Our Top Relaxed Walking Holidays For a Leisurely Getaway

Best relaxed walking holidays for a peaceful getaway

A walking holiday doesn’t have to consist of consecutive days of long, difficult hikes.

In fact, some of the most relaxing holidays you can experience are walking holidays, combining shorter walking routes through peaceful, undisturbed countryside with plenty of time to sightsee, sample regional cuisine and perhaps enjoy your hotel’s pool and spa amenities.

Inntravel’s relaxed walks offer exactly that – the opportunity to explore some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery on foot on quiet yet accessible routes, with plenty of downtime to relax and take in the cultural aspects of your destination.

With over four decades’ experience planning walking itineraries across the UK and Europe, we use our local knowledge to leave you with a deeper understanding of your destination’s culture, gastronomy and history, and to suggest the perfect spots for a little R&R.

If this sounds like your ideal getaway, read on to see what Inntravel’s relaxed itineraries could offer you. We’ve also highlighted a couple of our favourite itineraries in case you’re in need of inspiration.   




 

Why choose Inntravel for your relaxed walking holiday?

From the relaxing shoreline and elegant resort towns of the Italian Lakes to the unspoilt coastline of the rugged Costa Brava, Inntravel’s relaxed walking itineraries take in the UK and Europe’s most breathtaking natural landscapes whilst remaining accessible to walkers of all experience levels.

We design our itineraries to combine a real sense of relaxation with the joys of discovering the landscape on your own two feet. You might spend the morning enjoying the trails, walking at a relaxed pace to take in your surroundings, before spending the rest of the day at leisure – perhaps looking out over the seafront with a chilled glass of wine, engaging in a spot of sightseeing or enjoying your hotel’s pool and spa facilities.

Inntravel’s itineraries centre around giving you a deeper understanding of the places you visit, combining relaxed walks with opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture. You’ll stay in friendly, locally-run accommodation, sample regional cuisine at its most authentic and enjoy hidden sights that many others miss, thanks to our detailed walking and sightseeing notes.

We’ve walked every step of our itineraries, and with four decades’ experience, know our destinations inside out. We’re perfectly placed to help customise your itinerary based on your own preferences – if you’d like to add a couple of extra days to the end of your holiday, or perhaps enjoy an extra night to pamper yourself at the hotel spa, we’re always happy to help.



 

Our top relaxed walk itineraries

Palaces & Pathways of Sintra

A short distance from Lisbon, amidst the rugged hills and along the golden coastline of Sintra, the old Portuguese aristocracy built their ornate summer palaces. The result is a remarkably pleasant landscape of sweeping beaches, enchanting woodland and rolling vineyards interspersed with marvellous architecture and gardens, brimming with life.

Our gentle walking route meanders along the coast, offering spectacular views over neverending bays and cliffs that tumble into the vast Atlantic Ocean. This holiday is as much about enjoying the rich past and architectural beauty of the region as exploring the spectacular landscapes, with plenty of time to sample local cuisine and visit the breathtaking palaces for which Sintra is so famous.

> Walk This Way

Lake Orta to Lake Maggiore

Smaller and less visited than its famous neighbours, Lake Orta’s pretty medieval villages and quiet resort towns, interspersed with olive groves and chestnut woods, offer plenty for visitors looking for a quieter escape.

Our itinerary begins in the peaceful village of Pettenasco, on the shoreline of Lake Orta. From here, you’ll make your leisurely way to the larger Lake Maggiore, enjoying the chic resort town of Stresa before finishing in Cannero, on the lake’s dramatic northern shore. A series of relaxed walks gives you ample opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Italian Lakes, whilst allowing plenty of time to relax.

> Walk This Way

Collioure to Cadaqués Walk

Walk at a relaxed pace from France’s Côte Vermeille to Spain’s Costa Brava on this hotel-to-hotel itinerary. These landscapes were a significant inspiration for Matisse and Dalí – and as you explore, and pause to admire the beauty of your surroundings, it becomes easy to see why.

Beginning in the historic town of Collioure, you’ll enjoy the rugged, rolling scenery of the Eastern Pyrenees as you walk. Unassuming vineyards and enchanting pine forests line your route, and as you hug the coastline and cross the border into Spain, you’ll be welcomed by deep turquoise-blue seas and quiet golden beaches. You finish your route in Cadaqués, once described by Dalí as 'the most beautiful village in the world'.

