More than 20 stunning destinations for family hikes in Europe

15.02.2023.

Spring is the ideal time to take your family to tranquil places and enjoy stunning views. Hiking develops a strong social attitude, something that connects the whole family. The active vacation like this can be very beneficial and help children to appreciate nature.

This collaboration post brings some amazing ideas of easy hikes. I would like to thank more than 20 bloggers and enrich your bucket list.

Calanques of Cassis- France, contributed by myself

Cassis is a wonderful town, about 16 km from Marseille. The marvelous collection of seaside canyons stretches all the way from Marseille to Cassis. Visiting the Calanques of Cassis is the most stunning choice, if you’re in Marseille.

Reaching the Port Pin takes about 1h from the central Cassis. It’s a gorgeous beach, where your kids will enjoy playing and relaxing.

On the way you’ll pass another calanque where boats enrich the area, Port Miou. Untill the Port Pin, path is mostly straight but rocky at times. The most stunning calanque D’En Vau requiers one more hour, but the hike is very challenging.

The beach Port Pin is pretty popular and even in winter filled with people. Several kayakers join the enchanting vibes of the cove.

Plenty of children follow the hike to Calanque d’En-Vau. The final destination is just breathtaking, but descending to the beach is the toughest.

The best time to take the hike is during the spring or autumn. Bringing water and snacks is necessary and winter can sometimes be very pleasant.  

Emerald Coast, Britanny- France, contributed by Veronika Primm from Travel Geekery

To experience Brittany’s legendary cliffs, you can engage in an easy hike along the Emerald Coast. The area is breathtaking. Imagine cliffs covered in fern and heather, plummeting down to the dark blues of the English Channel. 

You can start your hike at two handsome lighthouses – the taller one is officially the 5th strongest in France. The hike follows paths covered in sand and/or gravel, with the occasional wooden walkways taking you over marshes. The whole area is protected moorland and is home to large bird colonies. 

The easy path will lead you to a former fortress called Fort La Latte. Nowadays, it’s a private castle, but it’s open to visitors for a fee (€7.50 adults, €6.30 students, €5 kids under 5). The best part about Fort La Latte is the views from the main tower. Near Fort La Latte, there’s also a small rocky beach where you can take a little dip.

You’ll need to drive and can park at either end of the hike – either by Cap Fréhel or by Fort La Latte. There are perhaps a bit more amenities on the Fort La Latte side but no food options, so bring snacks! One way takes about 2 hours. 

Vintgar Gorge- Slovenia, contributed by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Perhaps one of the most stunning hikes in Europe, Vintgar Gorge in Slovenia is an incredibly easy hike, even for families traveling with young children. 

Located just a few kilometers outside Lake Bled, it is one of the most popular hiking trails in the country. You’ll need to purchase admission tickets in advance to hike the gorge.

The hiking trail takes you through an impressive ravine carved out by the Radovna River. The mostly flat hike takes place on a wooden boardwalk suspended over the river.

Children and adults will enjoy crossing the many bridges back and forth over the river. There are also multiple waterfalls to admire along your hike through the gorge.

After hiking the mile-long gorge, you can catch a taxi back to the parking lot or take the return trail. Although the return trail will add an extra 2 miles to your hike, it will likely be the highlight of the hike for kids. The return trail takes you through pastures of sheep and cows. There is also a fairly robust playground along this portion of the hike. This is a great place to take a break and let children play before continuing on to the parking lot. 

Moravian Hills- Czech Republic, contributed by Katerina from It’s All Trip To Me

Situated close to the Czech Republic’s borders with Slovakia, the South Moravian Hills are ideal for a family hike. You can get there on a day trip from Brno, the Czech Republic’s vibrant second-largest city. Called Moravian Tuscany for a reason, the area between the quaint villages of Sardice and Stavesice is dominated by rolling hills and colourful stripes of land lined with vineyards.

You can start your 5-kilometre hike from Sardice towards Stavesice or vice-versa. The hike is very family-friendly as it’s easy, without any steep inclines. It takes about an hour without stops to walk between the two villages. Halfway through the path, there is a fun observation deck to enjoy gorgeous views and a few benches with tables if you want to have a picnic.

Although you can get to Sardice or Stavesice by public transport from Brno, it’s not easy to find a direct bus. The best way to explore the area of Moravian Tuscany is to rent a car.

