Hiking continued to gain popularity in 2024 as a travel activity, with many individuals seeking quiet, solitude, and mindfulness through trekking along pilgrimage routes and mountain trails. This form of travel also offers a sustainable way to experience lesser-visited parts of a country. New hiking paths opened throughout the year, such as a 7-day route in Italy’s Dolomites known as the Cammino Retico, connecting remote villages in the Veneto and Trentino regions. Additionally, Italy’s famed Via dell’Amore, or ‘Path of Love,’ reopened after more than a decade of closure due to a landslide, offering picturesque views of Cinque Terre’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Italy, the Cammino Retico, a 170-kilometer circular route, was inaugurated in 2024, providing hikers with the opportunity to explore the wild and nature-rich landscape of the Dolomites mountain range. This trail is named after the ancient Raeti people who once inhabited the region, offering a unique glimpse into the area’s history and culture. The pathway, initiated by the social association Carpe Diem, begins and ends near Belluno, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the Veneto and Trentino regions. Italy also saw the reopening of the Via dell’Amore, or ‘Path of Love,’ after significant renovations following a landslide in 2012, offering an enchanting walk between Riomaggiore and Manarola.
Portugal became home to the world’s longest circular hiking route, the 3,000-kilometer Palmilhar Portugal, with the first section opening in 2024. This ambitious trail project aims to allow hikers to explore the diverse landscapes of the country, from coastal Alentejo in the south to mountainous Trás-os-Montes in the north. The project is expected to be fully completed within three years, offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience Portugal’s natural beauty on foot. Additionally, Sweden introduced an island-hopping route around the Stockholm Archipelago in October 2024, providing a 270-kilometer trail that connects over 20 islands and showcases the country’s rugged landscapes and pristine nature.
Hiking continues to be a popular form of travel in 2024, offering individuals the chance to experience unique landscapes and immerse themselves in nature. For some travelers, hiking represents a wellness practice that promotes mindfulness and self-reflection, providing a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Additionally, hiking allows visitors to explore lesser-visited parts of a country in a sustainable manner, supporting the conservation of natural environments and local communities. Whether embarking on a pilgrimage route, trekking along mountain trails, or island-hopping through archipelagos, hikers have the opportunity to discover new cultures, histories, and landscapes while reconnecting with nature.
As the popularity of hiking as a travel activity continues to grow, new hiking paths are being opened around the world to cater to this demand. In Italy, the Cammino Retico and the reopened Via dell’Amore offer hikers the chance to explore the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of the country, from ancient villages in the Dolomites to the picturesque coastal villages of Cinque Terre. Portugal’s Palmilhar Portugal project aims to create the world’s longest circular hiking route, providing travelers with the opportunity to traverse diverse landscapes across the country. Sweden’s Stockholm Archipelago Trail offers a unique island-hopping experience, allowing hikers to discover the rugged beauty of the country’s archipelago.
Hiking provides travelers with a sustainable way to explore lesser-visited parts of a country, offering a deeper connection to nature and local cultures. Whether seeking solitude, mindfulness, or simply a break from the routine, hikers can find respite in the natural beauty of the world. With the opening of new hiking paths in countries like Italy, Portugal, and Sweden, travelers have more opportunities than ever to embark on unforgettable hiking adventures and create lasting memories. As the popularity of hiking continues to rise, it is clear that this form of travel offers a unique and rewarding way to experience the world.
