There’s something undeniably romantic about hiking beside the sea — the salt air, the endless blue, and the sound of waves keeping you company. Coastal hikes offer a perfect mix of rugged beauty and restorative calm. This curated list brings together ten of the most unforgettable coastal trails across Europe and beyond, whether you’re dreaming of dramatic cliffs, sandy paths, or windswept solitude. These are the coastal trails you’ll fall in love with — and return to again and again.
Outline
- Introduction: Why We Love Coastal Hiking
- South West Coast Path – England
- Sentier des Douaniers (GR34) – France
- Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro – Italy
- Fife Coastal Path – Scotland
- Algarve Clifftop Walks – Portugal
- Amalfi Coast Path of the Gods – Italy
- Skye’s Quiraing Coastal Loop – Scotland
- Kerry Way (Coastal Sections) – Ireland
- Camino del Norte – Spain
- Cape of Good Hope Trail – South Africa
- Final Thoughts: Where Land Meets Soul
Introduction: Why We Love Coastal Hiking
There’s a different kind of freedom when you’re walking along the edge of the land — with nothing but ocean to your side and the sky above. Coastal trails bring together:
- Constant, breathtaking views
- Natural drama: cliffs, tides, seabirds, shipwrecks
- Easy orientation: you just follow the sea
Whether you’re a casual walker or a long-distance adventurer, the coast is an ever-changing, ever-rewarding companion.
South West Coast Path – England
Location: Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset
Distance: ~1,014 km (choose your section)
Difficulty: Easy to challenging
England’s longest national trail, this path clings to the dramatic cliffs and coves of the South West. From fishing villages to fossil beaches, every section offers iconic seascapes and pub breaks.
Highlights:
- Tintagel Castle ruins
- The Lizard Peninsula
- Jurassic Coast near Lyme Regis
Best time: Spring to early autumn (May–September)
Sentier des Douaniers (GR34) – Brittany, France
Location: Northern France
Distance: ~2,000 km (again, you can do a section)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This historic “Customs Officers’ Path” winds along France’s wild and rocky northern coast, past pink granite boulders, sandy bays, and sleepy Breton villages.
Why you’ll fall in love:
- Wild Atlantic drama
- Oysters and cider at coastal cafés
- Ever-changing light and weather
Great for photography and painterly skies.
Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro – Italy
Location: Ligurian Coast
Distance: ~12 km (entire route)
Difficulty: Moderate (with steep stairs)
Five colourful villages, clifftop vineyards, and the glint of the Ligurian Sea below — this is the Mediterranean at its most postcard-perfect.
Why it captivates:
- Village-to-village walking
- Seaside cafés and trattorias
- Easy access by train if needed
Tip: Walk in the early morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Fife Coastal Path – Scotland
Location: East coast of Scotland
Distance: ~187 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
A lesser-known gem, this trail weaves through historic fishing villages, ruined castles, and sandy beaches from Kincardine to Newburgh.
Expect:
- Sea stacks, seabirds, and shipwrecks
- Ancient harbours and golf history
- Gentle terrain, big views
Best in late spring for wildflowers and clear skies.
Algarve Clifftop Walks – Portugal
Location: Southern Portugal
Distance: Various short trails (2–10 km)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Dramatic ochre cliffs and turquoise coves define these stunning paths, especially between Lagos, Alvor and Carvoeiro.
Why it’s unforgettable:
- Golden hour cliff views
- Sea caves and secret beaches
- Easy access to swimming spots
Try the Ponta da Piedade trail — one of Europe’s best coastal viewpoints.
Amalfi Coast Path of the Gods – Italy
Location: Between Bomerano and Nocelle
Distance: ~7.8 km
Duration: 2–4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Named for a reason, the Sentiero degli Dei delivers breathtaking views over the Tyrrhenian Sea, terraced hillsides, and lemon groves. It feels like you’re walking through a living painting.
Why it’s heavenly:
- Jaw-dropping elevation with minimal effort
- Connects with Positano for a perfect beach-day finish
- Italian charm at every step
Avoid in peak summer — go early or in spring/autumn.
Skye’s Quiraing Coastal Loop – Scotland
Location: Isle of Skye
Distance: ~7 km (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate (can be muddy)
Though inland in sections, parts of this loop offer expansive coastal views, rugged cliffs, and mythical landscapes — making it feel like a portal to another world.
What you’ll love:
- Remote drama and moody skies
- Views to the sea and the Outer Hebrides
- Highland wildlife and total tranquillity
Bring waterproofs — this is Scotland, after all.
Kerry Way (Coastal Sections) – Ireland
Location: County Kerry, Ireland
Distance: 200+ km (with coastal segments)
Difficulty: Moderate
Following the Ring of Kerry, the Kerry Way offers epic Atlantic views, lush green valleys, and some of the most soul-stirring landscapes in Ireland.
Why it stuns:
- Wild, rugged coastline
- Traditional Irish hospitality in villages
- Weather-worn cliffs and wild ponies
Best walked between May and September, with layers and waterproofs.
Camino del Norte – Spain
Location: Northern coast of Spain
Distance: ~825 km
Difficulty: Long-distance, moderate
One of the lesser-walked Camino de Santiago routes, this coastal pilgrimage hugs the Bay of Biscay, with verdant hills, beach towns, and deeply reflective solitude.
Why it’s special:
- Spiritual and scenic in equal parts
- Quiet alternative to the busy Camino Francés
- Combine trail life with coastal café culture
Ideal for those wanting a meaningful journey with sea views.
Cape of Good Hope Trail – South Africa (Bonus Beyond Europe)
Location: Table Mountain National Park
Distance: ~5–10 km loops
Difficulty: Moderate
This iconic point is where two oceans meet, and the trails deliver crashing surf, fynbos-covered slopes, and dramatic cliff walks above the southern tip of Africa.
Why it’s legendary:
- Unique geography and biodiversity
- Wildlife encounters: ostriches, baboons, antelope
- Incredible photo ops at the edge of the continent
Combine with a visit to Cape Town for the ultimate coastal getaway.
Final Thoughts: Where Land Meets Soul
Coastal trails are more than beautiful — they’re deeply grounding. They remind us that the edge of the land is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new perspective. Whether you’re walking alone beside crashing surf or watching the sunset with salty skin and tired legs, these paths are places to breathe, wander, and remember what it feels like to be fully alive.
So… which coastline calls your name?