Monte Pellegrino- Sicily, contributed by Catrina from 24 Hours Layover

The hike up Monte Pellegrino in Palermo is one of Sicily’s best hikes for families. The impressive mountain is over 600 metres high and dominates Palermo’s skyline.The path up Monte Pellegrino is a well-marked, easy to follow cobblestone path. There are plenty switchbacks up the steep mountain, but the views of the city as you ascend are spectacular! Children will particularly love seeing the lizards along the hike sunbathing. You’ll also see some shrines as you walk up the path. This is because many Palermitani do this hike as a pilgrimage to honour Santa Rosalia. Santa Rosalia was the Patron Saint of Palermo who actually lived in a cave at the top of this mountain! Her cave was later turned into a shrine to honour her. When you reach the top make sure to visit the shrine.

The start of the Monte Pellegrino trail is by the Via Pietro Bonanno roundabout, up the Old Stairway (“Scala Vecchia”). If possible, time your hike for late afternoon so you can watch the sunset on top of Monte Pellegrino. This is the best place in Palermo to watch the sunset, the panoramas are incredible! You can then get the bus back down to Palermo.

Blue/Azure Trail in Cinque Terre- Italy, contributed by Deanne from Scenic and Savvy

The Blue Trail in Cinque Terre, Italy offers sweeping views of the rippling Mediterranean from high on lush hillsides. If your family likes to hike, this is one trail you must try.

The Cinque Terre is a string of five small fishing villages found along the northwestern coast of Italy. The Blue Trail is a scenic hiking trail that connects all 5 towns of the Cinque Terre.

The most popular section is from the northernmost town – Monterosso – to the next town – Vernazza. It’s 2.3 miles and takes between 1.5-2 hours to hike. The views from this part of the trail are mesmerizing and worth the effort of this moderately challenging trek.

From the trailhead in Monterosso the hike gains elevation rather quickly. Beginning with a lot of steep steps, this trail is best suited for families with older children. But don’t worry, the first part is the hardest. Then it levels off as you walk by vineyards, over a bridge, and high along the sea.

The best part of the hike is the view you get as you near the town of Vernazza. Hiking above the town, you can look down and see the colorful buildings in the distance. The teal water of the harbor glistens with a beach just waiting for you to enjoy.

Verzasca Valley- Switzerland, Contributed by Giorgy from

G-Extreme Travel

Verzasca Valley in Ticino, Switzerland is a stunning valley situated in the Swiss Italian part and a great place to go for families. This beautiful landscape offers some of the most breathtaking views you can find anywhere in Europe. The famous trail that people usually take when visiting is called Verzasca Trail, a 10km (6 mi) route that takes hikers through the valley.

The trail offers spectacular views of riverside towns, waterfalls, and lush green meadows as well as a few challenging climbs. It’s perfect for families since it boasts several easy sections which make it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels (there are games along the way). Additionally, there are plenty of places along the way to make stops and admire the stunning views.

Furthermore, visitors can also explore nearby towns such as Brione which offers an array of interesting sights like churches, old houses, and cobblestone streets. The area is very safe, so families can rest assured they will have a pleasant time while exploring the region.

Overall, Verzasca Valley is an amazing place to hike as a family and discover the true beauty of Switzerland. The breathtaking views, easy trails, and charming villages make it one of the best hikes for families in Europe.

Cave of Agios Dionysios- Greece, contributed by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

One of the best hikes for families in Europe is the hike to the Cave of Agios Dionysios.

The Cave of Agios Dionysios is located on Mt. Olympus in Greece. It’s the perfect hike for family members of all ages as it’s a simple path to follow, not too strenuous, and it allows you to explore a bit of Mt. Olympus’s grandeur. 

The best starting point for hiking to the Cave of Agios Dionysios is the Old Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysios. Park in the monastery parking lot and look for the trailhead close by. There’s the option to go left or right on the path. Go left to reach the Cave of Agios Dionysios. In about 30-45 minutes you’ll reach the cave, see the chapel of the Nativity of Christ and a holy water spring. This was built in 1942 by Saint Dionysios himself. Enjoy a moment of peace before hiking back to your car. 

Philosophenweg- Germany, contributed by Sharon from Dive Into Germany

One of the best hikes for families in Europe is the Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Walk) and around Heiligenberg (Holy Mountain). This is located in Heidelberg, Germany.

These hikes are easily accessible from the centre of Heidelberg. They allow you to have an enjoyable hike with great views over Heidelberg’s Old Town and famous castle. You are also able to explore ruins and Heidelberg’s beginnings as you go.
The hike starts on the Philosophenweg, a 2.41 kilometre beginner trail above the Neckar River. The only hard part is walking up the steep Schlangenweg (Snake Path) to get here from the Old Town.

This walk has its name because it was once the domain of university professors and philosophers who would walk here to get inspiration for their next poem or theory. Today, there are information boards, a small playground, pretty gardens and views.

