There once was a time when a holiday was synonymous with doing as little as possible. Fly somewhere warm, find a sun lounger and spend a week horizontal. But scroll Instagram in 2o26 and you’ll see these kind of holidays are increasingly being replaced by something different. Young people, it seems, want to go hiking.
Part of the appeal, if we had to guess, lies in the contrast to modern life. As our days become one big endless scroll and our screen time reaches astronomical (embarrassing even) heights, the idea of spending hours immersed in nature feels less like the kind of chore your parents might have subjected you to in childhood and more like a luxury. Hiking holidays offer a rare opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the natural world, and there are plenty of picturesque places both here and abroad to stretch your legs.
Whether you want to add some physical activity to your European summer, or feel like making a weekend out of a coastal walk a little closer to home, hiking holidays are one of the best ways to explore the world. Below, the hiking destinations we’re saving for our next getaway.
The Dolomites, Italy
Italy’s Dolomites have become one of Europe’s most popular hiking destinations. You’ve probably scrolled past images of the striking limestone peaks and crystal clear waters. Plus, days spent hiking between mountain huts can be rewarded with plates of fresh pasta and local wine. What more could you want?
Albanian Alps, Albania
Still relatively untouched compared to many of Europe’s more established hiking destinations, Albania is gaining a reputation among adventurous travellers. The hike between Theth and Valbonë is the most popular route – it can be done in a day, with homely stays on either end, and panoramic views that rival those of the Alps.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
For centuries, people have travelled the ancient routes towards Santiago de Compostela. While several routes exist, the most famous – the Camino Francés – crosses nearly 800 kilometres of countryside, vineyards and historic cities from the French border to Galicia. You can spend the day walking through medieval villages and rolling farmland before ending each evening with local wine and tapas. Yes thanks.
Patagonia, Chile
Patagonia has long been a go-to destination for adventurous travellers, and the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is one of the best ways to experience it. While more physically demanding than the other destinations on this list, the surrounds are extraordinary and worth the effort. There’s also something for every type of traveller too, from camping to luxury eco-lodges.
Overland Track, Australia
The Overland Track in Tasmania is one of Australia’s most iconic hiking experiences. Located in Lake St Clair National Park, it’s an approximately six-day journey that takes you through some of the country’s most spectacular natural scenery. Increasingly, travellers are pairing the hike with stays at luxury lodges, so you can find a little bit of comfort along the way.
Kumano Kodo, Japan
If you’re looking for both natural beauty and cultural significance, look no further. This ancient hike spans a 1,200-year-old network of UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage trails, weaving through cedar forests, mountains and quiet rural communities, connecting a series of sacred shrines that have welcomed travellers for more than a thousand years.
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Mount Everest might be more famous, but many seasoned hikers consider the Annapurna Circuit to be Nepal’s most rewarding trek. It encompasses a range of landscapes, from forests and farmland to snow-covered mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter traditional villages, ancient monasteries and some of the best Himalayan views imaginable.
Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy and Switzerland
The Tour du Mont Blanc traverses France, Italy and Switzerland, passing through alpine villages, meadows and dramatic mountains. While completing the entire circuit can take upwards of a week, many opt to tackle shorter sections, staying in quaint villages along the way.
