Discover the Charm of Coastal Walking

Coastal Holidays: the Perfect Blend of Walking and Relaxation

Whether you’re a fan of the UK’s idyllic coastal paths or the brilliant sunshine of the Côte d’Azur, a few days by the beach is the ultimate getaway for those looking to recharge.

But what about holidays for those who want plenty of time to enjoy the coast, but aren’t looking to sunbathe 24/7? All too often, it seems like an either/or for holidaymakers – you can have a beach holiday or a walking holiday but not both.

At Inntravel, the essence of our coastal holidays is to offer you a unique experience that combines scenic walking past hidden coves whilst discovering secluded beaches (stopping for a dip very much encouraged).

With plenty of opportunities to take in local culture, our holidays provide the ultimate balance between walking, relaxation and cultural discovery.

 

What makes an Inntravel coastal holiday different?

There’s something inherently relaxing about a coastal holiday. The fresh sea air. The sound of the waves lapping gently on the shore as you take in views from the clifftops. The unique combination of nature at its most dramatic and its most peaceful, depending on the mood of the waves and the will of the weather.

But what happens if you want more than just beautiful scenery? What if you want to really get to know the destination you’re travelling through?

At Inntravel, we design our routes to avoid the tourist crowds and use our 40 years of experience and local knowledge to offer a glimpse into the soul of your destination.

A perfect example is our walking holiday on Norway’s remarkable Lofoten Islands. As well as white-sand beaches and mountains rising from the sea, you’ll have the chance to admire white-tailed sea eagles, cormorants, and seals, to visit museums dedicated to island life, and to stay in traditional accommodation – including converted fishermen’s cottages – that provide a true insight into everyday life in typical Lofoten fishing villages.



 

Our favourite coast walks

Along the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur)

Follow in the footsteps of history’s most famous artists, architects, and writers as you discover the vibrant colours and understated elegance of the French Riviera. Vivid reds, oranges, and turquoises enchanted Renoir, Chagall, Cézanne, and Picasso – and continue to captivate visitors to this day.

Staying in the charming village of Menton and the chic Villefranche-sur-Mer in four-star, seafront hotels, you’ll have the flexibility to choose from a range of easygoing, relaxing coastal paths. You’ll also have plenty of time to discover the Belle Époque palaces, resplendent villas and gardens, and exquisite works of art the landscape has inspired throughout the ages.

> Walk this way

Coastal Algarve and Fishermen’s Trail

Get away from the Algarve’s popular tourist centres and experience a different side to this charming stretch of Portugal’s coastline as you hike several stretches of the famously scenic Fishermen’s Trail.

Follow well-marked paths that offer unforgettable views at every turn. Peaceful golden beaches contrast with the wild expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, whilst steep and striking cliffs tumble down to the crashing waves below. Expect sleepy towns and villages, thriving birdlife and the freshest of seafood as you head towards the headland of Cabo de São Vicente, the atmospheric southwestern edge of mainland Europe.

> Walk this way

Along the Catalan Coast

The northernmost stretches of the Costa Brava are one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Ideal for a week’s leisurely walking, interspersed with time to enjoy uncrowded sandy beaches and opportunities for refreshing dips in the sea, the rugged Catalan Coast is perhaps the perfect exploration holiday.

Discover hidden swimming coves, wander through shady pinewoods, and spend a few hours exploring the attractive medieval town of Begur, with its well-preserved castle and fortifications.

The region is famous throughout Spain for its gastronomy; relax with seaside views as you linger over lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

> Walk this way
 

What to Expect on an Inntravel Walking Holidays

Accommodation

When you’re spending days treading quiet coastal paths and swimming in hidden coves, you need a place to rest, recharge and relax.

Our accommodation includes independent bed and breakfasts, traditional guesthouses, and boutique hotels, so you’ll benefit from comfortable lodgings, fantastic amenities, and great food.

Some of our hotels impress with their location – the final hotel on our Amalfi Coast walking holiday sits directly on the sands of secluded Fornillo Bay, a short stroll from Positano, whereas at others it’s the hospitality you’ll remember the longest. After a day tracing the Alentejo's craggy coast, what better way to end the day than with an effusive greeting and generous slice of homemade chocolate cake from the lovely Idália at her home-from-home townhouse in Vila Nova de Milfontes? Character is a key ingredient, too, look out for hotels situated in country houses, fishermen’s cottages, and even a former telephone exchange!

