There is no better way to experience a country in all its natural wonders than on a guided walking holiday. Here are some suggestions from TDactive Holidays for the best hiking destinations in Europe.
Slovenia
Still a relatively hidden gem in Europe, a walking holiday in Slovenia offers majestic landscapes, stunning mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque valleys.
Explore Triglav National Park, which encompasses the mighty Julian Alps, where you can experience many beautiful natural features such as Vintar Gorge, Soča Valley and Peričnik Waterfall.
Take in the spectacular views of Mount Triglav, the highest mountain in the country and a national symbol as it’s featured on the Slovenian flag. After a few good days of hiking, TD’s experts suggest relaxing in the serene and stunning setting of Lake Bohinj, the largest lake in the country, and Lake Bled Bled.
Spain
With great weather, rich history and stunning scenery, it’s no surprise Spain is a popular walking destination. There are lots of trails to discover, such as the medieval routes of Taha de Pitres in the Sierra Nevada region, where you can also explore Acequias, Poqueira Valley and Lanjaron.
There is also an opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sight of La Alhambra, one of Spain's most treasured historical attractions. Alternatively, you could trek the Camino, the iconic ancient pilgrimage trail.
There are various routes which all lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela with each one offering stunning landscapes and diverse terrain. You can experience lush forests, rolling hills, picturesque villages, coastal paths, and even mountainous regions.
Hungary
The Danube Bend, a region of peaks and river towns is where the hills on both banks force the river to turn sharply and flow southward, creating arguably the most picturesque stretch of the Danube.
Located just north of Budapest and close to Visegrád, the Danube bend is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts as the area is covered in woodland and the elevated sites give visitors incredible views of the river and its surroundings.
It’s here where you’ll also find amazing hiking trails in the mountainous region of Pilis and Visegrad.
Romania
There’s so much more to this country than being the birthplace of Count Dracula. A walking holiday in Transylvania, a region in central Romania, offers a variety of terrains and walking trails.
Trek through alpine meadows, encounter unusual rock formations at Bucegi Plateau, hike across craggy hilltops and visit glacial lakes like Bakea Lake.
One of the largest undisturbed forests in Europe, as well as hundreds of species of flora and fauna, including 60 per cent of the population of European Brown Bears is located within the Carpathian Mountain range.
Andorra
Although Andorra is known as a skiing destination, in the summertime it’s perfect for hikes in the Pyrenees mountains. Despite being a tiny country landlocked between France and Spain, Andorra has so much to offer, such as Coma Pedrosa Natural Park. When exploring this protected national park, you can discover forests of birch and pine, waterfalls, valleys, meadows, glacial lakes and the highest peak in the country, Coma Pedrosa.
Other highlights include Sorteny Nature Park, a nature lover’s paradise as it’s rich in flora and incredible wildlife such as wild boars, deer, chamois and marmots.
Europe is a continent full of incredible landscapes and diverse hiking trails.
TDactive Holidays offer a variety of walking holidays to suit all different skill levels and they offer a choice of walking routes with varying pace and distance. Plus, local expert walking guides, flights, transfers and accommodation are all included.
All you need to do is don your walking boots and discover some of the incredible scenery Europe has to offer.
