Off-the-beaten-track walking routes in Morocco, Turkey, Albania, and Spain

22 January 2024

Experience the rising popularity of a walking holiday this year, exploring hidden gems on scenic trails and lesser-known paths. Alongside our partners, we can offer famous trekking routes such as the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit in France and the Inca Trail in Peru. But the wonders don't stop there. Venture off the beaten path in Morocco, Turkey, Albania, and Spain to uncover extraordinary, uncharted trails away from the typical tourist routes.

Morocco

Mount Toubkal, M’Goun, and the Rif Mountains might be the first peaks that come to mind when you’re thinking about a trekking adventure in Morocco, but the ascent to Jebel Aklim in the Anti-Atlas is uniquely rewarding. From its 2,531-metre summit, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of neighbouring mountains, the High Atlas, and the extinct volcano of Jbel Sirwa.

The journey itself is captivating, taking you through landscapes imbued with the rich history of the Amazigh people with their distinctive language, traditions, music, and crafts. As you pass remote mountain villages, the Amazighs – known for their hospitality – will often invite you into their homes for mint tea or local delicacies. In the harvest season, you’ll often see brightly dressed women and children working in the fields and on the terraces.

Turkey

In Turkey, Cappadocia stands out for the ancient hermit dwellings in Paşabağı (Monk’s Valley) and the underground city of Kaymakli, the Byzantine monasteries in the Ihlara Valley, and the painted-rock churches in the Göreme Open-Air Museum. Dawn hot air balloon rides are the classic way to see this region, but hiking allows you to explore lesser-known valleys such as Pancarlik and Kizilcukur.

In Pancarlik, rocks in pastel hues ripple like waves, blending with vineyards and cultivated gardens. Distinctive churches include Pancarlık Church, an ancient monastic settlement and place of Christian worship for more than 1400 years, with well-preserved frescoes depicting the life of Christ. Kizilcukur Valley has churches and monastic complexes etched into the pink rock faces, like meringues set in stone, and mesmerising sunsets.

Albania

With untouched landscapes, ancient trails, fascinating historic monuments, and great hospitality, Albania is increasingly popular among those looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience. It has spectacular trails weaving through the Albanian Alps, Theth, and Valbona National Parks, extending south towards Koman Lake, Krujë, and Berat — a city on the Osum River celebrated for its Ottoman houses, Ethnographic Museum, and King Mosque.

A trek from Theth Valley towards Theth Waterfall takes you through the pinkish stone groves of Nderlysa, shaped by the abundant black river. Carrying on, you'll encounter a series of natural rock pools, the most impressive being the Blue Eye (Syri i kaltër) of Kapre – make sure to bring swimming gear and towels for a refreshing dip.

Spain

In Spain, the Pyrenees and Picos de Europa are the most famous hiking spots, but the Sierra de Aitana in the Valencia region, with its dramatic peaks, dense forests, and winding trails, is an undiscovered haven for those in search of a quieter and more authentic experience.

From the charming village of Guadalest, you can meander towards the limestone needles of Penya Roc, ascend to Collado Papatxi, then climb to the high pastures of Foia Plana and Morro Blau, and up to Serrella Peak. You descend through a sweeping gorge of terraced olive groves leading to the village of Abdet, from where you can head to Villajoyosa Beach, tour a chocolate factory, or climb Puig Campana.

About our partner

Exodus Adventure Travels have been leading award-winning adventure tours for the past 50 years. Their trips include walking and cycling tours that take in awe-inspiring scenery and breathtaking wildlife encounters. From an African odyssey to a journey of discovery in Central America and pioneering expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic, together we can ensure you have the holiday of a lifetime.

To book your walking holiday in Morocco, Turkey, Albania, or Spain, call your Travel Counsellor today.

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