Most of us look forward to that time of the year where we can rest from our busy daily life, relax, and explore a new place and immerse ourselves in a new culture. I’m talking about a holiday, but let’s think for a second about your last holiday. Did you spend more time rushing between tourist spots than actually relaxing? Did you spend more time on the tour bus than actually experiencing the location? Yeah, you’re not alone, but don’t worry either! A walking holiday in Europe is the solution.
This is the ultimate travel trend, one that’s slow and eco-friendly but also lets you connect deeper with nature and culture, as well as gives you health benefits. A walking holiday consists of hiking from one stage (usually a town) to another, which is perfect because this way you’ll discover family-run inns, try true local food, and experience the genuine warmth of communities off the beaten path.
Best Walking Holidays in Europe
Now the next step is to find the right trail for you. The good news is that Europe is a walker’s paradise, and it’s crisscrossed with trails for every capability and interest. But if you’re still struggling to choose a path or plan the journey, then your best option is a tour agency that specializes in walking holidays like Orbis Ways.
This agency has built a strong reputation thanks to its attention to detail, which is praised on a huge number of positive review platforms like Google Reviews and Trustpilot. Their services are tailored for you to just focus on walking; they take care of everything from booking places to stay to transferring your luggage from stage to stage, as well as 24-hour assistance.
They offer more than 200 walks around the continent, and those are some of the most popular.
The Camino de Santiago
This is probably one of the most iconic long-distance hikes in the world, and it welcomes millions of people each year, but I know that it can be too long for many. That’s why you can easily try its most beautiful sections. For example, you can try the Camino Frances, but instead of starting in France, you can do it from Sarria.
Here you will meet people from all over the world, you will get the chance to experience nights in historic “albergues” (pilgrim hostels), but most importantly, you will get rewarded with an incredible sense of achievement.
The final arrival at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela is a moment you will never forget.
The Tour du Mont Blanc
This iconic trail is a loop around the Mont Blanc massif, taking you through three countries in one incredible trip. You’ll be surrounded by some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in Europe.
You will be able to see towering peaks, sparkling glaciers, and green valleys. It’s a more challenging trek, but the views are worth every single step.
Not only that, it’s also one of the most “safe” trails, thanks to how well it’s maintained and how well the trails are marked.
The Amalfi Coast
If you like your hikes served with a side of pasta and stunning sea views, this is for you. The famous ‘Path of the Gods’ (Sentiero degli Dei) goes along the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast and offers amazing views of the Mediterranean.
After your walk, you can explore colorful villages like Positano and enjoy world-class Italian food.
The Rota Vicentina
For those who want to escape the crowds, Portugal’s Rota Vicentina is a hidden gem. This route features the Fishermen’s Trail, which goes along dramatic Atlantic cliffs, over dunes, and through fishing villages that feel frozen in time.
It’s raw, beautiful, and wonderfully peaceful. You can also experience the warmth of the Portuguese people firsthand and see their amazing countryside.
Walking Holidays in Europe
As you can see, a walking holiday is what you need. It’s more than a type of traveling; it’s a way to truly immerse and explore a location, and it’s often labeled as an experience that feeds your soul. It’s about the freedom of the trail, the people you meet on your way, and the stunning landscapes you explore. The best part is that you have specialized agencies like Orbis Ways, which make planning everything even easier.
So, whether you choose the Camino, the Tour du Mont Blanc, or Portugal, you sure are in for an amazing adventure.
