The World’s Most Famous Walking Routes

Walking is one of the most important activities that can be done for both our physical and mental health. Even though we feel like we are consuming energy as we walk, every step we take returns us to health. Imagine walking around the world’s most famous walking routes! There are eye-catching walking routes in the world with magnificent views and immaculate nature; let’s look at these spots together.

1. Camino de Santiago, Spain

You see the Camino de Santiago at the top of most lists on the Internet. The history of the location, which is one of the first places that comes to mind when walking or hiking is mentioned, dates to the 9th century. While walking this route is a truly wonderful experience, more importantly, you don’t need to be an athlete or an experienced hiker to walk. It has routes ranging from 120 kilometers to 1000 kilometers depending on how durable you are and how much time you have. May, June, and September are the ideal times to avoid suffering in very hot weather.

2. Lycian Way, Turkiye

Covering approximately 400 kilometers of the southern coastline, the Lycian Way is an excellent opportunity to explore the Lycian Civilization, stretching from Fethiye to Antalya. Passing through the historical Sidyma Ancient City and the Ghost City Kayaköy, the route also gives you a chance to take a refreshing dip after a long journey full of walking. With its marked areas, historical beauties, and legendary landscapes, the Lycian Way takes its deserved place among the world’s most famous walking routes.

3. The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Covering an area of approximately 240 kilometers on the southeast coast of Australia, the Great Ocean Road is beautiful enough to surprise you with its deep blue skies, magnificent views, and nature. Cape Otway Lighthouse, Victoria’s Shipwreck Beach, and koalas resting in the eucalyptus trees are just some of the beauties you can come across along this walkway. Australian spring, autumn, and summer are the best times to explore this route.

4. Inca Trail, Peru

Located in the lands where many civilizations, such as the Incas and Mayans, lived in history, the Inca Trail is nearly 50 kilometers long. This route is located between the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu and has a spectacular scenic atmosphere. The Inca Trail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most famous walking routes in the world. Exploring the Classical Inca Way by walking with a guide is one of the best moves; learning and walking are completely different.

5. Gotemba Trail, Japan

Although its altitude is low at the starting point, Gotemba, whose slopes are not considered too difficult, can be said to be quite ideal for good hikers who can cope with wide altitude differences and long distances to the summit. If you’re one of those who plan the mildest times to visit this place, the hottest months are July, August, and September. In good weather, it is possible to see the majestic Mount Fuji.

6. Percorsi Occitani, Italy

The hiking route in the Maria Valley covers an area of almost 177 kilometers. As you begin your hiking adventure in Percorsi Occitani, it’s only a matter of time before you find yourself with old but well-preserved and clearly defined routes, stubborn trails, and climbs. Throughout the journey, the region has many cultural and gastronomic spots to explore. May, June, September, and October are the ideal months to go. Spring months are also perfect for witnessing the incredible natural flora.

7. Pennine Way, England

Filled with history and through the heart of incredible scenery, the iconic Pennine Way stretches for 435 kilometers across England’s wild northern highlands. Following the rocky backbones of England, the route continues through Derbyshire Peak and the Yorkshire Valley, and the stunning Swaledale Valley. The world-famous Pennine Trail is the country’s first National Trail and one of the most famous long-distance hiking routes. Opened in 1965, the walking trail is home to the wildest pieces of land in England.

8. Jordan Trail, Jordan

The famous Jordan Trail is known as the first and only long-distance hiking trail in Middle East countries. The Jordan Trail is perfect for hiking enthusiasts who want to travel the length of Jordan from Ummi Qays in the north to the city of Aqaba in the south. March, April, October, and November are ideal seasons for those who do not prefer to walk in hot weather.

9. Kungsleden, Sweden

Kungsleden, which draws attention with its length of approximately 440 kilometers, is one of the oldest hiking routes in Europe. It is possible to encounter mountain huts and magnificent mountain views along the hiking route, which can be completed in almost 1 month. The walking path between Abisko in the north of the country and Hemavan in the south is among the best walking routes with its unique, clean air and natural beauties.

10. Indus Valley, Himalayas, India

The ideal season to visit this 3-day route through the Indus Valley is between June and mid-October. In order to feel the exotic atmosphere of the valley’s wildlife and to see monasteries such as Spituk, Hemis, Shey, and Thiksey, it is necessary to look at the route on the Indus Valley hiking trail. It should be noted that there are accommodation alternatives such as bungalows and tents.

11. Great Wall of China, China

An unforgettable experience for a lifetime: Who wouldn’t want to say, “I took a legendary walk on the Great Wall of China.” The Great Wall of China, which has a history of almost 2,500 years, is around 8,550 kilometers from beginning to end. Keep in mind that Dong Yao-hui and his two friends, who started in 1984 and were able to walk this great wall for 17 months, entered the Guinness Book of Records.

12. Appalachian Trail, America

Known as one of the longest hiking trails in the world, the Appalachian Trail covers an area of approximately 3,500 kilometers. Nature landscapes like poetry, and misty mountain landscapes await enthusiasts on this magnificent route.