The best hikes in Europe are the ‘best’ for a reason—be it the scenery, local culture, history, or physical challenge. But the downside is that hikes such as the Tour du Mont Blanc or West Highland Way attract a huge footfall each year, meaning you won’t get the views to yourself and they're susceptible to overtourism. Swap the Alps for the Dinaric Alps and you’ll find landscapes with astounding natural beauty, free of ski lifts, hotels and crowds. Hiking holidays in the Balkans are cheaper, more culturally immersive, and mean you will fill your Instagram grid with something truly original. From the multi-day Via Dinarica trail to short and sharp hikes in the Albanian Alps, if you’re looking to take the paths less trodden and encounter more sheep than people, read on as we list some of Europe’s best hikes and their hidden Balkan alternatives. Jump to: Camino de Santiago = Zagoria Scottish Highlands = Stara Planina Alta Via 1 = Durmitor National Park High Tatras = Pirin Mountains Yorkshire Three Peaks = Via Dinarica Tour du Mont Blanc = Peaks of the Balkans West Highland Way = High Scardus Trail Hiking safety in the Balkans Instead of: Camino de Santiago (Camino Francés), Spain Go here: Zagoria, South Albania Originally a religious pilgrimage, people nowadays take on the Camino de Santiago for a number of reasons, whether it’s the culture, the scenery or purely a fitness challenge. Along the way, you can visit cathedrals and religious sites, stumble upon small villages and cultural towns, wineries, and surround yourself by nature. But if it’s solitude you’re looking for, you could be in for a surprise as some 180,000 hikers take the Camino Francés, the most popular route, each year. Instead, look to Zagoria in Albania, an agricultural region in the south
The best hikes in Europe are the ‘best’ for a reason—be it the scenery, local culture, history, or physical challenge. But the downside is that hikes such as the Tour du Mont Blanc or West Highland Way attract a huge footfall each year, meaning you won’t get the views to yourself and they’re susceptible to
