Amazing Spring Hikes You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Nothing beats a hike in the spring, with its warm weather, the return of plant and wild life, fresh air and the opportunity to stretch your legs after a long winter. Here is a list of five hiking trips to take this spring you’ve probably never heard of.

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

This southernmost stretch of Croatia’s 3,600-mile coastline offers dramatic limestone cliffs, picturesque islands scattered off shore, ancient Roman ruins and historic towns. Travel on foot down a dramatic gorge to a remote monastery, discover isolated bays, historic villages and ports and hike the Plitvice Lakes.

Dorset, England

Explore the English Channel coastal county of Dorset for beautiful landscapes and natural wonders such as Lulworth Cove, the Isle of Portland, Chesil Beach and Durdle Door. You can also hike the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lyme Regis, where fossil collecting first began.

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Also known as the Western Isles, Outer Hebrides offers stunning and varied natural landscapes, from beaches with crystal-clear waters to lush green rolling hills. Take Coffin Way on the Isle of Lewis to the eerie and remote cemeteries, take a cross-country hike and experience Scotland’s wildlife or ascend the massive Munro summits.

Puglia, Italy

A more rustic Italian destination, Puglia forms the heel of Italy’s boot and has the longest coastline of any region in mainland Italy. The destination offers fewer tourists, breathtaking natural beauty and extraordinary architecture, all of which can be experienced on foot. Trek the Natural Park Otranto-Leuca and Tricase Forest, ancient cathedrals and ruins and gaze out over the Adriatic Sea.

Algarve, Portugal

The southernmost region in Portugal is known for its Mediterranean beaches, whitewashed fishing villages, rugged beautiful coast lines and sandstone caves and grottos. Hike to St. Vincent, known as the “End of the World,” for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.