Wondering where to wander in Europe? Our experts pick the best trails, from gentle Amalfi coast hikes to Greek island hopping and Norwegian fjord explorations

Remember that song by Nancy Sinatra, These Boots Are Made for Walkin’? Well, Nancy, never mind the footwear, our bodies are made for walking too — and there are few holiday pursuits more natural than a proper, old-fashioned hike. You stretch your legs a little, conversation is suddenly uncorked and the need to reach your goal supplies all the purpose you need. Suddenly, you notice your surroundings too — and that’s what makes this collection of European walking holidays especially mouth-watering, because they explore some of the continent’s most dramatic and fascinating landscapes. Madeira, the Dolomites and Albania’s Accursed Mountains all feature, with levels of difficulty to suit every adventurer — and a good night’s sleep at the end of each day all but guaranteed.

1. Campania, Italy

No wonder the Amalfi coast has become such a hiking hub. Thanks to its plunging mountainsides, movie-star glamour and shimmering sea views, just being there is a buzz. And by walking its revitalised network of valley paths and mountainside mule tracks, you’ll avoid the perpetual crowds of its harbour towns.

This moderately strenuous seven-night Intrepid itinerary overnights in four small hotels — in Naples, Agerola, Minori and Amalfi — and is canny for all sorts of reasons. As well as tackling the short but spectacular Path of the Gods, it sets a day aside for Pompeii’s ruins and adds a kayaking excursion from Minori so you get an essential taste of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Just be sure to extend your stay by at least a day, in order to climb to the mountain-top Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Avvocata. Hardly anyone hikes there, despite the sensational views.

2. Haute Savoie, France

It’s an essential part of walking’s appeal — the sense of freedom that comes from spending a whole day outdoors. This 14-night tour of Mont Blanc in the western Alps doubles down on that pleasure but turns the hike into a camping trip as well. Don’t worry: all your gear is transported ahead of you, and your camp support leader puts up your spacious, two-person tents before you arrive, as well as preparing your meals. Nearly all your campsites have hot showers too.

Nevertheless, this is still a challenging hike, as you circle, 94 miles, around the mountain’s mesmerising massif — from Chamonix into Switzerland, on through Italy and back into France. Each of your three scheduled rest days is going to be bliss.

3. The Cyclades, Greece

The ever-changing play of sunlight across the Aegean gives this easy-going two-week Explore! island-hopping itinerary its sparkle. So, too, the chance to commune with its ghosts as you explore the islands’ historic paths. On Paros, for example, you’ll walk a Byzantine road, paved with local marble, that’s thought to be 1,000 years old. On Syros, coastal walks are the norm, while a dramatic path beckons in Santorini, along the edge of the island’s crater.

On each of your four island stops you’ll stay in small and friendly hotels, with plenty of free time for day-trips to neighbouring islands or optional hikes with your guide. Or maybe just a lazy afternoon, soaking up the spring or autumn sun like a lizard.

4. Cumbria and Northumberland, UK

For a continuous dialogue between history and landscape, England’s Hadrian’s Wall path has few European rivals, especially in its central section. Here, it shadows the best-surviving parts of the Imperial frontier, as the wall hauls itself onto the Whin Sill escarpment and marches on, regardless of the terrain, in a way that speaks volumes about the Roman mindset.

This five-night self-guided holiday with Exodus takes care of your daily luggage transfers as you walk from Lanercost near Brampton to St Oswald’s Church, above Hexham, with overnight stops in four different inns and hotels en route. And because it allows you to set your own pace and book your own dinners, it gives you time to properly enjoy two key features of this magnificent stretch of country — the world-class archaeology of the fort at Vindolanda, just south of the wall, and a burgeoning gastronomic scene.

5. Valbone, Albania

Sheer cliffs and bare limestone crags make Albania’s Accursed Mountains reminiscent of Italy’s magnificent Dolomites. But there is one startling difference — by western European standards, hardly anyone lives there. It’s a place of rudimentary infrastructure and isolated villages, now protected by the Alps of Albania National Park; and the sense that you’re seeing a mountain range in a more pristine state adds an extra thrill to this guided week-long exploration with Wild Frontiers. Five days of fairly strenuous walking culminate in a crossing of the 1,795m (5,889ft) Valbona Pass, accompanied by packhorses to carry your luggage. Overnight accommodation is in a range of small hotels and local guesthouses.

