Europe is not a unified or homogeneous region. Its borders were born of wars, tense agreements, and centuries of intertwined history. However, if there is something that still allows us to understand the continent as a continuous space, it is the possibility of crossing it on foot. In fact, some of the most amazing hikes on the planet are located here, even though many of them don’t appear on tourist maps. And if you’ve ever wondered The longest road in EuropeThe answer forces us to look towards Italy, yes, but also towards the Balkans, the Danube and the mountains that unite East and West.
Because although the Camino de Santiago is the most famous route, it is not the longest route that can be traveled on foot. To find the true giant of the continent, you have to follow a path that crosses an entire country, and then, explore roads that connect nine different states, cultures and landscapes that change almost every kilometer.
Sentiero Italiano: The longest Italian track ever traced
When we talk about Italian trailIt’s easy to fall into the cliché that all roads lead to Rome. But this, in fact, goes much further. It was born in 1995 and was promoted by the Italian Alpine Club with a simple idea: to unite the entire country through the mountains. The result was nearly 7,000 kilometers of continuous crossing, almost eight times the distance of the Camino de Santiago, which today makes it not only the only route. Trips Europe Larger, but also on one of the longest hiking routes in the world.
This itinerary passes through 350 cities, 15 national parks, six World Heritage sites and an endless variety of landscapes. In one month, you can walk along the Dolomites, cross the Apennines, go beyond Etna, travel through the Alpine forests and then descend towards Sicily following ancient pastoral paths. It’s a journey that redefines what it means Walking across EuropeNot because of its technical difficulty, but because of its enormous reach and its ability to unite areas rarely seen as a single story.
This giant explains why when we talk about it The longest road in EuropeItaly appears in all specialized listings. But the continent holds more surprises.
Sultans’ Road: A Walking Journey from Vienna to Istanbul
if it was Italian trail It’s a vertical journey – from the Alps to Sicily – Sultans Road It is a horizontal path that follows the history of the divided continent. This itinerary, also known as the Sultan’s Trail, connects Vienna and Istanbul across nine countries. It is a profound journey, marked by the effects of the Ottoman Empire and the routes taken by Suleiman I during his campaigns.
Today, the trail, which had been abandoned for decades, is coming back to life thanks to local and community initiatives. It begins in Austria, descends through Slovakia, Hungary and Croatia, enters Serbia, draws an arc through Romania and Bulgaria, passes through northern Greece and ends in Istanbul, where Europe dissolves into Asia.
To walk through it is to understand Europe from another perspective: that of a cultural bridge that unites two worlds across non-touristy towns, rural traditions, and geographical areas that have served as borders for centuries. It is one of the longest and steepest treks that can be undertaken without leaving the continent, and a majestic alternative for those seeking… Walking across Europe Leave the usual destinations aside.
Although it is less well known than the other paths, its path shows that The longest road in Europe It depends not only on the distance, but also on the meaning of each step.
Wales, Iceland and other countries can be entirely explored on foot
Europe is not just a matter of great transcontinental roads. It is also a collection of small, diverse and walkable countries. Many of them can be crossed on foot on official, perfectly signposted roads. For example, the Wales Coast Path, which opened in 2012, borders the entire coast of the British country with more than 1,400 kilometers of cliffs, beaches, converted industrial areas and 11 nature reserves. Not him The longest road in Europebut it is one of the most complete trips for those looking for a linear journey by sea.
Luxembourg can be visited in just ten days following the so-called “Escapardenne”, an itinerary linking the forests, valleys and villages of Central Europe. Liechtenstein, which is smaller, provides 25 kilometers of uninterrupted crossing. Ireland proposes a walk of approximately 600 km from Bray Head to Dublin. Iceland, for its part, allows a route of about 450 kilometers that crosses volcanic landscapes, glaciers, thermal rivers and black deserts.
All of these tours share a basic idea: Trips Europe This means not only great distances, but the possibility of turning an entire country into a road. This is one of the great virtues of the continent: it still allows for small adventures.