6 Underrated Hiking Destinations for Solo Backpackers
Posted: May 29 2024
Solo backpacking offers freedom and adventure. But, it’s also a way to discover lesser-known hiking destinations, and these can make the experience even more rewarding. Here are six underrated hiking spots that promise solitude and unique experiences for solo backpackers.
1. Sicily Walking Holidays, Italy
This 8-day trek along the western coast of Sicily starts in San Vito lo Capo and ends in Scopello. Hikers will see a broad range of environments, from the Monte Cofano Reserve and the medieval town of Erice to the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
You’ll most certainly come across the clearest of waters and coastal views from Mount Cofano, along with prehistoric caves. This route has a good mix of nature and history, and stunning coastal scenery, making it an ideal choice for solo backpackers.
You’ll most certainly come across the clearest of waters and coastal views from Mount Cofano, along with prehistoric caves. This route has a good mix of nature and history, and stunning coastal scenery, making it an ideal choice for solo backpackers.
2. Fisherman’s Trail, Portugal
Running along the southwestern coast, this trail really lives up to its name. There’s plenty of charming fishing villages, meaning you’ll never be far from a great seafood meal. It’s perfect for solo hikers seeking some tranquillity and scenic beauty, and it’s fairly affordable too.
The path is part of the Rota Vicentina network and offers well-marked trails that are safe and easy to navigate. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the fresh sea breeze which can cool them down on a summer’s day.
The path is part of the Rota Vicentina network and offers well-marked trails that are safe and easy to navigate. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the fresh sea breeze which can cool them down on a summer’s day.
3. Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile
Located in Patagonia, this trail is less crowded than the famous W trek but equally as breathtaking. You’ll be guaranteed views of glaciers and lakes with a backdrop of the iconic Torres peaks.
The remoteness ensures a true wilderness experience, with opportunities to spot local wildlife such as guanacos and condors. The trail’s challenging terrain makes it good for those with a little bit of prior experience.
The remoteness ensures a true wilderness experience, with opportunities to spot local wildlife such as guanacos and condors. The trail’s challenging terrain makes it good for those with a little bit of prior experience.
4. Kungsleden, Sweden
Known as the "King’s Trail," this long-distance hike in Sweden’s Lapland is a way to get “lost” in arctic scenery. You’ll head through birch forests and alpine meadows, stumbling along some surprise lakes with sparkling clear water.
The trail is well-marked, but it is long and remote. It has huts along the way so you’ll have shelter and basic amenities. Hikers can experience the unique midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter, making it special whichever season you go.
The trail is well-marked, but it is long and remote. It has huts along the way so you’ll have shelter and basic amenities. Hikers can experience the unique midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter, making it special whichever season you go.
5. Bibbulmun Track, Australia
Stretching 1,000 kilometres from Kalamunda to Albany, this track offers diverse landscapes from forests to coastal heathlands. It’s well-supported with campsites and shelters. The track winds through ancient forests of Karri and Jarrah trees, crosses river valleys and has great coastal views. The well-maintained path has frequent rest stops to make it accessible for hikers of varying backgrounds.
6. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
For a challenging yet rewarding hike, Mount Rinjani has some amazing crater lake views and the opportunity to climb an active volcano. The trek is demanding, and it includes a climb to the summit for a spectacular sunrise view. The descent to the Segara Anak crater lake makes it enjoyable all the way until the end. This is very much an “off-the-beaten-path” type of hike, even though, in theory, it’s an established route.
Conclusion
These underrated hiking destinations offer solo backpackers the chance to explore less-travelled paths. It’s one of the best ways to connect with nature, but remember, if you want to explore the land without worrying about logistics, you can always outsource some of this headache to a hiking holiday company.