Over the course of my travels, I developed a love for hiking. In fact, I ended up trekking at least once in each of the 25+ countries I visited this past year. It’s energizing to breath in fresh air and taking in what nature has to offer. I find that it’s a great way to alleviate stress and reset your mind. On top of that, the views and satisfaction gained from reaching the top always make the exercise worthwhile. Here’s a list of trails that offered some of the most beautiful views that I came across.

Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

This gorgeous coastal cliff could be a little hard to find as there weren’t any signs pointing to it when I was there in April 2017. In fact, I had to hop over a few barriers in order to reach the trail. Starting from the top of Praia Do Camilo beach, the hike takes you all the way to the beautiful rock formations at Ponta Piedade. The trail itself is quite narrow and the gaps you have to hop across in between a few of the rocks aren’t for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely worth it once you reach the edge of the cliff. For the remainder of the hike, you’re treated to the sight of golden sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations that poke of the ocean. Along the way, there are several secluded beaches and hidden grottos that you could make your own for the day. For more pictures from the hike, check out my blog post during my time in Portugal.

Mt Rigi, Switzerland

Nicknamed Queen of the Mountains, Rigi is located just a short boat ride from the medieval city of Lucerne. As you begin the hike, towering spruce trees stand neatly side by side as the snow-capped Alps peek through in the distance. The Kanzeli Viewpoint offers a spectacular vista of the greenery and cute homes that dot the peninsula below. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a panoramic view of the majestic Alps, lush green forests and the three lakes that surround the mountain. On the day that I visited, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. I’d never seen such an extreme contrast of natural colours with the blue skies and flourishing vegetation below. For more pictures from the hike, check out my blog post during my time in Switzerland.

Cinque terre, La Spezia, Italy

The five villages that make up Cinque Terre is regarded as one the most breathtaking coastlines on the planet. Since cars were banned about a decade ago, the only way to get from village to village is by train or through the trails. Although the journey by train that hugs the side of the ocean is quite spectacular, the views from the path are absolutely stunning. Walking from the first village of Riomaggiore in the direction of Monterosso, you’re provided with the view of the cliffs and ocean on the left, layered gardens to the right and the sight of the colourful villages extending into the sea ahead. For more pictures from the hike, check out An Idioto in Italy.

Noosa National Park, Queensland, Australia

The 11 km (return) Coastal Walk at Noosa National Park is certainly what draws the one million visitors to the park each year. The many ways that the ocean converges with the coast along the trail are simply breathtaking. The Hell’s Gates lookout offers a view of Alexandria Bay which may or not be a clothing optional beach. Situated on a cliff just metres away from the ocean, the Fairy Pools are two natural pools formed within the rocks that collects water at high tide. If you’re there at the right time, you could even spot dolphins!

Dragons Back, Hong Kong

I was surprised when I learned that Hong Kong was home to a number of great hiking trails. I always thought that the entire state was a concrete jungle. Amongst the most famous is the Dragons Back path. It gets its name from the green peaks that the trail runs through which resemble the spikes that protrude out of the creature’s backside. This path is actually part of the larger 50 km Hong Kong trail that TIME Asia named the best urban walking trail in Asia. It was neat that you could distinctly see the yellowish trail amidst the dense green plants that colour the mountains.

Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia

Although just a 4 km hike, the trail that leads to The Pinnacle in Grampians National Park is rich with plenty of photo opportunities for the ‘gram. The path starts off through a section named the Grand Canyon which is not nearly as immense as its cousin in Arizona, but quite spectacular in its own right. After hopping through the canyon from rock to rock, you reach Silent Street which is a 250 m stretch through a two metre wide crevice between two giant rocks. The grand finale is The Pinnacle lookout that provides a vast view of the park below.

Phadeak Peak, Nong Khiaw, Laos

I was hesitant to include this on the list as I briefly mentioned it my Seven Off the Beaten Path Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List, but it’s just too remarkable not to illustrate it in more detail. Situated in the sleepy village of Nong Khiaw, the trail only entertains about a handful of visitors a day, but it should be on everyone’s itinerary if travelling to Laos. I was so blown away from the views at the top that I ended up completing the 3 hour round trip hike twice within the same day. If you’re able to reach the summit before 8 am, you’re rewarded with a view of the surrounding mountain peaks rising above a bed of clouds. The landscape is surreal. Heading up there for sunset isn’t too shabby either as you get a picturesque look of the river that runs through the mountains. (featured image above is the morning view from the peak)