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The dramatic scenery of the Path of the Gods walking trail on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, Italy, on a sunny summer day.

Best Destinations for a Walking Holiday

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By Holly Wallis


Whether you’re an experienced walker or just starting out, there’s a world of discovery waiting on a walking holiday with Trailfinders. Enjoy relaxed, leisurely walking tours through the beautiful French countryside of the Loire Valley and Northern Spain, or perhaps venture further afield to coastal walking destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Madeira, Crete and beyond. For those seeking something more adventurous, we also offer walking holidays featuring extraordinary routes across South Africa, China, New Zealand, and other far-flung corners of the globe.

Read on for our guide to some of the best walking holiday destinations in the world.

The Amalfi Coast - Italy

The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its steep-sided cliffs plunging into the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Discover centuries old mule trails leading to quiet corners of one of Italy’s most treasured areas and live 'la dolce vita' in your downtime, sipping smooth regional wines and dining on wood-oven fired authentic pizzas.


Top holiday pick: Walking the Amalfi Coast - Exodus Adventure Travels


Amalfi Coast, Italy

Spice Trails - Jordan

Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Nabateans on a journey through Jordan. Discover ancient spice trails stretching across the wild plateaus of Wadi Rum and trek to the rose-red city of Petra, and beyond. Afterwards, relax with a dip in the Dead Sea before discovering bustling Amman on a walking tour that encapsulates the country's highlights.


Top holiday pick: Walking Jordan’s Spice Trails - Explore


Wadi Rum, Jordan

Laugavegur Trail – Iceland

Explore Iceland’s rugged landscapes as you hike the Laugavegur Trail from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork. Discover rainbow-coloured mountains, black sand deserts, birch forests and rest in cosy mountain huts, dotted along your route. In between your exertions, soak in geothermal hot springs, indulge in traditional Icelandic cuisine and set off along the Makarfljotsgljufur Canyon for panoramic views of the neighbouring icecaps.


Top holiday pick: Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail - Intrepid Travel


Landmannalaugar rainbow mountains from the birds eye view. Drone photography in the Highlands of Iceland. Tourism in Iceland

Abel Tasman Coast Track - New Zealand

After cruising along New Zealand’s stunning coastline to Totaranui, begin the popular Abel Tasman Coast Track. Walk through mature beech forests and along secluded golden beaches. Look forward to treading the scenic trail to Torrent Bay through native forest with magnificent coastal views. Later, walk along the golden sands of Onetahuti Beach and explore the picturesque cove of Tonga Quarry Beach before heading to Bark Bay.


Top holiday pick: 2 Night Abel Tasman Coast Track


Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

Kumano Kodo Trail - Japan

Walk the Kumano Kodo Trail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Kyoto’s ancient emperors once made pilgrimage trips to honour their gods. On the Pilgrim Trails route (one part of the full Kumano Kodo Trail), you will be able to enjoy an awe-inspiring view of Nachi Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan, and visit Kawayu Onsen where you can dig your own alfresco onsen (outdoor bath) on the river bank to soak in.


Top holiday pick: Walk the Pilgrim Trails - self guided


Kumano Kodo at Daimon-zaka, a sacred trail designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nachi, Wakayama, Japan.

Camino de Santiago - Spain

If you’re looking to embark on your own pilgrimage, along a route filled with the beautiful countryside and rustic villages of Northern Spain, look no further than the Camino de Santiago. Rather than tackle the whole thing in one go (which could take over a month!), why not complete the last 100 km of the pilgrimage route to Santiago and receive a "compostela" at the finish to prove your accomplishment?


Top holiday pick: Walk the Camino de Santiago - G Adventures


Vineyard in La Rioja

Madeira Levada Walks - Portugal

Classic levada walks in Madeira reveal varied scenery and fabulous flora as you head across the island to the capital, Funchal. Another great feature of this self guided hotel-to-hotel walking holiday is the high-quality accommodation, where your luggage will be waiting for you at the end of each walk.


Top holiday pick: Waterways, Flowers & Levada Walks of Madeira - self guided with Inntravel


Portugal - Madeira - The famous levada's walking trail along the irrigation channel of levada above the typical madeiran village Marocos with blurred background

Great Ocean Walk - Australia

On the Great Ocean Walk, journey from Melbourne to Cape Otway National Park and on to the famous 12 Apostles, passing fur seal colonies, beaches, forests, sea cliffs, light stations and lookouts along the way. Explore the landscapes of the Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung peoples and see why the Great Ocean Walk is regarded as one of the world’s best coastal treks in the world.


Top holiday pick: Hike the Great Ocean Walk - Intrepid Travel


Couple hiking on the Great Ocean Walk, Great Ocean Road
©VisitVictoria

Cinque Terre - Italy

The Cinque Terre is a stunning collection of five coastal villages set along the beautiful Ligurian coastline. Based in the picturesque seaside town of Chiavari, between Cinque Terre and Genoa, you will embark on dramatically scenic walks and enjoy delicious regional cuisine.


Top holiday pick: Walks & Food of The Italian Riviera - Exodus Adventure Travels


Beautiful colorful cityscape on the mountains over Mediterranean sea, Europe, Cinque Terre, traditional Italian architecture

Albanian Alps

This fascinating, lesser-known Mediterranean country has a pristine, rugged and wild landscape, just waiting to be discovered. Explore the remote regions of Theth and Valbonë, within the Albanian Alps, where agricultural traditions have endured across centuries. Wander the historic towns of Berat and Krujë and learn about the captivating history of this welcoming country.


Top holiday pick: Walking in Albania - Exodus Adventure Travels


Man Sitting on a Rock Near a River in the Colorful Albanian Alps

For more inspiration, take a look at our Walking Holidays pages.

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Written by Holly Wallis

Holly is a Web Content Supervisor in our Marketing Team, based in our Kensington head office.

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