Where to Hike in Europe in April & May

Spring is one of the best times to explore Europe on foot, especially in the south, where the weather is mild and nature is in full bloom. As the days grow longer and the landscapes come to life, trails that might be too hot in summer offer ideal conditions for hiking.

Where to go hiking in Europe in April and May? The Mediterranean regions, with their coastal trails overlooking the blue sea, and mid-altitude mountain paths are some of the best options. Wildflowers blanket the meadows, fresh greenery fills the valleys, and in many places, it is warm enough to enjoy a break in the sun without the intense summer heat. Keep reading to discover some of the best hiking destinations for this spring.

 

Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Menorca is the greenest of the Balearic Islands, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean at every turn. The island is filled with rural trails that take hikers through fascinating geological features and charming small villages. But if the sea is more your thing, then Menorca is a true paradise, with a coastline full of cliffs, beaches, coves, and Mediterranean forests that provide shade from the sun.

Beyond its landscapes, the island is also significant as a Biosphere Reserve. Exploring Menorca ensures a deep connection with its unique flora and fauna, including plant species found nowhere else. At the same time, its culture and traditions remain strong, offering visitors a rich historical and natural experience. Don’t hesitate to engage with the locals while hiking through this beautiful island.

Spring temperatures in Menorca

• Average April temperatures: 14ºC (low 11ºC) / 52ºF (low 46ºF)
• Average May temperatures: 18ºC (low 14ºC) / 57ºF (low 51ºF)

Recommended Route: Camí de Cavalls 

Moderate, depending on the number of kilometers per day. Ascents/descents of around 300m every 16 km

The Camí de Cavalls (or GR 223) is the most popular route in Menorca because it runs along the entire coast, a 360º route. It is a historical path that was created to protect the island's coastline by armed men on horseback. Currently, the Camí de Cavalls is divided into 20 official stages, designed to be done in one day, but many people choose to combine them and walk the whole island in 7 days.

The route is spectacular, as each day combines cliffs, coves and bays with crystal clear waters, while walking through pine trees. Wearing a swimming costume is essential! The difficulty is low, with few ascents, and it is the hiker who decides the level according to the number of kilometres to be walked each day.

  
Malta and the island of Gozo, Malta

With the first rain after the long summer, Malta awakens in a burst of colour. From October to May, the footpaths are covered with fennel, wild lilies and myrtle, as greenery fills the landscape. Beyond the tourist areas, the paths wind through surprisingly unspoilt countryside, where life is still tied to farming and fishing.

Walking around these islands is much more than just enjoying the breathtaking cliffs and views of the Mediterranean. At every turn, you'll discover prehistoric sites, cave chapels and ancient palaces that bear witness to Malta's rich history.

Spring temperatures in Malta

• Average April temperatures: 16ºC (low 13ºC) / 60ºF (low 55ºF)
• Average May temperatures: 19ºC (low 16ºC) / 67ºF (low 61ºF)

Recommended route: from the Marsalforn salt marshes to the beach of Rambla Bay

6 km, 100m ascent/descent, 1,5 hours, easy

After landing and visiting the island of Malta, take a ferry over to the island of Gozo. Start your route at the ancient salt pans of Marsalforn in the north of the island, a place where sea and tradition meet. These salt pans, carved into the limestone rock, have been used for centuries for the harvesting of sea salt.

From Marsalforn, head south along a coastal path, up cliffs and down to the beach, until you reach, in about 7 km, the beach at Rambla Bay. This beach is the most famous on the island for its red sand and the contrast it makes with the blue of the sea. If you want to extend the route further, take a 30 minute walk to Calypso's Cave, where the nymph Calypso is said to have abducted Odysseus for seven years.

 

 
Naxos, Cyclades Islands, Greece

The island of Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, is, along with Santorini and Crete, one of the most popular with tourists. Pictures of whitewashed houses in contrast to the Mediterranean Sea are typical, but this island has much more to offer, especially for hikers. The most important jewel is Mount Zas, at 1,003m, the highest point of the archipelago, which overlooks the fertile valleys of Naxos and other islands.

On the other hand, and escaping from the most saturated tourist spots, the interior of the island is full of ancient paths connecting traditional villages, Byzantine monasteries, Venetian towers and temples dedicated to the gods.