We walked it with our three kids and they loved soaking it all in. Even better is taking the detour up to the hill to Heiligenberg. This is where Heidelberg first started. There are ruins from the Celts, Romans, Middle Ages and even the Nazis who built a huge amphitheatre here in 1935.

This walk is a little more challenging but also more fun. We walked around exploring the ruins. There’s also a beer garden up here so you can enjoy a drink and some lunch.

All in all, it’s an easy and fun place to hike for families.

Andorra, contributed by Kristin from Global Travel Escapades

For families looking to hike off the beaten path within Europe, consider doing the Rec del Sola trail in Andorra. This hike is perfect for families because it’s very easy, only a little over 3 miles long, and has practically no elevation gain or loss.

Along the trail, you can see the lush Pyrenees mountains and all the buildings that make up the capital city of Andorra. There are also plenty of benches if families want to make a couple of stops to rest or just admire the breathtaking views.

All in all, the Rec del Sola trail is one of the best hikes for families in Europe. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to explore the Pyrenees mountains while taking in all that Andorra has to offer. And for those interested in completing the trail, you can easily walk to the start of the trail from Andorra’s city center.

Cares Gorge- Spain, contributed by Megs from Packing Up The Pieces

One of the best hikes for families in Europe is the Cares Gorge hike, or the Ruta del Cares. This out and back trail is found in the incredible Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain. The Cares Gorge offers visitors a chance to appreciate the limestone peaks, walk through rock tunnels, and criss-cross over the Cares River. Families will love the curious goats that look-on from the hillsides.

The Cares Gorge hiking trail is mostly flat and connects the two villages of Poncebos and Caín de Valdeón. There are entrance points, parking spots, and a few accommodation options at both Poncebos and Cain de Valdeón, so it doesn’t matter which village you start from.

The Cares Gorge hike is 12 km each way and while the trail is not difficult, it’s important to note that there are no guardrails. The trail is wide, so make sure to stay on the trail at all times.

If planning on doing more hiking in the Picos de Europa, Poncebos Asturias is a great place to base to visit the remote village of Bulnes. Poncebos is also close to Las Arenas de Cabrales, which has an interactive cheese farm that is perfect for kids.

Don’t miss the most popular hike in the Picos de Europa, the Cares Gorge.

Camino de Santiago- Spain, contributed by Milijana from World Travel Connector

If you watched The Way movie by Emilio Estevez, you know what Camino de Santiago is. 

The Camino de Santiago in Spain is a famous hiking and pilgrimage trail. Actually, it is a net of routes. Each route leads to the tomb of St James the Apostle in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

 There are several popular Camino routes. Some are shorter, and some are longer. Some are easier to hike, and some are more challenging. Some routes take only several days, and some can take up to two months.

The 5-day-long Camino Inglese (the English Way) starts in Ferrol in Galicia. It is a 115 km long hiking trail from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela. The route got its name after pilgrims from England and Ireland who walked it in the Middle Ages. The Camino Inglese is the shortest Camino route. People who have only about five days for a vacation choose Camino Inglese. The Camino Inglese route goes across sandy beaches, serene farmland, forests, lovely towns, and picturesque villages to beautiful Santiago de Compostela. 

Hiking Camino de Santiago is a must-do in a lifetime. So, prepare your Camino de Santiago packing list, and hike the Camino with your loved ones. Unforgettable family moments await you!

Cahorros de Monachil- Spain, contributed by Linn Haglund from Andalucia Hiking

A fun hike for families is Cahorros de Monachil in Granada’s Sierra Nevada. The hike starts along the river before you need to cross multiple hanging bridges, the longest one being 63 meters long, hanging 15 meters above the river overlooking a stunning waterfall. Past this point, the real fun begins.

The ravine tightens in and there are sections to crawl under the rock wall and others where you must hold on to handrails. The path is only about a meter above the bottom of the ravine thus is not dangerous for kids that are used to adventure and hiking.

To get there, drive to Monachil right outside Granada, where you will find a big parking lot near the trailhead. Unless you go in the hot summer months, you will be well off wearing sturdy leggings for hiking so that you don’t get cold in the shade and that you still are agile enough to climb past the most “difficult” parts.

Montes de Málaga- Spain, contributed by Cristina from My Little World Of Traveling

One of the best day trips from Malaga is Parque Natural Montes de Málaga.

With so many beautiful plants, animals, and stunning views in the Malaga wilderness, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Whether you are hiking with little ones or inexperienced travellers, when it comes to Montes de Malaga, many families choose Molino del Viento (the Windmill Route).

