1. The Way of St James – One of the greatest walking trails in the world, let alone Europe, which culminates in the mighty cathedral at Santiago de Compostela. A Baroque wonder and purported to be the resting place of the mortal remains of the apostle St James. With great camaraderie among fellow “pilgrims” and some excellent rustic food and very quaffable wines, the Camino de Santiago is a feast for the mind, body and spirit.
2. Stratford to Oxford – One of Britain’s best walks, packed with a thousand years of history taking in Shakespeare, ancient castles and some of the finest stately homes and gardens in Britain. Blenheim Palace is a real highlight and a World Heritage Site, with 2,000 acres of parklands and gardens designed by “Capability” Brown, the main man when it comes to vast landscape projects. You can easily lose yourself (metaphorically and literally!) here for hours.
3. Amalfi to Sorrento – The Amalfi Coast is one of the most stunning places in Europe to go for a hike. You’ll explore cliff-side towns, which seem to defy gravity, timeless fishing villages and harbours, where you can dine on the catch of the day. The chance to visit the stunning island of Capri is also a massive draw, but taking the “Path of the Gods” route – from Bomerano to Positano – surpasses all, for the dramatic scenery and panoramas that will stay with you forever.
4. Chianti – walking in Chianti offers a varied and captivating holiday. Trips to cultural centres of Florence and Pisa can be combined with lazy days enjoying the local wine and stunning Tuscan food. Whilst the walking will take in Tuscany’s iconic rolling hills and Etruscan towns and trails. As relaxing as a walking holiday gets, with a great mix of nature and culture, food and wine, rest and relaxation.
5. Portugal – Walking in Portugal may not appear an obvious choice for a great holiday and that’s one of the many reasons that it is. Away from the resorts of the south it remains unspoiled and is also incredibly cheap. With stunning Atlantic coastal paths, as well as a huge range of birdlife, top notch wine and the opportunity to tag the wonderful cities of Lisbon and Porto onto any trip. Portugal is a sensational walking holiday destination, especially if you are a fan of the famous fortified wine port.
6. Tenerife – Another option that, like Portugal, isn’t immediately apparent as an ideal derstination for a walking holiday, yet Tenerife has so much more to offer than sun, sea and sand. The underrated cuisine, based around excellent fish with piquant sauces, is the perfect way to refuel after a day exploring the islands rugged coastal trails. Pass through sleepy fishing villages and glorious forests while gazing at the majestic snow-capped peaks of Mount Teide.
7. Turkey – Turkey has an abundance of ancient historical relics and architecture, from the near-mystical city of Istanbul, where the cultures of East-and-West meet to the cities of historical sites of Troy and Ephesus. A top local guide will bring the history of these sites to life, such as the Blue Mosque, and inform you of local folk tales as you walk through; olive groves, fields scented with herbs and the gentle hills covered in nut trees.
8. Provence – Whilst we’ve steered clear of some of the European walking clichés, Provence simply has to be included. A blaze of purple streaks almost every view in summer as lavender brings the fields to life, whilst the combination of wide open scenery, fine food and a stunning climate make it one of Europe’s top walking destinations.
9. Croatia – Croatia has so much to offer, from the stunning, mesmeric beauty of the emerald green Plitvice Lakes National Park to the long and varied history of the cities of Split and Zagreb. The islands that dot the Dalmatian coast just beg to be discovered, with Hvar and Brac two of the highlights. The jewel in the crown has to be Dubrovnik, which combines architectural magnificence (in a range of styles that spans the ages) with a wonderful array of fine galleries, bars and restaurants.
10. The Swiss Alps – A top ten of walking holidays and omitting the Alps would be a sacrilege as there are many beautiful areas to explore. Switzerland has to win for the picture postcard image, with the area around Kandersteg exquisitely stunning. Clear blue lakes, verdant green meadows and, in spring and early summer, fields of wild flowers are among the many highlights. The very air of the Alps seems to cleanse the lungs and the spirit, as you walk amongst the soaring mountain peaks. The brilliantly maintained trails are well marked, and easy to follow, making this region an unparalleled pleasure.
