While there are plenty of people who consider a week of lying on the beach a perfect vacation, many people also like to stay active and do plenty of walking and hiking.
Hiking is a great way to explore a new place, get some solitude, and take incredible photos. If you love to hike while on vacation, here are some of the best travel destinations for hikers:
Mount Asahi, Japan
If you’re after a relatively short hike (think 6-8 hours), this is the perfect way to get outdoors and see picturesque views of the Daisetsuzan National Park. Right by the “beware of bears” sign in the car park you’ll see the clearly marked trail. Eventually you’ll come across an emergency hut (just in case there is an eruption) and from the hut it’s just two hours of climbing until you reach the top of the summit.
Partnach Gorge, Germany
Partnach Gorge is located in the Bavarian alps, and the cavern is easy to find. This is more of a walk than a hike, but well worth a visit as you’ll get to see unusual ice formations like giant icicles in winter. The walkways are narrow, so you may find yourself getting close to quite a few other visitors, but the cavern is a great place to spend an afternoon before walking up to the cable car and cafe up the top.
Inca Trail, Peru
Possibly the most famous walk in the world, Machu Picchu is the main tourist attraction in Peru and for good reason. Most people hike the Inca Trail to see the ancient Inca building which are nestled in the mountain ridge near Cusco. There’s a limit to how many people can be on the trail each day, so be sure to book ahead.
Vintgar Bled, Slovenia
Vintgar Bled is located right beside the Radovna river and a glistening lake surrounded by mountains. The walk from Vintgar Bled to the Gorge is 10km long, and at the end you’ll find the Church of Assumption, a snack shop, and an incredible view of the Sum waterfall.
West Highland Way, Scotland
Scotland has some of the most incredible scenery in the world, and those who love walking will get plenty of chances to take gentle strolls amongst the many ruins and through the green countryside. If you’re after a nice long hike, head to the West Highland Way which runs from Glasgow all the way to Ben Nevis which is the highest point in the United Kingdom. You’ll be hiking past Loch Lomond, the gorgeous Ronnoch, and many pastoral lowlands along your way.
Cava d’lspica, Sicily
Many consider this place to be the Grand Canyon of Sicily, and the trail is 13km long and sits between the towns of Modica (try the chocolate) and Ispica. History buffs will love this hike, as there are signs that the area has been continually inhabited since the neolithic times. You’ll find ancient stairways, tombs, churches, and caves, so don’t miss this hike if you’re visiting Italy.
