Latest news with #walkingholiday
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
The most beautiful UK islands for a walkable holiday revealed including one with Caribbean-like beaches
Want to ditch the rental car and explore on foot this summer? Luckily, you won't have to travel far to do so, as these five stunning island destinations are the perfect locations for a walking holiday. 'Some of the most beautiful and rugged islands lie just off the UK mainland, offering the perfect setting for discovery on foot,' say the experts at HF Holidays, who picked the list. 'Each destination blends wild natural beauty, rich local culture and a real sense of escape, all just a short ferry or flight from home.' The Isle of Man A self-governing island between England and Ireland, the Isle of Man is officially one of the UK's prettiest spots for a walking holiday, according to HF Holidays. The experts say: 'Almost equidistant between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the Isle of Man is a UNESCO Biosphere Region of fascinating history and phenomenal coast and countryside.' Their recommended walking route heads along the Raad ny Foilan (Way of Gulf) trail. Highlights include the 'winding streets of Castletown', the 'soft golden sands of Port Erin Beach' and a ride on the historic tram between Douglas and Laxey. Anglesey An island off the Welsh mainland's northwest coast, Anglesey is the ideal destination for birdwatchers. HF Holidays' experts say: 'The island boasts wild walking trails, sandy beaches and ancient castles. '[It's] renowned for being one of the best places in Britain for birdwatching, with thousands of rare bird species flocking to its scenic shores every year.' The company's recommended route includes a visit to picturesque Llanddwyn Island and the 19th century South Stack Lighthouse. Mull & Iona A pair of gorgeous islands in Scotland's Inner Hebrides, HF Holidays recommends combining visits to both Mull and Iona for a walking holiday. The experts explain: 'Adored for their breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife, and peaceful feel, the stunning islands of Mull and Iona are located amongst the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland.' The company's trip gives holidaymakers the chance to explore the islands 'long after the day-trippers have left' and combines it with another island Staffa. Highlights on the route include Staffa's 'towering basalt columns' and the chance to spot sea eagles, whales, seat otters and seals. Isle of Wight A favourite of Queen Victoria, the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England, is a dreamy spot for a walking holiday. 'The Isle of Wight tempts with golden sand beaches, rolling green hills, dramatic white cliffs, ancient woodland and charming seaside resorts,' say the HF Holidays' experts. While the island's beaches are sure to be a highlight for any walkers, the Isle of Wight has many other must-see attractions. Tourists can pay a visit to Queen Victoria's island home, Osborne House, which offers a spectacular glimpse into the monarch's life. Channel Islands HF Holidays recommend combining the Channel Islands, an archipelago off the coast of France. The experts say: 'Blessed with better-than-average weather than mainland UK, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm offer awe-inspiring coastal walks, white-sand beaches and seaside resorts fit to rival those found in Europe.' Highlights of a trip to the Channel Island include Herm's 'Caribbean-like Shell Beach' and exploring St Peter Port in Guernsey. Walkers will also get the chance to learn about Alderney's World War II past. If you're wanting an even longer walk, along the South West Coast Path, you'll be sure to see some stunning beaches. We recently revealed ten that will be featured in Gillian Anerson and Jason Isaacs' new movie, The Salt Path, out now.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Daily Mail
The best walkable destinations in Europe revealed - as gorgeous Italian coastline bags the top spot
Skip the car rental hire and put your best foot forward on a holiday in one of these walkable destinations. Joanne Lynn, head of European Product at Riviera Travel, has revealed the best destinations on the continent for a walking holiday. From a dreamy UNESCO Italian hotspot to an iconic canal city, find out which of Europe's cities are the easiest to discover on foot. Amalfi Coast, Italy One of Italy 's prettiest holiday destinations, the Amalfi Coast is also one of Europe's most walkable holiday hotspots, according to Riviera Travel. Joanne says: 'Situated between the Gulf of Naples and Salento, the Amalfi Coast offers stunning views of Italian landscapes and the Mediterranean Sea, providing an exceptional backdrop for a breathtaking walking holiday.' A UNESCO heritage site, the Amalfi Coast is world-renowned and loved for its lemon trees and colourful clifftop villages. And the beautiful holiday destination is set to get easier to reach with BA launching new flights to Salerno later this May. Amsterdam, Netherlands It might be best known for cycling but Amsterdam is also a fantastic destination to explore on two feet. Joanne explains that the Dutch capital has a combination of 'walkable streets' and 'pedestrian-only zones'. She adds: 'The canals dotted throughout the city only add to the scenic nature, providing some great views while travellers stroll around this bustling location.' Many of the city's top attractions including the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark are within a half an hour walk of each other. Dubrovnik, Croatia The historic city of Dubrovnik is an ideal option for a walking holiday, according to Joanne. She says: 'The city's Old Town is car-free, with its cobbled streets only accessible by foot. Additionally with the city located on the coast, travellers can enjoy some amazing views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding Dalmatian islands.' Walking Dubrovnik's historic walls is one of the city's highlights but tourists will need to buy a ticket to do so. However, the city's main attractions are all within an easy walk of each other which means tourists can save on the cost of car hire. Florence, Italy The Italian city's 'flat and compact' centre means it's 'easily accessible for exploration on foot' Florence is a popular honeymoon destination but it's also a great choice for holidaymakers who like to walk. Joanne says: 'Often considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a city everyone should visit at least once during their lifetime. 'Located in the region of Tuscany, Florence is a wonderful city, home to well-known landmarks including Ponte Vecchio, Campanile di Giotto and Uffizi Gallery.' The Italian city's 'flat and compact' centre means it's 'easily accessible for exploration on foot'. Krakow, Poland Krakow, Poland's second-largest city, is another fantastic destination for holidaymakers who like to walk. 'The Polish city is relatively compact and easy to navigate on foot, with pedestrian-only zones in place in the city's Old Town,' reveals Joanne. She adds: 'Furthermore, there's plenty of history and medieval architecture to discover, making it a great place to explore while boosting fitness.' Tourists can walk from Rynek Glowny, the city's main square, to Wawel Royal Castle in just 15 minutes.
