The best day hikes in the world range from a ramble along one of Mount Kongo’a trekking trails in Japan to the cliff tops of volcanic Santorini, Greece, high above the sparkling Aegean.
Each trail presents a distinct combination of challenges and scenic beauty, whether you walk along towering cliffs, pass through rainforests, or scramble across volcanic slopes. These hikes showcase the planet’s incredible diversity, letting you experience all of its glory on foot.
Krka National Park, Split, Croatia
Krka National Park in Split, Croatia
One of Croatia’s most beautiful places, Krka National Park mesmerizes with abundant waterfalls, watery landscapes, greenery, and peaceful walking paths.
This Croatian outdoor haven, about an hour and a half outside of Split, features wooden boardwalks and nature trails that wind past waterfalls, moss-covered ledges, flowing streams, and the awe-inspiring multi-level cascades of Skradinski Buk waterfall.
Krka National Park in Split, Croatia
While walking through the forested areas, look for brownish squacco herons, otters, turtles, falcons, and bats. If you’re a nature enthusiast, you will have over 850 plant species to enjoy.
The park offers easy-to-moderate walks for all levels but requires sturdy shoes with good traction because the trails can become slippery. While riverside swimming areas have been limited recently, you will still find a few designated spots to cool your toes on a hot day.
Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy
Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy
If you opt for a Mount Etna trek, you will be treated to geological drama on Europe’s most active volcano. Etna provides an unforgettable lunar-like landscape and dramatic coastal scenery. It offers a variety of hikes, from easy-going to demanding.
Trek with expert guides across hardened black volcanic lava flows, recent eruption craters, and ash-covered paths, with steam and gas clouds sometimes filling the sky.
Mount Etna Cable Car in Sicily, Italy
Would-be mountaineers can travel by foot or cable car to higher points before tackling the summit or steeper slopes. The volcanic terrain here limits the wildlife, but you might spot foxes and lizards on the ground and kestrels and buzzards in the air.
Layered clothing is essential since weather conditions change quickly and high winds dominate at higher altitudes. You will enjoy sweeping vistas over Catania and the deep blue sea when the weather is clear. Always carry a scarf or buff, as the air can fill with grit whenever Etna erupts. But rest assured that the volcano is carefully monitored and hikers will not be permitted to wander anywhere near potential lava flows.
Read: Best Hikes in Europe
Tongass National Forest, Alaska
Tongass National Forest, Alaska
One of the best day hiking destinations in the world is, without a doubt, the Tongass National Forest, a one-of-a-kind temperate rainforest in America’s 49th state.
Tongass, the largest national forest in the country, is located in Alaska’s southern panhandle. It covers more than 16 million acres yet is accessible via multiple hiking trails.
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
The West Glacier Trail, outside Juneau, is an excellent day hike that will take you from the ancient-growth forest to the scenic Mendenhall Glacier. As you walk beneath moss-covered Sitka spruce trees and western hemlocks, you might see black bears, fleecy mountain goats, and bald eagles.
Due to the rainforest’s unpredictable weather, waterproof gear—including boots, jackets, and layered clothing—is essential. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center offers information about the area’s glacial history and ecology, providing perspective on the wilderness and lush greenery.
Fira to Oia, Santorini, Greece
Oia in Santorini, Greece
If you have three to four hours to spare and it’s not too hot, the Fira to Oia hike along Santorini island’s caldera provides an exceedingly scenic excursion.
This six-to-seven-mile trek begins in Fira. It takes you onto a sinuous trail that follows the cliffside, with stunning views of the Aegean Sea and pretty whitewashed villages scattered over the caldera edge. The precipitous route also features picturesque chapels, and old stone windmills. Pack sunscreen, water, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat for your trail outing.
After you reach Oia, your final destination, treat yourself to a seafood lunch or a glass of cool Assyrtiko wine. As the trail has minimal shade, try to start your hike earlier in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the scorching midday sun. There are regular buses back to Fira if you don’t want to walk.
Mount Kongo, Osaka, Japan
Kongō-san, or Mount Kongo, is easily accessible from Osaka. At 1,125 meters or 3,691 feet, it’s the tallest mountain in the Kansai region and attracts hikers year-round due to its spectacular scenery, which changes seasonally.
Winter blankets the flora here with snow to create juhyou “snow monsters,” which are snow-covered trees, while summer paths offer warm light and lovely cedar fragrances.
