Last updated: October 2026
Best Places to Hike in May: 7 European Destinations
May can be a beautiful month for walking in Europe, with spring landscapes, longer days and plenty of choice between coastal paths, forests, lakes and lower mountain trails.
However, spring conditions vary enormously. While coastal and lower-level trails may already be in excellent condition, higher mountain routes can still be affected by snow, ice, seasonal closures or restricted access.
Here are seven destinations worth considering for a May walking holiday, along with some important trail and travel-insurance points to check before setting out.
May Hiking at a Glance
Cinque Terre and the Azores offer dramatic sea views and lower-altitude routes.
The Black Forest and Madeira offer lush landscapes and extensive walking networks.
The Lake District and Dolomites can be spectacular, but conditions at altitude need extra care.
Some high-mountain trails remain closed or snow-covered until June.
1. Cinque Terre, Italy
Best for: coastal scenery, colourful villages and steep hillside paths.
Cinque Terre’s network of trails links villages, vineyards and viewpoints above the Ligurian coast.
May can be a good time to explore before the hottest summer weather, but individual trail sections can close because of landslides, heavy rain, maintenance or safety concerns.
Don’t assume the full Sentiero Verde Azzurro is open from end to end. Check the national park’s live trail status immediately before walking.
2. Lake District, England
Best for: lakes, fells and everything from gentle walks to exposed mountain routes.
May brings longer days and plenty of choice, from waterside walking around places such as Buttermere and Ullswater to much more demanding mountain days.
Helvellyn is a popular objective, but routes involving Striding Edge are exposed scrambles rather than ordinary hill walks and require suitable experience, equipment and conditions.
Even in spring, wind chill, poor visibility and patches of snow can occur on the higher fells.
3. The Dolomites, Italy
Best for: dramatic mountain views — with careful route selection in spring.
The Dolomites are spectacular in May, but this does not necessarily mean the classic high-altitude summer hiking routes are ready.
High routes such as the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit can still have significant snow, and road access to Rifugio Auronzo normally depends on late-spring conditions.
For a May trip, look at lower-level valley and foothill walks unless current local information confirms that higher routes are suitable.
4. Black Forest, Germany
Best for: woodland, waterfalls, valleys and traditional villages.
The Black Forest has an extensive network of marked walking routes, making it a flexible choice for anything from short day walks to multi-day trips.
The Schluchtensteig is one of the better-known long-distance routes, passing through gorges, woodland and waterfalls.
You don’t have to tackle the entire trail — shorter sections can work well if you’re staying in one place.
5. Madeira, Portugal
Best for: levada walks, waterfalls and lush subtropical scenery.
Madeira’s levadas and mountain paths provide some of Europe’s most distinctive walking.
PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a popular example, passing through Laurissilva forest and several tunnels. The official route is around 17.4 km return and is classed as moderate.
Madeira operates live trail-status information and booking arrangements for classified routes, so check the official site before setting out.
Take a torch or headtorch for routes involving tunnels and follow all local closure or restriction notices.
6. High Tatras, Slovakia
Best for: lower-level mountain scenery in May.
The High Tatras are an impressive hiking destination, but May falls within the national park’s seasonal closure period for many high-mountain trails.
Those seasonal closures remain in place until the end of May, with the high-mountain network reopening from 1 June.
In May, stick to routes that are officially open at lower elevations and check TANAP information before travelling. Snow and ice can remain in higher areas even after seasonal restrictions end.
7. The Azores, Portugal
Best for: volcanic landscapes, crater lakes and green island scenery.
São Miguel offers several marked routes around the Sete Cidades landscape.
One accessible option is the Vista do Rei to Sete Cidades route, an official trail of around 7.5 km with an estimated walking time of roughly two hours.
Conditions can become wet or slippery quickly, so check the official Azores trail network before leaving.
Spring Hiking Safety
May conditions can differ dramatically between sea level and the mountains.
Before setting out:
- Check the official trail status and weather forecast.
- Do not cross barriers or use closed routes.
- Carry enough water, food and suitable layers.
- Wear footwear appropriate to the terrain.
- Allow extra time rather than relying too closely on published walking times.
- Turn back if conditions become unsuitable.
Travel Insurance for Hiking Holidays
If hiking or walking forms part of your holiday, check that your planned routes fall within the appropriate Sports & Activities level of your travel insurance.
Covered2Go Hiking Levels
- Level 1: eligible hiking, hillwalking and scrambling up to 1,500 metres — included as standard.
- Level 2: up to 3,000 metres — additional premium required.
- Level 3: up to 4,500 metres on recognised routes — additional premium required.
- Level 4: up to 6,000 metres on recognised routes — additional premium required.
The hiking cover does not apply where ropes, picks or other specialist climbing equipment are required, and mountaineering is excluded.
If you select Sports & Activities Levels 2, 3 or 4, the appropriate level must be paid for and shown on your policy schedule before taking part.
Depending on your cover level and the circumstances involved, your travel insurance may also provide benefits for certain eligible emergency medical expenses, cancellation, baggage or other insured events.
Explore Covered2Go Sports & Activities Cover →
Before travelling:
Check current passport, entry, health and safety information for your destination using UK Government Foreign Travel Advice.
Where Will You Hike This May?
May can be a brilliant month for walking, provided you choose the route for the conditions rather than simply the destination.
Coastal paths, forest routes and lower mountain trails may already feel like spring, while higher ground can still be firmly in winter.
Check the latest trail information, choose a route that suits your experience and make sure your insurance covers the altitude and activity you have planned.
Planning a Walking Holiday?
Explore Covered2Go travel insurance and make sure your planned walks fall within the appropriate Sports & Activities level.
This article is for general information only. Trail access, seasonal closures, weather, snow conditions and route difficulty can change. Travel insurance and Sports & Activities Cover are subject to eligibility, benefit limits, excesses, activity levels, special conditions, terms and exclusions. Always check official trail information, current travel advice, the latest Policy Wording and your Certificate of Insurance before travelling.
