Do you like the idea of exploring idyllic, off-the-beaten-track destinations in your own time and at your own pace? If you enjoy being active on holiday, but the hustle and bustle of a city break isn’t for you, you might want to consider going on a relaxed walking or cycling holiday.
Exploring doesn’t have to be hectic and exhausting. Instead, picture cycling through beautiful, diverse scenery or hiking through pretty villages and towns while soaking up the local culture.
Whether you’re thinking about a staycation, a European break, or a holiday across the pond, there’s an active holiday to suit everyone. So, to get you inspired, here are seven active holiday ideas in Europe, America, and Canada.
1. Walking in the Valais Matterhorn, Switzerland
Switzerland is famous throughout the world for its breathtaking alpine scenery. Home to towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, wildflower valleys, and turquoise lakes, the scenery here is impossibly beautiful – and exploring by foot means you can make the most of the diverse landscape. So if you enjoy hiking, why not think about walking Switzerland’s Valais Matterhorn region?
The historic town of Brig or the quaint mountain village of Saas-Fee make ideal bases from which to explore the area. Sprawled across the heart of the Alps, Valais is home to over 8,000km of trails, so whether you want challenging mountain treks or leisurely valley walks, you’ll have plenty of choice.
Many of the walks will take you right up to Valais’ most celebrated sights, from the Great Aletsch Glacier to the golden statue of the Madonna on the Italian/Swiss border. During your hikes, you can admire gorgeous views of the hulking Matterhorn from some of the best vantage points in all of Zermatt – and the views of the valleys, forests, and meadows are just as impressive!
When it’s time to relax, you’ll have plenty of options as well. For example, you can unwind in the thermal spa resort of Leukerbad or explore characterful mountain towns and villages. You’ll also have a good chance of spotting local wildlife – from ibex goats with their enormous horns to cute marmots.
2. Walking in Mont Blanc, France and Italy
If walking in Switzerland doesn’t appeal to you, then a trip to France’s dramatic Mont Blanc region might be for you. Famous for its snow-capped mountains, gleaming glaciers, rolling valleys, and mirror-like lakes, this part of the Alps is also home to one of the oldest treks in the world – Tour du Mont Blanc. The 170km path winds around the Mont Blanc massif and crosses through France and Italy.
You can walk through some of the most spectacular alpine scenery imaginable: dappled woodland, pretty mountain villages, and meadows teeming with wildflowers. And, as you reach the soaring summits, spectacular views of the Alps will unfold around you. This is a holiday where you’ll want to have a camera on you at all times!
You can also trek across the Aiguilles Rouges massif, through the glacial valley of Refuge Miage, and past the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier. When you’re not stretching your legs, you can unwind in cosy resort towns, relax in spas and wellness centres, and make the most of the traditional alpine hospitality.
3. Cycling Maine’s coast and national parks, USA
The American state of Maine is known for its spectacular coastal scenery, elegant lighthouses, upmarket towns, and sumptuous seaside cuisine. If this sounds tempting, why not think about cycling Maine’s coast and national parks? Spanning almost 400 miles, cycling is one of the best ways to see as much of this gorgeous state as possible.
On the way, you’ll visit many lovely New England towns along the coastline – from the artistic village of Rockland to the picturesque town of Camden. You can cycle through incredibly diverse scenery and along craggy coastline paths, rustic carriage roads, and trails that weave through charming waterfront towns.
For many travellers to Maine, Acadia National Park is a must-visit spot. Here, you can climb Cadillac Mountain (the highest point on the North Atlantic coast) and enjoy ferry rides across the stunning Schoodic Peninsula. You’ll be able to admire jaw-dropping views of craggy islands, historic lighthouses, and lush forests.
You’ll also be able to soak up the laidback New England ambience – and feast on its famous cuisine! Maine’s lobster and smoked salmon are second-to-none, as are its fresh blueberries and whimsically-titled ‘whoopie pie’. Because there’s so much to do here, you’ll get the chance to dive deep into the culture and discover just what makes Maine so unique.
4. Walking in the Tyrolean Mountains, Austria
Boasting deep, mysterious lakes, imposing mountains, alpine pastures, and roaring waterfalls, the Austrian Alps is one of the most magnetically beautiful destinations in the world.