Spring temperatures in Naxos

• Average April temperatures: 16ºC (low 13ºC) / 60ºF (low 55ºF)
• Average May temperatures: 19ºC (low 16ºC) / 67ºF (low 61ºF)

Recommended route: the Naxos Strada

Moderate, depending on the number of kilometers per day. Ascents/descents of around 500m every 15 km

The Naxos Strada is a signposted hiking route that crosses the island for about 50 km. Divided into several stages, the Naxos Strada allows the route to be adapted to the level of each hiker. In addition, traditional accommodation and services such as luggage transfer are available, making the experience easier for those who wish to walk the island without worrying about logistics.

With panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and a diverse natural environment, this route is ideal for exploring Naxos beyond its beaches, into its mountainous heartland and cultural heritage.

 

 
La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain

The island of La Palma is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and possibly the most varied and impressive of the Canary Islands. Much of the island is well accessible on foot thanks to the ancient Caminos Reales (Royal Roads) that run through agricultural areas, deep ravines and laurel forests.

La Palma and the Canary Islands are popular in the winter months because of their tropical temperatures, which means that in April and May you can enjoy it with fewer tourists and, more importantly, enjoy spring in all its splendour. During this season, the island's greenery contrasts with the reddish and black tones of its geology, while wildflowers and tropical flowers fill the landscape with dots of colour.

Spring temperatures in La Palma

• Average April temperatures: 19ºC (low 17ºC) / 66ºF (low 62ºF)
• Average May temperatures: 20ºC (low 18ºC) / 68ºF (low 64ºF)

Recommended route: from Pico la Nieve to Ermita Virgen del Pino, passing through the Caldera de Taburiente

18 km, 625m ascent, 1025m descent, 7 hours, moderate-high

A minimum level of fitness is required to do this route. The ascent is moderate on the 18km long route, and the end is characterised by a steady descent down what is called El Reventón, which lives up to its name. But the physical effort is well worth it as the views from Pico de las Nieves, over the whole island, are spectacular.

This route, which is signposted, offers a variety of landscapes that make it unique: pine forests, volcanic landscapes, many options to enjoy a sea of clouds and, in the background, the Taburiente caldera, with its reddish tones.

 

The Lot region, Occitanie, France

The Lot region in south-west France takes its name from the Lot River. It is a spectacular hiking destination, full of marked and easy-to-follow trails that take you through varied landscapes including river valleys, limestone cliffs, dense forests and well-preserved medieval villages.

This inland area of France can get quite hot in summer for hiking, so spring or autumn are ideal times to explore the Lot on foot. It is a real pleasure to sit on the riverbank after a walk, enjoy the spring breeze and recharge your batteries with local cabécou cheese and a piece of bread.

Spring temperatures in the Lot region

• Average April temperatures: 11ºC (low 6ºC) / 52ºF (low 44ºF)
• Average May temperatures: 15ºC (low 10ºC) / 59ºF (low 49ºF)

Recommended route: Via Podiensis, the Way of Saint James from Le Puy

Although the Lot area offers many walking routes, some of which are well signposted GR, the most iconic is the Camino de Santiago, which runs from the village of Le Puy down to the French border with Spain. Whether you feel like a pilgrim for whatever reason or not, the Way of St. James is a genuine way to get to know an area, walking from village to village each day, with time in the afternoon to visit them.

In this area we can highlight the section of the Way between Lalbenque and Cahors, of about 18km, 170m ascent and 300m descent, passing through several villages and shepherds' huts, or caselle, unique in the region. This section ends in the town of Cahors, surrounded by the Lot river and awarded the ‘Villes d'art et d'histoire’ label. You will need a day to explore the town and its impressive historical heritage.

 

Alentejo, Southern Portugal

Beyond the sun and the beach, the coast of southern Portugal is a paradise for hikers. In spring, when the sea breeze mingles with the scent of eucalyptus and thyme, this region unfolds all its charm. Here, far from the more touristy areas of the south, the paths wind between cliffs, dunes and hidden coves, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic.

Spring temperatures in Alentejo 

• Average April temperatures: 15ºC (low 13ºC) / 59ºF (low 56ºF)
• Average May temperatures: 17ºC (low 15ºC) / 63ºF (low 59ºF)

Recommended route: Rota Vicentina, the Fisherman's trail

The Rota Vicentina is a network of trails that runs along the coast of the Algarve and Alentejo, through the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park, using old fishermen's paths. Each trail is signposted and maintained by the association with the same name.  

Walking south, the journey culminates at Cabo de São Vicente, the most south-western point of the continent, where the sunsets are unforgettable. Between days, the warmth of the family-run accommodation, the traditional gastronomy and the excellent Portuguese wines complete the experience. A perfect option to immerse yourself in the nature and relaxed character of southern Portugal.