My 15 Favorite Outdoor Experiences in Europe That I Recommend to You
Who’s ready for some outdoor experiences in Europe?
As spring is kicking in here in the northern hemisphere we are all thinking about spending time outdoors.
Or is that just me?
It has me thinking of some of my favorite outdoor experiences in Europe — those experiences I’ve had that have been really special to me for various reasons.
And definitely experiences that I would recommend to you.
Because Europe is much more than its grand cities and charming towns.
Europe has some incredible outdoor destinations that need you to visit and explore.
So let’s get this outdoor party started!
Hiking Croagh Patrick — County Mayo • Ireland
One of my first true outdoor experiences in Europe was hiking Croagh Patrick peak in County Mayo Ireland.
It was amazing if steep, rocky and cold — and windy!
The climb up this famous peak is definitely very rocky and steep, especially at the end.
However, if you have good weather — which I ultimately did as the clouds were clearing as my friend and I made our way to the top — you’ll be rewarded with amazing views to Clew Bay below.
The wind was cold but I’m so happy I did this hike.
It’s one I recommend to anyone who can handle the steep, rocky terrain.
And if you are one who is a bit religious, then you’ll be happy to know that walking up this mountain is a pilgrimage as the peak is named for St Patrick and has some ties to the patron saint of Ireland.
What I love about this experience: The views to Clew Bay are magnificent!
Hiking Diamond Hill — Connemara • County Galway • Ireland
Another favorite hike of mine is Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park.
A much lower peak — it is only a hill — but very doable for many folks, Diamond Hill is another wonderful outdoor experience in Europe that I recommend.
It is rocky and steep but just in a spot or 2 toward the top.
And, like Croagh Patrick, if the weather is decent (by Ireland standards) you’ll get some awesome views from the top.
What I love about this experience: I love the views but I also love that this can be a loop walk so you can descend in a different way and walk back to the visitor center through the bog walk. Plus, I just love Connemara!
Kayaking on Glengarriff Bay — County Cork • Ireland
There are lots of places to kayak in Europe.
And I’m embarrassed to say that I have only kayaked once in Europe despite that fact that I enjoy getting out on a lake or bay.
I wish I did this more often.
But the one time I did kayak was one of my favorite outdoor experiences in Europe.
Period.
Seriously.
Kayaking on Glengarriff Bay in County Cork has been one of my most memorable experiences.
If you go with a guide like I did (Outdoors Ireland) then you’ll get some information on myths and legends as well as on the natural landscape.
There were seals all around in the bay the day I went out.
I loved it!
What I love about this experience: This is such a unique way to see Ireland. Plus I just loved all the seals splashing about and popping their heads up to check us out!
Hiking Cow Hill — Fort William • Scotland
While in Fort William for a 2 month digital nomad, location indie stay, I got to know some of the local walks.
And Cow Hill is my favorite.
It’s easy to access as there are a few places to get to the trail.
Once on the trail you can do the circuit around it, walk up to the summit or both.
I loved hiking up to the summit as the views are fabulous.
Even on the lower part you’ll get superb views of Ben Nevis — that is if the weather cooperates.
But the summit gives you a 360 of Loch Linnhe, south toward Glencoe, Ben Nevis and north toward Mallaig.
*Sigh*
Walking Cow Hill is one of my favorite outdoor experiences in Europe that just warms my heart.
What I love about this experience: I love the views from the summit but also love seeing all the locals out walking, walking their dogs or even running it!
Walking the West Highland Way — Western Highlands • Scotland
There is no doubt about it that walking the 96 mile West Highland Way is one of the best outdoor experiences in Europe.
Period.
This is a classic long distance trail that takes you from just north of Glasgow up to Fort William.
The landscape is diverse with pasture land leading to walking along Loch Lomond then getting more into the moors and hills of the Scottish Highlands.
It’s one of my fondest travel memories for sure.
And it’s a long distance walk that is not too difficult or strenuous so it’s doable for a lot of people.
What I love about this experience: Meeting all the people along the way who are also walking the 96 miles.
Hiking Alpe di Siusi — Trentino-Alto Adige • Italy
One of my absolute favorite outdoor experiences in Europe is hiking in Alpe di Siusi.
Yes.
It is popular.
But it’s still one of the most beautiful places in Italy — even in all of Europe.
The hiking is easy to moderate with not too much being very difficult at all.
The wildflowers are amazing in summer.
And in autumn, the crowds go away and the colors turn to golds, reds and browns.
For any nature lover, this is THE best outdoors experience in Europe.
What I love about this experience: You can do a short hike or a long hike depending on how you feel. And even a short walk will give you amazing views. It’s really about the views in all directions!
Hiking in Fanes Senes Braies Dolomite Park — Trentino-Alto Adige • Italy
Fanes-Senes-Braies is one of the Dolomite Nature parks scattered about northern Italy.
I’m a huge fan of this park as there are some good hikes here that really get you into the mountains.
My favorite trails are the Pederu to Senes Hut trail and the Pederu to Fanes Hut trail.
Each has different scenery but each has stunning views.
If you have time — which you should — then be sure to do both.
The trails are a bit more challenging — but still well marked — than Alpe di Siusi so I advise being in good cardio conditioning.
What I love about this experience: The views of the different Dolomite peaks! Amazeballs!
Running through vineyards of Valpolicella — Veneto • Italy
If you’re a runner, then running while you are traveling is an excellent idea.
For me, I’m a big fan of running through the vineyards.
And I think my favorite wine region to run through is Valpolicella in the Veneto region of Italy.
Yes, Tuscany can be wonderful too.
But Valpolicella is my favorite.
There’s a fantastic area just outside the doors of Dimora del Buglioni.
