Nothing compares to the feeling of escaping into nature and finding mental clarity in the peacefulness of the wilderness. However, embarking on a multi-day hiking trail benefits not only our souls; it can also assist us in establishing deeper connections with new countries and cultures.
Of course, snow-covered mountains, secluded retreats in the hinterland, and thick rainforests all offer a pristine setting—just the sort we require for the soul-searching that we so often seek on our journeys. However, the best multi-day hiking destinations for me provide an additional opportunity: to comprehend a country through its landscapes, fauna and flora, and above all, the local communities we encounter along the journey.
A plethora of articles exist that encapsulate the most renowned routes across countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and the USA. Rather, I wish to draw attention to fourteen additional ‘offbeat’ multi-day trails. I have completed some of these trails, while I have only experienced a day or a few sections of others.
Lycian Way in Turkey
Turkey offers a wealth of adventure holidays, from trekking in the Taurus Mountains to exploring Cappadocia’s towering natural stone chimneys and cycling along coastal roads. However, the Lycian Way is arguably the finest coastal multi-day trail in the country. This country’s best features come together in one modest hike along the route: beaches lapped by turquoise waters, age-old archaeological sites, and sun-drenched Mediterranean scrub.
To finish everything, you will require at least one extra month to deal with the 540 km route. Fortunately, it can be easily divided into sections. In just one week, you can hike a portion of either the eastern or western route and fall deeply in love with it, as sensational shorelines, historic monuments, and excellent cuisine are guaranteed.
As the trail is dotted with towns and villages, there are numerous guest houses and places to stay, allowing you to forgo the need to carry a full camping setup. A one-week journey along the east route from Antalya to Kemer, passing through the legendary city of Olympos, pine woods, and hidden coves, may be the finest part of a brief holiday. This route avoids the steepest ascent to Mount Tahtali by using a cable car. Press on, and you’ll be amazed by the ancient cities and archaeological sites of Xanthos and Patara, which were once inhabited by the Anatolians and later the Romans.
Old Trails Danlan, Taiwan
Taiwan has no shortage of mountains. Actually, it has several hundred peaks that exceed 3000 meters in elevation. For an island that fits in your pocket, it’s not bad. Should you be in the mood for it, two interior trails take on either 100 of the larger or smaller peaks. Would you prefer a more relaxed introduction that keeps close to Taipei, the capital? Organize your journey along the Tamsui-Kavalan Tracks, which are also referred to as the Danlan Old Trails.
This collection of tracks, walked over many years, offers several distinct routes at almost every section, rather than consisting of a single route. As they depart from the cosmopolitan city of Taipei, they make their way toward the northeastern mountains, passing through quaint villages such as Jiufen – the model for the animated movie Spirited Away – before veering south into Yilan County, a beautifully verdant area characterized by its volcanic coastline, tea plantations, and abundant rice paddies. Yilan boasts an abundance of hot springs, so much so that almost every hotel bath is supplied with revitalizing thermal waters. Yes, this route is ideal for combining walking with wellness.
In order to complete the entire journey, you will need at least 7 days and to cover a minimum of 165 km. This can vary significantly based on the routes and trails you choose to combine, since some cultural or coastal detours are more time-consuming. It is easy to divide this journey into various segments and opt for comfortable hotel accommodations. With Taiwan’s exceptional public transport, you can easily skip sections of your journey, and luggage forwarding options can help ease your burden.
The Lares Trek in the Sacred Valley of Peru
Peru has established itself as a legendary multi-day hiking destination, with the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu being its most remarkable highlight. However, in and around the Sacred Valley, there are many more options that don’t involve arranging permits and applications months (or even a year) ahead of time.
My choice for a multi-day hiking trail was the Lares Trek, as I am (very) disorganized and unable to plan that far in advance. This is a 33-kilometre moderate linear trail at high altitude that takes two to three days to complete. It passes ancient ruins, stunning lakes, and a magnificent valley descent. Camping under the stars in the Andes was a dream come true, and meeting some local villagers along the way enriched the memories.
However, if you would rather explore this historic area of Peru without porters and the discomfort of cold nights in temporary lodgings, that option is also readily available. Travel Differently provides a selection of custom luxury tours in Peru that include lodge accommodations instead of tents, as well as unique experiences in the Sacred Valley—all while maintaining comfort.
Portugal: Fisherman’s Trail (Rota Vicentina)
While the Algarve, located in southern Portugal, is typically recognized for its beach resorts and cliff-lined beaches, the Alentejo region adjacent to it is renowned for its wine production. However, the Fisherman’s Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores) — one of Portugal’s two multi-day hiking routes that make up the Rota Vicentina — highlights a different, more tranquil aspect of the country as it follows the windswept rugged beaches, bays, and low hills of the west coast.
This linear trail, which spans 226 kilometers and begins near Lagos in the Algarve and concludes in São Torpes in the Alentejo, traverses the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina—a pristine and safeguarded region of sands, Atlantic waves, scrublands, and secluded villages. The entire process will take about 13 days, but it’s convenient to enter and exit sections as you please or utilize luggage transfer services if you prefer to hike without carrying your bags.
