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9 classic walks around the world

From the craggy clifftop trails of Italy's Walk of the Gods to a nine-day trek through the remote mountain sierras of Nepal's Annapurna massif, here are some of the most iconic walking tours to tick off your bucket list.

Updated by: Caitlin Middleton - Product Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Updated: 15 December 2025

 

From the craggy clifftop trails of Italy’s Walk of the Gods to a nine-day trek through Nepal’s Annapurna massif, these iconic walks offer unforgettable experiences for any keen hiker. We’ve chosen these nine walks for their historical significance, breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion and lasting memories. Whether you’re chasing challenging summits, spiritual pilgrimages, or coastal panoramas, these routes are classics for a reason.


To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve listed nine walks, from the spiritual paths of Europe to the remote mountain trails of South America and Asia, each offering a unique challenge and experience.

1. Camino de Santiago, Spain

Walkers from around the globe follow the Camino de Santiago through Spain on a journey that combines spiritual reflection, cultural exploration and gentle physical challenge. Rolling green hills, quaint villages and rural farmlands pass beneath your feet, punctuated by the culinary delights of each region – from Melide’s famous pulpo a la Gallega to local wines savoured at cosy inns.

 

The route culminates at the awe-inspiring Santiago Cathedral, but the memories of the journey linger long after the final step. Along the way, you collect stamps for your Pilgrim's Passport and claim your 'Compostela' – a certificate of your achievement.

At a glance:
Distance: 114.5 kilometres/71 miles
Duration: 8 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: May to October
Walk type: Pilgrimage
Key highlights: Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, medieval villages, rural Spanish landscapes

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2. Walk of the Gods, Italy

The Walk of the Gods along Italy’s Amalfi Coast truly lives up to its name. Sky-high paths offer uninterrupted views of turquoise seas and lush terraces cascading toward charming fishing villages. Along the route, fragrant gardens, colourful homes, and dramatic cliffs make this walk as culturally rich as it is scenic. Perfect for a day of Mediterranean magic and outdoor exhilaration, it’s a classic that embodies Italy’s beauty.

 

You can tick it off your bucket list on our Amalfi walking trip, which combines the Walk of the Gods with more Mediterranean gems.

At a glance:
Distance: Approx. 11 kilometres/6.8 miles
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: April to October
Walk type: Coastal/scenic
Key highlights: Amalfi Coast panoramas, cliffside villages, Mediterranean vistas

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3. Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Trek, Tanzania

Climbing Africa’s highest peak, the Lemosho route combines lush forests, volcanic moorlands, and dramatic scree fields. Summit day is a true test of endurance: hikers rise before dawn to ascend the steep crater sides, rewarded with a sunrise above the clouds.

 

Beyond the physical challenge, Kilimanjaro offers a sense of achievement and awe-inspiring natural beauty few other walks can match.

At a glance:
Distance: Approx. 81 kilometres/50 miles
Duration: 8 to 9 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Best time to go: June to October, December to February
Walk type: Summit trek
Key highlights: Rainforests, alpine moors, Uhuru Peak sunrise

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4. Inca Trail Trek, Peru

The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most famous treks and a must on your trip to Peru. It winds through verdant cloud forests, rivers and Andean valleys before arriving at the legendary Machu Picchu. Hiking past ancient terraces and temples, you’ll experience a blend of physical challenge, history and spiritual resonance; read our definitive guide here.

 

Each step immerses you in Incan culture, culminating in your breathtaking “first sight” of the Lost City at Inti Punku (Gate of the Sun).

At a glance:
Distance: 43 kilometres/26.7 miles
Duration: 3 to 4 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best time to go: April to October
Walk type: Historical/cultural trek
Key highlights: Machu Picchu, cloud forests, ancient Inca ruins

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5. Annapurna Trek, Nepal

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek offers a remote, high-altitude adventure through Nepal’s majestic mountain ranges. This nine-day challenging trek takes you through quiet valleys, prayer-flag-adorned villages, and the dramatic amphitheatre of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

 

Apart from the natural beauty, the trek is rich in cultural encounters with local communities and monastic sites, making it a truly immersive Himalayan experience.


At a glance:
Distance: Approx. 120 kilometres/75 miles
Duration: 9 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Best time to go: March to May, September to November
Walk type: Mountain trek
Key highlights: Snow-dusted peaks, Annapurna Sanctuary, cultural villages

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6. Kumano Kodo Trail, Japan

The ancient Kumano Kodo Trails wind through Japan’s Kii Peninsula, connecting sacred Buddhist shrines and monasteries. Autumn walks offer blazing red and orange foliage that contrasts beautifully with the serene forests and moss-covered stone paths (discover the best autumn foliage in Japan).

 

Beyond its scenic beauty, the trail is steeped in spiritual significance, offering walkers a contemplative and rejuvenating journey, in an as-of-yet little known corner of Japan.


At a glance:
Distance: Approx. 64 kilometres/38 miles
Duration: 4 to 5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: Autumn (Oct to Nov)
Walk type: Pilgrimage/forest trek
Key highlights: Buddhist shrines, moss-covered forests, autumn foliage

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7. Highlights of Mont Blanc, France

The Mont Blanc circuit spans France, Italy and Switzerland, offering classic Alpine scenery. Hikers traverse emerald valleys, rugged mountain passes and snow-capped peaks over eight days.

 

This trek is ideal for walkers looking to combine moderate challenge with breathtaking vistas, traditional mountain villages, and alpine culture.

 

Read Luke's take on 'climbing the roof of Europe' here


At a glance:
Distance: Approx. 56 kilometres/35 miles
Duration: 8 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: June to September
Walk type: Alpine trek
Key highlights: Alpine meadows, panoramic snow-capped peaks, mountain passes

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8. Transylvanian Alps Trek, Romania

Walk through the unspoiled Transylvanian Alps, combining rugged ridge walks with cultural immersion in remote villages. Trekkers stay in authentic mountain huts, enjoying traditional Romanian hospitality and sweeping alpine views.

 

The combination of challenging trails and heritage-rich landscapes makes this a classic European walking adventure.


At a glance:
Distance: Approx. 70.5 kilometres/44 miles
Duration: 7 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best time to go: May to September
Walk type: Ridge walk/cultural trek
Key highlights: Piatra Craiului Mountains, traditional huts, unspoiled landscapes

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9. W Trek Patagonia, Chile

The W Trek in Patagonia is named after the shape of the trail across Torres del Paine National Park. Hikers navigate turquoise glacial lakes, granite spires, and windswept valleys, camping each night in mountain refuges.

 

The trek is a perfect mix of wilderness challenge, spectacular scenery, and adventure, making it a bucket-list experience for outdoor enthusiasts.


At a glance:
Distance: Approx. 80 kilometres/50 miles
Duration: 5 to 6 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best time to go: October to March
Walk type: Wilderness trek
Key highlights: Torres del Paine, glacial lakes, rugged mountain peaks

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Don't just travel, Explore!

Ready to lace-up your walking boots? There you have it – our top walks combine nature, culture and physical challenge and every one of them deserves a spot on your bucket list. Whether you're chasing summit views, coastal panoramas or an ancient pilgrimage route, we think it's time for your next big hike.

Find your next walking adventure

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