Europe’s Best Islands for Hiking, Ranked
Hiking tourism continues to surge across Europe, which now accounts for more than 35% of the global hiking travel market, the largest share worldwide. As travelers look for more active, nature-focused trips in 2026, islands offering dramatic scenery, well-marked trails, and varied terrain are emerging as top destinations.
A new study by Island Hopping analyzed more than 20 European islands to determine the best islands for hiking. Researchers evaluated both the quantity and quality of hiking trails, factoring in average trail ratings, difficulty, length, safety, climate, accessibility, accommodation costs, and online search interest. These metrics were combined into a Hiking Quality Index, which ranks islands from lowest to highest overall score.
Here’s how the top islands stack up—starting at No. 10 and ending with the top hiking island in Europe.
10. Santorini, Greece
Hiking Quality Index: 51
Santorini may be best known for its sunsets and whitewashed villages, but it also offers some of the highest-rated hiking trails in Europe, with an average score of 4.8 stars. The island has just 42 trails, but routes like the famous Fira-to-Oia hike are among the most searched online, drawing nearly 7.5 million trail lookups. While limited in number, Santorini’s hikes deliver big on views, and it’s worth adding to your Greece itinerary.
9. Ibiza, Spain
Hiking Quality Index: 54
Ibiza ranks as the fourth Spanish island on the list and offers a quieter, more rugged side beyond its nightlife reputation. The island features 123 hiking trails rated an average of 4.6 stars, paired with excellent weather conditions and relatively affordable accommodations, averaging $120 per night. Most routes are moderate, making them accessible to a wide range of hikers.
8. La Gomera, Spain
Hiking Quality Index: 55
La Gomera stands out for its lush landscapes and extensive trail network, offering 199 routes—more than double the number found on some higher-ranked islands. The island scores highly for climate and features longer hikes, averaging around 10 km, with routes typically taking just over three hours to complete. It’s a strong option for hikers who want fewer crowds and deeper immersion in nature.
7. Menorca, Spain
Hiking Quality Index: 57
Menorca earns its place thanks to consistent trail quality and excellent weather conditions. The island has 95 hiking routes, most rated around 4.6 stars, and benefits from one of the highest climate scores in the study. Compared to nearby Mallorca, Menorca offers a more relaxed hiking experience with fewer visitors on the trails.
6. Texel, Netherlands
Hiking Quality Index: 59
Texel ranks as the safest island for hikers in the study, earning a safety index of 74.2. With 62 mostly moderate trails, it’s especially well-suited for beginner hikers or travelers looking for low-stress outdoor experiences. Popular routes like De Dennen consistently receive high ratings, averaging 4.6 stars.
5. Sardinia, Italy
Hiking Quality Index: 66
Sardinia rounds out the top five with 363 hiking trails rated an average of 4.6 stars. Many of its most popular routes, including Cala Luna and Bue Marino Cave, are considered moderate and typically take under two hours to complete. The island offers a balance of scenic coastal hikes and inland terrain, making it appealing to a wide range of hikers.
4. Madeira, Portugal
Hiking Quality Index: 67
Madeira stands out for both trail difficulty and climate, earning the highest climate score among the top islands. It offers 500 hiking routes, many rated “hard,” with longer average distances and nearly three hours required to complete most trails. Combined with strong safety scores, Madeira is a top choice for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
3. Sicily, Italy
Hiking Quality Index: 70
Sicily places third, combining affordability with high trail volume. The island offers 500 hiking routes rated an average of 4.6 stars, with accommodation costs averaging just $106 per night. Interest in hiking in Sicily is especially high, with nearly 6.7 million online searches, driven by iconic trails like Rocca di Cefalù.
2. Crete, Greece
Hiking Quality Index: 77
Crete takes second place with 500 trails averaging 4.7 stars—the second-highest rating overall. It’s also the most affordable island among the top three, with nightly stays averaging $106. Many routes are considered “hard,” with average lengths around 15 km, making Crete a favorite for seasoned hikers looking for variety and value. It’s a great island to add to a Greece itinerary.
1. Mallorca, Spain
Hiking Quality Index: 100
Mallorca tops the list as Europe’s best island for hiking, earning a perfect Hiking Quality Index score. The island offers 500 well-rated trails averaging 4.6 stars, alongside strong safety and climate scores. Most hikes are moderate in difficulty, with summit routes typically taking around two hours—making Mallorca accessible, scenic, and consistently rewarding for hikers of all levels.
If this list has you daydreaming about your next big hike, there’s no shortage of inspiration beyond Europe, either. Some travelers are skipping bucket-list routes like Angels Landing in favor of lesser-known but much-loved trails across the U.S., while others are setting their sights on once-in-a-lifetime hikes like the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu—an experience that requires a bit more planning, but pays off in unforgettable views and history.
