A walking holiday holds an inherent magic, offering the chance to slow down, connect with nature, and delve deeper into some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. Whether strolling coastal paths, meandering through ancient forests, or conquering majestic mountains, a trekking adventure opens a world of possibilities. In this guide, we invite couples (or solos!) to follow their wanderlust and explore some of the world’s most renowned walking holidays, each promising a distinctive and unforgettable experience. From beginner-approved jaunts to more hardcore hikes, these journeys all celebrate the joy of exploration — one step at a time.
Let’s lace up our boots and get going!
1. Overland Track: Tasmania, Australia
Australia’s tiny southern isle punches well above its weight when it comes to walking holidays. Most iconic goes to the Overland Track, 65 kilometres (around six days) of scenic wandering and wombat-spotting within the spectacular World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Journey through ancient rainforests and alpine meadows, past glacial lakes and majestic King Billy pines, and deep into Tassie wilderness, with an optional side-trek to the top of Mount Ossa. For a little luxury along the way, choose the Cradle Mountain Signature Walk and close the day in comfort with guide-prepared meals, local wines, and private accommodation in a unique Cradle Mountain Hut. parks.tas.gov.au
2. Camino de Santiago: Spain
One of the most famous walks in the world, the Camino de Santiago is an historic network of pilgrimage routes leading to the reputed tomb of Saint James the Apostle at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Whether making your own spiritual pilgrimage or just enjoying the journey, this adventure is perfect for most walking enthusiasts (if you have a month or so to spare). The most popular trail, Camino Francés, stretches over 800 kilometres from Saint Jean Pied de Port in France with affordable pilgrim hotels called albergues along the way. Pace yourselves through picturesque landscapes, explore charming medieval towns, and enjoy the convivial atmosphere — “Buen Camino!” is a common greeting among travellers. Good to know: Log 100 kilometres or more to secure a coveted Camino Compostela certificate. santiago-compostela.net
Related: Read one couple’s real story of walking the Camino de Santiago
3. Cotswolds Way, England
Nothing says ‘English countryside’ quite like the Cotswolds. As one of the best-loved walks in the UK, the Cotswolds Way will take you on a picturesque 164-kilometre journey from Chipping Campden to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath. Fly into Birmingham Airport, make your way to the lovely market town of Chipping Campden, then meander along the well-marked path to explore charming villages, rolling hills, and enchanting flower-filled meadows. Recommended as a seven to ten-day adventure (there are a few hilly bits), the Cotswolds Way invites you to linger longer in this scenic region, bunking down in quaint country inns and toasting your progress with a pint or two. nationaltrail.co.u
4. Inca Trail, Peru
A walking holiday that needs little introduction, Peru’s Inca Trail may already be front and centre of your bucket-list. And with good reason! Widely regarded as one of the best treks in the world, this historic trail is believed to be the same route used by the Incas to weave through the steep rocky paths and imposing passes of the snow-capped Andean mountains. The reward? The awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu. The challenging 43-kilometre route usually takes about three to four days to complete, rising to over 4,000 metres for breathtaking views. Fly into Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, and connect with a guided tour for the best insights into the region’s history and culture. Bookings are essential as the trail is strictly regulated to protect its integrity. inca-trail.com.pe
Related: A complete travel guide to Peru for couples
5. The Pacific Crest Trail, USA
If you’ve ever seen Reese Witherspoon battle her demons (and the elements) in the movie Wild, you’ll be familiar with the raw beauty and drama of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This legendary path delves deep into America’s untamed western wilderness, stretching 4,286 kilometres along the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, from the USA-Mexico border to the USA-Canada border. You’ll need to set aside five months for a thru-hike (traversing the trail continuously from end to end), but the reward is some of America’s most cinematic scenery. Just remember to bring the correct-sized hiking boots! Fun fact: The PCT passes through 25 national forests, seven national parks, five state parks and four national monuments. pcta.org
6. Valley of Flowers: Himalayas, India
