046 km of coast. During our recent trip to Crete in March, we were most impressed by the stretch of coast between Marmara Beach and Chora Sfakion in southwest Crete.
In a single day, hikers can take a taxi from Chora Sfakion to Aradena village, hike down the Aradena Gorge trail to Marmara Beach, and continue east along the E4 to Loutro, Sweet Water Beach, and onwards to Chora Sfakion.
For a gentler pace, consider staying a night in the charming car-free village of Loutro: Villa Niki, Daskalogiannis Hotel, or hotel porto loutro on the hill.
When to Hike | March – April or October – November / Do not hike this path in summer.
How to Do it – DIY | Stay in Chora Sfakion (The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel or Sofia’s Lovely Rooms), take a taxi to Aradena, and hike all the way back to Chora Sfakion.
Related Guides | Crete Road Trip and Best Hikes in Crete
More Coastal Walks in Europe
Brittany, France:
- Pink Granite Coast Hike
- Cap Frehel – Fort la Latte Hike
- Belle Ile Island Day Trip & Hike
- Hiking in Brittany
Portugal:
England:
Faroe Islands:
Spain:
- Talaia d’Alcúdia and Platja des Coll Baix Circuit Trail in Mallorca
- Benijo to Faro de Anaga Hike in Tenerife
- Tasartico to Güi Güi Beach in Gran Canaria
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