6. Vestland, Norway

Odda, southeast of Bergen, is your base for G Adventures’ feisty, one-week introduction to the Norwegian fjords — which climaxes with a guided ascent to the Troll’s Tongue balcony of rock, that sticks out 700m (2,296ft) above the lake at Ringedalsvatnet. This final 10-12 hour trip includes an optional via ferrata section and requires both agility and a steady nerve. But the itinerary builds to it slowly with an easier climb to the Strandsfossen waterfall, a walk on the Folgefonna Glacier, and a day of rest for kayaking, biking or self-guided rambles alongside the shores of the Hardangerfjord. After one night in Bergen your accommodation will be in one of Odda’s unfussy, hiker-friendly hotels.

7. Madeira, Portugal

Roughly 100 million years in the making, Madeira is nature’s Atlantic-island masterpiece. A breathtakingly intricate and vertiginous place, it mixes subtropical forests, terraced fields and towering cliffs — while see-forever ocean views add a haunting, edge-of-the-world sense of isolation.

Not surprisingly, getting around the island is tricky, so the best walking holidays here are group tours which stick to either the eastern or the western half of the island and provide transfers to and from the walks, saving you the stress of mountain driving.

Ramble Worldwide has a moderately strenuous eight-day Eastern Madeira trip that’s based in a modern hotel in the island’s capital (complete with rooftop pool) and focuses on the island’s more dramatic eastern end. Among the highlights are hikes along the sinuous Sao Lourenco peninsula and through the lush forests of the Ribeiro Frio.

8. Cornwall, England

England’s South West Coast Path may be a 630-mile leviathan, which takes many walkers seven to eight weeks to complete, but the six-night, self-guided Walking the tip of Cornwall itinerary from Headwater will serve up many of its highlights in a much shorter, 41-mile package. Tracing Cornwall’s far western tip, the route explores the county’s wildest and most atmospheric stretch of coast — from St Ives to Morvah — as well as the gorgeous shimmering coves of Porthcurno and Lamorna.

The endless undulations of the cliff path will test your legs, so the trip’s baggage transfer service between your overnight stops (in five atmospheric inns and hotels) is a boon, as is the respite provided by pubs such as the Gurnard’s Head. But it’s the heaving ocean beside you that offers the best reward for your efforts. You’ll never tire of looking at it.

9. La Gomera, Spain

It’s not only sunbathers who love the Canary Islands’ balmy climate. January and February temperatures that top out at 22C make it a congenial place for winter walking too — and to sidestep the kiss-me-quick holiday resorts, all you need to do is target a smaller island.

Mountainous La Gomera is the hiker’s favourite. A mix of semi-desert, tangled cloud forests and steeply-terraced fields, it’s a place of startling contrasts; with sea views at the end of every valley and small, characterful hotels that feel a world away from the behemoths of neighbouring Tenerife.

In six moderately strenuous walks, Exodus’s self-guided, seven-night Contrasts of La Gomera tour explores its most distinctive landscapes; from the island’s summit at Alto de Garajonay to the village of Agulo, set on a green and fertile balcony of farmland.

10. Lapland, Sweden

Here’s a useful corrective to the idea that Europe is overcrowded; Kungsleden trek — the Kings Trail of Sweden is a nine-night, hut-to-hut hike through a landscape that is almost entirely unpopulated. KE Adventure’s trip follows a section of the trail into the Scandinavian mountains, and once you’ve left the wayside halt of Abisko, north of Kiruna, the only people you’ll see are the wardens of the mountain refuges you’ll stay in — and other hikers.

The trip is guided, which takes nearly all the stress out of venturing into such a wilderness, although you will have to carry all your own gear and a share of the communal food. It also allows for the ascent of Sweden’s highest mountain: the 2,097m (6,879ft) Kebnekaise. If there’s snow on the summit, your guide will supply crampons and show you how to use them.

11. Sardinia, Italy

Usually, it’s the landscape that supplies your walking holiday with a sense of drama. But on Italy’s toughest trek — the Selvaggio Blu — it’s the path itself that will give you goosebumps. Over the course of 25 miles, along Sardinia’s wildest stretch of eastern coastline, it serves up five abseils and two via ferratas, as well as lunchtime swims in secluded coves.

