DeirdreAcross the world, one can find iconic hiking destinations like Italy’s Dolomites, Spain’s Camino, Patagonia, and Peru’s Machu Picchu. While undeniably breathtaking and distinct, these places often contend with crowded trails and larger expenses.
This article presents an alternative, discovering the quiet and lesser-known trails and scenery of some of the world’s underappreciated and underrated hiking destinations.
Below are my top suggestions for underrated hiking destinations worldwide. This list spans rugged coastlines, desert retreats, volcanic landscapes, and untamed mountain ranges. These destinations offer fantastic opportunities for both single-day and multi-day adventures.
Madagascar
Madagascar stands as an ideal off-the-beaten-path vibe, often overlooked when discussing hiking destinations. While many associate Madagascar with dense jungles, lemurs, or references to the 2005 DreamWorks animated film, there’s much more to explore in terms of hiking.
With its diverse terrain, featuring granite mountain ranges, sandstone massifs, and lush jungles, Madagascar promises a truly wild and distinctive experience.
Best Hiking Experiences
Embark on an exhilarating journey to Madagascar’s second-highest peak, Pic Boby, a trek spanning over 2-4 days through the stunning Andringitra National Park.
Explore the unique sandstone mountains rising from the plains in Isalo National Park. Delve into its canyons, traverse the plateaus, or take a refreshing swim in the pristine natural pools.
Trek through the jungles of Ranomafana National Park, where both multi-day and single-day hikes await.
Best Season to Visit: April- October
southern Portugal
While Portugal is indeed celebrated for its vibrant cities teeming with culture, delectable cuisine, and exquisite beach resorts in the Algarve Region, it is also often overlooked as a hiking destination.
Boasting a rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and charming traditional villages, Portugal stands as one of the premier coastal hiking destinations worldwide.
Best Hiking Experiences
The Rota Vicentina comprises a network of hiking paths spanning more than 750km across southern Portugal. Among its highlights is the renowned Fishermen’s Trail, stretching 225km.
The trail winds through villages, ancient ruins, wild beaches, coastal stretches, and cork forests. Moreover, it seamlessly connects with public transportation, ensuring accessibility for all hikers.
Best Season to Visit: March-May and Sept-October
Albania
Despite often being overshadowed by the nearby popularity of Greece or Croatia, Albania remains an underrated gem, boasting not only rich culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking beaches but also diverse terrain ideal for hiking.
From the towering mountains of the north to the scenic Albania Riviera in the south, Albania offers a wealth of natural beauty waiting to be explored.
Best Hiking Experiences
In Northern Albania, embarking on the multi-day adventure trek from Valbona to Theth is an absolute must for visitors eager to explore the Albania Alps. This trail winds through the rugged mountain terrain, offering hikers an immersive experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Qorra Peak is another great option, which provides excellent views of the Riviera.
Alternatively, immerse yourself in the secluded charm of Saint Andreas Bay, a hidden gem boasting tranquil waters and pristine beaches, or the massive waterfall hidden in Selca.
Best Season to Visit: May to September
northern Argentina + lake district
Although Argentina is primarily associated with El Calafate in the far southern Patagonia, the country offers a wide range of terrain, culture, cuisine, and hiking opportunities throughout its entirety.
The Lake District in northern Patagonia serves as an excellent hub for stunning nearby hikes, while the northern states around Salta provide distinctive desert terrain to explore.
Best Hiking Experiences
Bariloche presents an ideal setting for both multi-day adventures and single-day excursions. This ski town, inspired by Bavarian charm, features captivating day hikes such as Cerro Otto or the trail leading to the mountain retreat, Refugio Frey.
Northern Argentina is frequently underestimated, yet towns and cities like Salta, Humahuaca, Tilcara, and Iruya boast distinctive landscapes and excellent hiking prospects, including the remarkable Mirador del Condor. Or day trip from Iruya to San Isidro.
Best Season to Visit: November- May
Scotland
Scotland’s stunning landscapes, abundant trails, rich history and culture, diverse wildlife, and accessibility make it an outstanding hiking destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
Best Hiking Experiences
Arthur’s Seat is a great hike for those wanting a perfect mix of ancient history, gothic towns, and inner-city parks. This iconic peak in Edinburgh offers hikers panoramic views of the cityscape, historic landmarks, and lush greenery.
