As the days lengthen and sunshine returns, spring emerges as the perfect season to lace up your hiking boots and embark on an unforgettable walking adventure. While the UK boasts excellent trails, venturing further afield across Europe in 2026 offers epic hiking possibilities, from breathtaking mountain peaks to serene lakeside strolls. Walking holidays provide a unique and immersive way to explore destinations, allowing travellers to reconnect with nature at a deeper level.
The Rising Popularity of Active Holidays
With the growing trend towards active lifestyles, walking holidays are experiencing a significant surge in popularity. According to travel operator Explore, interest in active holidays has increased by 29 percent this year, with walking holidays specifically seeing a remarkable 52 percent rise compared to pre-pandemic levels. This shift reflects a broader desire among travellers to combine physical activity with cultural exploration and natural beauty.
Expert Recommendations for 2026
As a seasoned travel writer, I have curated a selection of the finest European walking holidays for 2026. These recommendations span from the rugged landscapes of Northern Italy to the tranquil shores of Ireland, offering something for every type of walker.
1. Dolomites and Lake Garda, Italy
Among HF Holidays' new offerings for 2026 is a seven-night guided walking trip in Northern Italy's UNESCO-listed Adamello Brenta Natural Park. This exceptional holiday provides a choice of two different guided walks each day, catering to varying energy levels and preferences. Options range from gentle lakeside strolls through olive groves and along turquoise waters to more challenging mountain hikes that showcase the dramatic limestone peaks of the Dolomites.
Accommodation is at the charming, family-run Hotel Regina Elena in the village of Caderzone Terme, serving as an ideal base for exploration. The scenic itinerary includes the famous Five Lakes, the spectacular Nardis Waterfalls, and the picturesque Genova Valley, complemented by a day trip to the western shore of Lake Garda. This comprehensive package is priced at £1,479 per person on a half-board basis, including flights, baggage, transfers, and guided walks.
2. Lefkas and Meganisi, Greece
For those seeking raw natural beauty, the Greek islands of Lefkas and Meganisi offer an idyllic setting. Characterised by olive groves, waterfalls, quiet mountain trails, and traditional villages with cobbled streets leading to stone houses and local tavernas, these islands provide a genuine escape. The views are truly jaw-dropping, yet the islands remain refreshingly untouched by mass tourism.
Lefkas is renowned for its dramatic white cliffs, while Meganisi boasts hidden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an authentic laidback charm. May is an ideal time to hike here, avoiding the intense summer heat. Trails vary from easy strolls to moderately challenging hikes, taking walkers off the beaten path and beyond conventional guidebooks. A departure on May 24, 2026, is priced at £1,466 per person, including flights, transfers, and accommodation with breakfast.
3. Sierra Nevada, Spain
Spain's largest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada in Andalusia, offers remarkable diversity for walkers. A new three-day weekend trip from Ramble Worldwide for 2026 is based in the picturesque town of Lanjarón, known for its fresh spring water and tranquil squares. This location provides excellent access to the natural beauty of the national park, featuring rugged landscapes, deep gorges, charming white-washed villages, and epic vistas.
An expert local guide leads challenging hikes, including a section of the renowned GR7 long-distance trail, part of the E4 European walking route. The Sierra Nevada Weekend Adventure, graded at level 6, starts from £476 for three nights, including accommodation, breakfast, local transport, and guided excursions.
4. Slovenia
An eight-day walking holiday by Explore in Triglav National Park showcases Slovenia's natural wonders, from big vistas to traditional farming villages. The itinerary encompasses the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj—Slovenia's largest glacial lake—and the stunning Savica Waterfall within the Komarca Gorge.
Accommodation is at the family-run Art Kristal Hotel on Lake Bohinj, offering panoramic mountain and countryside views. Hikes are graded as leisurely or moderate, with four to seven hours of walking on five days, requiring a good level of fitness. This immersive experience starts at £1,795, excluding flights.
5. Connemara National Park and Aran Islands, Ireland
Follow new trails at Connemara National Park and along Ireland's west coast. The park, Ireland's second oldest, is undergoing a major expansion project set to increase its size by over 12 percent and double its network of walking trails. This six-day trip with Walkers' Britain and Europe begins in vibrant Galway City before heading to the remote Aran Islands to explore ancient sites like the Black Fort and the prehistoric Dun Aonghasa fortress.
Walkers then return to the mainland to hike Connemara's Western Way and traverse an old pilgrim trail through the Maumturk Mountains, visiting the village of Leenane on Ireland's only fjord. The dramatic Galway coast, featured in the Oscar-winning film The Banshees of Inisherin, provides a breathtaking backdrop. Departures from April to October start at £990 per person.
These carefully selected walking holidays for 2026 offer unparalleled opportunities to explore Europe's most stunning landscapes, whether you seek challenging altitudes or gentle coastal walks. As active holidays continue to rise in popularity, now is the perfect time to plan your next adventure and reconnect with nature in a truly meaningful way.
