15 BEST HIKES IN EUROPE FOR APRIL.
April is a wonderful month to enjoy hiking in Europe, whether you’re looking for a long distance trail or a few days of trekking. But, you have to pick wisely to find the best hiking weather.
In the north, trails might still be snowbound. But head a little the the south and you’ll be rewarded with blooming landscapes, quiet paths, and spring sunshine.
This list brings together some of the best long-distance routes and hiking destinations in Europe to walk in April, many that we’ve tried tried and tested ourselves and a few on our “to do list.”
1/ Camino Portuguese Coastal Route (Portugal/Spain)
We’ve walked this route a couple of times, latterly in March. And, it was a little bit chilly!
April however, would be just about perfect, especially if you go later in the month.
Starting in Porto, the coastal route follows wooden boardwalks, sandy beaches, and fishing towns all the way to Santiago de Compostela. April brings fewer pilgrims than peak season, so it’s peaceful, but still sociable.
Expect Atlantic views, tiled towns, and plenty of grilled fish for dinner.
Find our full guide to the Portuguese Coastal Camino here.
2/ Camino Frances (Spain)
The classic Camino route. If you’re aiming to start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and walk all the way to Santiago, April is a popular time to begin.
The weather can be unpredictable in the Pyrenees early in the month – you may need to detour over the lower Valcarlos route – but by mid to late April, the trail settles into a rhythm.
This is a sociable walk with plenty of infrastructure, so you’re never too far from a bed or a hot meal.
See our full Camino Frances guide here.
3/ Fisherman’s Trail (Portugal)
Part of the Rota Vicentina, this coastal walk in southwestern Portugal is ideal for April. You’ll dodge the summer heat and still enjoy blue skies and crashing Atlantic waves.
The trail is sandy and rugged, with charming seaside villages like Zambujeira do Mar and Odeceixe en route. Perfect if you fancy mixing long beach walks with seafood lunches.
We’ve walked this route in January – and it was lovely even then. April would be even better.
Find our full guide to the Fisherman’s Trail here.
4/ Camino Mozárabe (Spain)
A less-travelled Camino route that begins in the south of Spain – either Almería or Malaga– and heads north to join the Via de la Plata. We picked the Almeria route – which includes walking through the fantastic cities of Granada and Cordoba.
In April, Andalucía is green, blooming, and (usually) warm without being overwhelming. The trail passes through olive groves, Moorish towns, and peaceful hills. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a quieter Camino with a dose of history and some steeper challenges.
You can find our guides to the Camino Mozarabe here.
5/ Via Francigena: Lucca to Rome (Italy)
The southern stretch of the Via Francigena is a beautiful spring walk. Start in Lucca or Siena and make your way to Rome over two to three weeks.
In April, the countryside is fresh and bright, wildflowers dot the fields, and you can enjoy walking through hill towns like Bolsena and Viterbo without the heat or crowds. You might get a few April showers, but the for the most part the weather should be pleasant.
Full route planning guide available here.
6/ Prosecco Trail (Italy)
A gentle hike through Italy’s bubbly region. The Prosecco Trail runs through vineyards between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in the Veneto region.
In April, the vines are budding and the countryside is quiet. You’ll pass wine estates, sleepy villages, and rolling hills. It’s more of a leisurely stroll than a trek – but there’s no shame in stopping for prosecco tastings en route.
A great option if you like your hiking with a touch of sparkle. And the route is only 55km, achievable in 3-4 days.
7/ Via di Francesco (Florence to Assisi or Assisi to Rome) (Italy)
This pilgrimage route traces the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi. You can walk the northern section from Florence to Assisi, or the southern section on to Rome. Or both!
It’s a mix of Tuscan and Umbrian landscapes, with peaceful woodlands and medieval towns. April is perfect for walking here – cool enough for the hills, warm enough for lunch outside.
It’s a spiritually and culturally rich walk that feels far from the beaten track.
8/ Path of the Gods: Bologna to Florence (Italy)
Not to be confused with the Amalfi trail of the same name, this “Path of the Gods” takes you through the Apennines between Bologna and Florence.
It’s a proper mountain hike – forests, ridges, and mountain huts – but manageable in April if the snow has cleared. The landscapes are still waking up for the season, and you’ll likely have the trail to yourself.
One for those who want elevation and solitude.
9/ Corfu Trail (Greece)
This 220km trail spans the length of Corfu, Greece’s greenest island. In April, you expect it to be lush, bright, and filled with wildflowers.
You’ll walk through olive groves, small mountain villages, and down to empty beaches. The sea may still be a little chilly, but it’s swimmable if you’re brave.
April is also before most tourists arrive, so it’s a peaceful time to explore the island.
You can find our guides to the Corfu Trail here.
10/ Malta and Gozo Coastal Trails
Malta and Gozo are ideal in April. Warm enough to swim, but not hot enough to make walking uncomfortable.
There’s a full loop you can walk around Gozo (around 50km), or you can pick shorter coastal stretches on Malta. The paths are easy to follow and reward you with sea views, quiet coves, and ancient ruins.
We walked here in February and found it charming – but April would be the sweet spot, as you could enjoy the ocean a little more than we were able to.
Find our guides to walking around Malta and Gozo here.
11/ Lycian Way (Turkey)
If you go early in April, the Lycian Way is a brilliant spring option. Later in the month, the temperatures start to rise quickly but it would still be walkable.
This coastal route winds along the Mediterranean, with mountains, Roman ruins, and endless sea views.
It’s well-marked and easy to tailor to your timeframe. The route also heads into the cooler mountains, so it’s a really diverse trail.
A good section to try is Fethiye to Kabak – remote, scenic, and a little wild. Find our guide to the highlights of the Lycian Way here.
12/ GR131 Trails: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera
The Canary Islands are one of the few places in Europe where you can guarantee good weather in April.
The GR131 trail runs across all the islands. You could do Tenerife, which takes you through lava fields and pine forests; Gran Canaria, with its volcanic craters and ridgelines; or La Gomera for laurel forests and deep ravines.
We loved our experience of walking the GR131 in February and had temperatures in the low 20s. You can expect a little more warmth in April.
Whether you plan to walk the entire route, or just pick one island, you can find our planning guide to the GR131 here.
13/ Dry Stone Trail (Mallorca)
Known as the GR221, the Dry Stone Trail follows old paths through the Tramuntana mountains on Mallorca’s northwest coast.
April is ideal – before the crowds and summer heat hit. You’ll get a mix of craggy cliffs, pine forests, and traditional villages.
There are plenty of refuges and guesthouses along the way, but be sure to book in advance. This route is popular.
14/ Magna Via Francigena (Sicily)
We’ve walked this one and would highly recommend it for shoulder seasons, like April and September.
The Magna Via cuts across Sicily from Palermo to Agrigento, offering rural landscapes, hill towns, and a strong dose of history.
In April, the countryside is green and alive with spring flowers. Expect a few steep climbs, but you’ll often have the trail to yourself.
Our full guide to this Sicilian pilgrimage route is here.
15/ Hiking Holidays in Madeira
Not a traditional long-distance trail, but Madeira is a hiker’s dream. You can base yourself in Funchal or one of the smaller towns and do day hikes along the levadas – old irrigation channels turned walking trails.
April is one of the best months to visit. The island is full of colour, the weather is spring-perfect, and the trails aren’t too busy.
Expect tropical greenery, waterfalls, and the occasional cloud forest.
You can find our guide to the best hikes in Madeira here.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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