This circular route is ideal for beginners because of its short distance (3 km) and relatively flat terrain.

To get to Molino del Viento, pass Fuente de la Reina and Venta de El León on your right.

After about one kilometre, you will come across an area that leads into Pico de El Viento.

Once you are on the path, take special note of all the sights and sounds on the trail. The Molino del Viento is known for its lush landscapes and fantastic fauna.

Be sure to have the little ones keep their eyes peeled for different bird species, such as bluejays and blue climbers.

Also, don’t forget to take in the scent of the honeysuckle trees nearby!

Achebucal-Spain, contributed by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Acebuchal is a small town located in the mountains of Andalucia, around 2-hours hiking from Frigiliana. The path is wide and there isn’t too much incline. Even though the hike is long, it’s suitable for families with kids. The distance is around 7 kilometres one way and you’ll have to make your way back after you reach the town.

Acebuchal is also called the lost village after it lay abandoned for almost 40 years. Family members of the former village residents rebuilt the village in the early 2000s. Now it has a stable community of people who live there permanently.

There are a handful of small hotels and a popular restaurant where you can get lunch and recharge after your hike. Make sure to try the home made bread and other local specialties which this town is known for. Just don’t forget about the hike back home.

Seven Hanging Valleys- Portugal, contributed by Alya from The Algarve Family

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a spectacular coastal route in the Algarve region of Portugal. It’s a great place for a family adventure. The trail is a 7-kilometre linear route that starts at Marinha Beach and finishes at Praia do Vale de los Centianes in Carvoeiro.

The route goes along the limestone cliffs offering breathtaking views of the coast. Hikers can stop for rest and swim at several sandy beaches with clear and calm water. Children will love exploring tunnels and caves carved by sea and wind in the limestone cliffs along the route.

On the trail hikers can see some of the highlights of the region such as Marinha Beach, Benagil Cave, Benagil Beach, and Praia do Carvalho. The trail is well-marked in both directions. It’s an easy route that can be completed in 2 hours. Driving is the easiest way of getting to the trail. There are free parking lots at the start and the end of the route. 

Slieve Donard- Northern Ireland, UK, contributed by Josh from A Backpacker’s World

Slieve Donard is the highest mountain in Northern Ireland, in the UK. Despite sounding extremely tall, it is only about 850m at its peak. Hiking to the top is a relatively easy hike, manageable by most people of any fitness level, and children that can walk for long distances. It’s common to see dogs being walked right to the summit, so it’s considerably easy to hike.

Some of the best waterfalls in Northern Ireland are found in the Mourne Mountains. As well as the beauty, Slieve Donard allows you to be the highest family in the whole of Northern Ireland. At the summit, there is a pile of boulders which can be climbed to add a few metres. Newcastle, County Down, the closest town also offers lots of family activities. From playing in the arcades or build a sandcastle on the beach, it makes a great trip if you are visiting Northern Ireland.

You can access Newcastle by public transport from Belfast, it is approximately 1 hour from the capital. Alternatively, you can drive and park at Donard Car Park, where the hiking trail begins. However you get there, you will have a great time hiking Donard with your family. 

Glendalough- County Wicklow, Ireland, contributed by Amber from Amber Everywhere

Located about an hour south of Dublin is the glacial lake of Glendalough, set in the Wicklow Mountains near a set of monastic ruins. This popular area is beloved by locals and visitors for its trails, stunning views, and historical significance. You’ll find picnic tables, a few food trucks, and restrooms at the base of the hike near the car park. 

The most popular hike in Glendalough is the Spinc Trail, which circles the lake and is about 6 miles (10km) in length. This hike is moderately difficult, so if you’re not sure that you’ll be able to finish the hike you’ll want to do the loop counterclockwise. Hiking counterclockwise offers the most gradual incline, so you can easily turn around if needed. 

After the hike, be sure to visit the nearby monastic ruins for a glimpse into Irish history, architecture, and funerary practices. You can easily visit Glendalough on a day trip from Dublin, especially if you rent a car. There is a fee for the car park at the base of the hike, so you’ll need some cash in order to use the lot.

Thor’s Cave- UK, contributed by Zoe Schafer from Zoe Goes Places

The hike to Thor’s Cave is a popular route with families living and visiting the central part of England. It’s a fun walk for all ages and even four-legged friends in the beautiful British countryside. 

Accessible only on foot, Thor’s Cave is a hillside opening in the rocks with splendid views. Inside, you can see unique rock formations and explore the tight crevices in the dark. However, the cave is not that big and is safe for even young children to explore with supervision. 

