The World’s 10 Most Beautiful Hiking Trails That Every Traveler Must See
Discover the world’s 10 most beautiful hiking trails, from Türkiye’s Lycian Way to Peru’s Inca Trail. Explore breathtaking landscapes, iconic peaks, and unforgettable trekking adventures for every level of hiker.
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the world’s natural beauty than on foot. Hiking allows you to disconnect from daily life, soak in awe-inspiring landscapes, and discover hidden gems that are otherwise inaccessible. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just starting out, these trails offer adventure, serenity, and unforgettable views. According to Time Out, the world’s leading travel and lifestyle publication, these are the 10 most beautiful hiking trails across the globe. From short day hikes to month-long expeditions spanning continents, this curated list takes you through trails that combine stunning scenery, culture, and thrilling adventure—perfect for every kind of traveler. (Image: Canva)
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1. Lycian Way, Türkiye Length: 540 km Türkiye’s first long-distance trail, the Lycian Way, follows an ancient trade route that once connected settlements in Lycia. Today, hikers traverse cliffs, secluded beaches, and ruins of temples and towns left by ancient civilizations. Highlights include the ancient city of Olympos, the golden sands of Patara Beach, and Saklikent Canyon. End your trek with a refreshing dip in the Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz. (Image: Canva)
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2. The O Circuit, Patagonia, Chile Length: 120 km The O Circuit is Patagonia’s crown jewel, encompassing the iconic W Trek but offering a longer, more secluded route. Starting from Puerto Natales, hikers explore towering peaks, vivid blue lakes, and vast plains, including the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, Grey Glacier, and the dramatic Los Cuernos. This 8-day trek promises solitude and breathtaking landscapes far from the crowds. (Representative Image: Canva)
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3. Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland Length: 170 km One of Europe’s most popular hut-to-hut treks, the Tour du Mont Blanc loops through France, Italy, and Switzerland, offering uninterrupted views of the Mont Blanc massif. Divided into 11 stages, it’s perfect for hikers who want flexibility in distance and difficulty. The trail winds through alpine meadows, rushing rivers, and steep valleys, with plentiful huts, guesthouses, and guided tour options along the way. (Image: Canva)
4. Annapurna Circuit Trek, Nepal Length: Up to 230 km The Annapurna Circuit is a legendary trek through the Himalayas, offering panoramic views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. The trail passes serene villages, Buddhist temples, and the high-altitude Thorang La Pass (5,416m) before descending into the stunning Mustang region. A moderate level of fitness is required, but the spiritual and scenic rewards are unparalleled. (Image: Canva)
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5. The Great Ocean Walk, Australia Length: 104 km This coastal trail south of Melbourne lets hikers experience the Great Ocean Road on foot. Trek through emerald forests where koalas sleep overhead, along windswept beaches, and past eerie shipwrecks. Key highlights include Milanesia Beach, Station Beach, Great Otway National Park, and the iconic Twelve Apostles. The trek can be completed over eight days or in shorter day-hike segments. (Image: Canva)
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6. The Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia & Armenia Length: 1,500 km Opened in 2022, the Transcaucasian Trail (TCT) remains largely untouched by tourism. Hikers traverse volcanic plateaus, rugged mountains, and colorful landscapes, from Lake Sevan to the Gegham Mountains. Traditional villages, monastery-studded hillsides, and remote peaks make this trek a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure for intrepid explorers. (Image: transcaucasiantrail)
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7. Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand Length: 19.4 km A day hike that feels otherworldly, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing features craters, vivid lakes, and volcanic landscapes. Starting at the Mangatepopo trailhead, you hike under the shadow of Mt Ngāuruhoe (Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings), passing the Red Crater and Emerald & Blue Lakes. Panoramic views of Mt Taranaki complete the cinematic scenery. (Image: Canva)
8. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii, USA Length: 36 km round trip The Kalalau Trail winds along Hawaii’s dramatic Nā Pali Coast, where jagged cliffs, jungle-covered valleys, and thundering waterfalls await. The full trail is challenging, but even the initial section to Hanakapi’ai Beach offers stunning views. For those daring enough to complete the route, the trail culminates at the remote Kalalau Beach in the Hanakoa Valley. (Image: Canva)
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9. Bald Hills Trail, Canada Length: 15 km round trip Accessible and rewarding, the Bald Hills Trail in Jasper National Park is perfect for a short day hike. The route meanders through sun-dappled forests, occasionally offering glimpses of wildlife like moose, before reaching sweeping panoramas of Maligne Lake and the Rocky Mountains. Ideal for families or hikers seeking a scenic but manageable trek. (Representative Image: Canva)
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10. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru Length: 43 km One of the world’s most iconic hikes, the Inca Trail traverses the Andes to reach Machu Picchu. Hikers cross rivers, steep ascents like Dead Woman’s Pass, and verdant landscapes in the Sacred Valley, before witnessing the Sun Gate and the legendary Incan citadel. A physically demanding trek, but an unforgettable bucket-list adventure for any traveler. (Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
