The Guardian features six of the best hiking trails in Europe for autumn walks. Among them is a trail in the Peloponnese
One of the best ways to get to know a place is to walk it, to discover its hidden beauties and pieces of its history. Europe is full of beautiful trails that offer unique experiences to hiking enthusiasts – and early autumn is the ideal time to explore them.
The British newspaper Guardian recommends six of the best long hiking routes in Europe, for those who want to test their endurance. Among them is Greeces largest organized trail, the famous Menalon Trail (Μονοπάτι του Μαινάλου)in Arcadia.
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Arcadia: The Menalon Trail among the 6 best in Europe
The Menalon Trail,the first certified trail in Greece by the ERA (European Ramblers Association), extends for 75 km, passing through historic settlements of Arcadia, such as Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Zygovisti, Elati, Vytina, Nymfasia, Magouliana, Valtessiniko and Lagkadia. The trail passes by all the historical and cultural attractions of these areas and, at the same time, links into an endless side network. The Menalon Trail is divided into eight sections of varying difficulty. The Stemnitsa-Dimitsana section is the most popular for a day hike.
As the Guardian notes, the Menalon Trail is an excellent choice for hiking in autumn. Temperatures are pleasant and the fall colors are wonderful through November in the central Peloponnese. The trail links Stemnitsa with Lagkadia, passing through «shepherds paths, old stone villages and steep valleys draped in forests that glow in autumn». Along the way you will find plenty of tavernas serving authentic mountain dishes and local wine, the article adds.
Guardian: 6 top hiking routes in Europe
Lets take a closer look at the 6 hiking routes in Europe highlighted and presented by the Guardian.
Harz Witches Trail, Lower Saxony, Germany
- Distance: 93 km.
- Suggested number of days: 5-6
Waldstätterweg, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Distance: 114 km.
- Suggested number of days: 3-7
GR141, Andalusia, Spain
- Distance: 110 km.
- Suggested number of days: 6
Menalon Trail, Peloponnese, Greece
- Distance: 75 km.
- Suggested number of days: 4-7
Via Francigena, Tuscany, Italy
- Distance: 110 km.
- Suggested number of days: 7
Rota Vicentina, Southern Portugal
- Distance: 750 km. (total)
- Suggested number of days: At least 4
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