Not only are walking holidays great exercise and heaps of fun, they also take you off the beaten track and introduce you to hidden gems you wouldn’t usually see. Read on to find out the 10 best walking holidays for single travellers you won’t want to miss…
What is a walking holiday?
The clue is in the name really; a walking holiday is a holiday whereby you explore the area around you on foot.
This doesn’t mean, however, that there’s no time for chilling by the pool. The ideal walking holiday will incorporate at least two days at leisure, giving you enough time to explore freely – or to simply rest your muscles at the beach!
Walking holidays are perfect for group single travel and are a popular choice for first-time solo travellers. Why? Mainly because many people find it easier to bond with one another when they’re active (hence why a lot of friendships are made through exercise) and the shared experience will give you plenty to talk about.
Best walking holidays for single travellers
To help you choose the perfect walking holiday, we’ve put together a list of our 10 favourite walking trips for single travellers, alongside all the reasons why we – and our customers – love them.
1) Fuerteventura Walking
Easily one of our most popular walking holidays, our 7-night discovery of the oldest Canary Island is packed full of otherworldly scenery and dramatic photo opportunities.
Trek mountains and visit remote villages, including the historic village of Betancuria which was once home to the first European settlement in the Atlantic.
2) Islands and Mountains of Croatia
From Dubrovnik to the crashing waterfalls of Krka National Park, our week-long Croatian walking holiday introduces you to some of the best cities and sights Croatia has to offer.
Start your journey in the historic city of Dubrovnik before trekking shelving mountains, reaching the highest point on Brac island and discovering unusual karst forms and caves. This trip is perfect for walkers looking for a bit of everything: beaches, cities, mountains, waterfalls and caves.
3) Kefalonia and Ithaca
The Greek Islands might not immediately spring to mind when you think of walking holidays, but the unspoilt islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca should definitely be on your radar.
High mountains, secluded coves, forests of cypress trees, vineyards and colourful fishing ports: Kefalonia hides some spectacular sights. Neighbouring Ithaca is also a hiker’s paradise not yet taken over by mass tourism, where the bleats of mountain goats are the only sounds to interrupt the silence!
4) La Gomera Walking
One of the most untouched Canary Islands, La Gomera’s steep, rugged landscape was made for hiking.
Our medium-graded walking holiday introduces you to the best this tiny island has to offer. Marvel at steep cliffs, rainforests, canyons and black sand beaches, and take a walk through the beautiful UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park.
5) Lake Garda
Measuring a staggering 370 square km, Lake Garda is the largest of Italy’s lakes, spanning three of the country’s most beautiful regions: Lombardy, Trentino and Veneto.
You can enjoy three half-day walks around the stunning lakeside on our 7-night walking holiday. Take in stunning castles, woodland walks, ancient monasteries and picturesque villages before enjoying some free time to explore the area independently.
6) Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains
For a true adventure, put your walking boots on in Morocco and join us on our week-long winter exploration of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.
Awaken your senses as you visit traditional villages and ancient towns, trek through olive groves and feel the force of the tumbling Ouzoud waterfalls. With five guided walks included, you’ll be introduced to the many different sides of southern Morocco.
7) North Cyprus Walking
North Cyprus’ rich flora and fauna, rugged coastline and spectacular views make it perfect for exploring on foot. The 143-mile-long Kyrenia Mountain Trail presents a challenge to any keen hiker, but there’s plenty of easier walks towards the north-west side of the island too.
Our 7-night ramble takes you through rural villages, reservoirs, archaeological sites and forests teeming with wildlife, passing centuries-old olive trees, churches and walled towns as you go.
8) Sicilian Walking Adventure
Guaranteed to bring out the adventurer in all of us, our autumn walking holiday to Sicily will bring you face to face with Europe’s tallest active volcano: Mount Etna.
Four guided walks will take you to the summit, where breathtaking views await, and onwards to the islands of Lipari, Vulcano and Stromboli – which are home to two more impressive, steaming volcanoes.
9) Trails and Truffles
Back again by popular demand, our Trails and Truffles trip to the medieval town of Trevi in central Italy is one for the foodies out there.
Combining gastronomy and walking, this walking holiday introduces you to Umbria, a region renowned for its medieval hilltop towns, dense forests and prized truffles and wine. Look forward to a range of foodie-themed activities and four included walks – one of which will take you truffle hunting!
10) Walking the Maderian Levadas
Situated just north of the Canary Islands, the Portuguese island of Madeira is famous for its steep levadas: manmade water courses originally built to carry water to inaccessible farmland.
Naturally, these make great walking territory, which is why much of our walking tour’s four guided treks takes you across these levadas. From São Lourenço Point, the easternmost peninsula of Madeira island, to the stunning valley of Rabaçal, prepare to be blown away by Madeira’s natural beauty and diversity.
What to take on a walking holiday?
The most important item to pack for your walking holiday is comfortable shoes. If you’re bringing new footwear, make sure they’re well broken in before you arrive and, for maximum comfort, wear two pairs of woollen socks.
The weather can be unpredictable, wherever you go, and especially when you’re high up in the mountains. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellent, etc.
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
