- Global searches for European hiking destinations have surged by 3,006% over the past year as travellers seek autumn and winter adventures.
- Italy’s Cinque Terre offers a network of scenic coastal trails connecting rail-accessible villages with fares starting from £8.
- Spain’s Caminito del Rey provides a thrilling cliffside hiking experience within the Gaitanes Gorge, accessible via a 51-minute train from Málaga.
- Both destinations allow travellers to enjoy memorable outdoor getaways easily via public transport without needing to hire a car
As autumn and winter bring cooler temperatures and quieter landscapes to Europe, modern travellers are increasingly looking beyond conventional city breaks and crowded beaches to embrace scenic hiking adventures. Recent data from travel booking platform Omio reveals that global searches for the best places to hike in Europe have surged by an extraordinary 3,006% over the past year. To help adventurers make the most of the cooler seasons without the hassle of hiring a car, Omio has highlighted two incredible, car-free hiking escapes in Italy and Spain that are easily accessible via direct rail gateways in under an hour.
In Italy, travellers can journey from Pisa to La Spezia, the gateway to the stunning coastal villages of Cinque Terre, in just 42 minutes by train, with one-way fares starting from £8. Cinque Terre offers a magnificent network of walking trails connecting picturesque villages like Monterosso, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore along the Ligurian Sea, allowing visitors to seamlessly blend outdoor exploration with local food, historic streets, and relaxing seaside views.
Meanwhile, Spain offers the dramatic cliffside walkways of Caminito del Rey within Andalusia’s Gaitanes Gorge. Accessible via a quick 51-minute train ride from Málaga to El Chorro with fares starting from just £4, this awe-inspiring route winds through narrow gorges and across suspension bridges high above the water, making it an ideal day trip for city break explorers. Whether planning an extended walking holiday across the rail-connected Italian coast or seeking a thrilling afternoon hike along Spain’s towering limestone cliffs, these destinations provide unforgettable, sustainable ways to experience Europe beyond the beaten path.