Take your love affair with walking to the next level in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, home to the Valley of Flowers National Park and trail. This 35-kilometre journey slices high into the snow-capped Himalayas where a UNESCO World Heritage site of rare beauty rolls out its carpet of blue poppies, Himalayan roses, meadow geraniums, and much more. One of India’s most famous walks, and a revered Hindu and Sikh pilgrim route, the Valley of Flowers return-trip can be completed in around six days and requires a medium level of fitness. Oh, and for anyone planning a romantic proposal, visit between July to September for the most dazzling, monsoon-fed floral display. indiahikes.com/valley-of-flower
Related: How to do India’s Golden Triangle – comprehensive guide and itinerary
7. Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan
A spiritual journey of unforgettable proportions, the Shikoku Pilgrimage encircles Japan’s southern island of Shikoku and is said to follow the 9th-century training route of Kūkai (later called Kōbō Daishi), founder of Shingon Buddhism. Its ancient paths speak to mind, body, and soul with their stunning coastal and mountain vistas, 88 temples, and multiple shrines and sacred sites. With plenty of time for reflection and cultural connection (you can stay at small, family-owned inns along the way), you’ll feel deeply immersed in this beautiful place. To complete the 1,200-kilometre circular trail, also called Shikoku Henro, clear six weeks in your calendar and fly into Osaka before heading to Temple 1, Tokushima. You can also navigate the island with a combination of walking and public transport or make the pilgrimage in several stages (a method called kugiri-uchi). shikoku-tourism.com
8. Bruce Trail, Canada
Canada’s oldest and longest ‘footpath’, the Bruce Trail connects walkers with the glorious Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve) via 1,300 kilometres of tracks. This captivating journey through open meadows, rocky beaches, and old-growth forests showcases a diverse range of ecosystems and awesome views. Not to mention one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls, whose epic power commands pause from even the most hyper-focused hikers. The medium-intensity Bruce Trail meanders from Ontario’s southern Niagara Peninsula, just shy of the USA/Canadian border, to Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Many couples choose to camp along the trail, fully immersed in their own company and the region’s natural splendour. brucetrail.org
9. Tour du Mont Blanc: France, Italy & Switzerland
Wine-lovers know the best way to see France is on foot! And if you’re not estate-hopping through Bordeaux or pottering around Provence, the 170-kilometre Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) offers a jaw-dropping alpine trek through France, Italy and Switzerland. Enjoy your own Sound of Music moments breathing in the pristine air, stepping out to the sound of cow bells, and soaking up some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. We’re talking snow-capped mountain passes and valleys brimming with wildflowers. The TMB starts and finishes in France’s Chamonix Valley and can be completed in seven to twelve days, depending on the weather and your fitness levels. But why rush when there are wines and cheeses to be had at the string of refuges and gîtes (mountain huts and chalets) along the way. autourdumontblanc.com/en
10. The Pekoe Trail: Sri Lanka
Here’s a new walking holiday for your wish-list: The Pekoe Trail. This 300-kilometre network takes you through the scenic Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Tea country! And you’ll need a cuppa or two on this adventure, which begins in Kandy in the centre of the island, passing through Haputale, Hatton and Ella to Nuwara Eliya. The Pekoe Trail affords unprecedented access to Sri Lanka’s legendary tea plantations, misty mountaintops, and remote villages, and is designed in 22 sections to give travellers a timeframe of around 22 days. Wondering where you’ll stay along the way? Check out the trail website for an excellent selection of villas, bungalows, boutique hotels, and resorts, sure to enhance your romantic adventure. thepekoetrailsrilanka.com
Related: The ultimate guide to Sri Lanka ~ for every travel style
11. Jeju Olle Trail, Jeju Island, South Korea
Known locally as a honeymoon hideaway, South Korea’s southernmost island is also recognised as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and walking wonderland. The Jeju Olle Trail’s 27 interconnected routes (totalling 437 kilometres) each offers a different perspective of this subtropical volcanic isle, with intensity levels ranging from ‘mild’ to ‘high’. Couples will love the variety of vistas, from farmland and forests to lava tubes and waterfalls to seaside towns, white-sand beaches and jade-green bays. You’ll need at least a month to see it all — or just fly into Jeju International Airport and choose your own adventure. Our tip? Collect the trail’s blue passport which can be stamped along the way to earn the ultimate Jeju souvenir: a completion certificate and medal. jejuolle.org
