Pilgrimage routes – Via Francigena, Via Dinarica and Peaks of the Balkans

HikingStore |17/10, 2026

Hiking tent in an alpine landscape with rocky mountains in the background

Pilgrimage doesn't have to be religious to be meaningful. Along these trails, tradition has shaped route choices, stages, and accommodations for a long time. For today's hikers, the practical question remains the same: how far is it between water, food, and overnight accommodations – and what happens if the weather changes?

In this comparison, the Via Francigena takes center stage, with longer and more remote mountain options in the Balkans and a Portuguese inland trail. Lengths and trail status are subject to change with route selection and local conditions, so check with the trail's official organization for up-to-date information before setting off.

Via Francigena: the historic long route to Rome

The Via Francigena follows a historic pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome. The Council of Europe certified it as a Cultural Route in 1994. The route has its historical basis in Archbishop Sigeric's description of the return journey from Rome, divided into 79 stages. The total distance is often given as around 2,000 kilometres from Canterbury to Rome , but variations and different ways of measuring the route can give other totals. An extension from Rome to Santa Maria di Leuca is given as around 3,200 kilometres .

Most people don't walk the entire route in one go. The official Italian section from the Gran San Bernardo Pass to Rome is divided into 45 stages . The Tuscany section is around 400 kilometres and the Lazio section is around nine stages. This makes it easier to plan the route in parts: choose a contiguous region or a few stages with convenient start and end points.

The terrain alternates between alpine passes, valleys, countryside and minor roads. Spring and early autumn are often most pleasant. Summer can be hot, while snow can remain on higher parts of the Alps and Apennines into June. Start early on warm days and plan with a margin for weather and trail conditions.

Pilgrimage homes, hostels, and religious institutions often allow you to travel relatively light. Some accommodations accept guests for a donation and may be unmanned for large parts of the day. Therefore, contact the accommodations in advance to confirm both availability and approximate arrival time. The pilgrim credential acts as a passport for stamps along the way; it is not a permit to hike. Check separate entry and visa regulations based on your citizenship and the countries you are passing through.

In Italy, free camping is generally not allowed without a special permit. Use approved accommodations or campsites, follow the rules in national parks and never light a fire where it is prohibited. Dogs may be welcome on some parts of the trail but are not allowed in some accommodations or protected areas – check in advance.

Via Dinarica White Trail: a long mountain hike with varying logistics

The White Trail follows the higher mountain ranges of the Dinaric Alps through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania. The official trail portal lists the route as approximately 1,261 kilometres long, with almost 50,000 metres of elevation gain and a highest point of 2,694 metres. The trail is demanding and does not have a single standardised stage plan that fits all sections. Instead, break down the route by terrain, accommodation and access to water and services.

The landscape and service vary between countries and regions. Mountain huts and inns are available at some stage ends, but accommodation cannot be counted on every day. The trail portal lists both accommodation and stages; check at the same time whether the current route is open. Individual sections may be closed or require permits, especially at border crossings or in protected areas.

The season depends on altitude and snow conditions. The period May–November may work for different parts of the trail, but snow may remain on high passes in May and return in early autumn. Expect long distances between service points and bring a map, offline maps and water purification. The trail portal also warns of suspected mines and unexploded ordnance in parts of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina: do not leave marked trails and follow local safety advice.

Peaks of the Balkans: border crossings and advance planning

The Peaks of the Balkans is a circular trail of approximately 192 kilometers through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. It is usually planned in ten stages , although a faster or more leisurely tour may take fewer or more days. The terrain is remote and mountainous, with long hiking days, elevation changes, and limited mobile phone coverage. It is best suited to experienced hikers who can navigate independently and handle changes in plans.

The important administrative detail is the border crossings. For certain crossings over so-called green borders between countries, special permits are required. Apply to the respective country's authorities well in advance; organizers recommend starting several weeks before departure and specifying planned dates and crossing points. If you instead want to do a stage entirely within one country, for example Theth–Valbona in Albania, such a border crossing permit is not required. Always check the current requirements for your planned route.

Late spring to early autumn is the usual hiking season, but snow, rain and local conditions affect when high passes are suitable. Guesthouses are available in several valleys, but book and check food and accommodation before locking in your stages. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical and mountain rescue. The emergency number in Europe is 112 .

Two hiking tents pitched on grass in an open mountain landscape

Via Algarviana: inland hiking in Portugal's Algarve

The Via Algarviana, or GR13, runs approximately 300 kilometers from Alcoutim to Cabo de São Vicente through the interior of the Algarve. The official planning divides the trail into 14 sectors , usually one per day. Some hikers combine or split sectors, but accommodation and services need to fit their own stage division.

Spring and autumn are the best times. Summer is hot and dry, many parts have little shade and it can be a long way between water and food points. Plan your water carefully, check for fire hazards and start early if you are hiking in hot conditions. The official trail recommends booking accommodation in advance and downloading maps and trails before leaving an area with coverage. Wild camping is prohibited in Portugal; follow local regulations and use organised accommodation.

The Portuguese part of the Camino Portugués is an alternative for those who want to walk towards Santiago de Compostela from Portugal. It is a different type of tour than the Via Algarviana: a pilgrimage route with a focus on Santiago, rather than an inland route through the Algarve.

Access and regulations: check country by country

There is no general right of way in the Balkan countries like the Nordic countries. Access is governed by local legislation and the rules differ between countries, national parks and other protected areas. Also check whether cross-border hiking requires a permit. A trail on the map is not in itself a guarantee that the passage is permitted or open.

On the Via Francigena, Italian rules apply for camping and fires. On the Via Algarviana, Portuguese rules apply, including a ban on wild camping. Fires are restricted or prohibited in many places, especially during periods of high fire risk. Check for current bans on the same day. Dog rules also vary: nature reserves and other protected areas may have special requirements or bans. Ask the accommodation in advance if dogs are allowed.

Packing: choose according to accommodation type and night cooling

On the Via Francigena and Via Algarviana, you can often stay in villages and pilgrim hostels. There, packing lighter may be reasonable, but you still need sun protection, water capacity, chafing care, rain cover and offline maps. Please read HikingStore's hiking packing list and adapt it to your climate and accommodation.

On the Via Dinarica and Peaks of the Balkans, the distances between accommodations can be longer and the nights can be cold even during the hiking season. If you are going to sleep outside, you will need a tent that is suitable for the conditions, a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature for the coldest nights you can reasonably expect to encounter, and an insulating sleeping pad . For the insulation of the sleeping bag, both the material and the filling amount are important; read our guide to bird down . A mattress that is too thin can let the ground cold through and impair recovery. Light weight is good, but good sleep and protection when the weather changes are more important. See also HikingStore's tents and backpacks .

Detail of a warm sleeping bag with hood and insulated down channels Foldable sleeping pad that provides cushioning and insulation against ground cold

Which trail is right for your next trip?

Choose the Via Francigena if you want to break up a long historical route into stages with villages and pilgrim hostels along the way. The Via Algarviana is for those looking for longer days through the interior of Portugal and can plan for heat and water. The Via Dinarica and Peaks of the Balkans require greater independence, more careful navigation and more thoughtful safety planning. The same basic principle applies to all four routes: equipment should suit the terrain, the season and your plan for the night – not just keeping the pack weight down.

This is part 7 of 8 in the Europe section of The World's Hiking Trails . The next and final article takes us to Iceland and the North Atlantic , with Laugavegur, Fimmvörðuháls and the Arctic Circle Trail.