Although the majority of our walking holidays are self-guided, where you walk from one hotel or guesthouse to the next, and have your luggage transferred for you, we also offer a growing collection of centre-based walking holidays. This is usually because there are some places in the world that may be hiking heaven, but they are less so on the hotel front. Especially on more remote treks. And, although many people are happy to hit the hay at mountain huts on our more challenging walking holidays, others are not the bunking up types. And fair enough. Which means that sometimes it’s best to have one central sleep spot, with transfers out to trails every day or, if you’re lucky, a wealth of walks on its doorstep. And with no packing and unpacking every day, this gives you more time on the trails. So they’re a win win. Here are some of our favourites:
Málaga, Spain
Although Málaga is famous for being a historic port city on the Costa del Sol, you only need to go a stone’s throw to hit the hiking trails of Sierra de Tejeda and Almijara mountain range, protected by a natural park of the same name. There are so many trails, in fact, that we have two centre-based holidays near the city, both of which give you access to them. On this holiday you stay in Canillas de Albaida and, on this upgraded version, the hotel is in Cómpeta, both villages being typical whitewashed beauties of the region. The highlight for many is the El Saltillo Hike, which is part of the greater GR249 trail, also known as the Gran Senda de Málaga. It’s a feature of both of these Málaga walking holidays but you also have options to walk the Silk Route through the rugged terrain and cliffs of the Axarquía region, and take a trek to the summit of Cerro Verde (1,346m). In addition, you can travel to Málaga by train, so this holiday is stress-free on so many levels.
The Lake District, England
William Wordsworth described England’s largest national park as “The loveliest spot that man hath found.” Indeed, its lakes, tarns and peaks are places that have inspired poetry, art and music. However, it’s hard to know where to start in such an iconic natural landscape. Which is why one of our walking holidays there is based in the national park town of Keswick, on Derwentwater, staying in a small, locally-owned hotel, B&B or traditional guesthouse. On this week of walking, each day brings another lakeland landscape, ranging from the heights of Skiddaw (931m) or Honister Pass to the iconic and idyllic circuit of Derwentwater. And many more of the national park’s “loveliest spots” in between.
Madeira, Portugal
This Portuguese archipelago of four islands is way out there in the Atlantic but Madeira walking holidays focus on the main island of the same name. Although it is only 55km long, it’s mostly the coast that has been developed, leaving an inland idyll of wilderness areas. These include the high altitude Madeira Peaks, and the UNESCO laurisilva forests. Walkers are also gifted with unique walking trails throughout the island, calledlevadas, which are man-made irrigation channels dating back to the 16th century, still directing water but also walkers who follow these ambrosian arteries across the island. All of these wonders are accessible on our five day, centre-based walking holiday, where you stay in the coastal capital of Funchal. With transfers to and from trailheads on all days of your adventure. Including a trek up to the island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo (1,861m).
Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s Pirin Mountains are not only protected by national park status, but also by UNESCO so, as you can imagine, they are a special place. On our five day, fairly feisty walking holiday there you are based in Bansko, staying in a small mountain guesthouse, before taking on some Pirin peaks. Bansko is a ski resort and summer hiking hub, and it’s only 30mins from Pirin National Park. Once you get there, you have a Balkan beauty box of trails, starting off with a trek up to the exquisite heights of Todorina Porta Pass (2,550m). The next day brings a trek up to the range’s highest peak, Mt. Vihren, (2,914m), which is also Bulgaria’s second highest. Then last, but not least, walking up to Mount Polezhan (2,850m) is also a spectacular adventure. With three superb treks in a row, you’ll be glad to bed down in Bansko.
Kythira, Greece
Kythira is the southernmost Ionian island, tucked off the Peloponnese Peninsula, just over an hour by ferry from the peninsula’s Neapoli port. It’s the meeting point of the Aegean, Ionian and Cretan Seas, so you are never short of views, with plenty of elevations to take them in. Hilly but not too mountainous, the highest point of the island is Mirmingaris (507m) but it is surrounded by hidden river valleys and waterfalls, a panoply of ancient sites and over thirty beaches. Our eight day walking holiday on Kythira is centre-based, staying inland in the village of Levadi or on the coast in Kapsali. Car rental is included, so you can access the best trailheads at your own pace.