One of the main paths begins at the Chihaya Ropeway station, from where you can ascend the well-marked trail via stone steps along a gentle slope. The mountain offers a variety of tracks, from easy to more challenging.
Sika deer
Along the trail, you’ll likely see wild sika deer, Japanese macaques, Buddhist statues, and small shrines.
The observation deck, near the top of the Japanese mountain, offers expansive vistas of Nara and Osaka and even extends out to Awaji Island in Osaka Bay on a clear day.
Pulpit Rock, Norway
Pulpit Rock, Norway
For an exciting hike culminating in one of Europe’s most popular attractions, Pulpit Rock— Preikestolen in Norwegian—should top your list of the best day hikes in the world.
While the five-mile round-trip trek, close to Stavanger, is well-signposted, you must be physically capable of coping with rocky ascents and uneven ground to tackle this hike.
You’ll pass through pine-scented woods before crossing wooden bridges, granite plateaus, stone steps, and other challenging terrain.
Pulpit Rock, Norway
Once you reach the top of the expansive Pulpit Rock stone shelf, you’ll be instantly wowed by the beautiful Lysefjord, 1,982 feet, below.
Early morning or evening visits are best to avoid the crowds, especially in summer. And, if you have a fear of heights, avoid the cliff’s edge, as there are no safety railings between you and the sudden drop. That being said, the view from the top is out of this world.
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 45 minutes from Reykjavik by car, is a gorgeous rift valley resting between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The park’s short Almannagjá loop trail is a great day hike in Iceland. It passes tall cliffs, moss-covered lava fields, and pristine glacial streams. The real star of the show here is the bigger-than-life geology: you’re literally standing between two continents.
As you amble along the Almannagjá trail, you’ll discover the site of Iceland’s first parliamentary institution, the Alþingi, established at the assembly fields here in 930 AD.
Another highlight is the nearby Silfra fissure, where you can snorkel through the clearest imaginable icy waters between tectonic plates while kitted out in a dry suit.
Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji’s official climbing season is from early July to September. Most hikers take the Yoshida Trail, although other routes exist, such as the Fujinomiya and Subashiri tracks.
Your point of departure will be at the 5th Station, where the tree line gives way to barren volcanic slopes. Depending on your allotted time, you can opt for a full roundtrip to the summit, which will take the better part of a day, or select shorter half-day routes along the slopes.
If you’re in good shape, the steep Fujinomiya Trail, for example, can be completed in six or seven hours. And if you’re short on time, you can always partially climb one of the trails to enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding Fuji Five Lakes region.
You will also find lakeshore trails at the base of this iconic volcano, including around Lake Saiko, filled with forested paths and scenic Fuji views, and through thick, beautiful woodland areas, such as the mossy Aokigahara Forest.
Read: Best Hikes in Japan
Gobbins Coastal Path, Northern Ireland
Gobbins Coastal Path, Northern Ireland
One of the best hikes in the UK is the Gobbins Coastal Path, a cliffside trail that runs along Northern Ireland’s rugged Antrim Coast. It offers dramatic littoral scenery and an immersive experience filled with sea-sprayed vistas and rugged geological formations.
The trail includes narrow paths, metal bridges, and a tunnel to navigate through. As you huff and puff along this route, look for puffins nesting on the cliffs and seals and dolphins swimming close to the shore.
Due to rock falls and Mother Nature’s whims, the path is occasionally closed, so check before going about the opening status. Also, you have to book a tour ahead of time since this trail requires professional guides.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park, Alaska
If you opt for a trek through Denali Park in Alaska, you’ll enter a postcard-worthy scene filled with raw wilderness in the shadow of North America’s tallest peak.
If you’re looking for a memorable hike in Alaska, explore the Savage Alpine Trail, which features magnificent alpine views and river crossings through a vibrant tundra ecosystem.
Caribou
During your hike, you may spot marmots basking on rocks while caribou feed in open fields. You might even get to observe grizzlies from a safe distance. Due to rapid changes in weather conditions, come prepared with layered clothing, waterproof equipment, and bear spray.
After hiking, you can board the park shuttle to search for more wildlife, such as moose and wolves, or visit the ranger team’s sled dog kennels to meet playful huskies and perhaps make a furry friend or two.