It’s relatively flat unless you add running up into San Pietro in Cariano.
You’ll pass by so many beautiful vineyards and have views off to the mountains.
Running in the vineyards is definitely one of the most remarkable outdoor experiences in Europe.
What I love about this experience: Seeing the locals out tending to the vineyards is the best!
Swimming in the Adriatic Sea — Bozburun • Turkey
I always seem to find myself along the water in places like Ireland or Scotland where there is no damn way I’m getting in the frigid water.
However, Turkey is a different story.
Especially if you visit Turkey in the summer or early autumn.
I happened to be in Bozuburn staying at one of my favorite accommodations — Karia Bel’ Hotel — in July.
It was HOT!
So swimming in the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea was a no brainer.
What an awesome outdoor experience in Europe!
Seriously.
Swimming in the turquoise water is surreal.
The color of the water.
The warmth of the sun.
And the cool salty breeze.
Another *sigh* moment.
What I love about this experience: Swimming in the stunning turquoise-colored water that is one of my favorite colors. Seriously. What’s not to love?!
Walking the the First Trail – Grindelwald • Switzerland
Switzerland is loaded with spectacular outdoor experiences.
And even though my time was limited here, I want to add one thing to this list of amazing outdoor experiences in Europe.
This is the hike to First.
You take the cable car from Grindlewald up to the First cable car station then hike from there.
It’s not a very long walk to First Peak so really it’s easy for anyone to do.
And the views?
Stunning!!
You get to see the big peaks like the Eiger and the Wetterhorn.
It’s a superb introduction to the Swiss Alps.
What I love about this experience: Seeing all the magnificent Swiss Alps of my dreams!
Hiking Walk of Peace Trail — Kolovrat • Slovenia
Admittedly, I stumbled upon this wonderful outdoor experience in Europe.
I wanted to visit Kolovrat which is the ruins of WWI bunkers in Slovenia near the Italy border.
And lo and behold there was a trail.
So I took it.
It meandered up and down over grassy hills, the Julian Alps off in the distance.
Then I saw a sign that indicated it was actually the Peace Trail or Walk of Peace.
I was very excited to be hiking on it as I had heard of it and wanted to walk it.
This path is actually 230km and goes from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea.
And it’s in honor of all those who lost their lives in WWI.
The part I walked was quite beautiful — and not too difficult.
I’d love to do the entire trail.
What I love about this experience: The Walk of Peace trail, at least this part of it, was very different from other trails as you are walking on grassing hills and meadows. And there is such history!
Walking along the shores of Lake Bohinj — Bohinj • Slovenia
I love Lake Bohinj!
It’s an absolute stunner!!!
And one of the best outdoor experiences in Europe is just to walk along it.
This is an easy, anyone-can-do-it walk.
Walk on the north side away from the road.
It’s just a dirt trail.
You can tuck down to the lake here and there to sit and watch the world go by.
Or take a swim if it’s warm enough.
Take in the views of the peaks.
This is one of the most serene outdoor experiences in Europe for sure.
What I love about this experience: Definitely the serenity!
Running the trail between Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos — Mani Peninsula • Greece
I absolutely love this area of Greece.
Located in the Mani Peninsula of the greater Peloponnese Peninsula, Stoupa is a fabulous town with lots to offer the traveler.
Agios Nikolaos is a wee fishing village just a few kilometers south.
And between them is a concrete path that runs along the sea.
Yes, it’s as gorgeous as it sounds.
You can walk, bike or run this path.
I walked it all the way from Stoupa to Agios Nikolaos, had lunch and then walked back.
But I loved running it in the mornings.
The salty, sea air.
The warm sun.
*Sigh*
It’s not 100% an outdoor experience since it includes going through part of town.
But, I’m counting it since it’s mostly along the sea.
Oh, did I mention the mountains that back these towns?
Yup.
Best of both worlds — mountains and sea!
What I love about this experience: What I just said — mountains and sea!
Walking the Fife Coastal Path — St Andrews • Scotland
I have to admit I almost forgot this which is surprising as it’s so recent.
While I only walked a few miles along this long distance trail, it was fantastic!
The rocky shoreline and awesome views to the sea and back to St Andrews.
I really want to walk the entire trail.
But even walking a short section of the Fife Coastal path is one of the best outdoor experiences in Europe.
What I love about this experience: Being able to explore tidepools along the way and smell the salty air!
Beachcombing at Red Wharf Bay — Anglesey • Wales
This is the easiest of my favorite outdoor experiences in Europe.
Who doesn’t love to do a little beachcombing and maybe a bit of bird watching too.
Red Wharf Bay in Anglesey Wales is the perfect spot at low tide.
You’ll find shells, sea creatures and lots of birds.
This is a fun, relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors, especially the beach.
And this is the perfect outdoor experience in Europe for families with kids.
Even us big kids love it!
What I love about this experience: I’m a curious explorer so I love all the exploring. And photographing the birds!
There are my 15 favorite outdoor experiences in Europe
I have more, but as you might imagine, a lot of them do revolve around hiking / walking since that is my thing.
I’m hoping to add a few more activities to this list in the very near future.
I simply love being in the outdoors when I’m in Europe.
Sure, I love to peruse a good museum every now and again.
And I love wandering the narrow lanes of a small town.
However, there is so much natural beauty in Europe.
So, next time you go to Europe, get outdoors and experience all that Europe has to offer.
Please note that Wander Your Way is only recommending international travel to those who are vaccinated and feel comfortable doing so. While travel to Europe is getting easier, we are still not out of the woods with COVID.
If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.
I am continuing to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about places. And hopefully make that bucket list! This way when we can all fully travel again, you’ll be ready to go.
And if you are ready to go soon, please contact Lynne for any assistance you may need.
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