There’s no better way to explore a foreign country than on foot. Backpacking on trails in a place like Italy or Spain takes you away from the tourists and into remote forests and small towns. The hustle and bustle of Rome is great, but so is staying in a tiny village in the Roman countryside.
That’s why we gathered up these seven terrific thru-hikes outside the U.S. Whether you crave ocean views or rugged alpine traverses, there’s a trail for you out there. Not everyone loves roughing it, and so some of these trails offer affordable accommodations that are a major step up from a tent.
Find your next bucket-list backpacking vacation below.
If You Want Something Remote: The Ignatian Way, Spain
Spain’s Camino de Santiago might be the most famous European thru-hike, and it’s got the crowds to prove it — over half a million people finished it last year.
If you’d like to explore the majesty of the Spanish countryside in a more peaceful, contemplative atmosphere, embark on the Ignatian Way instead. This 340-mile hike follows the life of St. Ignatius, one of the most important religious figures of the 16th century. You’ll walk from his birthplace, Azpeitia, to Manresa, where he wrote his most famous work.
This trail goes through the Basque region, Navarre, Aragon, and Catalonia, so pilgrims will get a true taste of what makes each region unique. Montserrat, a remote mountainous area with striking rock formations, is a major highlight. You’ll stay in refugios and albergues, simple and affordable accommodations specifically for pilgrims.
If You’re a History Buff: The Borders Abbeys Way, Scotland
One of the great things about thru-hikes in Europe is the opportunity to visit and experience local life and historic sites. If that’s your vibe, Borders Abbeys Way in Scotland is a perfect fit. The 68-mile trail passes by multiple charming small villages and the ruins of spectacular abbeys.
Most people take around a week to finish the hike.
It’s possible to both disperse camp and stay in local B&Bs along the way, so you can rough it or relax in luxury. And conveniently, it’s possible to get to and from the hike by train and bus. The best times to go are in May for sunny days or September for fall foliage. Crowds and midges (annoying swarms of bugs) plague the area in the summer.
If You Want to Stay in Huts: The Sunshine Coast Trail, Canada
If sleeping in a tent just isn’t your cup of tea, but you still love the wilderness, Canada’s Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) might be for you. The 111-mile trail has 14 free huts to stay in, making it the world’s longest hut-to-hut trail.
Spanning from Land’s End to Fairview Bay in British Columbia, the trail is never far from the water, passing by the Salish Sea, Powell Lake, Haslam Lake, Lois Lake, and Jervis Inlet.
The best times of year to go are late May and early June or September/early October for drier conditions and fewer bugs. The weather here can be unpredictable, so be sure to bring good rain gear.
There are over 20,000 feet of elevation change on the SCT, necessitating good fitness, substantial backpacking experience, and reliable trekking poles.
If You’re a Foodie: The Way of St. Francis, Italy
I’ve never eaten so well for so cheaply on a thru-hike as I did when I walked the Way of St. Francis from Florence to Rome. The Cammino di San Benedetto, or Way of St. Benedict, in Italy, similarly feeds the body just as well as it does the soul. The 186-mile trail passes through two distinct regions of Italy — Umbria and Lazio — each with its own culinary traditions.
The hike follows the life of St. Benedict, an early Christian figure who founded one of the first monastic orders. Italy can be crowded with tourists, but this trail passes through small towns and quaint villages on dirt roads and remote paths. Lazio can reach triple-digit temperatures in the summer, so spring is your best bet for this trail.
If You Love the Ocean: Great Ocean Walk, Australia
As much as I enjoy the beach, I’ve never been one to spend a vacation just lounging in a cabana. For those who also love the ocean but need to keep moving, there’s Australia’s Great Ocean Walk.
The entire 68-mile hike takes place along stunning sandy beaches. You’ll pass through two of the country’s national parks (Great Otway and Port Campbell), and end at the world-famous Twelve Apostles beach, with its towering, striped cliffs.
This hike is also a great opportunity to see the country’s most famous, and arguably cutest, critter: the koala. Other wildlife viewing opportunities include spotting humpback whales off the coast.
There are seven dedicated campsites along the trail that you must book in advance. The trail starts 125 miles from the Melbourne airport and is easily accessible by bus. Australia’s summer is North America’s winter, making it a great escape during cold winter months.
If You’re a Wannabe Alpinist: Villarrica Traverse, Chile
No place in South America looms quite as large in outdoor enthusiasts’ minds as Patagonia. If you love the mountains, but aren’t quite ready to grab your ice axe and rope, the Villarrica Traverse in Chile’s Villarrica National Park is the perfect fit.
The rugged 50-mile trail passes by multiple volcanoes and a series of alpine lakes, with an elevation change totaling around 10,000 feet. Wildlife you might spot includes kodkod (a small wild cat), Andean fox, culpeos (a small wolf), gray foxes, red foxes, pudus (small deer), mountain monkeys, and a whole host of birds.
This is real-deal roughing it, with zero services on the trail and only backcountry campsites. Water access can be tricky, so be sure to carry at least 4 L at all times. Late December to March is the best time to go.
If You Want Something Short: The Lough Derg Way, Ireland
If you’re going all the way to Ireland, you probably want to do some sightseeing and explore cities, along with hiking in the countryside. The Lough Derg Way is short, easy, and close enough to tack onto a trip to Galway or Dublin. Most people complete the 42-mile hike in 3 or 4 days. With just 1,800 feet of elevation change, it’s a good choice for novices.
While it’s short, this trail still offers full-value fun. It passes through historic hamlets like Clonlara and Killaloe, and most of the trail runs alongside canals or rivers, offering a near-constant scenic backdrop.