> Walk This Way

What to expect on Inntravel's walking holidays

Accommodation

A great night’s sleep is an essential part of a relaxing holiday, which is why we opt for comfortable, high quality accommodation with fantastic amenities. Accommodation type varies across our itineraries – you could find yourself in a traditional chalet, idyllic country inn or luxurious boutique hotel – but the overall quality remains the same. Where possible, we opt for accommodation with pool and spa access, so you can relax even further in your downtime.

We also prioritise locally-owned accommodation that offers a glimpse into the culture of your destination, through the regional food it serves, its location away from the beaten tourist path, or its tasteful repurposing of historic buildings. Wherever you stay, a warm welcome awaits.

Food and Drink

A relaxed walk followed by a long lunch is one of our favourite ways to pass the time on holiday – so we make sure that you enjoy regional specialties at their most authentic, from restaurants with a strong reputation that use locally sourced ingredients.

Where meals are included in your itinerary, we’ll book you into restaurants that are well known for their regional menus. Often, this will be the restaurant at your hotel, because great food is a key criteria for our choice of accommodation partners! Where meals aren’t included, we’re always happy to make recommendations – let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Support

Is it really a relaxing holiday if you’ve spent the past few months booking everything yourself, trawling through accommodation reviews and researching an in-depth itinerary?

At Inntravel, we take care of everything so that you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to explore. We’ll make your travel and accommodation arrangements, provide detailed walking and sightseeing notes and can personalise your itinerary to your own preferences. Want to add some extra nights here and there? Not a problem.

Whilst you’re on holiday, we’ll transport your luggage from hotel to hotel, so all you need to take out each day is a small rucksack.



 

How to prepare for an Inntravel walking holiday

What Should I Pack?

The list below outlines the necessities for seven days of relaxed walks. Take this as a starting point and adapt it based on the conditions at your destination and how long you’re going for.

Shoes: 1 pair walking boots and 1 pair evening shoes
Tops: 3 base layers, 2 mid layers, 1 sweater (that also works for evening), 2 evening shirts/tops
Trousers: 2 walking pairs and 1 or 2 evening pairs
Outer layers: 1 jacket and 1 set of waterproofs
Accessories: hat, gloves, scarf or neck gaiter, sunglasses, rucksack, walking poles

Need more detail on the type of clothes to pack? Check out our comprehensive guide to packing for a walking holiday.

How Fit Do I Need to Be?

Our relaxed walking holidays are accessible for all walkers, regardless of their level of fitness. With shorter routes and plenty of time to unwind, our leisurely itineraries are perfect for first-time walkers and those that want to combine walking with other activities.  

To help you assess which holiday is right for your current level of fitness, we categorise all our walking holidays using a 1-3 grading scale. This allows you to get an idea of what each of our itineraries is like – you can find this information on each itinerary’s webpage.

Check our walking grades and what they mean.




 

Our Top Relaxed Walking Holidays - Frequently Asked Questions

Can a walking holiday really be relaxing?
Absolutely. Our leisurely walking itineraries are designed specifically for relaxation, with a choice of shorter routes that you can complete at your own pace, enjoying the tranquillity of your surroundings. Each night, you’ll enjoy a warm welcome at quality hotels, many with pool and spa facilities, ensuring you return refreshed and rejuvenated.

What can I expect from a relaxing walking holiday?
Our relaxing walking holidays combine gentle walking through some of Europe’s most enchanting scenery with luxurious hotels and plenty of opportunity for cultural exploration. Whether you’re looking for rolling countryside, golden coastlines or dramatic mountains, you’ll stay in quiet settings in locally-run accommodation, perfect for recharging the body and mind.

What destinations are recommended for relaxing walking holidays?
Inntravel’s relaxed itineraries take in some of the UK and Europe’s most captivating natural beauty. Some of the most popular destinations include the Sintran coastline in Portugal, famed for its golden sands and ornate summer palaces, Italy’s Lake Orta and the unspoiled, rugged Costa Brava in Northern Spain. Each offers unique views and tranquil walking routes, perfect for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Do I need to be physically fit for a relaxing walking holiday?
Our entry-level holidays are designed to be accessible for everyone, regardless of experience or fitness level. Shorter, gentler routes allow you to walk at a relaxed pace and take in the beauty of the landscapes surrounding you – so no extensive fitness training is needed to enjoy them.

What should I pack for a relaxing walking holiday?
For a relaxing walking holiday, we recommend packing comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, a waterproof jacket, and sun protection. Depending on the destination, you may also want to bring swimwear for hotel spas or pools. Don’t worry – our detailed trip notes will guide you on what’s most suitable for your chosen destination.