Mount Hallasan, Jeju Island, South Korea
Mount Hallasan in Jeju Island, South Korea
When visiting Jeju Island, it’s a good bet you will want to hike all—or at least part of—Mount Hallasan, the dormant volcano that dominates the island’s landscape.
Seongpanak Trail is an excellent option for fit folks who want to enjoy a rewarding one-day hike on Hallasan, South Korea’s tallest mountain.
This route takes approximately seven to eight hours round-trip, although you can hike only part of it if you’re short on time. The trail passes through forests and volcanic rock fields before reaching panoramic views at the crater’s rim.
Roe deer
As you traverse various ecological zones, you might observe roe deer moving through the trees or perhaps hear a few wild boars rustling within the underbrush.
Mount Hallasan, a shield volcano filled with moss-covered lava formations, offers a surreal landscape and, weather permitting, some fantastic views across the island, making it one of the best day hikes in Korea.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, Peru
If you don’t have much time, you can reach Machu Picchu in a day without completing the multi-day Inca Trail route. Opt for the Inca Trail Express route instead, which starts at the Chachabamba Ruins at kilometer 104 along the Cusco-Machu Picchu train line.
This spectacular hike will reward you every step of the way. Depending on the season, your path through the cloud forest might feature Wiñay Wayna orchids, and, of course, lots of mossy stones, and a visit to the terraced Wiñay Wayna ruins.
You will also pass through portions of the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail before reaching the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, where you will experience incredible vistas of Machu Picchu’s majesty.
Then, as the cherry on top of this iconic trek, you will get to tour this ancient Incan city—rediscovered by the American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911—and discover its incredible mountaintop stone architecture for yourself.
White Cliffs of Dover, England
White Cliffs of Dover, England
The South Foreland Walk, which skirts across the White Cliffs of Dover, offers a four-mile coastal walk from the Visitor Centre to the South Foreland Lighthouse over the chalky white cliffs, featuring expansive views across the English Channel.
Under clear skies, which are not a given here, you can even see the outlines of France emerging from the mist across the water.
During your ramble, you might spot rare early spider orchids, as well as sturdy Exmoor ponies grazing. You won’t face much physical strain during your walk, but it may be windy, so pack a windbreaker.
Take a break for tea at the Victorian lighthouse or explore Dover Castle’s wartime tunnels to gain historical insight into the area. This classic English hiking trail combines natural beauty with history and dramatic cliff-side views.
Mount Liamuiga Trail, St. Kitts
Mount Liamuiga, St. Kitts
The Mount Liamuiga Trail on St. Kitts delivers a memorable experience by taking you from the steamy rainforest to the summit.
You will begin your climb near the village of St. Paul’s, ascending through a lush rainforest landscape filled with vines and large ferns. Vervet monkeys chatter in the green canopy overhead.
Mount Liamuiga, St. Kitts
The trail toward the summit gets muddy and steep, so wear hiking shoes that offer good traction and prepare for some hard scrambling.
After hiking for several hours, you will reach the rim of this dormant volcano, where you can take in the gorgeous jungle-filled crater below.
Read: Best Hiking in the Caribbean
Mount Fløyen, Bergen, Norway
Mount Fløyen in Bergen, Norway
The hike up Mount Fløyen is one of the best day hikes in the world and one of Norway’s most easily accessible yet breathtaking trails.
The Fløibanen funicular from Bergen will take you to the top of Mount Fløyen. You can either start from the bottom, following a switchback trail through pine forests to reach the summit on foot, or else hop on the funicular to save some energy.
At the peak, you will be gifted with sweeping vistas of Bergen’s harbor, nearby fjords, and distant islands. More hiking is on the menu from the summit, including the Brushytten and Nedrediket trails, taking you on a scenic tour of the mountaintop forests and small lakes.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Madeira
Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Madeira
A magical walk awaits along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail, one of the best hikes in Madeira. This path follows a narrow irrigation channel cut into cliffs, passing through a lush subtropical laurel forest.
The total trail distance is less than eight miles and the terrain is mostly level. However, some sections have steep drops to the side with only a handrail, so be aware of this if you have vertigo
You’ll pass through tunnels and under mossy overhangs dripping with water. The path also leads to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, which plunges into a circular pool far below.
Pulpit Rock, Norway
Ready to experience some of the best day hikes in the world? Browse Celebrity’s worldwide cruise itineraries and plan your dream vacation.
