Where to Go Hiking in Europe in April

By April, spring has taken hold across much of Europe. Longer, milder days draw hikers back onto the continent’s footpaths as the landscapes shake off winter. Meadows erupt with wildflowers, trees burst into leaf and the trails come alive. It’s a month made for fresh starts and outdoor adventure.

From the wild Azores to the sun-drenched hillsides of Tuscany, hiking adventures in April (opens in new tab) offer variety in abundance. You could be tracing the coastline of the Albanian Riviera (opens in new tab), sauntering through the vineyards of Italy’s Prosecco Hills (opens in new tab) or climbing the volcanic peaks of Madeira.

For walkers seeking colour, contrast and breathing space before the summer rush, April is one of the most rewarding months to explore Europe on foot.

What’s the Weather Like for Hiking in Europe in April?

April weather in Europe is defined by change, and conditions vary widely depending on where you go.

In southern Europe, spring is well underway. Spain (opens in new tab), Portugal, southern Italy (opens in new tab) and Greece enjoy mild to warm temperatures, often ranging between 15 to 22°C, with long, sunny days ideal for hiking. Landscapes are at their greenest, nourished by winter rain and dotted with wildflowers.

Across central Europe, temperatures begin to rise but remain cooler, especially in mountainous regions. In the Alps, Dolomites and Pyrenees, snow still lingers at higher altitudes, while lower trails emerge from winter, making April a great time for valley walks and mid-altitude routes. Parts of northern Europe, such as Finnish Lapland or the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard (opens in new tab), are still carpeted in snow.

Rainfall is common in many parts of Europe during April, often arriving as brief spring showers rather than prolonged downpours. Conditions can change quickly, so layered clothing and waterproofs are essential—but clearer skies are rarely far behind.

Why Go Hiking in Europe in April?

April is a month of momentum. Nature is fully reawakening, and Europe’s landscapes feel alive with movement. Rivers rush with snowmelt, forests burst into leaf and wildlife becomes increasingly active.

In Mediterranean regions, hillsides glow with poppies, orchids and citrus blossoms, while in alpine valleys, snowlines creep ever higher. It’s a time of visual abundance, and a sense of renewal.

April also strikes a perfect balance between seasons. Many popular hiking destinations remain refreshingly quiet, yet services and accommodations begin to reopen after winter. Locals have time to chat and you can settle into a steady rhythm without the pressure of peak-season crowds.

Of course, spring brings unpredictability. Weather can shift, paths may be muddy, and higher routes may still be inaccessible. But for hikers willing to stay flexible, April delivers walks full of colour, contrast and that unmistakable feeling that a new season has truly begun.

Best Hiking Destinations in Europe in April

1. Gran Canaria, The Canary Islands

• Average daytime temperatures: 21°C (70°F) to 23°C (73°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 16°C (61°F) to 18°C (64°F)
• Best for: Exploring a ‘continent in miniature’

Gran Canaria offers remarkably uncrowded hiking trails, despite being a popular year-round holiday destination. Often called a 'continent in miniature', hiking in Gran Canaria (opens in new tab) takes you through a varied landscape of volcanic peaks and lush laurisilva forests to green gorges, locally known as barrancos.

Why hike here in April?: It’s the ideal month for hiking, with mild weather and verdant flourishing landscapes.

Must-do trail(s): Hike from the village of Tejeda through pine forests and volcanically carved landscapes to Roque Nublo, an enigmatic rock monolith in the island’s hinterlands.

What’s the weather like?: Daytime temperatures average around 21°C (70°F), with mild evenings and very little rain.

What to know before you go: Make sure to sample Canarian cuisine, including gofio (a toasted grain flour often mixed with broth), local cheeses and papas arrugadas con mojo—potatoes served with a savoury pepper sauce.

2. Tenerife, The Canary Islands

• Average daytime temperatures: 19°C (66°F) to 23°C (73°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 16°C (64°F) to 18°C (72°F)
• Best for: volcanic hikes

The ecologically diverse island of Tenerife (opens in new tab) boasts hiking trails through a wide range of landscapes: the ashy slopes of volcanoes; the serrated, forested peaks of the Anaga Mountains; and gorge walks with views of the ocean. There’s something for hikers of all experience levels, from challenging summit hikes—such as an ascent of Mount Teide, the island’s highest peak at 3,715m (12,188ft)—to more laidback coastal strolls.

