As the season of longer days and brighter sunshine approaches, spring emerges as the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots and embark on an unforgettable walking adventure. While the United Kingdom offers excellent options, why not venture slightly further afield in 2026? Europe boasts epic hiking possibilities, ranging from challenging mountain ascents to gentle lakeside strolls, providing a unique way to explore diverse destinations.
Rising Popularity of Active Holidays
Walking holidays have surged in popularity, with active vacations becoming a top choice for travellers seeking immersive experiences. According to travel operator Explore, interest in active holidays increased by 29 percent this year, while walking holidays specifically have risen by as much as 52 percent since before the Covid-19 pandemic. With a wealth of options available, selecting the best walking holiday can be daunting. As a seasoned travel writer, I have curated a list of top recommendations for 2026.
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. Each day presents a choice of two guided walks, allowing you to tailor the experience to your energy levels and preferences. Options include serene lakeside strolls through turquoise waters and olive groves, or more demanding mountain hikes amid rugged limestone peaks.
Accommodation is at the small, family-run Hotel Regina Elena in the village of Caderzone Terme, a central base for exploration. The scenic itinerary features the famous Five Lakes, the breathtaking Nardis Waterfalls, and the Genova Valley, along with a day trip to the western shore of Lake Garda. This package costs £1,479 per person on a half-board basis, including flights, baggage, transfers, and guided walks.
2. Lefkas and Meganisi, Greece
Experience the raw beauty of the Greek islands with a walking holiday to Lefkas and Meganisi. These destinations offer olive groves, waterfalls, quiet mountain trails, and charming villages where cobbled streets lead to stone houses and local tavernas. The views are 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, avoiding the intense summer heat. Trails range from easy strolls to moderately challenging hikes, taking you off-road and beyond typical guidebook routes. A departure on May 24, 2026, costs £1,466 per person, including flights, transfers, and accommodation.
3. Sierra Nevada, Spain
Explore Spain's largest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada in Andalusia, with a new three-day weekend trip from Ramble Worldwide for 2026. Based in the picturesque town of Lanjarón, known for its fresh spring water and tranquil squares, this holiday immerses you in the natural beauty of the national park.
Hikes traverse rugged landscapes, deep gorges, pretty white-washed villages, and epic vistas. An expert local guide leads challenging routes, including a section of the GR7, part of the famous E4 European walking route. The Sierra Nevada Weekend Adventure starts from £476 for three nights, including hotel accommodation and guided tours.
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 includes the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj—Slovenia's largest glacial lake—and the Savica Waterfall within the Komarca Gorge.
Accommodation is at the family-run Art Kristal Hotel on Lake Bohinj, offering stunning 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 trip starts at £1,795, excluding flights.
5. Connemara National Park and Aran Islands, Ireland
Discover new trails at Connemara National Park and along Ireland's west coast with a six-day Walkers' Britain and Europe trip. Connemara, Ireland's second oldest national park, is undergoing a major expansion, aiming to increase its size by over 12 percent and double its walking trail network.
The journey begins in Galway City, famous for lively pubs and traditional Irish music, before heading to the remote Aran Islands. Here, walkers can explore the ancient Black Fort and the prehistoric Dun Aonghasa fortress, believed to be 3,000 years old. The trip also includes hikes along Connemara's Western Way and an old pilgrim trail through the Maumturk Mountains, with a visit to Leenane village on Ireland's only fjord. Departures run from April to October, starting from £990 per person.
These walking holidays offer unparalleled opportunities to reconnect with nature, explore stunning landscapes, and embrace the growing trend of active travel in 2026. Whether you seek mountain challenges or coastal serenity, Europe's trails await.