Lake Garda, Italy
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, covering a vast 370km² and stretching across three northern regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige. Garda isn’t just famous for being glam, but also for its panoply of peninsulas. All of which create an array of trails which are perfect for off-the-beaten track adventures. Our North Lake Garda holiday is centre-based, staying in a hotel in Riva del Garda throughout, with highlights including the Strada del Ponale and Sentiero Busatte Tempesta trails. As well as treks up to Punta Larici (907m) and the Marmitte dei Giganti giant glacial potholes. All in all, Lake Garda has so much more to offer than most people realise and is, for many, Italia at its most bellissima.
Asiago Plateau, Italy
The fact that one of the trails on the Asiago Plateau is called Sentiero del Silenzio gives you a hint. The Asiago Plateau, or the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni, is a tranquil alpine hiking haven in the Venetian pre-Alps, rising to over 1,000m. And your walking holiday here is even more chilled because you stay in one hotel throughout. So no packing and unpacking, just wake up and walk. Hiking highlights include the Strada del Vecchio Trenino former railway line, an ascent to Monte Cengio (1,354m) or Monte Fior (1,824m) and pastoral perfection on the upland pastures of Malgas of Gallio. Your hotel on this walking holiday is in either Asiago, the capital of the region, or nearby Gallio, both of which are small, elevated towns with views of the mountains. All just over 100km from Venice, so you could combine this with a citybreak too.
Lake Como, Italy
When you’ve only got five days to take in trails around this iconic region of Italy, you don’t really want to pack and leave the lake every day. Which is why on this quick dip into Lake Como’s walking routes, you stay in Lenno, a lakeside location that has everything you could imagine of Como. Villas, vineyards and ancient vias. From here, you get to walk through Como’s rolling hills, using boat transfers across the lake on several days to beauties like Bellagio and Bellano, followed by walks along ancient mule tracks through olive groves, orchards and with outstanding views.
High Tatras Mountains, Slovakia
This colossal limestone landscape forms a natural border between northern Slovakia and Poland. We have a small group, fully guided tour in winter of this region where you stay in one hotel throughout. This gives easy access to the heart of Slovakia’s snowy Tatras, over just four days, so it’s a quick hit of winter walking. Immersed in tranquil forest trails, walking to the likes of Green Lake or some stunning frozen waterfalls, you lose all track of time anyway. The frozen finale is a superb Bachledka Treetop Walk, on the border of Pieniny and Tatra National Parks. So, as you can imagine, those winter views are Slovakia at its most still, and sublime.
Gotland, Sweden
Gotland is Sweden’s largest island and, on this centre-based walking holiday, you get to explore a combination of its sublime seascapes and ancient heritage. We’re talking stupendous sea stacks, limestone caves and divine islets. One of the highlights is Högklint, which are the highest sea cliffs (48m) on the island, where you need deep Baltic breaths to take in their magnificence. The icing on the cake is Visby, where you’re based. This town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it’s one of the country’s best preserved fortified and Hanseatic towns. Visby is a veritable delight to spend time in, while the trails on Gotland just keep giving.
Fruška Gora National Park, Serbia
A bit like its megastar tennis player who put it on the map, Serbia is silent, strong and has a grand slam of glories under its belt. They just don’t shout about it. However, it’s starting to be noticed by hikers who want an ace adventure in a Balkan country with a growing track record. We’re delighted to have added several Serbian holidays to the adventure arena, one of which is a centre-based tour in Fruška Gora National Park. Your base is in Vrdnik, a thermal spa town on the edge of the national park, where you can benefit from the natural resources. With three full days of hiking, you get to follow gentle trails in this forest-covered region of Vojvodina in the northernmost region of Serbia. With mountains, mindful treks and monasteries in the mix. Serbia just keeps serving aces.
We hope that this has inspired you to explore more beds with benefits, and there really are so many benefits to our centre-based holidays, all of which you can see here. For any more information, please don’t hesitate to contact our adventure specialists.
Walking in Veneto: Asiago Plateau (Centre-based)
Walking in Málaga (Centre-based)
Walking in Málaga in Comfort (Centre-based)
Walking in Madeira (Centre-based)
Walking in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Centre-based)
Walking in the Lake District National Park (Centre-based)
Lake District Family Adventure (Centre-based)
Pirin Mountains Walking Break (Centre-based)
Rila Mountains Walking Break (Centre-based)
Walking in North Lake Garda (Centre-based)
Walking at Lake Como (Centre-based)
