With shorter, darker days and winter weather that makes you want to huddle up at home, do you dream of sunnier climes? Do thoughts of warm sand between your toes or sitting at a beach cafe, cocktail in hand, looking out over gently lapping turquoise waters make you long for an island escape?
Our Idyllic Islands trips are a delightful antidote to look forward to, cheering the soul on gloomier days. They offer a vibrancy of colour, from the pretty coastal villages and the hustle and bustle of the local markets to the natural contrasts of shades between the sandy cliffs, shimmering waters and deep green forests. These islands reawaken the senses in every way, leaving you revitalised for your return.
Our brand-new hand-crafted itineraries for 2023 allow you to travel from place to place at your pace, exploring the aspects that really excite you. Here are three more of these wonderful walking trips in idyllic islands to provide you with some sunshine inspiration.
There’s no need to wait until spring for a walking trip in Madeira. Its position in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco means even in the winter months, the temperatures do not dip below the mid-teens °C.
Yet Madeira is much more than a beautiful beach island; its great variety in terrain, flora, and fauna make it a walker’s paradise. Our Walking the Waterways and Villages of Madeira trip showcases its highlights.
Following its levadas (the island’s unique network of water channels), such as Levada do Alecrim, Levada do Moinho and Levada Nova, you’ll discover the most majestic waterfalls. On other days, climbs take you to the peak of Pico Grande or over the Machico Hills to reveal impressive, panoramic views of the island.
For a more laid-back day, enjoy meandering in the capital, Funchal. Its 16th –century Gothic cathedral and collegiate church with ornate gilt work offer impressive historical intrigue, while the bustling farmers’ market and the brightly painted murals of the Rua de Santa Maria reveal a more colourful side to this fascinating island.
The island’s exotic fruits provide a refreshing snack on your trails. However, save room for Madeira’s traditional honey cake. Made with honey from the local sugar cane, it can be preserved for weeks and is often served at Christmas. Nonetheless, with all the walking done on this trip, it’s a well-deserved holiday treat too.
The captivating islands off the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia each have their own intriguing personality. A perfect way to compare and contrast their diversity is on our Dalmatian Coast Island Hopping trip, where you’ll take in the Dalmatian Islands of Brac, Hvar, Korcula and Mljet and also discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Dubrovnik and Trogir.
The first island stop is Brac, where a walk up Vidova Gora, the highest point on the Adriatic Islands, provides breathtaking coastline views. A visit to Bol and the beautiful beach of Zlatni Rat or Golden Horn is also a must. Its intriguing evolving shape, dependent on the tides, draws visitors from far and wide.
On Hvar, modern and ancient cultures are juxtaposed. Its chic harbour is often referred to as the ‘French Riviera of the East,’ with its glamorous moored yachts and buzzing nightlife. Meanwhile, outside the main town, you’ll find abandoned ancient hamlets, serene vineyards and lavender fields.
Walks around Korcula and Mljet showcase more of the region’s natural attractions; the narrow canyons and imposing rock formation of Kocje Nature Park and the tranquil salt lakes of Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero. With the trip concluding in the capital, Dubrovnik, there’s just time to discover the Old Town’s attractions, including its palace and monastery, churches and shining marbled streets.
The Amalfi coast is perhaps one of the most Instagrammable travel destinations. Yet, with its dramatic rugged coastline and pastel-hued villages built into its sheer inclines, glorious turquoise waters and rising verdant backdrop it has drawn visitors long before this social media trend. The Islands of Amalfi mirror this beauty while each has its own unique charm. Our trip, The Islands of Amalfi Walk, takes in three of these gorgeous archipelagos; Ischia, Capri and Procida.
Capri is the most modern of these islands; its luxury boutiques, fashionable Piazzetta and Roman villas, which showcase gardens vibrant with the magenta of bougainvillaea, create a luxurious feel. A cable car up to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island, provides panoramic views of all this splendour. Then, taking the downhill trail, you’ll discover restored fortresses, tiny coves and the natural sea cave of Grotta Azzurra.
Contrasting Capri, Ischia has an old-world feel, authentic and natural. A haven for walkers, its paths take in terraced vineyards, traditional hamlets and the far-reaching golden sands of Maronti Beach. Soothe aching feet in the Roman natural thermal waters of Cavascura before hiking Ischia’s two highest mountains, Monte Epomeo and Capo dell’Uomo, to gain impressive views across the Bay of Naples.
Procida may be the smallest of the three Amalfi Islands, but it certainly doesn’t lack impact. Offering historical interest, the walks here explore the ancient walled citadel of Terra Murata. Perched overlooking the calm waters in the Bay of Naples, this medieval village comprises the Abbey of San Michele, the 16th-century governor’s palace and the former prison of Palazzo d’Avalos.
The Amalfi Coast is renowned for having some of the finest seafood dishes around. So, be sure to pause in the inviting fishing villages and lively marinas throughout your trip to enjoy a plate of Fruitti di Mare and freshly made pasta.
To brighten up your winter and explore more of our brand-new island adventures, take a look at our hand-crafted itineraries for 2023.
