Boots on the Ground: Europe’s Best Hiking Islands for 2026

For some, an island vacation means lying on a sunbed. For others, it means conquering a peak and looking down at that sunbed from 1,000 meters above. Europe offers some of the most diverse island hiking in the world—from subtropical forests to arid volcanic craters.

In 2026, the trend is “Cool-cationing”—avoiding the extreme heat of mid-summer to enjoy active holidays in spring and autumn. Here are the islands where your boots are the most important item in your suitcase.

1. Madeira, Portugal: The Floating Garden

Madeira is the undisputed king of island hiking.

  • The Terrain: Subtropical rainforest (Laurisilva) and jagged volcanic peaks.
  • The Levadas: Over 2,000km of irrigation channels crisscross the island. The maintenance paths alongside them offer flat, easy walking through vertical landscapes.
  • The Challenge: The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. It connects the two highest peaks via a knife-edge ridge. It is grueling, terrifying, and spectacularly beautiful.
  • 2026 Tip: A small entry fee (€3) has been introduced for the most popular trails to fund maintenance. Book your slot online.

2. La Palma, Canary Islands: The Steepest Island

Known as “La Isla Bonita,” La Palma is for serious hikers.

  • The Terrain: Massive volcanic craters and pine forests.
  • The Ruta de los Volcanes: A classic 24km ridge walk. You walk across black lava fields with the Atlantic Ocean on both sides. On a clear day, you can see Tenerife, Gomera, and El Hierro.
  • The Caldera: The Caldera de Taburiente is a massive erosion crater. Hiking down into it feels like entering Jurassic Park.
  • 2026 Tip: The trails around the new Tajogaite volcano (2021 eruption) are now fully stabilized and open, offering a walk through geological history.

3. Corsica, France: The Mountain in the Sea

Corsica is wild, rugged, and smells of maquis (wild herbs).

  • The Terrain: Granite peaks that stay snow-capped until June.
  • The GR20: Often cited as the toughest long-distance trail in Europe. It takes 15 days to cross the island diagonally. It involves scrambling and sleeping in mountain refuges.
  • The Alternative: The Mare a Mare trails cross the island from sea to sea but stay at lower altitudes, passing through charming villages.
  • 2026 Tip: Book refuges 6 months in advance. The post-pandemic hiking boom hasn’t slowed down.

4. Crete, Greece: The Gorges

Crete is huge, and its spine is a limestone mountain range.

  • The Terrain: Dry, rocky, and dramatic.
  • Samaria Gorge: The most famous gorge in Europe. A 16km descent from the Omalos plateau down to the Libyan Sea. The “Iron Gates” section is only 4 meters wide but 300 meters high.
  • The E4 Trail: The European long-distance path crosses the entire island. The section on the south coast (Loutro to Agia Roumeli) is spectacular coastal walking.
  • 2026 Tip: Go in May. The gorge opens, the wildflowers are out, and the heat is manageable.

5. Skye, Scotland: The Misty Isle

For those who prefer drama over sunshine.

  • The Terrain: Otherworldly rock formations and green velvet moors.
  • The Quiraing: A landslip that has created a landscape of pinnacles and tables. It looks like a fantasy novel cover.
  • The Old Man of Storr: A massive rock spire visible for miles.
  • 2026 Tip: Midges (biting flies) are fierce in summer. Visit in April/May or September to avoid them (mostly). Bring waterproofs. Always.

6. Amorgos, Greece: The Blue Paths

For a quintessential Cycladic experience.

  • The Terrain: Ancient stone paths (monopatia) connecting white villages.
  • The Spine: The hike from Chora to Aegiali follows the ridge of the island. You look down 500 meters to the deep blue sea on both sides.
  • The Monastery: The short but steep hike to the Hozoviotissa Monastery is a spiritual workout.

Preparation Checklist

  1. Footwear: Trail runners are often better than heavy boots for hot, dry islands (Greece/Canaries). Boots are needed for Corsica/Scotland.
  2. Water: On dry islands like Amorgos or La Palma, water sources are rare. Carry at least 3 liters.
  3. Apps: Download Komoot or AllTrails. Offline maps are essential when the signal dies in the mountains.

7. Tenerife, Canary Islands: Teide and Anaga

Tenerife is two islands in one: the dry south and the lush north.

  • Mount Teide: Spain’s highest peak (3,718m). You can take the cable car up and hike the final 200m to the summit (permit required months in advance) or hike from the base (Montaña Blanca) for a grueling 5-hour ascent.
  • Anaga Rural Park: Located in the northeast. This is a prehistoric laurel forest. It is damp, misty, and incredibly green. The trail from Chamorga to Roque Bermejo lighthouse is magical.

8. Samos, Greece: The Nightingale’s Song

Samos is famous for its wine and its nightingales.

  • The Terrain: Mount Kerkis (1,433m) is the second highest peak in the Aegean.
  • The Potami Waterfalls: A hike that involves wading through a river gorge to reach a series of waterfalls. It is an adventure.
  • Manolates to Vourliotes: A beautiful trail connecting two mountain villages through the “Valley of the Nightingales.”

Safety First: The 2026 Hiker’s Code

  1. Leave No Trace: Island ecosystems are fragile. Carry out every piece of trash, including fruit peels.
  2. Fire Risk: In 2026, fire risk is high across Southern Europe. Never light a fire. Be careful where you park your car (hot exhaust on dry grass).
  3. Emergency: Save the local emergency number (112 in Europe).

Hiking an island gives you a perspective you can’t get from the beach. You earn your views, and you definitely earn your dinner.