When I first began exploring the world, walking wasn’t part of the plan. I chased cities, schedules, and scenic lookouts from behind bus windows. But the moment I began walking—really walking—I saw the world differently. Not just in the slowness, but in the way a place reveals itself step by step. From the smell of wild herbs crushed underfoot to a spontaneous chat with a farmer along a dusty trail, walking created space for wonder.
Some countries are well-known for their walking trails—Switzerland, Scotland, New Zealand. But the places that left the biggest imprint on me were the ones I didn’t expect to love so deeply on foot. Here are five countries that genuinely surprised me when I traded wheels for walking boots.
1. Slovenia: Where Every Trail Feels Personal
I had heard Slovenia was beautiful, but nothing prepared me for just how intimate the landscapes would feel. In places like Triglav National Park, trails meander through quiet alpine meadows, past mirrored lakes, and beneath mountain ridges that make you feel small in the best possible way. But what really struck me was the harmony between nature and people—villages that feel like part of the forest, locals who greet you like an old friend, and paths that seem designed for reflection.
Walking in Slovenia is more than scenic—it’s emotional. The routes are well-marked, the accommodation network is surprisingly hiker-friendly, and you can link days of walking without ever needing to rush. If you’re looking for a destination that blends natural beauty with ease, Slovenia walking holidays are a perfect place to start.
2. Portugal: Rugged Coasts and Unwritten Stories
I went to Portugal for the wine and the history—but I stayed for the walking trails I never saw coming. The Rota Vicentina along the Alentejo and Algarve coasts is raw, windswept, and achingly beautiful. You walk along ochre cliffs that crumble into the Atlantic, through cork forests and sleepy fishing villages, and past wild beaches where the only company is gulls and goats.
It’s the kind of walk that reminds you that luxury isn’t always five stars—it’s a well-worn path, a seafood stew at sunset, and a stretch of silence so wide it feels holy. Portugal surprised me because it gave me both comfort and wildness in equal measure.
3. Bulgaria: Untamed, Unexpected, Unforgettable
Bulgaria may not be the first place you think of when planning a walking holiday—but it should be. The Balkan Mountains, Rhodope Range, and Rila National Park are home to some of the most varied terrain I’ve ever walked. One moment you’re in dense pine forest, the next you’re on a grassy ridge looking across half the country.
What makes Bulgaria special is how unfiltered it still feels. Trails are rugged, hospitality is sincere, and the mountain huts are full of character (and homemade rakia). You won’t find polished experiences, but that’s the charm. Bulgaria taught me that beauty doesn’t always come gift-wrapped—and that’s what makes it last.
4. Ireland: Where Weather Writes the Story
Ireland has a way of taking whatever plans you’ve made and painting over them in green, grey, and gold. I went to walk the Dingle Way expecting a quiet countryside stroll, and I left with windburn, muddy boots, and a heart cracked open by the beauty of it all.
The magic of walking in Ireland isn’t just the cliffs or the castles—it’s how the weather, the locals, and the land seem to conspire to tell you a new story every day. I’ve never laughed so hard in sideways rain, or felt so comforted by the warmth of a village pub after a long day’s hike. It was proof that adventure doesn’t need to be remote—it just needs to be real.
5. Montenegro: Big Nature, Small Crowds
Tiny Montenegro delivered more drama per step than almost anywhere I’ve been. The Bay of Kotor offers fjord-like beauty without the Nordic prices, and Durmitor National Park is a world of peaks, glacial lakes, and solitude just a few hours from the coast. I expected pretty scenery—I didn’t expect to feel like I’d discovered a hidden chapter of Europe.
Walking in Montenegro is a mix of high-altitude adventure and quiet cultural immersion. You might pass shepherds on narrow trails, stumble into a tiny Orthodox chapel tucked into the cliffs, or find a family-run guesthouse where everything you eat was grown out back. It’s the kind of place that reminds you travel is still full of secrets.
Walking Reveals More Than Views
The best thing about walking isn’t just where it takes you—it’s how it makes you see. In every country I’ve listed, the act of walking opened up more than scenery: it offered conversations, slowed-down thinking, and a kind of connection that’s easy to miss when you move too fast.
So if you’re wondering where to go next—and how to get the most out of it—start with a place that welcomes walkers. It doesn’t need to be famous. It just needs to be open. And if you’re looking for somewhere that’s peaceful, well-marked, and deeply beautiful, Slovenia walking holidays are one of the most rewarding surprises you’ll ever find on foot.