12. The Druk Path, Bhutan
Bhutan is having a moment. And it’s not hard to see why this Himalayan jewel has captured the imagination of romantics and adventurers alike. To experience the Buddhist kingdom in style, turn to a local specialist like The Ultimate Travel Company. Their Simply Bhutan itinerary includes a visit to the eye-popping Tiger’s Nest Monastery and four days trekking the Druk Path, an ancient trading route linking Paro to the capital Thimphu. With horses to carry your bags, you can concentrate on the jaw-dropping mountain and valley views. The trip intersperses days of hiking and luxury tent accommodation (you’ll even pitch camp at almost 4,000 metres up) with explorations of Bhutan’s mountaintop towns and remote monasteries. A rare and soul-stirring experience you’ll both cherish forever. theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk
13. Great Ocean Walk, Victoria, Australia
Driven the Great Ocean Road? It’s one of Australia’s best road trips and shadowed by one of its most spectacular walking trails, the Great Ocean Walk. Starting from the seaside village of Apollo Bay, the 104-kilometre route frames Victoria’s dramatic southeastern coastline and wraps with the Twelve Apostles: a set of photogenic limestone sea stacks lashed by the Southern Ocean. Leave around eight days to enjoy the trail’s “mild-to-wild” journey through glorious national parks, over rugged clifftops, and along remote surf beaches. And if you’ve ever wanted to see a koala in the wild, linger around Cape Otway, where the resident manna gums sustain hundreds of the furry favourites. Walkers can camp along the trail or rest their weary muscles in a selection of B&B, hotels, and lodges. visitvictoria.com/regions/great-ocean-road
14. Path of the Gods: Amalfi Coast, Italy
It may be the shortest trail on our list, but not necessarily the easiest! The Path of the Gods links two hillside towns on Italy’s iconic Amalfi Coast: Agerola and a tiny hamlet near Positano called Nocelle. What’s in a name? Legend says the gods carved a path here as they rushed to save Ulysses from the mermaids’ song — but it may as well be a nod to the heavenly landscape. The views are insane! Although the trail can be completed in three to five hours, we suggest taking the better part of a day. You’ll need it to tackle the steep terrain (prepare for a lot of stairs) and absorb the screensaver scenery of lemon groves, terraced vineyards, and rugged coastal cliffs tumbling to the Tyrrhenian Sea. This region is steep, scenic, and oh-so romantic. You’d be mad not to book a room-with-a-sea-view and let the Limoncello flow. positano.com
15. The Appalachian Trail, USA
The Appalachian Trail (AT) completes the ‘Triple Crown’ of famous long-distance walks in the United States, alongside the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, see above) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Stretching through the eastern United States, from Georgia to Maine, this historic walking path spans approximately 3,500 kilometres and passes through 14 states — showcasing the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. A thru-hike takes around five to seven months but travellers on a tighter schedule can choose from multiple entry points along the east coast. Accommodation options include camping, bunking down in one of 250 ‘backcountry shelters’, or dialling up the comfort levels in a local inn and lodge. appalachiantrail.org
16. Great Wall of China, Beijing
What better to close our list of walking holidays than one of the New Seven Wonders of the World? As the name suggests, the Great Wall of China is truly epic, snaking its way 21,000 kilometres across China’s northern border and steeped in over 2,000 years of history. It’s almost impossible to walk the whole thing (apparently 18 months might cover it). But, because we’re talking about a series of fortifications rather than one long structure, you can choose a section that suits your fitness, timeframe, and sense of adventure. If you’re not sure, join a guided day trip or multi-day tour from Beijing and prepare to be seriously wowed by the views, the atmosphere, and the sheer engineering mastery of this legendary destination. en.mutianyugreatwall.com
A walking holiday is not just a physical challenge, it’s an opportunity to set your mind free as you immerse ever-more deeply into your chosen destination. Putting one foot in front of the other becomes a meditative experience, the ever-changing landscape refreshes your spirit, and time together takes on a new clarity. From the camaraderie of the Camino de Santiago to the rugged beauty of the Great Ocean Walk, the best walking holidays offer an addictive kind of romantic adventure. Happy trails!