This track is relatively moderate compared to other multi-day hiking destinations, and there are many beautiful rural farm-style accommodations and local experiences to enjoy along the way. During spring in the Algarve, when wildflowers adorn some of the trails, exploring this region is one of the finest activities. You will surely encounter a different aspect of Portugal—a gentler, more relaxed time capsule reflecting the nation’s history before mass tourism.
The Pouakai Circuit in New Zealand
As one would expect from a country where nature dominates, New Zealand has become one of the premier multi-day hiking destinations. A variety of routes await your selection across the two primary islands of Aotearoa, with well-known paths like the Routeburn and Milford Track experiencing significant traffic during peak months.
One of my cherished memories of the country, however, originates from the Taranaki region, where I circumnavigated the mountain that shares its name and is located within Egmont National Park. At that time, it was truly one of New Zealand’s hidden treasures, as this area attracted only a small number of international tourists, but the mountain’s grand beauty has begun to gain recognition.
Mount Taranaki, with its nearly perfect conical shape, was used as a stand-in for Mount Fuji in the film ‘The Last Samurai’. One of the highlights of the 25-kilometre (two to three days) circular route is witnessing — if the wind cooperates — a near-perfect reflection in the tarns. DOC Mountain huts provide a cozy environment for both resting and ticketing work, and if fortune smiles upon you as it did on me, the trails will see few others.
Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit
Although reaching the top of Mount Everest in Nepal may be the ultimate aim for extreme mountain climbers, a trekking adventure in Nepal can encompass much more than just the world’s highest peak. It is not necessarily the best way to learn about this Himalayan nation by reaching new heights. To achieve that, it is advisable to blend the breathtaking landscapes and cinematic views with cultural experiences, allowing for a deeper acquaintance with Nepal.
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the finest multi-day hiking trails, featuring a high-altitude linear trek that spans 160 to 230 kilometers and takes 12 to 21 days to complete, depending on the route you select.
Indeed, crossing the Thorong La pass at an altitude of 5416 metres will take you to some heights, but it will also afford you the opportunity to encounter numerous locals and learn about Nepalese traditions as you navigate around the magnificent Mount Annapurna. Teahouses operated by families offer places to rest during the journey, providing not only hot beverages but also meals and lodging. Additionally, sacred locations like the Muktinath Temple provide glimpses into local customs and communities. Moreover, because of the significant elevation gain along the trail, you will have the opportunity to take in a range of landscapes, from snow-covered mountains to lush lowlands.
Morocco’s Toubkal Circle
The Atlas Mountains, a sprawling network of ranges spanning Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, can be considered one of Morocco’s premier multi-day hiking spots. They offer a genuine adventure playground with a plethora of diverse landscapes waiting to be discovered once you’ve laced up your hiking boots.
The Circle of Toubkal in the High Atlas provides an excellent introduction for those looking to explore the region at a moderate yet still high altitude. This multi-day hiking trail can be completed in about four to six days, making it perfect for a one-week vacation.
Beginning and concluding in the village of Imlil, the circular route spans approximately 60 kilometers. This trail is especially remarkable due to the wide variety of landscapes it offers: you’ll encounter not only dry, dusty scenes but also verdant valleys and glistening lakes, all with the impressive Jebel Toubkal towering at 4167 metres as a focal point – and indeed, there is an option to take a detour to reach its summit. Just keep in mind that a strong earthquake hit the area in September 2023. As the resilient local communities rebuild, certain sections of the trail and some villages might still be undergoing repairs into 2025. If you want to back essential fieldwork, I strongly suggest contributing to the High Atlas Foundation, a fantastic charity I spent some time with during my trip.
The Baltic Coastal Trail across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
During the summer of last year, I was fortunate enough to spend eight wonderful weeks discovering the three Baltic States: Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. This trio of nations blew me away with their laid-back and nature-focused approach.
If you intend to take on the entire Baltic Coastal Trail, it would be necessary to dedicate approximately the same amount of time here, as this trail spans about 1420 kilometers – with the inland forest version being even longer.
Nevertheless, the three aforementioned multi-day hiking destinations are perfect for segmenting, allowing you to experience portions of each country’s trails. It generally follows the shoreline, with occasional deviations into a pine forest or away from the protected dunes. I chose to traverse a three-day route from Lithuania into Latvia, featuring a tranquil stretch of soft sands, vibrant pebbles, and untouched beaches—complete with camping at the historic wooden village of Pape.
The Lake Loop of the Fann Mountains, Tajikistan
Expert hikers and knowledgeable trail seekers have long praised Central Asia’s hiking scene, especially those who are willing to venture out solo. However, this situation has evolved over the past few years, as several new multi-day hiking trails and support systems have been established in these stunning countries.
Tajikistan was one of the most remarkable multi-day hiking destinations I’ve found in recent years. I can honestly say that I didn’t know much about the country when my friend Nicole asked me to accompany her on a return trip, but after two weeks of touring the country with her and our tents, I can’t stop singing its praises.