The six-night Trek the Selvaggio Blu Trail tour with Much Better Adventures tackles the full length with five nights of camping en route and the support of a qualified and experienced mountain guide. Needless to say, both a head for heights and a high level of fitness are essential.

We’re all familiar with travel tips such as pack a flexible wardrobe, roll clothes, don’t fold – and stash your passport and other travel documents somewhere handy but safe.

But one hotel manager has curated a selection of must-dos that can help make a holiday really feel like a break.

Lachlan Walker is the regional general manager, Fiji and Pacific, IHG Hotels and Resorts, one of the Pacific Island holiday spot’s largest luxury resorts.

He has experienced thousands of guest stays each year, which means he and his team see first-hand what helps people switch into holiday mode faster – and what quietly derails it.

That gives Walker a clear idea of how Australians travel. He sees the good habits, the avoidable mistakes, and the small behaviours that instantly change the tone of a trip.

Rather than another generic packing list, he’s pulled together a selection of the small, practical travel habits that consistently make the biggest difference, whether you’re heading to Fiji or anywhere offshore.

Here are a few that could resonate:

1. Pack your ‘first-hour kit’ in your carry-on

Swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, deodorant, phone charger. Most guests waste their first afternoon rummaging through luggage. Those who change immediately feel like their holiday starts the second they arrive, not three hours later.

2. Take a photo of your packed suitcase before you zip it

It sounds simple, but when guests can’t remember whether they packed something, or need to describe contents for insurance or lost luggage claims, that photo becomes gold.

3. Set your out-of-office a day earlier than your flight

The guests who arrive genuinely relaxed are the ones who mentally clock off before departure day. If you’re answering emails in the airport lounge, you’re already behind.

4. Unpack properly, even for three nights

Guests who live out of their suitcase never quite settle. Taking 10 minutes to hang clothes and clear surfaces makes even a short stay feel longer and calmer.

5. Leave space in your itinerary for boredom

The most consistent feedback from returning guests is that their favourite moments weren’t scheduled. A long breakfast. An unplanned swim. An afternoon that drifted. Overscheduling is the fastest way to come home needing another break.

6. Keep swimwear in a breathable pouch, not plastic

In tropical destinations especially, guests often struggle with damp clothes by mid-stay. A simple mesh or fabric pouch prevents musty smells and makes packing up easier.

7. Decide your digital boundary before you land

Not just “less phone time”, but something specific. No email after 4pm. No phone at breakfast. Guests who define a rule before arrival stick to it far more successfully.

These unexpected landscapes reveal how different factors help vegetation survive in harsh, arid climates.

Certain landscapes around the world challenge what we think we know about deserts. These regions receive very little rainfall yet look surprisingly lush at first glance. Their greenery can come from unique ecosystems, climate shifts or even human intervention. Despite their fresh, vibrant appearance, they still fall under the strict scientific definition of a desert. This contrast makes them fascinating to explore, showing how nature adapts in unexpected ways. Such places remind us that deserts are far more varied than the familiar image of endless dunes.

Green Deserts: Regions That Look Lush But Are Still Arid

1. Thar Desert, India

The Thar Desert has seen a remarkable transformation over the last two decades, with a 38 percent rise in green cover due to increased monsoon rainfall and expanding agriculture. Despite being one of the world’s most densely populated deserts, it now shows patches of farmland, vegetation and settlements. Its greening is striking because it remains a dryland area with low water availability, yet human activity and climate shifts are altering its appearance.

2. The Sahel Region, Africa

The Sahel, bordering the Sahara, is classified as a dryland with low rainfall, but many parts have become greener in recent years due to increasing CO2 levels that enhance plant growth even in arid zones. Countries from Chad to Niger are witnessing more vegetation cover, giving the landscape a surprisingly green look during certain months. Although greener, the region still faces water scarcity and fragile soils typical of desert environments.

3. Negev Desert, Israel

The Negev is technically a desert receiving very little precipitation, yet vast areas now appear green thanks to advanced micro-irrigation techniques that support agriculture in the region. Farms, orchards and even vineyards thrive here through careful water management. From a distance, sections of the Negev resemble fertile farmland rather than a desert, even though its climate remains hyper-arid.

4. Oregon’s High Desert, United States

Oregon’s High Desert receives less than 10 inches of rainfall annually, qualifying it as a desert, but its landscape is dominated by juniper flats, sagebrush forests and winter snowfall instead of sand dunes. These hardy plants give the region a surprisingly green and rugged appearance for much of the year. Although it looks more like a mountain country, it remains a true desert based on its precipitation levels.

