Walk with the Gods Above Amalfi, Italy
The Sentiero degli Dei, or Walk of the Gods, is carved into the vertiginous hillside high above the Amalfi coast, offering heavenly views all the way to Capri and beyond. This ten-kilometre trail connects Bomerano in Agerola to Nocelle, near Positano. According to reader Brian, a super-convenient combined bus and ferry ticket from Travelmar takes you from any coastal town to the start of the walk and back from Positano to your base. The path ends in the crowded but beautiful Positano, where hikers rejoin the earthly hordes of Instagrammers.
Stunning Hike to Poland’s Eye of the Sea
The Five Lakes hike in the Tatra Mountains is considered the most beautiful in Poland. Starting from the parking lot at Palenica Białczańska, hikers gain elevation heading south along a tumbling stream. After two hours, they arrive at the first of five glittering lakes surrounded by an amphitheatre that forms the border with Slovakia. Reader Ryan recommends stopping at the Dolinie Pięciu Stawów hut for a hearty żurek (sour rye soup) while contemplating the lake-pocked landscape. Fortified, climbers can push southeast until Morskie Oko (Eye of the Sea), Poland’s most storied lake, comes into view, glittering far below and engulfed by sheer mountain walls, including Poland’s highest peak. At the lakeside hut, a Żywiec lager awaits.
Cold Dips and Butterflies in Georgia
The Svaneti region of Georgia is a hiker’s dream. The Ushguli to Mestia route on the Transcaucasian Trail passes through dramatic mountain landscapes with ancient stone towers, glacial pools perfect for a cold dip, meadows thick with wildflowers and butterflies, and the occasional wild horse. Reader Aoife notes that the villages are genuinely welcoming, the food is hearty, and the biodiversity is stunning. She urges anyone who hasn’t considered Georgia for hiking to move it to the top of their list.
Saunas and Reindeer in Swedish Lapland
Over seven days last summer, reader Paul and his group walked a section of the Kungsleden Trail from Abisko to Nikkaluokta in Swedish Lapland, within the Arctic Circle. The walking was challenging but left time for card games and enjoying the saunas along the way. The huts allowed packs to be kept light. A highlight was spotting reindeer on the last day. Paul reports that the lack of internet was a bonus, not a bug.
Wildflowers and Strudel in Austria
The Wildschönau valley in Austria offers amazing hiking options accessible for the whole family. Reader Barbara hiked between 10 and 15 miles every day exploring the landscape, with breathtaking meadows of wildflowers. Cable cars in Niederau and Auffac allow access to higher routes with 360-degree panoramas. The climb to the top of Joelspitze was a highlight, with beautiful gentian flowers along the way and an apple strudel as reward at the end.
A Canyon Walk in Northern Spain
The Ruta del Cares in Spain’s Picos de Europa is an incredible hike. Reader Joe describes the first 45 minutes from Poncebos as steep uphill into the canyon, past abandoned shacks and along spectacular tracks that plateau out. Despite being a vertigo sufferer, Joe found the track always just wide enough. The canyon narrows and the path goes through a series of tunnels before reaching the idyllic hamlet of Caín and waterfalls where you can dip your feet.
Bathing and Beauty in Germany’s Black Forest
Reader George recommends a hike from Kniebis to Baiersbronn (about 7 miles) through the Black Forest. Take the bus from Freudenstadt to Kniebis, then follow trails via the Ellbachseeblick viewpoint and Sankenbach waterfall before descending into Baiersbronn. After the hike, enjoy an outdoor swim at Baiersbronn’s lido or relax with a meal. Public transport is included with the Konus card if staying in Freudenstadt.
Family-Friendly Highs in Switzerland
Reader Frances and her family took the cable car up Männlichen and walked the Panoramaweg to Kleine Scheidegg, a 3-mile route manageable for little legs. It offers glorious views of the Eiger and the Bernese Oberland. Wild and unspoiled it is not, but it boasts an incredible alpine playground. In Wengen, there is a trail of marble runs that enchanted the children for hours.
Watching Dolphins in the Algarve, Portugal
Reader Steven’s most memorable European hike was the coastal path from Ponta da Piedade to Praia da Luz in the Algarve. The 7-mile trail threads between honey-coloured cliffs, hidden coves and wildflowers, with Atlantic views. Starting at sunrise, the early light turns the limestone cliffs gold. Steven and his companion stopped on a clifftop ledge to watch dolphins offshore.
Winning Tip: Cliffside Views of Lake Garda, Italy
The winning tip comes from Bev, who recommends the 6-mile Ponale Path from Riva del Garda to the Ledro valley. This cliffside trail goes through old tunnels carved into the rock and offers spectacular views of the lake below. Along the route, hikers encounter lush green fields, farmhouses nestled among vineyards, and a cascading waterfall. Bev enjoyed a refreshing pint and lasagne at Bar sul Ponale before beginning the walk back.
