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Walking and hiking holidays offer an invaluable opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and take things at a slower pace. Plus, there’s usually a trail to suit every fitness level and ability.
There are plenty of wonders in our world that deserve to be savoured – and exploring them on foot is the ideal way to fully appreciate your surroundings.
You can also choose to walk or hike solo for some personal reflection or in a group, for an incredible bonding experience.
So once you’ve decided to go on a walking or trekking adventure, the next question is, where would you like to go?
We’ve pulled together a list of some of the best walking and hiking experiences from around the world to give you some ideas.
If you’d like to plan your next trip, you can explore hundreds of walking holidays using the button below.
Note: It’s always worth checking the latest FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK before planning your trip.
1. Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is a 26-mile hiking route in Peru that starts in the town of Ollantaytambo and ends at the enchanting lost Incan city of Machu Picchu, built high in the Andes mountains.
The trail takes approximately four days to complete and leads to a charming kingdom in the clouds. You can expect to be surrounded by stunning scenery, including sub-tropical jungle, rich cloud forest, and Incan ruins.
The trek usually takes four days to complete and is considered a moderate-to-challenging hike, with steep ascents and descents, high altitude, and rugged terrain. Along the way, hikers will pass through several important Inca ruins, including the fascinating Wiñay Wayna and Intipata, before finally arriving at Machu Picchu, the legendary ‘Lost City of the Incas.’
Because of its popularity, the Peruvian government has set up regulations to protect the Inca Trail’s delicate ecosystem and cultural heritage. Therefore, a limited number of hiking permits are available each day, and it’s important to book well in advance (usually at least a few months before) to secure a spot. Hikers must also travel with a licensed guide.
Check out our article, Fall in love with Peru – 12 unique experiences for your travel wish list, to learn more about this culturally rich country
2. Meteora, Greece
Meteora is a unique rock formation located in central Greece, near the town of Kalambaka. The word Meteora means ‘suspended in the air’ in Greek, which is fitting, as the formation is a series of towering rock pillars that seem to defy gravity.
The rocks of Meteora were formed millions of years ago, and over time, wind and rain eroded the softer rock, leaving behind the harder, vertical pillars.
In the 14th century, Orthodox Christian monks began to settle in the area, seeking solitude and a place to practice their religion. They built churches and monasteries atop the pillars, using ropes, pulleys, and ladders to transport materials and people up and down the sheer cliffs.
Today, Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors can climb to the monasteries using stairs or ramps. The views from the top are truly incredible, offering vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Meteora also offers a variety of hiking trails and outdoor activities, including rock climbing and mountain biking. Plus, the area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, with over 170 bird species.
3. Hollyford Track, New Zealand
Located on the South Island of New Zealand in the Fiordland National Park, the Hollyford Track runs 35 miles from the Hollyford Valley to Martins Bay on the west coast. And it’s a trail that’s sure to leave you marvelling at the beauty of our natural world…
The Hollyford trail gives walkers the privilege of encountering some of New Zealand’s purest and most inspiring wild areas. Expect to see crystal-clear rivers and lakes, as well as colourful reefs, rolling dunes, and majestic mountains. There’ll also be opportunities to spot captivating rare bird species like the kaka and the takahe.
The hike through this World Heritage wilderness takes around three days to complete and is considered a moderate-level trek, with some steep sections and river crossings.
One of the highlights of the Hollyford Track is the opportunity to visit historic sites, including the site of an old Māori village and the remains of European settlements. Hikers can also learn about the region’s conservation efforts, as the trail passes through an area that’s being actively restored and protected.
4. Liguria, Italy
Also known as the ‘Land of the colours’, Liguria is a magical region in northwestern Italy surrounded by the clear-blue Mediterranean sea and intensely green mountains, and it remains largely unspoilt by tourism.
The area is home to many beautiful towns and villages, such as the colourful fishing village of Portofino, the historic town of San Remo, and the gorgeous seaside town of the Cinque Terre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On a walking holiday to Liguria, you can savour the sun-soaked landscape and sample some of the old Roman roads along the many walking trails to choose from.
The Alpine Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in Europe and promises an experience rich in flora, fauna, mountains, and history. Though if you don’t fancy this trail, there are hundreds of others to try.
Liguria is also known for its delicious cuisine, based on fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Liguria is particularly famous for its pesto sauce, made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, and is often served with pasta or on crusty bread.
You’ll also find plenty of historic and cultural landmarks here, such as the Palazzi dei Rolli in Genoa, which is a series of magnificent palaces once home to the city’s wealthiest families.
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5. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Standing at 5,895m high, Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Tanzania – and the tallest mountain on the African continent.
Those who enjoy a challenge will be glad to know that this impressive mountain is walkable, and the oldest person to climb it so far was 88 years old.
The mountain is made up of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the highest peak (making it the ultimate destination for climbers) and is the only one that’s dormant rather than extinct.
There are several routes to the summit, of varying difficulty levels, lengths, and scenery. The most popular routes are Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai, with many arguing that Lemosho is the most beautiful.
While climbing Kilimanjaro, climbers pass through several distinct ecological zones, ranging from the tropical rainforest to the alpine desert. The climb itself is considered non-technical, but can still be challenging due to the high altitude, steep inclines, and rugged terrain.
Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is a significant achievement, and climbers are rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding landscapes and the feeling of standing on the roof of Africa. The climb typically takes five to nine days, depending on the route and the climber’s pace.
6. Hadrian’s Wall Path, UK
Do you fancy doing an incredible 84-mile coast-to-coast hike right here in the UK?
Hadrian’s Wall was a defensive fortification used to guard the Roman Empire, but today people challenge themselves to walk along its path, taking in the history and stunning natural beauty that surrounds it.
The route starts in Wallsend, near Newcastle upon Tyne, and ends in Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria. It offers a unique opportunity to explore beautiful landscapes and delve deeper into the fascinating history of northern England.
Along the route, walkers can soak in views of the rugged Northumberland countryside, pass through quaint towns and villages, and explore the remains of Roman forts and settlements.
The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to navigate, making it accessible to walkers of all abilities, and can be completed in six to eight days.
If you like the idea of a walking staycation but would rather start with something smaller, you might like our article: 5 remote destinations for walking holidays in the UK.
Final thoughts...
The wonderful thing about walking and hiking is that it can take you anywhere, and exploring on foot allows you to experience some of the world’s most remote and captivating regions.
Whether you fancy strolling through the streets of sun-soaked Liguria or hiking through dense cloud forests en route to Machu Picchu, there’s hopefully an adventure here that caught your eye.
For more inspiration, why not check out our travel section or find our walking deals using the button below.
Have you been on a walking or hiking holiday that you particularly enjoyed? Where did you travel to? What did you love most about it? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
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