5. Atacama Fog Oases (Lomas), Chile & Peru

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, yet its Pacific-facing hills contain surprising green patches called fog oases or lomas. These areas flourish because dense coastal fog drifts inland and condenses on vegetation, supplying moisture without rainfall. Research shows these green zones form “islands” of plant life within an otherwise barren desert, and some flourish only once every decade depending on fog cycles.

So, the next time you picture a desert, remember that some of them are far greener than you might think.

Travel and fitness often feel like two strong personalities trying to coexist. One wants indulgence, spontaneity, and “just one more dessert.” The other thrives on discipline, structure, and long-term thinking. When balanced well, they promote longevity. When mismanaged, they become a red flag situationship.

As a coach, one of the most common questions I get is this: “How do I maintain my fitness regime while travelling?”

Whether it’s work trips, family holidays, or spontaneous getaways, most people fear coming back feeling heavier, sluggish, and off track. After all, who doesn’t want to post those droolworthy food pictures without guilt?

So, what’s the secret? How do you enjoy a digital detox, eat multiple plates of momos and Maggie in the hills, and still respect the science of food?

Personally, maintaining my routine while travelling has never been a concern. As much as I enjoy exploring new places, my health habits are deeply engraved in my mind and soul. After years of grinding, experimenting, and learning, I’ve cracked a simple system. Here are the five rules that have consistently helped me stay on track during and after travel.

Rule 1: Build consistency with mental resilience

Fitness has to be a lifestyle. You don’t need to be a bodybuilder to commit to it. A bare minimum of 3–4 days of strength training, some cardio, moderate-to-high daily activity, and mindful tracking of calories and protein is not unrealistic in today’s world. You need to serve your body back. Because if your health declines, those travel plans won’t last long anyway.

If you’ve been consistent through the year, celebrate that victory. You deserve flexibility. There should be no ethical crisis in your mind while enjoying a trip. Fitness is contagious and once it becomes part of you, mindful travel happens naturally. But if you derail every few weeks, be honest with yourself. Build discipline first. Plan travel after 3–4 months of consistent effort, not as an escape from it.

Rule 2: Smart planning

It’s always good to travel smart and know your essentials. One of the most important things that we miss while traveling is protein. It’s not always easy to find clean, protein-rich meals, especially in remote places. And if you’re vegetarian, it gets even trickier. Carry whey sachets or protein bars. They’re simple insurance against unnecessary snacking on calorie-dense foods.

Resistance bands are another underrated essential. They take no space yet can give you a workout that feels close to a gym session. And if there’s a gym nearby, even better. Hit a full-body routine with what’s available. Keep the intensity moderate, rest intervals shorter, and add some cardio. This is not the time to prove your ego with PR lifts. Travel workouts are about movement and recovery, not records.

Rule 3: Normalise movement as a part of travel

Wouldn’t it be boring if you came back from a trip without exploring the places and culture around? The idea of enjoying your luxurious suite might be tempting, but getting over that comfort and walking outdoors would ensure you learn something new and stay fit.

Step out. Walk. Explore. Take morning beach walks. Go for a trail. Climb those hills. Choose exploration over comfort. Trust me you will fall in love with that vibe. Not only will you look good, but also feel good, flush with happy hormones.

Rule 4: Intermittent Fasting (IF) – A special tool

Intermittent fasting can be a powerful tool while travelling. Delaying your first meal allows you to enjoy dinner without waking up anxious about the scale. However, this needs to be coupled with Rule 3, so you need to be active enough to maintain that balance of intake and expenditure.

Rule 5: Drink more water, prioritise protein

Having more water and looking for protein-rich food will always help you stay full and energetic enough to move around. After all, you don’t want to be that lazy bug in the group. So, always start your day with some protein. Prefer eggs, chicken or paneer cooked with lesser oil in each of the meals, over calorie dense fried food, and if you run short of these, go back to Rule 2.

Final Verdict

There is no big secret to staying fit while traveling. It’s about planning, awareness, and consistency throughout the year. If your foundation is strong, you can afford flexibility while travelling. Sync your basics as much as possible with sleep, protein intake, movement, and hydration.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about doing your best in the situation you’re in.

And remember, maintaining progress is also progress in itself.