Our Favourite Spring Hikes for Foodies in 2025
Spring is the season of new beginnings—the perfect time to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of nature. But what if your hike could offer more than just scenic views and the sound of birds chirping? What if it could include delicious food experiences along the way? For those who love both nature and great food, combining a hike with culinary stops is the ultimate way to explore. After all, foodies know that the best adventures include flavors that are as rich as the landscapes.
If you're planning a spring getaway and want to combine your love of hiking with a passion for food, these trails in Europe are your perfect match. From vineyards and local markets to mountain huts serving homemade specialties, these hikes offer the best of both worlds. Let’s dive into the most mouthwatering spring hikes for food lovers—and why they should be on your list.
1. The Tuscan Hills, Italy: A Feast for the Eyes and Taste Buds
Why go?
Tuscany isn’t just about rolling hills and vineyards—though they are pretty spectacular. This region is a food lover’s dream, where every trail you hike leads you to the heart of authentic Italian cuisine. Spring is the ideal time to visit Tuscany: the weather is perfect, the flowers are in bloom, and the vineyards are starting to come alive after the winter chill.
Hiking through the Chianti wine region is an unforgettable experience, where you can walk from one small village to another, surrounded by olive groves, grapevines, and scenic views. The beauty of this region is paired perfectly with its food: think freshly made pasta, truffle dishes, and the region’s famous bruschetta. Along the trail, stop at local farms and family-run restaurants for a taste of traditional Tuscany, from aged pecorino cheese to cantucci dipped in dessert wine.
Nearby experiences:
Enjoy a wine tasting in Greve in Chianti.
Visit the medieval village of Radda, and make sure to try the local ravioli and homemade pasta sauces.
If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, take a hike in the Val d’Orcia to discover local markets selling fresh herbs, wild greens, and local honey.
Tuscany is the perfect destination for food-loving hikers who appreciate the art of slow food and natural beauty.
2. The Douro Valley, Portugal: Hiking Among Vineyards and Tasting Fine Wines
Why go?
The Douro Valley in Portugal is a dream destination for any foodie who also loves a good hike. Known for its terraced vineyards and stunning river views, this region is perfect for hiking in spring. The valley blooms with lush green landscapes, and the Douro River winds its way through the valley, creating dramatic backdrops for your hike. As you walk, the scent of the vines mixes with fresh air, giving you a deep sense of connection to the land.
This region isn’t just for wine enthusiasts (though if you love port wine, you’re in for a treat)—it’s a paradise for foodies. After a day of hiking through the terraced slopes, reward yourself with a hearty meal of bacalhau (salted codfish), freshly baked bread, and cheese from the region. Many vineyards offer culinary experiences, including traditional Portuguese feasts paired with their wines, making it the perfect destination to combine hiking and food.
Things to do:
Enjoy wine tasting at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the valley's most famous wineries.
Take a stroll through the charming town of Peso da Régua and try the famous alheira sausage.
Explore the quaint town of Lamego and enjoy local pastries like pastéis de nata.
Whether you’re hiking or just wandering through the valley, the Douro Valley promises a culinary adventure that pairs perfectly with its breathtaking scenery.
3. The Aosta Valley, Italy: Hiking with a Side of Alpine Delights
Why go?
If you’ve always wanted to hike in the Alps but also wanted to enjoy incredible food, the Aosta Valley in Italy is your perfect destination. Nestled in the northern part of the country, the Aosta Valley offers some of the most beautiful mountain hikes in Europe, all while being home to some truly incredible local cuisine.
Spring brings new life to the valley, and you can hike in the shadow of the majestic Mont Blanc or the Matterhorn, with alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks in the distance. The food here is just as incredible: think fontina cheese, hearty stews, and fresh mountain herbs. Along the way, you’ll discover rustic mountain huts where you can try the famous polenta concia (cheese-filled polenta) and charcuterie made from locally sourced meats.
Add this to your itinerary:
Visit Courmayeur, where you can enjoy a meal of veal with truffles after a hike.
Stop by a local cheese farm to taste authentic fontina cheese, made right in the Aosta Valley.
Don’t miss the delicious vallee d'Aoste wines—best enjoyed with a plate of locally made tartes de chèvre.
This is where the mountains meet the table in the best possible way—perfect for hikers who want to experience the best of alpine cuisine after a day on the trails.
4. The Provence Lavender Trails, France: A Taste of Provence and Nature Combined
Why go?
Provence is synonymous with lavender fields, but the beauty of this region goes far beyond its famous purple flowers. In spring, Provence comes alive with the scent of fresh herbs, olive trees, and wildflowers. It’s the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots and explore the gentle hills, valleys, and villages that define this Mediterranean paradise.
What makes Provence even better for foodies? The region is home to some of France’s best produce. As you hike through fields of lavender and vineyards, you’ll pass farms offering freshly pressed olive oil, fragrant herbs, and delicious local wines. When you take a break, enjoy a ratatouille or tarte tropézienne, two beloved dishes that are local staples.
Nearby experiences you don’t want to miss:
Hike to the Gorges du Verdon, and stop at a local café for a taste of French goat cheese and fresh bread.
Visit the picturesque village of Gordes, where you can enjoy local rosé wine while admiring the views.
Explore Aix-en-Provence’s markets, where you’ll find seasonal produce like artichokes, garlic, and olives to snack on during your hike.
Provence is where nature, culture, and cuisine meet—perfect for any foodie who loves to hike.
5. The Camino de Santiago, Spain: A Spiritual Hike with Culinary Delights
Why go?
While the Camino de Santiago is known as a spiritual pilgrimage, it’s also a perfect trail for food lovers. Stretching across northern Spain, this route offers not only stunning landscapes and historic towns but also incredible food experiences along the way. The journey is an opportunity to enjoy delicious tapas, tortilla de patatas, and local specialties like pulpo a la gallega (octopus).
The hike itself is gentle, making it perfect for those who want to connect with both nature and food. Whether you’re passing through rural Castilla y León or exploring the historic streets of Santiago de Compostela, the Camino offers a culinary journey as rewarding as the trail itself.
We recommend:
Enjoy a hearty Galician stew in the town of Sarria before continuing your journey.
Stop by the market in Logroño, where you can sample local wines paired with Spanish cheese and chorizo.
Finish your hike in Santiago de Compostela, where you can enjoy the famous Santiago cake made from almonds.
The Camino de Santiago is as much about the food as it is about the journey—making it an unforgettable experience for foodies who want a deeper connection to Spain.
Food, Hikes, and the Best of Both Worlds
Whether you're hiking through vineyards, enjoying the scents of wild herbs, or sitting down to a meal made with local ingredients, these hikes prove that nature and food are a perfect match. Spring is the ideal season to combine the peace of a trail with the pleasure of a delicious meal, all while soaking in the scenery around you.
