November ushers in late autumn across Europe and signals the beginning of the off-season in most destinations. The best places to hike are typically in Southern Europe and the Canary Islands, where the climate is mild and trails are accessible.
In the Alps, November is a true in-between month. Summer is long gone, but winter has not yet arrived. Weather is highly unpredictable, and most tourist-facing businesses like hotels, restaurants, cable cars, and seasonal buses close until the ski season. Hoteliers often take this time off themselves.
We have occasionally hiked in the Alps in early November, but always on a last-minute basis depending on the forecast. It is not a month I would recommend for planning a dedicated hiking trip.
Elsewhere, November coincides with the wind-down of the tourist season. On the Greek Islands, November signals the end of the tourist season until spring (Easter). Unless you head to an island with a sizable year-round population, such as Crete, it is not an ideal month to visit, even if the weather is pleasant.
Our most successful November hiking trips have been in Portugal, especially the Fishermanโs Trail and the Algarve coast. The Spanish Canary Islands, geographically closer to Africa, are another reliable choice for November hiking.
While early November still carries some autumn colors, October is far better for fall foliage.
One more factor to weigh is hunting season, which runs in many regions through late autumn. For example, in Malta, hunting is allowed from September through January, a bloody and unsettling backdrop for a peaceful hike.
- November Car-Free Trips for Hikers: 2-Week Portugal Itinerary and Marseille – Calanques Itinerary
- November Road Trips: Gran Canaria Road Trip, Tenerife Road Trip, Algarve Road Trip, Mallorca Road Trip and Crete Road Trip Itinerary
- 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
1. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Algarve, Portugal
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in Algarve, Portugal, traces the cliffed coastline between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centianes.
As you walk across ochre cliffs above the turquoise sea, itโs easy to see why the Algarve is among Europeโs most beloved beach destinations.
Autumn, like Spring, is one of the best times to hike in Southern Portugal, thanks to its mild temperatures and deserted trails. When we tackled this trail in November, it was a pleasant 18ยฐC.
This easy-moderate 12 km out-and-back hike takes 4-5 hours to complete. Hikers can also opt for a one-way hike with a taxi drop-off or pick-up.
Where to Stay in Ferragudo | Vitorโs Village (midrange), One2Seven (midrange), or Caneiros Luxury House & Suites (luxury)
Where to Stay in Carvoeiro | O Quintal Guesthouse (budget), Castelo Guest House(midrange), or Tivoli Carvoeiro (luxury)
Learn more: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
2. Rota Vicentina Fishermanโs Trail, Portugal
Part of the Rota Vicentina network, the Fishermanโs Trail winds along Portugalโs untamed Vicentina Coast, granting access to some of the nationโs most remote and dramatic shores.
The traditional 4-day route runs from Porto Covo in Alentejo to Odeceixe in the Algarve. Rising popularity prompted authorities to expand the trail, more than doubling its stages.
The Vicentine Coast is unforgettable: steep cliffs of schist and greywacke plunge into the Atlantic, interrupted by stretches of golden sand. Outside a handful of villages, the coastline remains entirely undeveloped, preserving its raw beauty.
We hiked this trail in November, after exploring Porto and Lisbon, and before heading to the Algarve. Hereโs our 2-week Portugal itinerary, without a car, which included the 4-day Fishermanโs Trail.
Learn More: 4-Day Fishermanโs Trail Guide
3. Katholiko Gorge, Crete
Of all the Greek Islands, Crete is likely the best option for a November visit, thanks to its sizable year-round population. Still, most locals live in the cities, leaving many holiday areas empty and shuttered during the off-season.
Even with generally good weather, locals close their tavernas in order to focus on seasonal work, such as olive harvesting. For this reason, if you visit Crete in November, itโs best to base yourself in Chania, the islandโs second-largest city.
During our stay in Chania, we loved hiking through Katholiko Gorge to Katholiko Bay in the Akrotiri Peninsula. Read our Chania Itinerary to start planning your late autumn getaway.
From the Gouverneto Monastery car park, the trail follows the pilgrimage path past Arkoudospilio Cave, the Cave of St. John the Hermit, and the abandoned Katholiko Monastery. From the historic monastery ruins, it descends into the bed of Katholiko Gorge (also known as Avlaki Gorge). The path curves through the gorge, below brilliant towering limestone cliffs.
This short and sweet 4.3 km out-and-back hike takes 2:10 hours without breaks.
Where to Stay in Chania: Theta Seaside Boutique Hotel (budget-midrange), Malmo Historic Hotel (midrange), Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor (luxury), or AZADE Chania (luxury). Read Where to Stay in Chania for first time visitors.
