Step right up for winning walks

From Italy and Spain to the islands of Greece and Ireland, discover these dramatic coastlines and mountain regions, says LAUREN TAYLOR

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It will soon be the season of longer days and more sunshine, which is a great time to lace up the hiking boots and take to the trails. Europe has some epic hiking possibilities for big views, challenging altitudes and more gentle lakeside strolls. These holidays take in some of the best.

DOLOMITES AND LAKE GARDA

Among HF Holidays' new walking holidays for 2026 is a seven-night guided walking trip in Northern Italy's Unesco-listed Adamello Brenta Natural Park.

There's a choice of two different walks each day with an expert guide, so depending on your mood and energy levels, you can choose from lakeside strolls along turquoise waters and olive groves, to more challenging mountain hikes, appreciating the rugged limestone peaks.

Accommodation is the small, family-run Hotel Regina Elena in the village of Caderzone Terme - a central spot to explore from. The scenic route takes in the famous Five Lakes, the Nardis Waterfalls, and the Genova Valley as well as a day trip to the western shore of Lake Garda.

Book: £1,479 pp on a half board basis, with wine at evening meals, including flights, baggage, transfers and a choice of two guided walks per day on walking days (hfholidays.co.uk, 020 3974 8865).

LEFKAS AND MEGANISI