The Amalfi Coast’s Path of the Gods is iconic – but also narrow, crowded, and heart-attack steep. For dramatic cliffs, turquoise coves, and sea breezes without vertigo or tour groups, these 8 European trails deliver beauty and peace. All are well-marked, have gentler gradients, and hidden swim spots. Lace up your boots!

1. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Algarve, Portugal

Why better: Wider paths, wooden boardwalks, and epic limestone arches minus the chaos.

• Stats: 6km linear | Easy-moderate | Orange arrows
• Highlights: Benagil Cave viewpoint, lighthouse at Alfanzina
• Secret Cove: Praia da Marinha (stairs near trail end)
• Avoid Crowds: Start at Praia do Vale de Centeanes at 8 AM.

2. Lycian Way: Ölüdeniz to Butterfly Valley, Turkey

Why better: Softer inclines, pine shade, and ₺15 fresh orange juice stops!

• Stats: 8km linear | Moderate | Red/white stripes
• Highlights: 360° views from Belcekiz Hill, turquoise lagoon swim
• Secret Cove: Cold Spring Bay (detour after Kabak)
• Avoid Crowds: Hike April or October – summer heat is brutal.

3. Rota Vicentina: Fishermen’s Trail, Portugal

Why better: Empty Atlantic beaches, no railings needed (safe cliff distance).

• Stats: Choose 5-15km sections | Easy | Blue/green stripes
• Highlights: Odeceixe dunes, seafood stew in Zambujeira do Mar
• Secret Cove: Praia do Amado (surfer beach with rock pools)
• Avoid Crowds: Alentejo section (Porto Covo to Vila Nova)

4. Causeway Coast Way, Northern Ireland

Why better: Flat cliff-top paths leading to Game of Thrones sites.

• Stats: 16km linear | Easy | Black/yellow posts
• Highlights: Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
• Secret Cove: White Park Bay (seal-spotting at sunset)
• Avoid Crowds: Walk west-to-east (start at Dunseverick).

5. Sentiero del Golfo Paradiso, Cinque Terre, Italy

Why better: Quieter alternative to Via dell’Amore (closed until 2024).

• Stats: 7km linear | Moderate | Red circle markers
• Highlights: Camogli’s painted houses, San Fruttuoso Abbey by sea
• Secret Cove: Punta Chiappa rocks (jump-off points)
• Avoid Crowds: Take ferry to San Fruttuoso, walk back to Camogli.

6. Kynance Cove to Lizard Point, Cornwall, UK

Why better: Gentler than Cornwall’s coastal path, with serpentine rock formations.

• Stats: 4km loop | Easy | National Trust signs
• Highlights: Ruby-red cliffs, Britain’s southernmost lighthouse
• Secret Cove: Church Cove (tidal pool at low tide)
• Avoid Crowds: Weekday afternoons – locals know mornings get foggy.

7. Calanques de Cassis, France

Why better: No Amalfi-style drop-offs! Mediterranean pines provide shade.

• Stats: 5km to Calanque d’En-Vau | Moderate | Yellow dots
• Highlights: Limestone fjords, electric-blue water
• Secret Cove: Calanque de Podestat (pebble beach with fewer boats)
• Avoid Crowds: Arrive before 9 AM – park closes when full!

8. Pelion Peninsula, Greece

Why better: Cobbled mule paths through olive groves + taverna breaks.

• Stats: 10km (Kissos to Mylopotamos) | Easy | Stone pillars
• Highlights: Fakistra Beach waterfall, 16th-century Agios Taxiarhis chapel
• Secret Cove: Lambinou (locals-only pebble bay)
• Avoid Crowds: May-June for wildflowers and 22°C waters.

Why These Walks Beat the Amalfi Crowds

✅ Safer paths – No sheer drops or crumbling edges
✅ Real local life – Family tavernas, not tourist traps
✅ Flexibility – Start/stop anywhere via bus/ferry
✅ Wild swimming – Cleaner water than Amalfi’s congested bays

Essential Gear & Tips

• Footwear: Trail runners > hiking boots (less rocky than Amalfi)
• Apps: Maps.me (offline trails), Windy (check sea conditions)
• Eat: Pack olives, bread, local cheese – picnic on cliffs!