The Most Scenic Walking Routes Around the World
Walking allows you to experience a destination rather than simply pass through it. You stop in small communities and reach viewpoints that roads often miss. When embarking on a walking holiday, choosing the right route matters as much as choosing the country. You need scenery that rewards the effort, but practical details such as terrain, accommodation and daily distances also shape your trip. Some trails demand preparation, while others fit easily into a wider trip. Across four very different corners of the world, these established routes show how travelling on foot can bring you closer to both landscapes and local life.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
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Along this Italian coastline, walking trails climb above seaside towns, crossing terraced hillsides and lemon groves while opening broad views across the Mediterranean. The Path of the Gods provides a manageable option if you want to combine walking with a conventional Italian holiday. The popular stretch from Bomerano to Nocelle takes a few hours, leaving space for a relaxed afternoon afterwards. Start early during warmer months, when lower temperatures make exposed sections more comfortable.
The Inca Trail, Peru
The classic Inca Trail turns the journey to Machu Picchu into part of the experience. You walk through changing Andean scenery and encounter archaeological sites before reaching the famous citadel. Altitude adds difficulty, even if you regularly walk at home. Spend several days in Cusco before starting so your body has time to adjust and prepare beforehand with sustained hill walks. You must also secure a permit through an authorised tour operator. Planning months ahead gives you a better chance of finding suitable dates rather than planning around remaining spaces.
The Milford Track, New Zealand
Meander through Fiordland National Park, where mountains rise above forests, rivers and waterfalls. Its multi-day format gives your trip a clear structure, with designated overnight stops dividing the route into achievable stages. Wet weather is common in Fiordland. Pack reliable waterproof clothing, as staying dry will make the hours on the trail considerably more comfortable. Spaces can also fill quickly during the main walking season, so arrange your dates well ahead.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
This route suits walkers who want scenery alongside regular contact with towns and a rich culture. Several pilgrimage routes lead to Santiago de Compostela, although the Camino Francés remains a popular starting point. Choosing one section allows you to fit the Camino around your schedule while still walking between communities and staying in pilgrim accommodation.
Where the Path Takes You
The value of these routes comes from how you experience them. Walking changes your relationship with a destination because ordinary moments become part of the trip: watching weather move across mountains or sharing a path with people travelling for different reasons. Choose a route that matches your fitness and available time, then allow enough space in your schedule to enjoy it. A walking holiday works best when reaching the next stop matters, but enjoying the journey matters just as much.