Though it might be most famous as the home of the legendary World Cup ski race Hahnenkamm, the exclusive winter sports resort of Kitzbuhel can make a good base as it has plenty of history, luxury, and culture to offer. And, when you’re not trekking through colourful meadows or taking in dramatic gorges, you can enjoy wandering around the town’s medieval centre.
There’s so much to see and do in this wonderful region that you’ll be spoiled for choice – you can look forward to cable car rides up soaring summits, hikes through desolate and romantic ravines, riverside walks to pretty villages, and strolls through colourful flower gardens. There are also opportunities for wild swimming in deep turquoise and emerald-green lakes.
You could even go on your own pilgrimage and follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who once trekked the Tyrolean Way of St. James – and on this ancient route, you’ll be able to admire 360-degree mountain vistas from historic chapels.
5. Cycling in the Valais Matterhorn, Switzerland
If walking in the Valais Matterhorn sounded appealing but you’re more of a cyclist, why not explore this dazzling region by bike? Travelling around the Valais Matterhorn on two wheels means you’re able to cover far more ground, so if you’re keen to see as much as you possibly can, it’s a wise choice – and one that’s perfect for adventure lovers!
You can follow exhilarating trails along the Rhône and Nanztal Valleys, pedal across challenging slopes and through sun-speckled forests, and admire mesmerising views of mountains, meadows, and glaciers. As well as taking in the views as you pedal, you can stop off at historic mountain villages, which each offer something special, whether it’s a sleek wellness centre or natural thermal springs.
There’s plenty to appeal to foodies, too. If you love wine, you can visit many wine-growing villages – Valais is responsible for around 40% of Switzerland’s wine production! You can tour the vineyards of the Rhône Valley, stop off for tastings, and treat yourself to iconic sweet treats, like the famous cream cake in the town of Moosalp.
6. Walking British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, Canada
Perhaps you’d like to lose yourself in nature, spot incredible wildlife, and enjoy lots of hiking while you’re at it. If so, a walking holiday on Canada’s Sunshine Coast is worthy of a place on your travel bucket list. This corner of British Columbia is only accessible by plane or boat, so if you’re looking for a real wilderness experience, away from throngs of tourists, you won’t be disappointed!
Why not visit the coastal town of Gibsons? Here, you can hike through verdant valleys and mossy canyons; tour thundering waterfalls and alpine lakes; and trek along the Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail, which takes you over one of the area’s highest peaks. After, you might like to reward yourself with some pampering at a local spa.
Alternatively, there are all kinds of hikes you can do around Madeira Park. There’s everything from forest lake loops to scenic beach walks, and if you want to rest your legs, there’s plenty of culture, too. Plus, you can visit protected archaeological sites, immerse yourself in the local arts scene, and feast upon fresh produce.
Or, spend time at Powell River, where you can swim in lakes, hike up mountains, visit waterfalls, or simply enjoy gentle strolls through ancient forests and past sweeping ocean vistas. You may even be lucky enough to spot black bears, cougars, and wolves! It’ll be a wilderness experience like no other.
7. Walking in the Stubai Valley, Austria
Another alpine experience that might appeal to you – particularly if you’re looking for something a little less strenuous – is a walking holiday in Austria’s Stubai Valley. Go deep into the Tyrol region, which is known as the ‘Heart of the Alps’, and you can enjoy lots of gentle walking without compromising on views.
Neustift is one of the prettiest villages in Tyrol and, from here, you can take gentle yet invigorating walks along the River Ruetz, trek up the rocky Elferspitze, and hike across the 1,000-year-old Stubai Glacier. After, you can recharge in Austria’s highest mountain restaurant and marvel at the magnificent mountain views from the summit platform (which is considered one of the most beautiful viewing platforms in the world).
Neustift is home to plenty of excellent restaurants and hotels, though if you’d like to explore the area further, you can use the cable cars to visit other mountain villages. You can also look forward to the hearty cuisine and unrivalled hospitality this region is so famous for.
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re drawn to the Canadian coastline or the towering Alps, we hope this article has inspired you. Finding the right balance between relaxation and adventure can be tricky, but these destinations all allow you to discover the beauty and culture of each area while getting plenty of fresh air and exercise too.
For further inspiration, why not head over to the travel section of our website? Here, you’ll find articles like 12 of the best trekking destinations around the world and 10 most breathtaking areas of natural beauty in the UK.
Have you been on an active holiday before – or are you tempted by any of these ideas? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences and plans in the comments below.