Holidays can be a wonderful opportunity, but choosing a destination can be tricky. For active-minded travellers, picking the destination can be even harder. You want to pick a spot that interests you and offers enough activities to keep you busy. If walking trails appeal to you, you’re in luck because there are plenty of fabulous destinations with world-class trails and views.
Here’s a rundown of the top holiday destinations for the best walking trails. You may want to add each of these to your travel bucket list and start working through them as soon as possible. Just be sure to take rests between long walks and do something else, whether that be enjoying a good book or deciding which Casinos.com site to explore. This will ensure you get the maximum enjoyment out of these trails and not tire too quickly.
West Coast Trail, Canada
As the second largest country in the world, Canada offers fabulous natural beauty and sights to explore. Walking trails are no exception, with each province and territory offering several. It comes down to what kind of traveller you are and whether you want to combine other activities in the holiday.
One of the most popular walking trails in the country has to be the West Coast Trail. The trail is over 75 km long and is located on Vancouver Island. What will capture your attention immediately is the sheer ruggedness, size, and lushness of the forest through which it winds. Along the trail, you’ll encounter several man-made bridges and ladders, which not only add an element of challenge but also excitement.
Alpine Pass Route, Switzerland
Switzerland is known for many things, but the Alpine Pass Route is what will appeal to hikers. As its name implies, the trail traverses the Alps and some of the cutest Swiss villages you’ll ever see. This is a long-distance trail that begins in Sargans to the east and ends in Montreux to the west. Unless you have three weeks to spare, you’ll need to choose the section of the more than 300 km trail that most appeal to you.
The trail features different levels of difficulty but is generally meant for experienced trekkers.
Salzkammergut Lakes, Austria
Here’s another European destination with a landscape that includes the Alps. If you’re considering Austria as your holiday destination, then the Salzkammergut Lakes hiking trails are perfect. You’ll be surrounded by large mountains, beautiful flora, and crystal-clear, serene lakes. As there are various trails to choose from, it comes down to your fitness and experience level, how much time you have, and the kind of sights that appeal to you.
There are also several hotels in the area if you want to combine day hikes with a comfortable hotel stay.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
How do you pick just one area in Italy to explore? It’s an impossible task, but we’d still recommend the standout trails on the Amalfi Coast for those seeking a memorable walking or hiking trail. These in particular are worth your attention:
- Valle delle Ferriere via Amalfi – Just over 7 km, takes almost three hours to hike, and is rated as hard.
- Valle delle Ferriere via Valle dei Mulini – Just over 5 km, takes two hours to hike, and is rated as moderate.
- Ravello – Pontone – Torre Dello Ziro via Amalfi – Four hours to hike, almost 10 km in length, and is rated as hard.
- Amalfi – Scala – Three and a half hours to hike, just over 8 km, and is rated as hard.
Rota Vicentina, Portugal
The Rota Vicentina in Portugal isn’t just one trail, rather it is a network of trails in southwest Portugal. The trails follow the Vicentina Coast and Alentejo region. No matter which trail you pick, you really can’t go wrong. Sights include mountain ranges, coastal views, lush greenery, small villages, farms dotted with wildlife, and much more. There are trails for walking and hiking, and they all vary in length and difficulty level. Even if you’re new to hiking, you can find something that matches your skill level here.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
We can’t discuss iconic walking trails around the world without mentioning the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Not only is this a bucket list adventure for many, but it’s also sure to spark an even deeper love for hiking. The trail is in Peru in the Andes mountain range. As you hike along the trail, you’ll come across ancient tunnels, settlements, trail passes, Incan ruins, and more. It helps to build anticipation as you make your way to the endpoint, Machu Picchu.
While this one is stunning, this isn’t meant for beginners or even moderate hikers. The trek takes about five days if you follow the Classic Inca Trail, and you’ll be working towards higher elevations, which can cause altitude sickness. It’s probably best to hire an expert guide or join a guided hiking group for this one.
Kumano Kodo Trail, Japan
Next up, we’ve got the Kumano Kodo Trail in Japan. This trail dates back 1,000 years when it was a pilgrimage people used to reach Kumano. The trail winds through the Kii Peninsula, which is known for its mountainous topography. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes play such an important role in Japanese history that they have a UNESCO World Heritage designation.
There are a few different routes you can take, with some longer than others. Each one has unique sites, so be sure to do a little research before making your selection.
Choose Your Destination
Active travellers tend to look at holidays in a different light. They see it as an opportunity to get up close and personal with the natural environment and learn more about the region’s history, beauty, and culture. While each of these incredible walking trails can deliver a memorable holiday, it comes down to personal preference and how comfortable (or not) you want to be and how confident you are in your hiking skills.