December marks the start of the long winter season in Europe. While many embrace ski season, not everyone wants to wait until spring to get back on the hiking trails.
For scenic snow-free hiking in December, nowhere rivals the Spanish Canary Islands. This archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located 108 km off the northwest coast of Africa, is made up of seven islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Here, youโll encounter a stunning variety of volcanic landscapes, ranging from barren rockscapes to lush, subtropical zones.
Hikers seeking wintery landscapes will find plenty of trails in the Alps. However, snow is never guaranteed in December, and your hikes might unfold across sad, brown terrain rather than the snowy wonderland you imagined.
If youโre looking for a festive blend of advent festivities and winter hikes, choose a destination where you can enjoy both Christmas markets and Krampus runs. That could be the South Tyrolean Dolomites, the Austrian Alps, or the Bavarian Alps.
- Where to Go in Winter: Winter Destinations in Europe
- Car Rental: Discovercars.com is our go-to platform for finding and reserving rental cars throughout Europe.
- Europe National Parks: Our Favorite European National Parks
Hiking Europe Month by Month:
1. Benijo to Faro de Anaga Circuit Hike, Anaga Mountains, Tenerife
The Anaga massif, located in northeastern Tenerife, is a prehistoric-looking mountain range, defined by ravine-carved mountains draped in laurel forest. These verdant mountains unfurl gracefully into the sea, giving rise to landscapes of mesmerizing, near-mythic beauty.
A wonderful introduction to this range is the Benijo to Faro de Anaga Circuit Hike. Keen hikers can complete the whole 14.2 km circuit to the Faro de Anaga lighthouse, circling back to Benijo via Chamorga. Though this trail is packed with beautiful scenes, the most dramatic views await hikers along the high trail back to Benijo.
APunta del Hidalgo to Chinamada and Carboneras, Roque De Taborno, Taganana to Playa de Tamadite, Igueste to Atalaya de los Ingleses, and this Benijo to Faro de Anaga Circuit Hike.
Where to Stay near Benijo | Montes de Anaga Hostel (budget in El Bailadero), La Laguna Gran Hotel (midrange in La Laguna), or Hotel Boutique San Diego โ Adults Only (luxury in La Laguna).
Tenerife Guides | Best Hikes in Tenerife and Tenerife Road Trip Itinerary
Learn More: Benijo to Faro de Anaga Circuit Hike
2. San Pedro to Agaete, Gran Canaria
My two favorite places to hike in Gran Canaria are Agaete Valley in the northwest and Tejeda in the interior. A great introduction to Valle de Agaete is the point-to-point hike from the hamlet of San Pedro to the village of Agaete.
From San Pedro in Agaete Valley, the trail initially traces the Barranco del Chorro del Ingenio ravine before ascending to the Berbique caves archaeological complex and the Era de Berbique threshing circle.
Next, the path leads northwest to the coast, following a scenic high trail with sweeping views of the Riscos de Tamadaba (Tamadaba crags), Roque Faneque cliffs, and lush Agaete Valley.
I recommend staying at least 3 nights in Puerto de las Nieves, the port of Agaete, so that you can also hike Agaete Valley to Tabadaba Circuit Hike and visit the wild black sand Playa de Guayedra.
Where to Stay in Puerto de las Nieves, Agaete | Hotel Puerto de Las Nieves (midrange), or Hotel & Spa Cordial Roca Negra (luxury)
Gran Canaria Guides | 7-Day Gran Canaria Road Trip and Best Hikes in Gran Canaria
Learn More: San Pedro to Agaete Hike
3. Golden Bay to ฤ nejna Bay, Malta
Located south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, the Malta archipelago is a promising winter sun destination. The best hikes in Malta and Gozo are coastal trails, often running across vertiginous cliffs.
Along the northwest coast of Malta, a scenic coastal trail connects Golden Bay Beach to ฤ nejna Bay. The path leads south to Gฤงajn Tuffieฤงa beach, rounds the Il-Qarraba headland, and then continues across cliffs, before dropping down to a striking limestone tongue. From Gnejna Bay, hikers can loop back to Golden Bay following the inland route via Ta’ Lippija Tower.
Where to Stay near Golden Bay | Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands (luxury)
Malta Hikes | Xlendi Bay to Sanap Cliffs and Ta Cenc Cliffs
4. Partnach Gorge, Bavaria, Germany
The Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm) in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a striking, narrow river gorge open year-round. In winter, when temperatures drop low enough, the gorge transforms into a breathtaking world of frozen waterfalls and icy formations.
Winter opening hours are 8 am – 6 pm, with the last entry at 5:30 pm, except of Christmas Day and New Yearโs Eve, when the gorge closes early at 2 pm.
From the Olympic Ski Stadium car park, itโs a 20-minute walk to the entrance. Purchase your ticket at the Kasse, then follow the secured trail, about 20 minutes through tunnels, galleries, and misty ledges. Sturdy footwear is essential due to wet, slippery conditions.
After exiting, hike 15 minutes uphill to Kaiserschmarrn Alm for lunch. To return to the Olympic Ski Stadium, I recommend hiking back through the gorge. Alternative paths are often slippery.
During our winter trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, we also enjoyed walking the Philosophenweg, Tannenhรผtte and Eckenhรผtte Circuit Trail, Kramer Plateau Trail, and around Lake Eibsee.
Where to Stay in Garmisch | Olympiahaus (budget), Bader Suites (upscale apartments), or Werdenfelserei (luxury)
5. Tru di Lersc, Alta Badia, Dolomites
If you plan on visiting the Dolomites in December, I recommend spending most of your time on the ski slopes. Here’s our intro guide to skiing in the Dolomites. If you base yourself in Alta Badia, the lovely Tru di Lersc, or Path of the Larches trail, is a perfect walk for early arrival, or departure days.
This scenic trail connects the Rรผ and Rudiferia farms, located above San Cassiano (Sankt Kassian). From the village center, hike up the road to the Rรผ farmstead, which marks the starting point of the Tru di Lersc trail. Turn left in the direction of La Crusc and follow the path at the edge of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park to Rudiferia.
Where to Stay in San Cassiano | Lagaciรณ Hotel Mountain Residence (luxury apartments)
Where to Stay in La Villa | Ciasa Agreiter (budget), Hotel La Majun (luxury), or Hotel Cristallo – Wellness Mountain Living (luxury)
Dolomites Guides | Where to Stay in Alta Badia and the Sella Ronda ski circuit
More Europe Hiking Guides
Trail Inspiration:
Seasonal Guides:
Europe Travel:
Pin this Image for Future Trip Planning!
Stay Connected:
Connect with us on Pinterest.
Follow us on Instagram.
Support Us:
If you love reading our content, send me a direct donation.