Related: Crete Road Trip Itinerary and Best Hikes in Crete
Learn More: Katholiko Bay Hike
4. Calanque de Sormiou to Les Goudes Coastal Trail, France
Weather permitting, Calanques National Park can be an excellent November hiking destination.
Personally, Iโd base myself in Marseille, Franceโs second-largest city and a vibrant crossroads of Mediterranean cultures. If it rains, you can take refuge in Marseilleโs dynamic, experimental dining scene, and easily go on day trips to Aix-en-Provence and Avignon.
The point-to-point hike from Les Baumettes to Les Goudes follows the Mediterranean coast, winding around a series of stunning calanques.
The trail begins along the Morgiou crest and then turns west, descending toward Sormiou Calanque. As the trail drops down to the picturesque port of Sormiou, hikers are treated to sweeping views of Marseilleโs largest calanque.
From here, the route rises and falls all the way to the fishing village of Les Goudes.
This 15.4 km point-to-point hike takes about 6:30 hours.
Where to Stay in Marseille | Hรดtel Le M (midrange), Les Appartements du Vieux Port (midrange), Boutique Hรดtel Provencia (midrange), Hรดtel C2 (luxury), or Maisons du Monde Hรดtel & Suites (luxury)
Related Guides | Marseille Calanques Itinerary and Hiking in Calanques National Park
Learn More: Calanque de Sormiou – Les Goudes Hike
5. Talaia dโAlcรบdia and Platja des Coll Baix Circuit Trail, Mallorca
Talaia dโAlcรบdia is the highest peak of the Alcรบdia Peninsula, which divides the bays of Pollenรงa and Alcรบdia in northern Mallorca.
From Ermita de la Victoria, the trail climbs to the summit of Talaia dโAlcรบdia and then descends along a rugged path to the secluded Platja des Coll Baix. This beach is often hailed as the most beautiful on the island.
From the coast, the trail turns inland, looping back through pockets of forest to Ermita de la Victoria.
For me, this varied hike stands out for its sweeping views over Pollenรงa Bay, Alcรบdia Bay, the Formentor Peninsula, and the Serra de Tramuntana range.
Allow at least 5 hours to complete this 12.5 km circuit.
Where to Stay in Alcรบdia | ARA Alcudia (midrange), Can Tem Turismo de Interior (midrange), Forum Boutique Hotel & Spa – Adults Only (luxury)
Where to Stay in Port de Pollenรงa | Hotel Eolo (budget), Hotel Hoposa Bahรญa (midrange), or Hoposa Pollentia – Adults Only (luxury) or Hotel Illa d’Or (luxury)
Related Guides | Best Hikes In Mallorca and Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary
Learn More: Talaia dโAlcรบdia Circuit Trail
6. Gรผi Gรผi Beach, Gran Canaria, Spain
Backed by cliffs on the islandโs southwest coast, Gรผi Gรผi Beach is widely seen as Gran Canariaโs most beautiful wild beach.
The hike begins in Tasartico, a quiet hamlet in the Tasartico Ravine along GC-204. From here, the trail climbs 467 meters to Degollada de Aguas Sabinas, before dropping 635 meters down to the shore. At the Degollada, the highest point of the route, the views open magnificently to the coast.
The path crosses rugged, mountainous terrain. Sturdy hiking boots are a must. With no shade along the way, itโs best to start early and carry plenty of water and sun protection. The beach has no facilities.
This 9.3 km out-and-back hike takes around 4:30 hours to complete without breaks.
Where to Stay near Gรผi Gรผi Beach | Blue Ocean Camp in Tasartico, Hotel La Aldea Suites in La Aldea, Los Pinos in Mogรกn, or Hotel Faro in Maspalomas.
Related | Best Hikes in Gran Canaria and 7-Day Gran Canaria Road Trip
Learn More: Tasartico to Gรผi Gรผi Beach
7. Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail, Dolomites
November is a poor time to visit the Dolomites, except perhaps during a sunny spell in the first week. Encouraged by an unusually perfect forecast, Kati and I headed to the Dolomites last November to enjoy the crisp mountain air, fall colores, and outstanding conditions.
Even when higher elevations are covered in snow, the Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail in Val di Funes is usually safe to walk.
This trail links the Panoramaweg, Bergbauernweg, and Sunnseitenweg, winding through meadows and forest glades, past historic Tyrolean farmsteads, all while overlooking Val di Funes. The highlight of this hike is undoubtedly the Geisler Peaks, captivating from every angle.
Where to Stay in Val di Funes | Galreidhof (budget) is open the whole month of November. Viel Nois Guest House (midrange-luxury), Hotel Fines (midrange), and Raschรถtzhof (budget-midrange) are only open the first week of November. See all accommodations in Val di Funes.
Learn More: Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail
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