Wanderlust! Europe's Most Beautiful Hiking Trails

Once a path for smugglers and shipwreck plunderers, the Cornwall Coast Path runs along England's rugged south-west coast, past castles, harbours, and gardens from the Victorian era.

A trail designed especially for hiking in 2007; it begins where the borders of Luxembourg, France and Germany meet, and is very trendy among young hikers.

This trail leads through the Serra de Tramuntana with views on the sea; the stone path follows ancient postal and riding routes, which have been laid "dry" (without any mortar or cement) since the 13th century.

This trail follows the footsteps of the Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson, through the Massif Central in southern France; he rides with his donkey, Modestine, and in 1879, publishes "Travels With a Donkey in the Cévennes."

A long-distance path that spans the entire island of Crete; the gorges end up directly at the sea, combining hiking and swimming, Greek food, and the Cretan spirit of resistance.

Along the Monti Lattari, the Milk Mountains, old trails connect beautifully situated coastal towns with rich ancient history; steep stairways lead through terraces where Amalfi lemons are grown.