One of the most enchanting hiking trails we experienced was the ‘Fann Mountains Lake Loop’. Its length varies based on how many of the seven lakes you visit and whether you choose a linear or circular route. It usually takes most people three to five days to cover 30-50 kilometres, which involves crossing a couple of passes. The gravel terrain and uphill slogs can be exhausting, but all is forgiven as you look down on the glistening lakes and set up camp in one of the most beautiful and remote destinations with hardly anyone else around.
Via Dinarica, BiH
For almost ten years, I’ve been singing the praises of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and after several trips to the country, I remain convinced it is among the most beautiful places on Earth—some of its lakes look so stunning they could be photoshopped. Fortunately, an increasing number of people are recognizing the uniqueness of this Balkan nation, leading to a considerable influx of support and investment aimed at developing new tourism products, attractions, and trails.
However, the Via Dinarica is not limited to Bosnia & Herzegovina; it connects Albania in the south to Slovenia in the north, with the ‘White Route’ covering approximately 1260 kilometers. It’s easy to plan to do a section at a time, even though only a few people can take on these multi-day hiking trails in one go.
The route, anchored to the limestone karst range of the Dinaric Alps, offers several options – the White Trail is finished, while others are still in development – typically featuring accommodation in mountain huts where you will experience the renowned local hospitality. On your way, you can take breaks and make detours to some of the finest spots in Bosnia & Herzegovina, including Lukomir—an outlying village on Bjelasnica Mountain that maintains its traditions.
Dominica’s Waitukubuli National Trail
When you think of the Caribbean, you probably picture luxurious soft-sand beaches instead of places for multi-day hikes. However, Dominica is not an ordinary Caribbean island; it proudly embraces its designation as ‘the Nature Island.’ This pride was further highlighted in 2013 with the introduction of the Waitukubuli National Trail, the Caribbean’s first long-distance route.
With its title derived from the island’s original name given by the Kalinago People, it is fitting that Dominica is among the few Caribbean islands that still have a pre-Columbian tribe, and this path indeed traverses their territory. The multi-day hiking trail spans approximately 185 kilometres, offering views of numerous highlights of the interior, such as exotic birds, waterfalls, and rainforest, as well as some of the dark sand beaches along the coast.
The entire linear trek takes approximately 10 to 14 days to complete, but you can easily access different sections over the course of a day or more, making it adaptable to your skill level. The regions commencing at the coastal Scotts Head or the magnificent Middleham Falls are ideal for sampling the trail while enjoying some of Dominica’s finest activities.
Japan’s Shikoku Pilgrimage
Japan, known for its speedy and effective bullet trains, might come as a surprise when considering it as a multi-day hiking destination. However, if you consider how lush and green the landscapes are, it makes complete sense.
However, it is important to ensure that the multi-day hiking trail you choose highlights the best of Japan, and the Shikoku Pilgrimage does exactly this. This pilgrimage route connects 88 temples and runs close to the coast of Shikoku Island, traversing the four prefectures of Ehime, Tokushima, Kagawa, and Kochi.
The total length of the route is 1200 kilometers. Thus, it can only be considered a circular trail if you have about six weeks or more to spare. Select a section within a single prefecture, wear the traditional conical hat, and embark on this easy path to visit some of the beautiful temples. Additionally, this destination is among the finest wellness spots in Japan, so you can treat your tired feet to a massage, an onsen experience, or deep sea water therapy during your overnight stays.
Jurassic Coast (South West Coast Path), UK
The South West Coastal Path in England, which is the longest in the country at over 1000 kilometres, has become recognized as one of the finest multi-day hiking trails in the United Kingdom. However, it can be divided into manageable segments, and among them all, the 185-kilometre linear stretch from Starcross to Poole is my top recommendation.
You will literally be following in the footsteps of dinosaurs as you navigate the coastal trail between Devon and Dorset. Of course, it’s a quick and enjoyable drive along the Jurassic Coast, but if you take your time, you’ll have much more opportunity to search for fossils both embedded in the rocks and concealed on the beaches.
As another option, you can easily divide it into sections by day to savor during your beach holiday in South West England. Seriously, how many places you can hike for several days can lay claim to a geological history stretching back 185 million years?
Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail
In 2021, Sri Lanka’s inaugural long-distance, multi-day hiking trail opened with minimal celebration, a consequence of worldwide tourism shutdowns. With visitors returning, they are now sharing how enchanting the experience of the Pekoe Trail is.
However, that’s not to say it’s entirely new; even during my visit many years ago, I traversed some sections of this route, which is primarily in the highlands. Rather than being left separate, sections and new stretches have been combined to create a 300-kilometre track that connects near Kandy to Nuwara Eliya over the course of 22 days.
For the most part, you will find yourself immersed in nature—consider tea plantations and thick woodlands. There are various lodges and guest houses just off the trailhead for accommodation, and if you complete the entire route, you will have experienced a significant portion of one of the best islands to visit in the world. However, for most visitors, it is probably more sensible to spend a few days exploring the areas around the highlands, beginning in Nuwara Eliya at the end of the route, especially if you intend to take the beautiful train journey from Kandy to Ella.