Why hike here in April?: April is an excellent time to hike, as you’ll enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds than peak winter months.

Must-do trail(s): The Masca Gorge Trail, from the hillside town of Masca to the coast, is one of Tenerife’s most well-known and scenic hikes.

What’s the weather like?: It’s balmy and mild on the south of the island, and slightly cooler and cloudier as you travel north. Expect minimal rain.

What to know before you go: This is a great time for whale and dolphin sightings, so schedule a boat trip alongside your hike.

3. The Albanian Riviera, Albania

• Average daytime temperatures: 18°C (64°F) to 23°C (73°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 10°C (50°F) to 14°C (57°F)
• Best for: Unspoilt coastal hikes

The Albanian Riviera (opens in new tab) is a strip of coastline bordering the Ionian Sea, where beaches are backdropped by high mountains and encircled with olive groves. It’s a haven for hikers as well as beachgoers, with adventurous routes taking you between unspoilt villages, to hidden coves and up peaks such as Mount Gjipali (1,446m/ 4,744ft).

Why hike here in April?: The shoulder season is the best time to visit Albania (opens in new tab), before the summer crowds come to the beaches.

Must-do trail(s): The 46-mile (74km) Southern Coastal Trail is a multi-day trekking route along the Karaburun Peninsula, passing secluded beaches and unspoilt coastal villages along the way.

What’s the weather like?: Albania has a warm Mediterranean climate, and temperatures in April average around 20°C (68°F). Anticipate scattered rain showers.

What to know before you go: Higher altitude areas such as Llogora National Park will be cooler than the coast, so pack layers.

4. The Prosecco Hills, Italy

• Average daytime temperatures: 16°C (61°F) to 24°C (75°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 9°C (48°F) to 12°C (54°F)
• Best for: Sampling proper Prosecco

The Prosecco Hills (opens in new tab) is a UNESCO-designated wine-producing region near Venice, where steep hills carpeted in vines are set against the mountainous backdrop of the Pre-Alps. Despite the popularity of Prosecco sparkling wine, the region sees few visitors and its countryside, vineyards and villages remain remarkably unspoilt.

Why hike here in April?: Temperatures are mild, vineyards are beginning to sprout greenery, and wineries are open for tastings.

Must-do trail(s): The Prosecco Trail, a 31.6 mile (51km) walking trail through the region’s sharp ridges, fertile valleys and wineries.

What’s the weather like?: The temperature slowly rises as the month progresses, although night times remain cool.

What to know before you go: Base yourself at an agriturismo (farm-stay) so you can enjoy homegrown vegetables and other local produce.

5. The Italian Riviera, Italy

• Average daytime temperatures: 17°C (63°F) to 22°C (72°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 10°C (50°F) to 13°C (55°F)
• Best for: Delicious Ligurian cuisine

The Italian Riviera (opens in new tab) is a strip of coast running alongside the Ligurian Sea, in the country’s northwest. It’s known for its rugged cliffs and pastel towns, particularly the Cinque Terre. We recommend heading to the quieter, western side of the riviera where you’ll encounter traditional villages away from the crowds, and rugged coastal trails with panoramic ocean views.

Why hike here in April?: The weather is ideal for hiking, but the sea is still rather cold at 14°C (57°F), so you won’t encounter many beachgoers.

Must-do trail(s): The Pilgrim’s Path, which takes you along the coast from Varigotti to Noli, one of Liguria’s most well-preserved medieval villages.

What’s the weather like?: You can expect warm temperatures, intermingled with a few rainy days, so pack waterproofs.

What to know before you go: Liguria is renowned for its cuisine, from pesto alla genovese and pillowy focaccia to fresh seafood. Make sure you build in enough time to sample it between hikes.

6. Svalbard, Norway

• Average daytime temperatures: -12°C (10°F) to -5°C (23°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: -17°C (1.4°F) to -11°C (12°F)
• Best for: Arctic expeditions

Svalbard (opens in new tab) is a Norwegian Archipelago located high in the Arctic Circle. Formerly the province of explorers and a large polar bear population, it’s now settled year-round (in the capital of Longyearbyen) and attracts adventure travellers in search of an Arctic adventure. Experienced guides can take you trekking over Arctic tundra, up snowcapped peaks and out on snowmobile expeditions.

