Walking holidays
Walking holidays – A fantastic way to get to know a country
When you’re in a beautiful country, there are few better ways to take in the scenery than on foot. Unless you walk regularly for long distances as a hobby however, you’re unlikely to want to spend every day walking for hours on end. For the amateur enthusiast, there are plenty of destinations that can provide a fantastic shorter walking experience, from a few hours to a day in length. These walks make a great activity to fit into your beach holiday or cottage break, and give you the opportunity to get to know the surrounding area. We’ve put together a guide on some of the top destinations for walking to suit a variety of holiday types.
Walking on holiday for those with children
Walking on holiday with children can be fantastic; get them out in the fresh air, exercising, and they’re bound to enjoy the excitement of exploring a new place. The walks below have been chosen as child-friendly because they are not too long (between 2-4 miles) and they are easily accessible from popular family holiday destinations.
Sierra Helada, Albir and Benidorm, Costa Blanca
The Sierra Helada is the mountain range that separates Benidorm from the small seaside town of Albir. Its highest peak is 438 metres above sea level. There are several walks you can do here of varying levels of difficulty, all of which afford stunning coastal views. On the Albir side of the mountain, there is a large car park and pleasant shady picnic area with tables.
Those staying in Benidorm can walk from the end of Levante Beach up to the Mirador de La Cruz – a large cross on one of the mountain’s peaks where you’ll find an observation point looking out to sea. The walk takes around 1hour 30 minutes each way. It’s uphill, but fairly easy going.
Coming the other way from Albir, there is a pleasant 2 hour walk starting from the Albir picnic area. Head towards the tunnel carved into the rock – pass through and follow the road up the mountainside. You’ll enjoy breath-taking views of the sea and the Peñón de Ifach national park. Keep going until you reach the Albir lighthouse and ruins of a watchtower; more spectacular views and pleasant sea breezes.
When to go
The peak summer months between June-August can be prohibitively hot, with average temperatures hovering around 30C and sometimes reaching up to 40C. If you do wish to attempt the walk during these months, it’s advisable to start as early as possible in the day when the temperatures are cooler, take plenty of water and a sun hat. The spring months of March-April are a good time to walk here, with the flowers coming into bloom and cooler temperatures. And the winter months between November-February are relatively dry and mild, with comfortable temperatures of 16-21C.
The best coastal walking trails
Some of the most breath-taking views are to be had along coastal paths. What’s more, you get the additional bonus of pleasant sea breezes, making the walking more comfortable.
Los Cristianos – Las Galletas, Tenerife
A leisurely walk along the coast from the popular Tenerife resort of Los Cristianos to the small fishing town of Las Galletas, this trail is around 9 miles long and takes around 4.5 hours to complete. It is graded easy-moderate. When you reach Las Galletas you can catch a bus if you don’t fancy the return hike back.
The walk starts at the Casa Carolina, a derelict villa on the seafront at the end of the Los Cristianos promenade. You can take several paths from here; a good one heads towards the cliffs, more or less climbing the Montaña Guaza, with breath-taking views at the top. There isn’t a summit to conquer; the peak flattens out into a plateau.
Follow the path and you’ll find a rocky landscape of quarries and old ruins partially obscured by lush Mediterranean vegetation. From here the path descends into the village of Palm Mar; a great place to stop and refresh yourself with a cold drink in one of the authentic tapas bars. Carry on your way through the Malpais de la Rasca or ‘bad country’ (so named for its otherworldly appearance of solidified lava), around Punta de la Rasca towards the lighthouse.
You’re now on the final leg; passing old abandoned farmhouses, banana plantations, secluded beaches and finally onto the Red Cross station on the Las Galletas seafront. To get back to Los Cristianos, take the number 467, 470, or 473 bus.
When to go
The Canary Islands are excellent to visit all year round. For walking this distance, it’s advisable to avoid the peak summer months of June-August when the sun is at its hottest. Anytime to between November-May will provide pleasantly warm walking weather. Spring and autumn are particularly good; spring for blooming flowers and blossoming trees, autumn for the spectacular golds, reds and oranges that come with the end of the summer.
The Cinque Terre, Liguria Region, Italy
This is arguably one of most beautiful coastal walks in Europe. Located in the heart of the Italian Riviera in the Liguria Region, the walk takes you along the coast and through five ancient medieval fishing villages. Think wildflowers, vineyards, warm Mediterranean sun, crashing waves and the smell of sea salt. You’ll wander through the tranquil pine and chestnut trees of the Cinque Terre National Park, smell the aroma of freshly brewed Italian coffee as you pass local cafes and make your way along the ancient pathways that hug the vine covered cliffs.
