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Winter sun walking holidays

Winter walking in Southern Europe

Winter may not be the first season you consider for your walking holiday, but across much of southern Europe temperatures remain ideal for active discovery throughout the season.

And what better winter tonic could there be than the prospect of unwinding under sunny skies, warming to the charms of southern Spain, the Canary Islands or Madeira? Although well known, these regions each have a hidden face, offering up extraordinary natural beauty to those who venture beyond the tourist trail.

Discover swathes of pristine golden sand in Almería; explore the dramatic barrancos of La Gomera’s lush interior; or relax with a glass of Madeira wine after exploring the island’s lesser-known levada trails. At Inntravel, we have off-the-beaten-track walking holidays to suit all levels and abilities, from single-centre stays with car hire included to hotel-to-hotel routes that range from easy to exhilarating.

Why choose a winter sun walking holiday

Many walkers prefer travelling in winter because conditions are often more comfortable than the height of summer. Instead of intense heat, you can enjoy bright days, clear views and ideal temperatures for exploring on foot. Southern Europe also feels quieter during the winter months, meaning peaceful trails, authentic villages and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Whether you're wandering along Portugal's Atlantic coastline, discovering Madeira's famous levada paths or exploring the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, winter offers a different perspective on these destinations.

Why winter is the best time to visit Southern Europe

While much of northern Europe experiences cold, wet weather, destinations around the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands often enjoy temperatures between 15°C and 23°C, making walking far more comfortable than during peak summer. Flowers begin to bloom, landscapes become greener after autumn rainfall, and many popular areas are quieter than during the main holiday season.

Best destinations for winter sun walking

European island walking holidays

Winter is one of the best times to discover Madeira. Enjoy spring-like temperatures, lush green landscapes and spectacular levada trails, with colourful flowers beginning to bloom and clear mountain views along the way.

Funchal and the island of Madeira

Landscapes of western Madeira

Classic Madeira

View Madeira

With warm sunshine and comfortable walking temperatures throughout winter, the Canary Islands are ideal for escaping colder weather. Explore volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and unique island scenery without the intense summer heat. Here are our top three Canary Island recommendations for winter.

La Gomera: Hidden gem of the Canaries

Tenerife and Teide National Park

Lanzarote and La Graciosa

View all Canary Islands

Why choose Inntravel for your winter sun walking holiday?

At your own pace

Our winter sun walking holidays are self-guided, giving you the freedom to explore at your leisure.
Detailed route notes

Our experts have found all the best routes, so all you need to do is bring your boots (or your skis!).
High-quality hotels

Stay at high-quality, independent hotels, some with spa facilities, where you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.

Canary Islands
Lanzarote & La Graciosa
Winter walking in the Canary Islands

Thanks to their mild climate all year round, the Canary Islands are perfect for walking, even in the depths of winter. But there’s so much more to discover beyond the sunshine: dramatic ravines, ancient forests, volcanic craters, vibrant rock formations, and old lava fields. Take your time and soak it all in – there’s no group to keep up with, and no heavy bags to lug around (we’ve got that covered, along with detailed route notes and smooth, hassle-free arrangements). So take it easy, and enjoy a walking holiday that truly delivers.

Discover more

Popular walking holidays for winter sun

View all winter sun walking

Accommodation

From highly acclaimed hotels to 15th-century mansions, you’ll be perfectly placed to relax and rejuvenate ahead of your next day’s adventures. Each hotel has been selected for its reputation in providing top quality service and ideally located for your onward journey.
Winter Food and Drink

On our meticulously curated journeys through Southern Europe, cultured holidaymakers can indulge in a delightful array of regional culinary treasures that reflect the history and character of each city. In the enchanting streets of Seville, guests can savour traditional tapas paired with a refreshing glass of fino sherry, while Córdoba tempts with its renowned salmorejo—a rich, chilled tomato soup garnished with hard-boiled eggs and jamón.
Winter Support

Inntravel offers hassle-free holiday planning, 24/7 customer support and expert notes, helping you select a holiday that perfectly suits your preferences. We pride ourselves on tailoring each experience to suit you, ensuring that your trip is not only memorable but also perfectly aligned with your interests and fitness levels.

Preparing for your winter walking holiday

Prior to your holiday, familiarise yourself with the walking routes provided and consider training ahead of time with walks of varying difficulty to build your stamina.
Additionally, ensure you have the right gear, including waterproof boots and layers to keep you warm and dry, to enhance your comfort and enjoyment during the walks.

What to pack

You’ll need walking boots or shoes, depending on the terrain and your personal preference, plus a compass, water bottle, sun protection and waterproofs. Walking poles and a GPS device are useful, but not essential. Clothing-wise, you should pack for all eventualities, remembering that it is often cooler at altitude and in the evening. We’ll provide more detailed information when you book. (Our arrangements generally allow for one large item (15-20kg) and one small item (up to 10kg) per person.)
Walking ability and fitness levels

Our holidays are graded between 1 and 3 offering an extensive choice of routes with varying difficulty levels, ascent/descent and terrain. When you’ve chosen the perfect winter holiday that suits your walking preferences, you will of course have access to all the route information for each of the options around you, giving you a great picture of the experiences on offer.

Taking the train from the UK is a wonderfully relaxing – and eco-friendly – way to start your holiday. Forget traffic jams, the scramble for a seat, or strict luggage limits; you can bring along whatever you’re happy to carry. As the scenery slowly shifts outside your window, there’s a real feeling of travel with the excitement building as you get closer to your destination.

View all winter rail journeys

Our winter holiday collection

Our diverse winter selection includes high-quality hotels and incredible walking destinations such as the Dolomites and Pertisau, each crafted to provide breathtaking scenery and delicious cuisines, catering to varying fitness levels and experience.

Plus, our snowy holidays feature unique opportunities that encompass activities such as spectacular rail journeys, dog sledding and the captivating Northern Lights. Regardless of your preference for crisp or warmer temperatures, we assure you that we have a holiday to suit you.