Sometimes, a week lounging by the pool with a cold drink in hand is exactly what you need to unwind. But if you’re looking for a little more action on your next trip, why not try something different and opt for a walking holiday instead? Not only is this a great way to keep active, but it also provides you with a unique opportunity to explore destinations further and get off the beaten path.
Whether you’re planning your first hiking holiday or you’re looking for some fresh inspiration, H&T has got you covered. Read on to discover the best walking holidays in Europe for any kind of walker and find your dream destination for an action-packed getaway.
Best walking holiday spot for city sightseers: Vienna, Austria
If you’re new to walking or hiking holidays, a walkable city break can be the perfect way to ease yourself in — and there’s no better place to start than Vienna. The city is considered to be one of the most walkable in Europe, with many preferring to explore the famous city of music on foot. That being said, there is a reliable and far-reaching subway system (the Vienna U-Bahn) available when you’re ready to give your feet a rest.
The city is full of landmarks and activities for a wide range of tourists, from Schönbrunn Palace for the history enthusiasts to the Kunsthistorisches Museum for budding artists and the House of Music for music lovers. If you’re bringing kids along, they’re sure to appreciate a trip to Prater Amusement Park. And there are plenty of beautiful green spaces to explore on foot as well, including Stadtpark — the largest park in the city — and Vienna’s first public park, Volksgarten.
Best hiking holiday spot for mountain explorers: Accursed Mountains, Albania
If you’re ready to take your walking holiday to the next level, a hike in the mountains could be just what you’re after. We’re blessed to have plenty of picturesque mountainous regions to explore in Europe, so you may struggle to choose just one! But we believe that the Accursed Mountains are hard to beat.
Once a hidden gem, the Accursed Mountains (also known as the Albanian Alps) are now popular amongst a variety of travellers, from alpine adventurers to foodies to those simply looking for fairytale views. There are various routes to choose from, including easier options like the hike to the Blue Eye of Teth. Jezerca is a must for experienced hikers and climbers looking to tackle their next big peak. Popular bases in the Accursed Mountains include Shkodër, Teth, and Valbona.
Bear in mind that most shops, restaurants and other businesses in the Accursed Mountains only accept cash payments, so you will want to have a good supply of travel money available. Worried you’ll end up bringing too much? When you order at H&T, you can bring it back to your local store and we can transfer it back to GBP with our cash-buyback service.
Best hiking holiday spot for seaside scenery: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Want to make sure you still get some time in a sunlounger on your trip? A hiking holiday on the Amalfi Coast could be just what you need. The Amalfi Coast is one of the best walking holiday destinations in Europe, with unbeatable ocean views and endless sunshine. There is a huge range of routes to explore, with easy options and a choice of advanced hikes for seasoned adventurers. Some of the most popular routes include the Path of the Lemons, the Ring of Faito, and the famous Path of the Gods, a moderate 6km scenic moutain trail.
You may want to hire a car to get around and explore as many routes as possible. But if you’d prefer to stop in one location, there are a few great bases to choose from. Positano is a popular choice, a charming town known for its beauty and with easy access to some of the most loved walking routes. Amalfi and Sorrento are also great places to set off from and are popular amongst tourists. For something a little quieter, head to Furore. This picturesque village is close to many walking routes and home to Furore Fjord, a natural cove carved by the Schiato stream.
Best walking holidays for gentle rambles: Ameland, the Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its flat, low-lying land, making it one of the best European walking destinations for those looking for more gentle and accessible routes. There are plenty of fantastic walking destinations to explore in the country, from walkable cities like Rotterdam to short routes in Nationaal Park Veluwezoom in the east, and even longer routes like the 305-mile Zuiderzee Trail. But if you’re looking for a single area to explore, you can’t go wrong with Ameland.
Ameland is one of the West Frisian Islands, situated off the north coast of the Netherlands. Walking trails will take you through the various landscapes the island has to offer, from remarkable dunes to wide open green spaces and the Wadden Sea, the world’s largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best walking holiday spot for forest adventures: Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Like the sound of an emerald green forest trek followed by a cooling dip in crystal clear lakes? Head to Plitvice Lakes in Croatia for one of the best walking holidays in Europe and surround yourself in the breathtaking scenery. Plitvice Lakes National Park is the largest park in the country, and is also on the UNESCO World Heritage list as a natural wonder. The park is most famous for its enchanting waterfalls and glistening lakes, but walkers are sure to appreciate the various forest trails throughout.
There are a number of trails to explore in the park, including shorter 3km routes and long 33km options. With towering fir and spruce trees setting the scene, you’re sure to lose yourself in nature for the ultimate escape. If you’re looking to mix up your activities, you can also enjoy a spot of cycling, rowing, and even skiing in the winter months.
Has our round-up of the best walking holidays in Europe got you itching for your next getaway? Prepare for your travels and get your travel money here at H&T. We offer 0% commission on all foreign currencies, so you know you’re getting competitive rates. You can order between £100 and £2,500 online for collection at your local branch, or any amount when you visit us in-store. Head to our travel money page to find out more.