The West Highland Way stands as an epic multiday adventure, spanning over 150 kilometers through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes.
This renowned trail traverses rugged mountains, tranquil lochs, and quaint villages, providing hikers with an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Best Season to Visit: May-September
Jordan
Jordan is celebrated for its vibrant culture and vast deserts yet hidden within its cultural riches lies a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. With a wealth of trails suited for both short day trips and extended excursions, Jordan invites exploration with its varied landscapes and awe-inspiring views.
Best Hiking Experiences
The Jordan Trail spans from the northern tip of Um Qais to the southern city of Aqaba, passes through a spectrum of landscapes from the lush greenery of the north to the fiery red sands of the south, providing trekkers with a panoramic journey through Jordan’s varied terrain.
Hike through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, visiting historically ruins such as the Treasury and the famous Ad-Deir Trail to the Monastery.
Embarking on desert treks in Wadi Rum feels like venturing into another world altogether, where towering sandstone cliffs and mesmerizing rock formations can be found. Hike, walk, or camp amidst the red sands in this vast desert.
Best Season to Visit: March- May and October to November
Ireland
With its lush greenery, Ireland, often referred to as the emerald isle, is unsurprisingly a popular destination for travellers. Renowned for its beautiful coastlines, the country is also celebrated for its natural wonders and abundant hiking opportunities.
Best Hiking Experiences
The Ulster Way offers a coastal journey covering over 1000 kilometers. While this distance might seem daunting, there are shorter routes like the Causeway Coastal Way, featuring a diverse mix of unspoiled beaches, rugged coastlines, and quaint seaside villages, easily manageable within three days. The famous Giant’s Causeway is also enroute.
The Dingle Way is another multiday trek through Ireland, known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful beaches.
Best Season to Visit: May-September
Madeira
The island of Madeira, a stunning piece of paradise in the Atlantic, is a unique volcanic destination boasting a variety of biodiverse landscapes.
From its black sand beaches to rugged mountain peaks and serene Levada trails, Madeira offers an array of scenic wonders despite its small size.
Best Hiking Experiences
Located on the southern side of the island, Ponta de Sao Lourenço offers stunning views along the peninsula, showcasing its breathtaking beauty.
The walk from Ribeiro Frio to Portella follows the intricate levada systems, providing a tranquil and picturesque journey through Madeira’s lush landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.
Best Season to Visit: Year Round
Kananaskis Country, Canada
It’s no secret that Canada boasts some of the most stunning and dramatic landscapes for hiking. While many visitors flock to Banff or Jasper National Park, one of the most underrated areas for hiking is Kananaskis Country in Alberta.
Significantly quieter and less developed, Kananaskis holds some of the best hikes in all of Canada, featuring turquoise lakes, enchanting larch walks, and awe-inspiring peaks.
Best Hiking Experiences
Tent Ridge stands out as one of the premier hikes in Kananaskis, offering panoramic views of majestic mountains and serene lakes throughout the entire trek.
For those seeking optimal views during larch season, Arethusa Cirque or Pocaterra Cirque are sure to deliver exceptional scenery in a relatively short distance, providing visitors with the best value for their time and effort.
Embark on the Galatea Lakes day hike, which leads through picturesque alpine forests and past three stunning turquoise lakes, promising a memorable and scenic outdoor adventure.
Best Season to Visit: June to September
benefits of hiking in underrated destinations
- Underrated destinations are typically less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and solitary experience with nature.
- With fewer people around, you’re more likely to have close encounters with wildlife and enjoy the natural sounds and sights without interruption.
- Hiking lesser-known trails often leads to discovering breathtaking landscapes that aren’t plastered all over social media, offering a sense of discovery and adventure.
- In less touristy areas, you have a better chance of experiencing local cultures and traditions in a more authentic and meaningful way.
- Popular trails can suffer from over-tourism, which leads to environmental degradation and a negative impact on local communities. By choosing lesser-known paths, you’re helping to distribute the environmental and social impact of hiking tourism.
- Underrated destinations may rely more on tourism for economic survival but receive less attention.