Walking holidays are an increasingly popular way to spend a week off, particularly in Europe. They keep you active on your holiday, while taking you through breathtaking scenery and must-visit tourist attractions. In this blog post, we will talk about the benefits of walking holidays and top destinations for nature lovers around Europe.
Why walking holidays?
In case you need more convincing, let’s briefly discuss some of the best benefits of walking holidays. Firstly, these trips provide a great opportunity to discover new destinations. They offer a sense of adventure, as you spend your time doing nothing but walking and exploring different locations. For nature lovers, this is a chance to fully immerse yourself into your surroundings, including different terrains.
Additionally, walking is a great exercise that promotes both physical and mental health. It is a way to disconnect yourself from the busy every day life, particularly from technology and social media. Instead, you spend your time embracing the present moment and, if you take on this trip with friends or family, having quality conversations. Some people even come back having achieved spiritual or personal growth on their walking holiday.
Top destinations for nature walking holidays
Here are some of our top picks for walking holidays that immerse you in nature.
Scotland
Scotland is known for its natural beauty. The country is covered in dramatic landscapes, such as mountains, moors, woodlands, and forests. One of the most beautiful walking trails is the West Highland Way, which goes from Milngavie to Fort William and takes around 9 days to complete.
Slovenia
Home to the Julian Alps mountain range, Slovenia is another spectacular destination for nature lovers. It has many well-maintained trails, boasting the views of lakes, meadows, and, of course, mountain peaks. The Triglav National Park is one of the best destinations for hikers in Europe.
Spain
We cannot discuss walking holidays without mentioning Spain – the home place of the historic Camino de Santiago route network. There are dozens of different routes you can choose from here, each of them being well-serviced for pilgrims. The Camino de Santiago from Sarria, for instance, is a popular choice for a 7-day walking holiday, offering the perfect blend of picturesque nature and rustic villages.
Portugal
The Algarve region, located in Portugal, is an ideal place for those who love to spend their holidays on the coast. Walkers can explore the golden sand beaches and hidden coves as they make their way down the coast of Algarve. The area is also known for its mild weather all year, which makes it a suitable destination outside the tourist season.
Croatia
For a unique walking experience, Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park is the place to be. This protected area is surrounded by crystal-clear lakes and peaceful waterfalls, as well as offers well-maintained wooden paths that allow you to explore them up-close.
Booking your nature getaway
If one of these destinations have caught your eye, you are probably now wondering how to go about booking your walking holiday. Luckily, the process in incredibly easy with Orbis Ways – an agency that specialises in organising walking holidays and Camino de Santiago.
This agency will plan the perfect itinerary for you, according to your preferences and needs. It will arrange the accommodation and transportation, as well as luggage transfer services if needed. All that’s left to do is making the most out of your nature-filled adventure!
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