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Top countries for winter walking

From walking along black sand beaches in Spain to hiking into the lush jungles of Sri Lanka, here are some of the best countries for a small group winter walking holiday.
Author: Aimee White - SEO Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Date Updated: 28 October 2024
 

Step into a winter walking holiday and discover a different side to a destination, away from the crowds. If you're craving winter sun during the darker months or want to embrace the cold, crisp air, our range of winter walking tours provide the ultimate inspiration.

Follow ancient trails through Portugal, hike through lush jungles in Sri Lanka, walk along Turkey's turquoise coastline, or even go snowshoeing through the white wilderness of Finland. Read on for the best places to go walking in winter:

  1. Portugal
  2. Turkey
  3. Jordan
  4. North Cyprus
  5. Canary Islands, Spain
  6. Vietnam
  7. Sri Lanka

 

1. Portugal

Take relaxed hikes through ancient white-washed villages and traditional fishing communities on our Eastern Algarve Walking Tour in Portugal, or walk amongst a network of mossy Levadas and lush UNESCO protected laurel forest on our Madeira Portugal Walking Holiday, both of which are perfect for winter walking holidays in Europe.

Portugal typically sees fewer tourists during the winter months, so the trails will be quiet, and you can soak up the pleasantly warm sunshine during November, December and January. Madeira is also a great place to visit for Christmas and New Year; browse Funchal’s all-night Christmas market, enjoy listening to the festive carol singing and watch spectacular fireworks over the capital, Funchal, on New Years Eve.
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2. Turkey

Imagine walking past glistening turquoise waters, golden sand beaches and ancient villages on a winter walking holiday in Turkey. Although the temperatures are typically lower and the rainfall more frequent at this time of year, the usually busy Lycian Way trails will be much quieter and the harbour town of Kas peaceful. Uncover ancient tombs cut into the cliffs by Limanagzi Beach, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xanthos to learn about the old capital of ancient Lycia. 
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3. Jordan

Avoid the crowds with a walking tour in Jordan in winter. The nights may feel cold, but you can expect mild and often sunny days and more comfortable temperatures for desert trekking - ideal if you're looking for winter sun walking holiday ideas. Plus, the more popular sites, such as the majestic Treasury in Petra, will be much quieter. Follow camels through the copper-coloured dunes of the Wadi Rum desert and immerse yourself in an ancient world of hand-carved 1st-century temples.
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4. North Cyprus

North Cyprus is blessed with year-round sunshine and often mild, pleasant temperatures in winter, making it an ideal destination for a walking holiday. Head into the remote Besparmak Mountains on our North Cyprus Walking Trip to discover quiet mountain trails  leading to sweeping views of the azure-blue waves of the Mediterranean Sea. Feast on traditional mezes in a local restaurant at the end of a day's hiking and make a toast to new memories with your fellow walkers.
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Snowshoeing holidays in Europe

For a winter walking holiday with a twist, why not go snowshoeing in Finland? Head into Finnish Lapland for the ultimate snowshoeing holiday in Europe and navigate the Narnia-like landscapes of Inari. 

Image credit: Visit Inari

5. Canary Islands, Spain

With year-round sunshine and pleasant temperatures, the Canary Islands is a picturesque destination for a winter walking holiday. Join our twin island Canary Islands Walking Tour to trek through an oasis of laurissilva cloud forests on the island of La Gomera and walk around the moonscape plateau of El Teide volcano on Tenerife. You can also enjoy deserted black sand beaches at Playa Caleta and fewer tourists in the old backstreets of San Sebastian at this time of year.

This winter hiking trip isn't long in terms of distance, but you'll navigate hilly paths with lengthy descents and rough terrain.
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6. Vietnam

For a winter holiday with a difference, consider a two-week walking tour to Vietnam. Travel from north to south as you float in a traditional junk boat on the aquamarine waters of Halong Bay, delve into the colourful boutiques and market stalls of Hanoi, and sample aromatic street food in Ho Chi Minh. Get up close to the local culture on hikes through villages along the Perfume River near Hue and discover a hive of craftspeople busy silk painting and bronze casting.
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7. Sri Lanka

Avoid monsoon rains with a two-week, moderate graded walking adventure around Sri Lanka during the winter months. Hike through lush jungles and ascend the ancient Sigiriya Lion Rock ahead of the crowds as the sun rises over the fertile landscape that reaches towards jagged mountain peaks on the horizon. Ramble through the verdant forests of the Knuckles Range and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, home to one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist relics, in Kandy.
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Don't just travel, Explore!

We offer walking tours all over the world and all through the year. Choose from a wide range of small group walking trips led by an expert local guide.
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