Why hike here in April?: The 24-hour-darkness of polar night has ended, but the landscape is still carpeted in snow, making winter activities possible.

Must-do trail(s): Ascend the highest mountain near Longyearbyen, Nordenskiöld Fjellet (1,053m/3,455ft). Or head out on a guided mini-expedition into the Arctic, wild camping overnight.

What’s the weather like?: Sub-zero. Winter still has the island in its grip, with frequent flurries of snow. Pack cold weather clothes.

What to know before you go: You’ll only be able to leave the settlement of Longyearbyen with an armed guide (to protect against polar bears), unless you have your own weapon and licence. So guided activities are a must.

7. Tuscany, Italy

• Average daytime temperatures: 17°C (63°F) to 21°C (70°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 7°C (45°F) to 11°C (52°F)
• Best for: Wine tasting

Tuscany (opens in new tab) has an evocative landscape of undulating hills topped with cypress trees and surrounded by vineyards. A number of historic towns and villages are nestled into the landscape, such as the fortified hilltop town of Montalcino. It’s renowned for its wines, in particular Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, said to be Italy’s best red—you can hike between villages, stopping for tastings.

Why hike here in April?: Wild tulips, poppies and orchids transform the landscape, making it one of the most beautiful hiking seasons.

Must-do trail(s): The Tuscan section of the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route. The section through Val d’Orcia is particularly beautiful.

What’s the weather like?: Mild and sunny, with a few scattered spring showers. Temperatures rise as the month progresses.

What to know before you go: Pack waterproofs for sudden showers and layers for cooler evenings.

8. Azores, Portugal

• Average daytime temperatures: 14°C (57°F) to 18°C (64°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 11°C (52°F) to 14°C (57°F)
• Best for: lava-sculpted landscapes

The Azores (opens in new tab) is a far-flung archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, often described as where ‘Hawaii meets Europe’. The volcanically sculpted landscape is carpeted in greenery, and dotted with fumaroles, lava fields and vibrant blue crater lakes. Opportunities for adventure are abundant, including coasteering, abseiling and hiking.

Why hike here in April?: In April you can enjoy comfortable, temperate weather and fewer crowds than in the summer months. This is also prime whale-watching season, with blue, fin, and sei whales migrating.

Must-do trail(s): Hike through ancient forest to glimpse the cyan waters of Fogo Lake in the Reserva Natural de Lagoa do Fogo.

What’s the weather like?: The weather is warming up with the onset of spring, although you will still experience a few rainy days and some cool nights.

What to know before you go: April’s temperate climate makes it an ideal time to relax in the island’s many hot springs—the ideal post-walk treat.

9. Madeira, Portugal

• Average daytime temperatures: 16°C (62°F) to 19°C (66°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 14°C (57°F) to 16°C (62°F)
• Best for: Island adventures

Madeira (opens in new tab), often called the ‘island of eternal spring,’ is a rapidly emerging destination for adventure tourism. Its natural landscape is highly diverse, featuring volcanic peaks—the highest of which is Pico Ruivo at 1,861m (6,106ft)—laurisilva forest, lush valleys, and distinctive black sand beaches. A vast network of hiking trails criss-crosses the island, with many routes following the ancient irrigation channels known locally as levadas.

Why hike here in April?: This is the height of spring, when the landscape is in full bloom and the weather is warm. It’s also a good time of year for whale and dolphin sightings.

Must-do trail(s): The well-known PR1 trail which connects Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (and is set to reopen in April 2026 following a closure due to wildfire damage).

What’s the weather like?: Days are sunny, with a cool Atlantic breeze, getting warmer as the month draws on. There will be some rainy days, so pack waterproofs.

What to know before you go: Madeira recently changed its hiking rules so independent hikers need to buy timed entry tickets to PR1 trails. Tour leaders arrange this for guided hiking groups.

