The world often feels like it’s rushing past in a blur. Trains, taxis, and ticking clocks. But there’s something special about slowing things down and taking in the sights on foot. Walking isn’t just a way to get from A to B; it’s how you immerse yourself in a place.
If you’re seeking a holiday that invites you to step off the treadmill and into a more vivid world, try taking a walking holiday. Here are five that allow you to immerse yourself in your surroundings.
The volcanic landscapes of São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
São Miguel rewards those who take their time. This lush, green island in the middle of the Atlantic invites you to walk into its heart, where volcanic lakes shimmer inside ancient calderas and steaming fumaroles hiss quietly among mossy trails.
Hike the rim of Sete Cidades, a collapsed volcano now home to twin lakes – one green, one blue – linked by a narrow bridge. You’ll pass hydrangea-lined paths and forested slopes, and take in cliffside views. Head to Furnas to tread between bubbling hot springs and taste corn slow cooked in geothermal heat.
Wandering through the medieval Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
In Český Krumlov, every step takes you deeper into a storybook. The town curves around the Vltava River, watched over by an impressive castle that dates back to the 13th century.
Climb the castle tower for a panoramic view or simply follow the riverbanks where the old town seems to change with every bend. As you wander along the cobbled lanes, flanked by Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque facades, you’ll discover hidden courtyards and quaint cafés tucked beneath timbered roofs. A truly magical walking holiday.
Exploring the ancient wonders of Matera, Italy
The Sassi districts in Matera are carved into limestone cliffs and create a surreal landscape of caves, chapels, and alleyways.
Walking here is like wandering through a labyrinth. You can easily navigate these narrow lanes on foot. You’ll pass cave homes turned into restaurants and boutique hotels, stumble upon rock-cut churches with fading frescoes, and find quiet lookouts that open up to sweeping views of the ravine below.
Discovering the artistic heart of Valparaíso, Chile
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valparaíso is laid out over 42 hills. As you climb steep staircases and weave through graffiti-covered alleys, the city rewards your curiosity with unexpected bursts of beauty, like a piano painted on steps or a mural of a poet across a crumbling wall. Ride a rickety funicular to the top, then walk down past bohemian cafés, galleries, and eccentric architecture for a truly special experience.
Hiking the dramatic coastline of the Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye feels like the edge of the world. Its jagged cliffs, deep glens and sea-slicked stones invite exploration on foot.
Walk to the Old Man of Storr as the morning mist curls around the rock spires, or take the winding path through the Quiraing, where every turn reveals a new, startling view of sky, sea, and stone.
Follow trails past waterfalls to the crystal-clear Fairy Pools, where the water glows blue against dark rock. Each step here is a chance to hear nothing but the wind and your boots on the path.
Whether you’re strolling through a medieval maze or hiking across volcanic ridges, travelling on foot brings a destination to life. It opens your senses, deepens your connection, and leaves you with stories you earn. So, lace up your walking boots and get moving.
