If you enjoy walking there are many benefits to a walking holiday. No matter what your fitness levels are a walking holiday can be taken at your own pace with the advantage of returning home much fitter!
Here are a few destinations to experience for a truly memorable experience, all of which can be incorporated into
cheap 2023 holidays.
Greece
Crete is where you will find the best walks, from the peaks of the White Mountains and the Samaria Gorge, to the secluded coves of the Mediterranean coast.
The Samaria Gorge is situated in the Samaria National Park within the White Mountains in West Crete and is just breathtaking with amazing scenery.
Experience the summit of Pachnes, the highest peak in the White Mountains of Crete. Within 2 hours of hiking, you can experience the stunning view of the trail that leads you to the highest summit, Pachnes, the second-highest summit of Crete.
Explore Crete’s hidden coves on a stunning coastal walk from Agia Roumeli, with truly spectacular views not to be forgotten.
Bulgaria
Take a trekking holiday in the Rila and Pirin mountains of Bulgaria and explore Sofia and Rila Monastery.
Experience the big four peaks - Vihren, Kotelo, Maliovitsa and Musala. Go off the beaten track on the spectacular Marble Ridge and enjoy remote trekking via the Pirin Ridges to the amazing Dark Lake.
Wander through Sofia and visit the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery. Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St John of Rila, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church.
Corsica
This one is more for the more experienced trekker!
Experience Europe's toughest long-distance trekking trail, the GR20 in Corsica, from north to south.
The GR20, also known as Fra li Monti is a GR (Grande Randonnée) footpath that crosses the Mediterranean island of Corsica running from north to south. The entire trail is about 180 km long with a 12,000m of elevation gain. Enjoy varied terrain from forested slopes to airy ridges and rocky outcrops. Enjoy restful nights, with 6 nights camping to avoid the busy refuge dormitories.
France/Switzerland
Why not hike the Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, one of Europe's greatest long-distance Alpine routes?
Challenge yourself and attempt the summer version of the famous Haute Route. Cross from France to Switzerland on one of Europe's most spectacular treks.
Italy
Here you will see the beautiful villages of the Cinque Terre, Portofino and Porto Venere whilst staying on the coast on an amazing walking holiday to Italy.
Walk between the pretty towns and villages of UNESCO Cinque Terre. Take a boat trip to Isola Palmaria from the Italian gem of Porto Venere. Explore Vernazza, Monterosso, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore and travel by train through the picturesque landscape and enjoy Portofino.
Madeira
Hiking in
Madeira is a must if you want to explore the island's most beautiful places. The canyons, beautiful landscapes and waterfalls are all hidden in the forests and mountains. The Levada walks are very popular on this amazing island, an excellent choice for a walking holiday with breathtaking mountain trails.
Madeira, called "Flower Island" or "Floating Garden of the Atlantic" due to the uniqueness of its flora, is famous worldwide. So if you like your flowers this is a trek for you as there is an abundance of them to be seen!
Turkey
Trek through Turkey's magnificent Taurus Mountains and enjoy a wonderful cultural experience before walking and exploring Cappadocia.
Camp on the wildly remote Yedigoller Plateau and summit Emler (3723m). Hike through amazing valleys and the stunning landscape of Cappadocia and explore the beautiful Emli Valley nestled in a timeless mountainous region in Turkey.
Canary Islands
Enjoy great views and yummy food whilst trekking the island of
Lanzarote in the Canary Islands on this amazing walking holiday.
Experience the contrasting scenery of Lanzarote along the GR131 footpath. Hike over the island's highest point and explore the breathtaking Famara cliffs. The Isla of La Graciosa is not to be missed along with the pretty ancient capital of Teguise.
Enjoy eye-opening landscapes and an array of traditional dishes – you need to keep your energy levels up afterall!
Croatia
Experience delightful walking, stunning Venetian-styled towns and the picturesque Dalmatian Islands on a not to be forgotten
holiday to Croatia.
Walk, explore and island hop along the spectacular Dalmatian Coast. Walk the trails through olive groves, pine forests and vineyards and experience the scenic islands of Brac, Korcula and Mljet National Park. Don’t forget the old town of Split, a historical, and cultural centre and a popular travel spot for visitors from all over the world.
Italy
Here you will experience lakeside towns and enjoy daily walks on this charming holiday to the lakes of Maggiore and Como in Italy.
Walk from cable cars and funiculars on high trails for Swiss and Italian Alps panoramas. Walk through beautiful gardens after sailing to the Borromean Islands.
There are many walks to be enjoyed here including a bird’s eye view of Como and Maggiore.
There's no better way to see Europe than by foot. Whether you're tackling a pilgrimage route or simply exploring the stunning scenery, you'll be able to really immerse yourself in the culture and history of this amazing continent.