Our Favorite Lesser Known Hiking Trips That Avoid Crowds
Are you looking for a unique, under the radar hiking experience? While our popular destinations cover many bucket list routes, sometimes it’s nice to get off the beaten path and explore something new. We’ve rounded up six incredible hikes that are often overlooked, but still offer breathtaking scenery and unforgettable cultural experiences. From Northern Greece to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, these trips are perfect for those seeking a more intimate and unique hiking experience. So, grab your hiking boots and get ready to discover some of the world’s best-kept secrets on foot!
Greece: Northern Greece
Northern Greece remains one of the best-kept travel secrets in the world. While the Greek coast and isles have become legendary tourist destinations, the Northern extreme of the country has flown almost completely under the radar. Even the city of Thessaloniki retains a huge portion of its authentic culture and lifestyle. The true highlight here is the Zagori region. During the Ottoman occupation of Greece, Christian refugees fled high into the mountains to build a series of isolated villages that would not be rediscovered until the close of the First World War, when a highway was finally constructed through the region to facilitate troop movements. Today, these hidden villages remain an incredible secret, retaining their original gray stone architecture and winding street plans, with only the most avid explorers wandering this far into the Greek mountains to explore them.
France: French Alps Chamonix Mont-Blanc to Val d’Isère
Chamonix is a destination that needs no introduction – the allure of the Mont Blanc has drawn huge crowds in recent years, with the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit becoming one of, if not, the most popular hike in the world. However, the region just abutting the classic route, the Val d’Isere remains a much quieter experience. Here smaller villages foster a thriving Savoiyan culture, where farmers practice traditional alpine cattle ranching techniques and produce some of the finest cheeses in the world. In the winter the Val d’Isere becomes a bustling ski destination, but in the summer, it remains a fairly peaceful vantage to experience the heart of the high Alps.
Slovenia: Waterfall and Gorges
Experience the best of Slovenia’s natural beauty and charming villages on our relaxed Waterfall and Gorges Slovenia hiking tour. Spend three nights in the quaint village of Ukanc, two nights in the storybook setting of Bled, and two nights in the alpine resort town of Kranjska Gora, nestled near the glacial lakes and mountains of Triglav National Park. With a leisurely hiking schedule, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Slovenia’s countless treasures and enjoy sightseeing. Plus, you’ll have convenient access to your luggage every evening.
Morocco: The Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are a stunning chain of desert mountains that run through Morocco. The highest peak in the region, and in Northern Africa, is the mighty Toubkal, whose summit is our goal over the course of this trek. The ascent to Toubkals summit takes us deep into some of the most remote mountains in the world, where the only company is shepherds and some isolated medieval-era villages such as Imlil. After summiting, we head to Essaouira, a historic pirate haven turned resort town, where we get to relax a bit and gaze out across the Atlantic. Hiking into the mysterious Atlas Mountains is truly a unique experience, where visitors get to experience a true example of historic Moroccan culture and explore a mountain range that remains genuinely undeveloped.
Italy’s Dolomites: Lago di Braies, Fanes Wilderness & Alta Badia
The Italian Dolomites, similar to the core of the Alps, have been booming in recent years as visitors look to get some time in nature among the stunning backdrop of the Dolomites. Despite this, there are still plenty of hidden gems. Our Italian Dolomites: Lago di Braies, Fanes Wilderness & Alta Badia is another less-traveled region of the Dolomites. While the start of the tour passes through some iconic and popular destinations, such as the famous Lago di Braies, in the second half of the tour we explore the more secret spots around Lavinallongo. The Lavinallongo valley is the cultural home of the Ladin people, an isolated mountain culture that identifies with neither the Italian nor Austrian identities that have competed for control of the region. The Ladin people instead trace their heritage back to Rome and speak one of the closest living languages to Latin. An example of this is the Ladin baking traditions that focus on dense and dark breads, that while they may not be as delicious as the standard Italian baking, are certainly authentic. The centerpiece of this region is the Col di Lana or Blood Mountain, a battle site during World War I where a group of ambitious sappers completely decapitated the mountain – an impact on the landscape that is still visible today. In modernity, this region is peaceful and gorgeous, with broad alps that run to the edge of deep forested valleys offering views out to some of the most iconic summits in the Dolomites such as the Tofane range.
The French Isle of Corsica
Our Corsica Trek is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds and explore one of Europe’s most up-and-coming destinations. This rugged Mediterranean island offers a captivating blend of dramatic coastal cliffs, hidden coves, and soaring mountain summits, all interwoven with rich French and Italian cultural influences. Whether trekking through deep glacial valleys or wandering medieval villages, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking landscapes and a sense of solitude. From the picturesque port town of Calvi to the remote beauty of Galéria and the historic charm of Corte, Corsica’s diverse terrain promises adventure at every turn. With a mix of coastal trails, rocky beaches, and vibrant local cuisine featuring fresh seafood, cheeses, and hearty pastas, Corsica is the perfect destination for those seeking both exploration and indulgence in an unspoiled corner of the Mediterranean.
Ready to explore more of our trip options? Check out our Favorite Coastal Hiking Trips here, the best Inn to Inn Hiking Tours here, and our Best Fall Hiking Trips here.
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