With so many gorgeous islands scattered all over Europe and the UK, they are perfect active holiday destinations attracting tourists from all over the world. Whether interested in combining your walking or cycling holiday with fascinating culture and history, sunbathing and relaxing by the beach, the delicious (sea)food or just the slower pace that island life usually entails, the UK and European islands offer something for any type of traveller.

Sometimes there can be a risk of islands getting packed and we therefore thought it a good idea to list below a few little-known and remote places on the British & European islands that are great for walking holidays off the beaten path.

Isle of Wight | UK

Ideal for anyone looking for a short town-and-country cycling or walking break, the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom is your go-to island! Routes are undulating and distances on our walking and cycling holidays on the island are kept fairly short, giving you time to stop and explore. Highlights on the Isle of Wight include sophisticated Cowes, world famous for its regatta; the astonishing brick-built Quarr Abbey; and taking the path to Freshwater Bay, which follows an old railway line.

The island is easy to reach from mainland UK and the only time of year it’s flooded by travellers is during the annual Isle of Wight Festival that’s been running since the 1960s.

Visit the Isle of Wight between April and October >>

La Gomera | Canary Islands

If you have been walking on the Spanish mainland, or have been to the Canary Islands before and you come to La Gomera, you will probably notice that this, the second smallest island of the Canaries, is something special, altogether quite different.

Some people liken it to Spain in the 1970s and others feel there’s Latin American elements to recognise in the villages and landscapes of this remote European island. Walkers will find La Gomera to be a relaxed, unsophisticated island. It has a population of around 20,000 people who live mostly in the capital and villages of the north. The island has a good infrastructure of roads, amenities and services, including some good restaurants and small family run hotels, which are excellent conditions for active travellers. It is off the mainstream tourist radar so you won’t encounter many other visitors.

Visit La Gomera year round >>

Crete | Greece

Rich in natural splendour, and in countless reminders of its ancient and turbulent past, Crete will afford an endless source of vivid impressions for your walking holiday. As you hike through this largest of all Greek islands, you will discover a profusion of wildflowers, some of them found only here. In fact, Crete is host to more plant species than are found in the whole of the British Isles(!) and this wealth of flowers and herbs sustains a large insect and butterfly population.

Cretan life reflects its natural surroundings. In the foothill villages, where life is simple and very close to nature, you will meet a proud people, devoted to their customs and traditions, and genuinely generous in their hospitality. 

Visit Crete between May and October >>

Majorca | Spain

Away from the burgeoning coastal resorts, the majestic Sierra de Tramontana is a massif of limestone peaks tumbling to the turquoise waters. Venture forth on a series of hikes through shady forests, olive groves and ancient farmsteads, visit tiny sun-drenched beaches and spend the night in a traditional monastery, listening to the sound of nightingales from your bedroom window.

On our Sierras and Monasteries walking holiday you will follow parts of the restored Pilgrims’ Way along the Sierra de Tramontana in Majorca; three nights are spent at the atmospheric Santuari de Lluc monastery - the most important pilgrimage site on the island. Guests can attend the choral singing in its church, which takes place on most evenings. 

Visit Majorca between March and October >>

For more information and booking details, please have a look at the webpage of your chosen trip or get in touch with our team of travel experts in our London offices.