10. The Basque Country, Spain

• Average daytime temperatures: 17°C (63°F) to 20°C (68°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F)
• Best for: pintxo-hopping and vineyard hikes

Straddling the French and Spanish border, the Basque Country is situated in the western Pyrenees, along the Bay of Biscay. Spain’s Basque Country (opens in new tab) is a land of sharp contrasts and striking scenery. Coastal paths trace the edge of the Bay of Biscay, while inland trails wind through beech forests, limestone gorges and the sun-baked terraces of La Rioja region, dotted with medieval villages and family-run wineries. Days oscillate between exploration and indulgence: cycling scenic backroads, visiting thermal springs, sipping local wines and finishing evenings with pintxos and sidra in lively bars.

Why hike here in April?: The mild climate is ideal for hikes, sightseeing and vineyard visits. Plus, you’ll get to experience the beaches without the summer crowds.

Must-do trail(s): A section of the GR38, or Wine and Fish Route (opens in new tab), which takes you through the vineyards of La Rioja, over the Cantabrian Mountains and to the coast.

What’s the weather like?: Mild, but not always predictable. Come expecting clouds, warm sun and rain.

What to know before you go: Head to San Sebastian to try pintxos, the Basque Country’s version of tapas.

What to Pack for Hiking in Europe in April

Here’s an example kit list for a trip to go hiking in Europe in April. We’ve taken it from our Coast to Coast Traverse of Madeira (opens in new tab) trip page:

Bags

• Soft duffel bag
• Daypack/rucksack (30 litres)
• Waterproof liner/drybags for rucksack

Clothes

• Hiking boots (worn in)
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Breathable wicking layers
• Fleece jacket or similar
• Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
• T-shirts
• Underwear and socks
• At least one warm layer
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses
• Sunhat
• Something to sleep in
• Sandals

Other

• Headtorch
• Hiking poles (recommended)
• Universal travel plug adapter
• Power bank or solar charger
• Passports (and visas)
• Travel insurance documents
• Ear plugs
• Insect repellent
• Suncream
• Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
• Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
• Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
• Quick-dry towel
• Alcohol hand-gel
• Two reusable water bottles x1 litre
• Biodegradable wet-wipes
• Energy bars and snacks

FAQs

Which European countries are good for hiking in April?

The best European countries for hiking in April include southern destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece. These destinations offer mild spring weather and accessible trails.

Where is the warmest for hiking in Europe in April?

The warmest places for hiking in Europe in April include the Canary Islands, Madeira, southern Spain and Crete. These regions maintain daytime temperatures between 18°C (64°F) and 24°C (66°F), making them ideal for spring hiking.

Which European hiking trails are open in April?

Many European hiking trails open in April, especially in southern regions at lower elevations. Trails in Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Madeira’s PR trails and Camino hiking routes such as the Via Francigena running from Canterbury to Rome. High altitude trails remain closed or snow-covered.

What gear do I need for hiking in Europe in April?

For hiking in Europe in April, pack worn-in hiking boots, a waterproof jacket and trousers, breathable moisture-wicking layers and warm fleece layers. Include sun protection and trekking poles for varied terrain. Weather can shift, especially in mountains.

Can I hike in the Alps in April?

Hiking in the Alps in April is possible at lower elevations, in areas such as the Bavarian Alps or southern French and Italian Alps. High alpine routes (such as the Tour du Mont Blanc) remain snow-covered and unsafe.

What are the best hiking trails in Madeira in April?

The best hiking routes in Madeira in April include the PR1 from Pico do Areiro to Pico Ruivo, the PR18 along the Levado do Rei and the Vereda da Penha d´Águia through UNESCO laurisilva forest to a viewpoint.

What are some short multi-day treks in Europe in April?

Some of Europe’s best short multi-day treks to do in April include the Tuscan section of the Via Francigena, the GR38 trail through Spain’s Basque Country and Sardinia’s challenging Selvaggio Blu route.

Where can I book a guided adventure hiking tour in Europe this April?

Companies such as Much Better Adventures offer guided hiking trips in Madeira, Azores, Spain, Portugal and beyond in April.

Are there any adventure hiking trips in Europe that cater to solo travellers?

Much Better Adventures’ Europe hiking trips cater to solo travellers. In fact, solo travellers make up 70% of their customer base.

What’s included in a typical adventure hiking package in Europe in April?

A typical hiking package includes transportation to and from trailheads, an experienced local guide and support staff, accommodation and meals. Some Much Better Adventures’ hiking packages also include activities such as food and wine tastings, or trips to thermal springs and saunas.