Along historic routes or in the complete wilderness, a walking holiday is the perfect answer to a call for adventure. Here are some of the best places to wander.
By Livia Formisani
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Cinque Terre
Italy. Cinque Terre: ‘Sentiero Azzurro’, Riomaggiore to Monterosso (12-24 km)
Imagine walking along a rugged coast on a mostly paved route, passing through 5 charming Italian villages by the sea: easy to understand why this short hike is so popular. If you prefer a longer trail, consider starting in beautiful Portovenere (a further 12 km from Riomaggiore) to visit Byron’s Cave, a place of inspiration for poets. Tip: Start early; you will need plenty of time to take pictures along the way.
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Porto to Santiago
Portugal/Spain. The Way of St. James: Porto to Santiago de Compostela (240 km)
Ideal for beginners, this beautiful pilgrimage route starts in the city of Porto and follows an ancient Roman road, passing through historical villages, vineyards and a national border over the Minho River. As with many of the paths on The St. James Way, you just have to follow the yellow signs (arrows or shells). Tip: As the path goes from south to north, apply sunscreen on the back of your neck, legs and arms. [Photo: Flickr/José Antonio Gil Martínez]
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Way of St James
France/Spain. The Way of St. James: Toulouse to Pamplona (432 km)
Crossing the Pyrenees on this route requires good overall fitness and no fear of heights, but the rewards are many: enchanting historical towns and mountain villages, breathtaking landscapes and the possibility to sleep in an inn on the Somport Pass, right over the border to Spain. Tip: Bring extra maps, as the route is sometimes not marked in France. In case of rain, avoid the slippery clay terrain in the Gers region in France. [Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Myrabella]
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
88 Temples Pilgrimage
Japan. 88 Temples Pilgrimage (1200 km)
Interested in Buddhism and Japanese culture? Consider the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Get detailed information in one of the island’s biggest cities, like Tokushima. Bamboo forests, rice fields and Japanese hospitality are just some of its highlights. Accommodation and meals need to be booked days in advance: tourist information and guesthouses can help, but bring a Japanese phrasebook. Tip: If you like tuna sashimi, the seared tuna (Katsuo Tataki) in Kochi is an unforgettable experience. [Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Raggaeman]
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Three Capes Track
Tasmania. Three Capes Track (46 km)
Looking for a more remote destination? Head for Tasmania. The Three Capes Track opened in December 2015, with accommodation provided in state-of-the-art, sustainable yet comfortable cabins along a dedicated pathway. The sea views from the otherworldly dolerite cliffs are thrilling. Tip: Only 48 walkers per day are allowed. Book in advance. [Photo: Tasmania Parks And Wildlife Service]
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Wicklow Way
Ireland. Wicklow Way: Dublin to Clonegal (129 km)
The perfect destination if you can’t resist greener-than-green Irish landscapes, this path connects Dublin to Clonegal passing through the Wicklow Mountains by Glendalough, an ancient monastic site and the setting of several movies. It’s relatively short and of moderate difficulty, with accommodation and shopping facilities often off the track (plan ahead). Tip: If you have time, the village of Rathdrum and its award-winning Bates Restaurant are worth a detour.
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Appalachian Trail
USA. Appalachian Trail (3,500 km)
Defined as the “longest hiking-only footpath in the world” by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, this journey is a lifelong dream for many. It crosses 14 states from Georgia to Maine, traversing a variety of landscapes and climates and taking an average of 6 months to complete. Tip: Carry a whistle. Take time to study the trail beforehand and train carefully in preparation.
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Madeira
Portugal. Madeira (several trails available)
The island of Madeira, a Portuguese territory off the coast of Morocco, is well-known for its stunning hiking trails passing by 16th-century aqueducts and counting for 2,170 km of (mostly) walkable paths. Tip: Choose trails conservatively based on your level of fitness.
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Machu Picchu
Peru. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (45 km)
While this is not the only trail to the famous Incan site, it is surely the most popular, as it passes along numerous other ruins of the lost civilisation. Though relatively short in length, the Inca Trail ascends up to 4,200 m, which makes it quite challenging. Tip: It’s mandatory to have a guide and a permit (max. 500 permits per day issued) to hike. Book well ahead.
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
The Dream Way
Germany/Italy. ‘The Dream Way’: Munich To Venice (550 km)
A somewhat lesser-known trail linking Munich to Venice via the Alps, including the Dolomites, this hike is for experienced walkers and requires good climbing skills. Perfect if alpine landscapes fill you with awe. Tip: Expect to find snow even in summer – be adequately equipped. [Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Much89]
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Corsica
France. Corsica: GR20 (180 km)
For expert hikers only. This legendary mountain route crosses the island of Corsica diagonally from northwest to southeast, almost exclusively on rugged terrain and with certain legs requiring very good climbing skills. Surely one of the most difficult yet beloved treks in Europe. Tip: Always check weather conditions before you leave in the morning. Start early, as thunderstorms can be frequent in the afternoon. [Photo: Flickr/Aleph78]
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Annapurna Circuit
Nepal. Annapurna Circuit (APC) (160-200 km depending on route)
There are many reasons why the APC is one of the most famous treks in the world. The variety of landscapes, the overwhelming sense of awe in sighting the famous peaks, as well as the many teahouses and socialising opportunities on the circuit all make for a wonderful experience. Tip: Permits are necessary. Get informed about altitude sickness before you go. [Photo: Flickr/Wolfgang Beyer]
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Patagonia
Chile. Patagonia, Torres del Paine: W Trek (60-80 km depending on route)
A popular hiking route that numbers among the most beautiful in the world, this trail carves a ‘W’ shape in the valleys surrounding the 3 famed granite peaks, encompassing lakes, waterfalls and a majestic glacier. Tip: The region is notoriously windy, with rapid changes in weather including sudden snow even in summer. Make sure to pack the right gear.
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Geiranger Fjord
Norway. Geiranger Fjord (several trails available)
Hiking around Geiranger means gaining stunning postcard views of the fjord from above. Several day hikes can be done around the village, such as the path to the Skageflå farm or Storseterfossen Waterfall (you can literally walk behind the water). They can be quite steep and require a good level of fitness. Tip: Take a rain jacket with you. [Photo: Flickr/Schnoph]
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Best Walking Holiday Destinations.
Otter Trail
South Africa. Otter Trail (41 km)
A moderately difficult trail along the South African coast in the Tsitsikamma National Park, overlooking the ocean and offering chances to spot whales and dolphins. Accommodation is provided in overnight huts on the road, sometimes located directly over the beach. Tip: You’ll need a permit to walk this trail. Only 12 people per day are allowed. Book well in advance.
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