THE BEST PLACES IN EUROPE TO HIKE IN SEPTEMBER.
There’s something satisfying about hiking in September. Catching the last of the summer weather, but travelling once the crowds are long gone.
Call me selfish, but I’m currently researching our next hiking trip for later this year. We hope to take on a new long-distance hiking trail in September. And, I figured that I may as well share my research.
This list includes a few hikes that we know and love, and a couple that we want to try.
If you’re planning a walking holiday in Europe this autumn, here are some of the best long-distance routes and hiking destinations to consider.
1/ Via Francigena in Tuscany and Lazio (Italy)
We walked the Via Francigena in Tuscnay and Lazio in March. But, I think the ideal time to do it would be September.
The vineyards will be heavy with grapes awaiting harvest, the heat is dialled back just enough, and the light in the late afternoon would be lovely for walking.
The Via Francigena trail takes you through classic hilltop towns like San Gimignano and Siena, then south into Lazio where the landscape becomes more rugged and volcanic. You can start in Lucca or Siena and walk all the way to Rome if you have a few weeks, or just pick a shorter section.
The trail is well-marked and there’s a good mix of rural tracks and historical towns.
Find our full guides to walking the Via Francigena here.
2/ GR20 in Corsica (France)
This is one for experienced hikers. And a route we haven’t yet tackled.
The GR20 is often called one of Europe’s toughest long-distance trails, and September is one of the best months to try it. The weather is more stable than in the peak summer months and it’s less busy too.
The northern section is particularly demanding, with steep ascents and rocky ridgelines, but the views are worth the effort. You’ll need to plan ahead for accommodation at the mountain refuges – many stay open until mid-September.
Find out more about the route here.
3/ South West Coast Path (England)
The South West Coast Path winds its way along 630 miles of England’s most dramatic coastline. September is a brilliant month to tackle a section of it. The summer crowds have mostly gone, and the sea may still be warm enough for a dip (if you’re brave.)
Popular sections include St Ives to Penzance in Cornwall or the stretch between Lyme Regis and Weymouth in Dorset. Expect rolling clifftop paths, fishing villages, and the odd cream tea if you time it right.
4/ Rheinsteig (Germany)
If vineyards, castles, and river views sound appealing, the Rheinsteig in western Germany might be your ideal September walk.
This trail follows the bank of the Rhine between Wiesbaden and Bonn. The walking is tough in places with a few steep climbs that reward you with panoramic views.
September is grape harvest season, so you’ll find plenty of wine festivals in the small towns you pass through. It’s well signposted and easy to access by train, which makes logistics simple.
We walked in August, which whilst beautiful, was a little warm. So I think September would be “peak.”
Find our full guide to walking the Rheinsteig trail here.
5/ Le Puy Camino, France (Conques to Cahors)
We have walked many Camino de Santiago routes in Portugal, Spain and even England, but have yet to try any of the routes in France.
We’ve got our eye on Le Puy Camino, specifically the section from Conques to Cahors. This 160km stretch includes rolling countryside, limestone plateaus, and riverside towns.
In September, expect mild temperatures around 20–24°C and quieter trails. It’s a scenic, well-marked route with plenty of historic charm — ideal for a week of steady walking with good food and rural views.
6/ Peloponnese Trail/ Menalon Trail (Greece)
We’ve been pondering walking in Greece for some time. And one specific trail we are considering is the Peloponnese Trail.
75km through mountains, gorges, and traditional villages in southern Greece. The weather in September is ideal – still sunny and dry, but cooler than in midsummer.
It’s a great option if you want something a little off the beaten track. And would suit adventurous hikers.
Full details can be found here.
7/ Fisherman’s Trail (Portugal)
Running along Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast, the Fisherman’s Trail is part of the Rota Vicentina network.
The scenery is rugged – cliffs, crashing waves, and quiet beaches. September would be perfect: warm but not baking. You can hike from village to village with plenty of seafood on offer at the end of each day.
We walked this route in January, and whilst we enjoyed the winter walking, I can imagine being able to swim in the sea every day would make it even more enjoyable.
For full details on the Fisherman’s Trail, you can find our guide here.
8/ Magna Via Francigena (Sicily)
If you like your hiking with a dose of history and a few climbs thrown in, the Magna Via Francigena in Sicily is a great pick. T
he route cuts across the island from Palermo to Agrigento, fully inland. In September, temperatures begin to cool slightly – although you’ll still need to start early to avoid the midday sun. The trail takes you through remote towns and open countryside. It’s not busy, so expect quiet paths and a very local feel in the villages.
We walked this route in September and it was ideal weather. Plus, we virtually had the trail to ourselves.
Find the full route information and guidance to things like accommodation and packing here.
9/ Lycian Way (Turkey)
Stretching along the southern coast of Turkey, the Lycian Way is a coastal route that also weaves inland through pine forests and ancient ruins.
September is one of the best times to walk here. The weather is warm but manageable, and the sea is still inviting if you want to swim after a hot day on the trail.
Popular sections include Fethiye to Patara or the stretch near Olympus, where you’ll find Roman ruins tucked into the hillsides. You can find our guide to the highlights of the Lycian Way here.
10/ Camino Portuguese (Portugal and Spain)
For a more sociable hike, the Camino Portuguese is a great option. You can choose between the inland route or the scenic coastal path.
Both are well-marked and have plenty of places to stay. In September, you’ll still find fellow walkers but without too much of the summer rush. The route finishes in Santiago de Compostela, so you’ll get that satisfying pilgrim arrival moment – and probably a few glasses of vinho verde along the way.
Find all of our Camino de Santiago resources here.
11/ Prosecco Trail, Italy (Valdobbiadene to Conegliano)
The Prosecco Trail winds through the rolling vineyards and charming hill towns of Italy’s Veneto region, between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano. In September, temperatures generally sit between 20 and 25°C, perfect for strolling among the grapevines during harvest season.
The route is a mix of quiet country roads, forest paths, and village streets, with plenty of opportunities to stop for local prosecco tastings and regional food. Definitely one we are adding to our list!
12/ Gozo Coastal Trail (Malta)
Gozo, Malta’s smaller and quieter sister island, has a coastal trail that loops around its entire shoreline — roughly 50km in total. It’s not an official long-distance trail, but it’s easy to follow.
September is a great time to walk here: the sea’s still warm if you fancy a dip, but the summer heat is starting to ease off, making it much more comfortable to hike.
We walked this trail in February and whilst it was enjoyable, it would have been enhanced by slightly warmer temperatures.
Find our full guides to hiking in Gozo and Malta here.
13/ Hiking Holidays in Madeira or the Azores
If you’re not up for a long-distance trail but still want a week of scenic walking, Madeira or the Azores are brilliant options.
Madeira has a well-developed network of levada walks – old irrigation channels that cut across lush green hillsides. The island is small, so you can base yourself in one place and explore different routes each day.
Whilst, the Azores are a bit more rugged and wild. São Miguel and Pico are especially good for hiking, with volcanic craters, crater lakes, and forest trails.
Not sure which to choose? You can find a comparison between the Azores and Madeira here.
Ready for more long-distance hiking trails?
You can find our guide to the 22 best long distance hiking trails in Europe here.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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