Take your pick from 2 short routes from the nearest village to reach Thor’s Cave. One that includes climbing steps in woodland and the other that passes through fields. Longer routes via the nearby Manifold valley are also an option if desired. 

Parking is available in nearby Wetton with a free car park and on-street parking. Here, you’ll also find facilities such as a toilet block, pub and tea rooms. 

Arthur’s Seat- Scotland, contributed by Taylor from Traverse With Taylor

One of the best hikes in Europe that is perfect for families happens to be smack dab in the middle of the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh! Regardless of where you’re staying in the city, hiking Arthur’s Seat on Calton Hill is nearby and will fit into your plans seamlessly!

Old Town Edinburgh is a maze of medieval buildings, closes, alleyways, and cobblestone streets that are an adventure for any traveler. The most popular road in Edinburgh, The Royal Mile, sits at the heart of Old Town. And, at the bottom of the Royal Mile is one of the best hikes in Europe!

Just behind the Palace of Holyroodhouse is Calton Hill, a giant hill that overlooks all of the city. It is most famous for being the site of Arthur’s Seat- supposedly the original location of King Arthur’s Camelot!

This hike is best paired with some stories of knights and castles, of course! Although some of the hike is uphill, it only takes about two hours in total to complete the journey. Plus, you barely have to travel at all to get here! It is smack dab in the center of Edinburgh, so it easily fits into any itinerary. 

Malham, UK, contributed by Sinead from Map Made Memories

The Malham Cove circular hike in the Yorkshire Dales in the U.K is perfect for families as it offers lots of variety within a relatively short walk. 

The 7 kilometres / 3-hour walk starts in the picture-perfect village of Malham, 1 ½ hour drive from the City of York. 

A short walk across sheep fields leads to a woodland carpeted with wild garlic which ends at pretty Janet’s Foss waterfall (perfect for a paddle on a hot day). 

A further ½ mile reaches Gordale Scar, a towering impressive gorge with a waterfall. You can continue to follow the wooden signs for Malham Cove or take a detour to Malham Tarn, one of only two freshwater lakes in the Yorkshire Dales. 

The trail eventually culminates at the top of Malham Cove, a natural 250-foot-high stone amphitheatre. The top of the cove is a limestone pavement riddled with holes and gaps which kids may recognise as Harry and Hermoine’s’ camping spot in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’. There are far reaching views across the Yorkshire Dales from the top of the cove. Descend the steep stone steps at the side of the cove to return to Malham.

Iceland Glacier Hike, contributed by Stephanie from The Unknown Enthusiast

Hiking the Vatnajokull glacier in Iceland (the biggest glacier in Europe) is one of the most epic hikes in Europe! Thankfully, though super cool and adventurous, it’s still easy enough that most kids can participate. To do this hike, you really need to go with a guide, as hiking on glaciers can be dangerous. Plus there aren’t actually marked trails to follow, so a guide takes you through the glacier to the most interesting spots.  

Glacier hikes generally last between 3-5 hours, and the longer you hike, the cooler ice formations you’ll see. As you hike on the ice, you’ll notice that the ice isn’t smooth, but it actually has a ton of craggles and folds in it. It also has a blue sheen to it – which is super interesting and beautiful. As you hike, you’ll pass by crevasses, some ice canyons, and little ice caves. 

If you do a longer hike, you’ll likely reach the ice fall, an impressively tall cliff of ice that towers up in front of you. Kids will love the novelty of climbing on ice and the unique ice formations they’ll see. Children do need to be at least 8 years old to do this hike, and their shoes need to fit into the crampons (generally EUR 34/US 3 shoe sizes).

Rekjadalur- Iceland, contributed by Jess from Uprooted Traveler

If you’re looking for a unique hike in Europe to do with your family, head to Reykjadalur Hot Springs, 45 minutes southeast of Reykjavik, Iceland.  The hike is approximately 5 miles roundtrip, with an elevation gain of 1100 feet along the way, which should be suitable for most hikers, regardless of their skill level.

Along this hike, you’ll hike into the impossibly green highlands of Iceland, passing rushing waterfalls and technicolor hot pots along the way. The kids will love that you’ll see dozens of weathered Icelandic sheep, dotting the hillsides, as you hike along. As you approach the endpoint of the trail, you’ll pass along sections of the pathway that are completely covered with steam (“Reykjadalur” literally means steam valley!), which feels almost mystical.

Eventually, you’ll reach Reykjadalur Hot Springs, a thermal river where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery around you. Kids will enjoy splashing in the river, while the adults can simply sit back and take in the landscape of the Land of Fire and Ice!

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