When picturing an idyllic island escape, clear turquoise water gently lapping golden sands may come to mind. Or perhaps, it’s the laid-back, welcoming hospitality and intriguing blend of cultures that often make up an island’s history that piques your interest. Add in glorious walks that explore the spectacular landscape, and you’ll have all the ingredients for the perfect escape. And on our brand-new Headwater trips you can do just that.
Our brand-new island adventures for 2023 offers all of these soul-lifting benefits and more. Here are three more fantastic walking trips to get you inspired for your next holiday.
Cypriot culture is one of the oldest in the Mediterranean, having influences from Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian, Greek, and Roman domination. When embarking on our Contrasts of Cyprus Walking trip, you’ll discover how these nations have left a fascinating legacy here while taking in the gorgeous Mediterranean landscape this island has to offer.
For an island, Cyprus is surprisingly hilly; it even has a ski resort in the winter! The first part of your trip will take you up into the Troodos Mountains, where you can take in these exceptional panoramic views across the island.
Amidst the foothills of these tranquil slopes, your route will lead you to one of the fascinating Troodos villages, Kakopetria. Known for its narrow, cobbled streets, fruit-bearing trees of apples, pears, plums and apricots, and rolling vineyards, it is enchanting. Here you’ll also discover Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, an 11th-century church and one of the ten painted churches of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Back at sea level, experience the wild beauty of Lara Beach. As a protected area, its soft sand plays home to nesting sea turtles at certain times of the year. From here, there is the option to hike the Avakas Gorge Nature Trail. This dramatic rock formation has been created by the water that flows through here and this region is rich in indigenous plants, owls, kestrels, goats and foxes.
With the Adonis and Aphrodite Trails and their fascinating Greek legends also to discover and, of course, beaches and coves with some of the best blue waters in the Mediterranean, this Cypriot holiday has something new and enticing to enjoy every day.
Taking in two of the charming islands that make up the Maltese archipelago, our Discovering the Maltese Islands trip offers magnificent architecture, breathtaking natural coastlines and mouth-watering cuisine.
Beginning on the main island of Malta, your route takes you to the coastal capital of Valletta. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it has over 300 historic buildings with fountains, statues and classic domed roofs, showcasing its Baroque influence. There is also an array of inviting cafes, restaurants and bars where you can rest your legs, sample some traditional Maltese dishes and soak up the warmth of this island’s culture.
Malta is renowned for its beautiful seascapes, and a visit to its ‘fish tail’ offers proof, with its rugged cliffs, azure waters and views across to the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino. Meanwhile, the picturesque seaside towns of Marsascala and Marsaxlokk are host to an excellent Sunday fish market, where locals rub shoulders with the visitors while picking up their catch of the day!
The second part of this trip is spent on the lesser-known yet equally enticing island of Gozo. Here, the pace of life slows, a perfect antidote for relaxation. Nonetheless, there is still so much to explore; the traditional towns with their cobbled streets, the striking seashores with views out to the natural stone outcrop of Fungus Rock and the harbours filled with brightly coloured boats.
For history lovers, the monumental shrine to Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu is regarded as an architectural masterpiece and well worth a visit. There’s also the chance to explore the fascinating and almost magical Punic burial site at Wardija Point.
Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, the Maltese Islands are packed with such historical interest, amazing scenery and captivating culture we’re sure you’ll want to spend even longer here.
If exploring the wonders of the great outdoors is your favourite way to spend a holiday, then our Walking the Natural Treasure of Sao Miguel trip is the one for you. On this Azores island, dubbed ‘The Green Island’, time is spent discovering forest-wrapped volcanic peaks interspersed with deep sapphire crater lakes, natural spas and hot springs, and hillsides carpeted with wildflowers.
The volcanic sites in the Furnas Valley are mesmerising, with their unique geothermal activity. Then, in the protected area of Sete Cidades, you’ll discover one of the “7 Wonders of Portugal”, where the trail along the crater ridge reveals awe-inspiring views of the mystical lakes below and out across São Miguel and its incredible coastline.
A visit to Sanguinho is quite intriguing. Known as “The Lost Village”, this abandoned community sits quietly amongst the rising lush green hillsides. In contrast, the vibrant market in Ponta Delgada offers a flurry of local activity.
Then, you’ll get a final chance to absorb this island’s remarkable natural thermal activity at Caldeiras of Ribeira Grande, and this site is one of the most spectacular. From over 40 metres high, the waterfall of Salto do Cabrito tumbles into its emerald lagoon. There are also thermal baths and mud massages, which provide relaxation and invigoration in equal measures!
Sao Miguel undoubtedly provides a feast for the eyes, but your stomach will be wonderfully satiated too. Despite being far offshore from the Portuguese mainland, the Mediterranean flavours are still prominent. Dishes, including fresh seafood and fish, are always hearty, cooked in a peasant style, just perfect after a day of walking this extraordinary island.
For more inspiration for your next island adventure, please take a look at our previous blog, Discover New Idyllic Islands for 2023, or browse our new collection of hand-crafted itineraries here.