There are several trails here; arguably the best is the famous Sentiero Azzurro (trail no. 2), stretching for around 9 miles and taking approximately 5 hours to complete. The walk starts in Riomaggiore, passing through Manarola, Corniglia and Vernazza, before ending in Monterrosso al Mare. Or you can do the same trail reverse, starting at Monterrosso al Mare. There is a fee of €5 for walking the trail which goes towards the maintenance of the path. The part of the trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola is called the Via Dell'Amore ("Lover’s Walk") and is wheelchair accessible.
You can get local trains to the Cinques Terre from Genoa and La Spezia, or intercity trains from Tuscany, Turin, Rome and Milan.
When to go
The best times to undertake the full Cinques Terres walk are May and September-October. These periods are mild but warm and see good levels of sunshine. Please note that spring and autumn showers can occasionally wash out the trails however.
Top European countryside walks
There is an abundance of countryside to explore in Europe, ranging from the rolling green hills and vineyards of southern France to the soaring mountains and dark Baltic wilds of Montenegro. Each has its own distinct personality and atmosphere and provides a unique holiday experience. Here are two top walks through some of the most beautiful countryside on the continent.
Lamole Ring Walk, Chianti, Italy
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to enjoy walking, Tuscany takes some beating. The Tuscan region has become a by-word for glorious, rolling green countryside, with vineyards, pine forests, wildflowers and picturesque villages. One of the most attractive areas to visit in Tuscany is the Chianti region around Grieve. There are numerous walks to undertake here, one of the best of which is the Lamole Ring Walk.
Lamole is a small hill-top village, overlooking the valley where the river Greve is born, close to the Castle of Lamole. The trail takes you high up onto the ridges of east Chianti, affording spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, before descending blackberry- lined pathways and ancient stone roads. It is essential a circular walk; the first half taking you across to the village of San Michele, and the second bringing you back to Lamole. As an added incentive, there is one of the best restaurants in Chianti for when you finish your hike, the Ristoro di Lamole – rustic, homemade Italian cooking at its finest. The walk takes 3 around 3 hours in total – 1.5 hours there and 1.5 hours back.
For more information on walks in the area, you can contact the Chianti Tourist Office info@chiantiechianti.it. See below for a map of the route.
Image sourced from: http://walkingandeating.com/?page_id=4
When to go
If you don’t like crowds, it’s advisable to avoid Tuscany in the peak summer months of July-August. These months see also see the hottest weather, which may not be ideal for walking. The spring months of April and May, and the early summer (June) is fantastic as you’ll witness the Tuscan countryside bursting into life with blossoming trees, blooming wildflowers and mild, warm temperatures.
Alba/Penia to Malga Contrin, The Dolomites, Italy
This is a fantastic walk for anyone staying in the Val de Fassa region of the Dolomites in Italy. The Dolomites have some of the best mountain walking trails in Europe. You’ll see beautiful Alpine wildflowers, soaring mountain scenery, fragrant pine forests and sweeping grassy valleys.
Graded easy-moderate, the Alba/Penia to Malga Contrin trail takes you through an attractive mountainous valley and takes approximately 4 hours to complete, with a refreshment stop on the way. There are no major navigational hurdles to overcome.
The walk begins at the cable car station situated nest to the main road between Penia and Alba. You can get here easily by bus from Canazei and there is a large car park for those intending to drive.
Once at the cable car carpark, take the path 602 which climbs steeply at first while the track switchbacks up the mountainside. 250m on you’ll find the first refreshments stop at Locia Contrin; after this, there’s a much easier 300m climb and you’ll see the valley open up, affording spectacular views of the Alpine scenery.
From here you’ll follow the virtually-flat valley floor into the mountains. Pass by path 646 on the right and you’ll see the Baita Cianci refuge. From here the valley floor starts to climb steeply to reach the Rifugio Contrin, Continue past the refuge and a small chapel opposite it and you’ll find yourself in a large, grassy bowl encircled by mountain peaks. The path swings right and takes you to Malga Contrin; a small farm selling delicious Italian produce such as cheese, yoghurt, milk and cakes. Once here, all you have to do is turn around and retrace your steps back to the start point at the bottom.
When to go
The best weather for walking in the Dolomites will be from mid-June to early October. Arguably the best time within this period is the start of September, when the tourist infrastructure is fully in swing for the season and the weather is sublime. July is the best time to visit for wildflowers. June will see far less crowds, but there is the risk of snow obstructing some of the higher trails.
