Trains and planes can transport you across the continent in record time, but rushing from one city to another means you often miss the spaces in between. When you slow your pace and travel on foot, you uncover hidden viewpoints, quiet villages, and centuries-old local traditions that high-speed transit simply skips.
Whether you find yourself crossing remote mountain valleys or wandering through vine-covered hillsides, stepping off the beaten track guarantees a deeper connection to your destination. I read the gently captivating book You Are Here by David Nicholls on holiday in Cyprus as two lonely walkers come together and fall in love. It’s made me want to walk more and I don’t mean just reaching 10 or 20k steps a day close to my home, I’m planning an EU trip by foot (once I fly there)!
Tuscany, Italy
Walking through Tuscany allows you to fully immerse yourself in a famous patchwork of rich vineyards and ancient olive groves. The notably gentle terrain proves ideal for exploring cypress-lined country roads at a wonderfully relaxed pace during your walking holidays.
You will encounter beautifully preserved historic towns perched on hilltops, giving you ample opportunity to stop for exceptional local food and admire Renaissance architecture. Here, the journey between these hillside settlements truly becomes just as memorable as the destinations themselves.
The Swiss Alps
Most travellers associate the Swiss Alps entirely with winter sports, yet the warmer months reveal an entirely different environment.
Exploring these towering peaks on foot lets you absorb the scenery at a much slower pace, breaking up your trek with stops at charming family-run mountain cafés. Head beyond the usual busy tourist hubs to discover authentic local traditions and admire dramatic glacial views in perfect solitude.
The region offers countless alpine routes that prove exactly why Switzerland remains one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations for walkers.
Croatia’s Adriatic Coast
Holidaymakers often flock to Croatia for its historic cities and popular beaches, but some of the most impressive scenery lies just a short distance from the busy coastal resorts.
You can follow rugged paths that trace the edges of high sea cliffs and wind through island national parks to reveal incredibly secluded coves. These routes treat you to spectacular, uninterrupted views across the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Leave the crowds behind to experience a much quieter, deeply authentic side of the coast.
Photo by Amit Janco on Unsplash.
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Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends for 9-12 year olds
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