Portugal to open the world’s longest circular hiking trail – Palmilhar Portugal in Europe [Image by 畅 苏 from Pixabay]Getting out into the fresh air while exploring new hiking trails in Europe is an ideal way to learn more about a country. Not only do the trails head through beautiful nature, they allow travelers to experience more of the country sustainably. Read on to learn more about new hiking trails opened in Europe in 2024.
Experience new hiking trails in Europe
Hiking in Portugal [Image by Steven Weirather from Pixabay]Get out into nature and experience these new hiking trails in Europe, experiencing the beauty of nature and meeting locals along the way. For some hikers, these trails are a way to find quiet and solitude. To others, it is a wellness practice to promote mindfulness. However, it is also a great way to see the lesser-visited areas of a country and a more sustainable way.
Palmilhar Portugal (Walking Portugal)
Palmilhar Portugal is set to be the world’s longest circular hiking route. It opened in Portugal last year but is still a work in progress. The first section is open from Alenquer, just north of Lisbon, but the trail is set to be a 3,000 km (1864 mi) hiking route.
Meanwhile, the next section is in coastal Alentejo in the south, followed by mountainous Trás-os-Montes in the north, and the trail is expected to be fully complete within three years. Learn more about the trail in this article.
7-day hiking trail in the Dolomites of Italy
The trail is also ideal for bikers [Image Cammino Retico on Facebook]Dubbed the Cammino Retico, this new hiking trail heads through wild, natural landscapes in the Dolomites mountain range of Italy. Moreover, the trail is named for the ancient Raeti people who lived in this area in pre-Roman times.
Meanwhile, the Cammino Retico connects several remote villages between the Veneto and Trentino regions. Created by the social association Carpe Diem, the trail starts and ends in Aune di Sovramonte, near Belluno. Meanwhile, the circular route runs for 170 km (105 mi) and can be completed in seven days.
Via dell’Amore or Path of Love reopens
Via dell’Amore or Path of Love [Image Cinque Terre Italy on Facebook]Staying in Italy, the Via dell’Amore or Path of Love has been reopened after a decade. One of Italy’s most famous hiking trails, it is often referred to as the most romantic walk in the world.
Meanwhile, the trail runs between Riomaggiore and Manarola and was closed after a landslide injured four people in 2012 and caused damage to the trail. Having now seen extensive renovation, the Via dell’Amore welcomed back hikers on July 27, 2024.
The route winds through a string of five villages that make up the Cinque TerreUNESCO World Heritage Site. Hikers can enjoy stunning views along the coast to the sea and surrounding landscape.
Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Sweden
Stockholm Archipelago Trail in Sweden [Image @stockholmarchipelagotrail on Instagram]Launched in October 2024, the Stockholm Archipelago connects 20 islands, offering hikers a chance to explore Sweden’s pristine nature and rugged landscapes. Running for 270 km (167 mi), the trail is well-marked and offers amenities along the way, including shelters, benches and fireplaces.
Go on, take a hike in Europe this year, experiencing one of these new hiking trails through glorious nature.