10 HIKING ROUTES IN EUROPE FOR DECEMBER: CHASING THE SUN.
Late last December, we set out to walk the Fisherman’s Trail. A long distance hiking trail that wraps around the very south western point of Portugal and takes in the best of the Algarve. Not a day went by when we didn’t pinch ourselves, feeling so lucky that we could walk in winter in Europe and still enjoy a bit of sun.
The truth is, winter doesn’t have to mean packing away your boots. In fact, December can be one of the most rewarding times of year to hit the trail — if you know where to go. While much of Europe hunkers down under grey skies and drizzle, there are still pockets of sunshine and mild weather that are perfect for long walks and coastal rambles.
Here are some of the best hiking routes and destinations in Europe for a December adventure. Many of which we have walked, and a few others are on our (ever-growing) bucket list.
Camino Mozarabe (Spain)
Beginning in Andalucía — from cities like Málaga, Almería, or Granada — the Camino Mozárabe winds its way north to join the Via de la Plata. Daytime highs in December hover between 15 and 20°C, making it one of the best cooler-season Caminos to walk.
Expect bright, dry days, quiet trails, and a gentle rhythm of rural villages and olive groves. Just be sure to plan ahead as not all albergues will be open year round.
We walked this route in March and whilst we had some wonderful days of sunny weather, we also had copious amounts of rain. So, it’s best to check the forecast just before you go so you can adapt your layers. Even southern Spain can get inclement.
You can find our guides to walking the Camino Mozarabe here.
Fisherman’s Trail (Portugal)
Following Portugal’s southwest coast from São Torpes to Lagos, the Fisherman’s Trail is all sea cliffs, hidden coves, and the sound of Atlantic surf. It’s part of the Rota Vicentina and December sees temperatures between 16 and 18°C. It’s breezy, sometimes damp, but still beautiful — especially with the low winter light casting golden hues across the ocean. A good windproof layer is essential.
GR131 (Fuerteventura)
The Canary Islands are arguably Europe’s most reliable winter sun destination for hikers. Daytime highs range from 18 to 22°C in December and each island offers something slightly different.
The GR131 is a long-distance hiking trail that winds through seven of the nine islands in the Canaries. Tenerife offers pine forests and volcanic landscapes whilst Gran Canaria’s route has alpine forests and sweeping views.
That said, if I were walking the GR131 in December and had to choose one island, I’d plump for Fuerteventura. The route stays at lower altitudes than the others and enjoys more coastal scenery. I think the weather is likely to be much more pleasant on this route, plus you avoid any mountain trekking.
You can find our full guide to the GR131 in Fuerteventura here.
GR132 (La Gomera)
Another gem in the Canary Islands, La Gomera offers a completely different experience from its larger neighbours. The GR132 is a circular trail that loops around the island, covering around 120km. It’s more rugged and remote than the GR131 on Fuerteventura, with steep ascents and descents through laurel forests, ravines, and dramatic coastline.
In December, daytime temperatures typically sit around 20°C, and while you may encounter cloud or drizzle in the higher altitudes, the views and the solitude more than make up for it. The island is compact and well-served by buses, making it easier to base yourself in one location and tackle the trail in sections if you prefer.
Find out more about the GR131 and GR132 routes in La Gomera here.
Cami de Cavalls (Menorca)
Circling the entire island, the Cami de Cavalls stretches for 185km and traces the wild coastline of Menorca. It’s walkable year-round, and in December, with temperatures between 14 and 17°C, you’ll likely have it almost to yourself.
Some parts can be windswept, but the sense of isolation only adds to the appeal. Services are limited in low season, so it’s best for self-sufficient walkers willing to use public transport or get a little creative with the daily stages.
Find out more about this route here.
Madeira
With a subtropical climate and average highs of 16 to 20°C in December, Madeira is lush, dramatic, and perfect for day hiking.
The island’s network of levadas (irrigation channels turned hiking paths) makes for easy-to-follow routes that wind through cloud forests, valleys, and ridges.
Walks like Levada do Caldeirão Verde or Levada das 25 Fontes are great starting points — and you can link several together to build your own multi-day itinerary.
You can find our guide to the best hikes in Madeira here.
The Azores
The Azores can be wet and unpredictable in December, but if you’re lucky with the weather, the rewards are immense.
Think misty calderas, emerald green valleys, and island solitude. Temperatures tend to sit between 14 and 18°C. It’s a good spot for spontaneous day hikes rather than committing to a full route — so come prepared, but flexible.
You can find our detailed two week itinerary for the Azores here. It includes a number of day hikes.
Corfu Trail (Greece)
This long-distance path stretches from the southern tip of Corfu all the way to its northern cape, covering roughly 180km. The Corfu Trail winds through olive groves, quiet mountain villages, and along the island’s rugged coastline.
Although most people walk it in spring or autumn, December can be surprisingly pleasant — with temperatures ranging from 14 to 17°C and a good chance of sunny days.
Some accommodations may be closed in winter, especially in smaller villages, so it’s best to plan ahead and check availability. If you want coastal walking with a touch of Ionian charm and very few other hikers, the Corfu Trail in December is a great pick.
Aphrodite Trail (Cyprus)
Cyprus remains warm and bright in December, with coastal highs between 17 and 20°C. The Aphrodite Trail in the Akamas Peninsula is a scenic 7.5km loop, but it’s easy to build a longer hiking holiday by combining several routes.
You can also venture into the Troodos Mountains — though be prepared for cooler temperatures and the odd snow flurry at altitude.
Malta & Gozo
Malta and its smaller neighbour Gozo offer an appealing mix of sea views, archaeological sites, and manageable walking distances.
It is possible to circumnavigate both islands on walking trails. The 3 day trail around Gozo is more established, whilst the route around Malta requires a little more thought.
December temperatures range from 15 to 18°C. Of course, there is always risk of rain and cooler days. It may be best to approach the coastal hikes as a series of enjoyable day hikes — and be ready to adjust plans depending on the conditions.
Find our full guides and maps for the Malta and Gozo coastal trails here.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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