Food and drink

The idea of a coastal holiday often conjures up images of the freshest seafood possible, perhaps accompanied by a glass of the local tipple as you gaze over idyllic harbours and colourful fishing villages.

We make sure you get a real taste of local food culture as you explore your destination – whether that’s savouring the delicious Devonshire cream that adorns scones in England’s south-west corner, or visiting a Turkish village house for a traditional lunch prearranged by Inntravel and expertly cooked by Fatma.
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For meals included in the cost of your holiday, we handpick restaurants based on their use of local ingredients and their menu of regional specialities. For meals that aren’t included, we’re always happy to offer a tip or two about where to find the best food.

Support

When you book with Inntravel, we take care of the planning so you can enjoy those glorious coastal paths, breathtaking sea views, and unforgettable experiences that make a coastal holiday so special.

On top of making your advance travel arrangements and reserving accommodation for you, we provide detailed route notes for every coastal walk on your itinerary and, if you’re walking between hotels, transport your luggage ahead. All you need each day is a rucksack with space for layers, water, and snacks.

Whilst you’re on holiday, you’ll also be able to call our customer support line 24/7. If you have any questions, or something hasn’t quite gone to plan at any time of day, our friendly team will do everything they can to help you out.

 

Preparing for your Inntravel walking holiday

What should I pack?

Whilst we can’t offer you a completely comprehensive list until we know the details of your holiday, the items below are a great place to start. This should see you through seven days of walking – if you’re going for longer or would like a couple more evening outfits, feel free to expand to meet your needs.  

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, GPS device or compass

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?

Inntravel offers a range of coastal walking holidays to suit everyone from first-time walkers to those more experienced on the trails.

You don’t need to attempt anything particularly difficult to enjoy the benefits of a coastal holiday. The routes we offer are all selected for their peaceful trails, scenic viewpoints and beautiful beaches, with many options for a quick dip en-route – no matter the difficulty of the walking.

Our grading scale allows you to get an accurate idea of what each of our walking holidays would demand of you, fitness and experience wise.

Here's a guide to our walking grades and what they mean.

It’s always good to get some movement in before a walking holiday to reduce injury risk and maximise the enjoyment you’ll get from discovering coastal landscapes on your own two feet. However, if you pick a holiday that aligns with your current fitness level, you won’t need to follow a strict training routine – just keep doing what you’re doing.

Keen to challenge yourself? If you want to take things to the next level and choose a holiday that’s more difficult than your usual current walking ability, allow yourself plenty of time to train before departure. This will help ensure you keep safe and injury free, so that you have the best experience possible.

 

Coastal Walking Holiday - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a coastal walking holiday?

A coastal walking holiday combines idyllic walks along coastal paths with plenty of time to relax and enjoy uncrowded beaches, breathtaking views and delicious local cuisine. Some of our itineraries offer more challenging hotel-to-hotel routes; others focus on one or two centres for a more relaxed feel to your trip.

Who are Inntravel's coastal walking holidays suited for?

Our range of coastal holidays has something for everyone, whether you’re a keen hiker or have never been on a walking holiday before. If you’re looking for a combination of scenic walks, secluded beaches and hidden swimming coves away from crowds of tourists, our holidays have plenty to offer.

What destinations are available for coastal walking holidays?

We offer itineraries across the UK and Europe, taking in some of the continent’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. You could explore the rugged Catalan Coast, discover the otherworldly trails of the Canary Islands or beat the crowds on the Amalfi Coast as you follow dramatic, ancient mule tracks into the Lattari Mountains. Check our website to see what we have on offer.

What type of accommodations can I expect during the holiday?

Expect high-quality, characterful and locally owned accommodation that offers you a real glimpse into the culture of your destination and supports the regional economy. Whether you’re staying in a traditional guesthouse or luxurious boutique hotel, you’re guaranteed fantastic amenities and a hearty welcome.

Can I enjoy local culture during a coastal walking holiday?

Absolutely. All our walking holidays are designed to offer an insight into local history, culture and cuisine, as well as discovering some of Europe’s most peaceful and undisturbed coastlines.