Europe’s island escapes are increasingly attracting hikers, not just beachgoers, as travelers seek outdoor experiences that combine scenery, culture, and physical activity.
A new ranking from Island Hopping identifies the 10 best European islands for hiking in 2025, evaluating trail quality, climate, safety, accessibility, and accommodation value. The list reflects a broader shift toward active travel, with destinations offering everything from easy coastal walks to demanding mountain routes.
According to Sultan’s Trail, the global adventure tourism market, which includes hiking and walking vacations, is projected to grow by more than 13% annually and exceed $1.6 trillion by 2026. About half of European tour operators now offer walking tours, underscoring rising demand for outdoor-focused travel.
Cliffside Trails and Coastal Scenery
Leading the list, Mallorca tops the hiking charts with more than 500 designated trails that wind through limestone gorges, olive groves, and coastal cliffs.
Many routes are suitable for moderate day hikes, averaging around two hours, and offer dramatic views of turquoise bays and hidden coves, providing a welcome alternative to the island’s beach reputation.
Outdoor lovers can explore paths such as the Torrent de Pareis, a canyon hike that descends through narrow rock walls toward the sea, or choose gentler routes through scenic inland plateaus. The island’s diverse terrain allows both novice walkers and experienced hikers to find routes that match their pace and interests.
Sanne Wesselman of Spend Life Traveling said Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana mountain range makes the island especially appealing for hikers.
“I spent a summer living in Sóller, which is a great base for hiking,” Wesselman said. “One hike I really loved was the walk from Deià down to Cala Deià, which winds through olive groves and rocky paths before opening up to the sea. You start in a quiet village surrounded by mountains and end at a stunning cove with bright blue water. It’s also short enough to combine with visits to nearby towns like Valldemossa and Sóller.”
Mountain Routes Rooted in History
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, earns high marks for pairing dramatic scenery with deep cultural history. The island features roughly 500 hiking trails, many following ancient footpaths that once connected remote mountain villages, with routes averaging about 15 kilometers.
Routes like the Samaria Gorge attract adventurers with sheer rock faces and shaded river valleys, while coastal paths offer ample opportunities to pause for a refreshing swim in the Aegean Sea. Crete’s affordable lodging and hospitable mountain tavernas make long hikes even more rewarding.
Where Lava Fields Meet Coastal Scenery
Italy’s largest island ranks third, celebrated for its natural diversity and cultural richness. Sicily’s volcanic landscapes, especially around Mount Etna, provide rugged terrain for seasoned hikers, with panoramic views over vineyards, olive groves, and the Ionian Sea.
Classic hikes like Rocca di Cefalù combine steep climbs with historical landmarks, while gentler coastal routes near Taormina showcase dramatic seaside scenery. The island’s mix of outdoor adventure and regional cuisine continues to draw travelers seeking both physical challenge and cultural immersion.
Emese Maczko of Eco Lodges Anywhere said hiking in Etna Park was a highlight of her family’s trip.
“You can drive up to a large parking lot where a ski lift begins,” Maczko said. “The cable car costs 50 euros per person, so many visitors choose to walk and climb the craters closest to the parking area. One smaller crater is especially popular with families because children can climb it easily, walk around the rim, and descend into the center. Other craters are steeper and more challenging. You really feel how active the volcano is, with visible smoke and hardened lava flows. It’s a memorable experience and worth adding to any Sicily itinerary.”
Green Landscapes and Coastal Vistas
Often dubbed the “floating garden” of the Atlantic, Madeira charms hikers with verdant hillsides and dramatic cliffside routes. Though compact in size, the island’s network of levadas — irrigation channels flanked by footpaths — offers a distinctive hiking experience through moist, forested landscapes and past waterfalls.
More challenging trails ascend to the island’s peak at Pico Ruivo, where hikers are rewarded with sweeping views over the rugged volcanic spine. Madeira’s mild year-round climate also makes it one of Europe’s most reliable hiking destinations even outside peak summer months.
Remote Trails Through Rugged Terrain
Italy’s second entry, Sardinia, delivers some of the most dramatic island scenery on the list. Its interior highlands and coastal cliffs are home to a variety of hiking opportunities, ranging from leisurely walks to demanding canyon treks like the Gorropu Gorge — one of Europe’s deepest gorges, carved through limestone and oak forests.
Trail networks here often blend rugged wilderness with pastoral landscapes, dotted with shepherd huts and grazing livestock, evoking a timeless island atmosphere.
Other Islands Round Out the List
Several additional islands earned spots in the ranking for their distinctive landscapes and accessible trail systems. Texel in the Netherlands offers flat, windswept walks through dunes and tidal flats along the North Sea. Menorca, a quieter alternative to neighboring Mallorca, features coastal cliffs, limestone paths, and secluded coves.
La Gomera, part of Spain’s Canary Islands, is known for its ancient laurel forests and deep ravines, while Ibiza surprises hikers with peaceful inland routes far removed from its nightlife scene. Santorini rounds out the list with scenic caldera walks that pass vineyards and archaeological sites high above the Aegean Sea.
As more travelers prioritize active and experience-based trips, Europe’s islands are positioning themselves as alternatives to traditional beach vacations. Tourism officials say well-marked trails, improved infrastructure, and growing demand for outdoor recreation are reshaping how visitors explore island destinations.
For travelers willing to trade beach chairs for hiking boots, these islands offer a chance to experience Europe at a slower pace, one footpath at a time.
