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Top 10 walking vacations for over 50s

Our walking vacations for the over 50s are open to all, though they prove particularly popular with people in their sixth decade and beyond. From South America to southern Spain, and from easy rambles to challenging climbs, what connects these trips is our commitment to responsible travel – which can be appreciated at any age. Walk this way for our list.

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Top 10 walking vacations for over 50s

Perhaps you’ve always loved hiking, or perhaps you’ve recently come round – whichever it is, you’ll be in good company with our top 10 walking vacations for the over 50s. If you spent your twenties roughing it and feel like you’ve earnt a softer bed this time around, we’ve got trips with comfortable locally owned hotels. If you find yourself with a bit more time and greater means than in your previous decades, we’ve got some solid adventures, too. Whilst you might find more travelers around your age on these trips, note that our vacations are open to all. As we all know, age is no barrier to enjoying the great outdoors.

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1. Among the peaks of Patagonia

When hiking in Patagonia, there are times when you feel like you have come to the monumental end of the world. There are enormous glaciers and windswept valleys, and the mountains stand like great statues at the threshold of a greater unknown. Be led by a local guide who can decode the majesty of the landscapes as you go. It’s adventurous, yes, but for all the forbidding grandeur, it’s well trodden, with an established walking scene and marked trails.

When to go: October to March
Our top trip: Small group adventure vacation to Patagonia
See all our trips: Patagonia walking vacations
Read more: Patagonia walking guide

2. Italy’s Amalfi Coast

Don’t be lulled by the bougainvillea-draped sea views into thinking that this will be flat coastal walking – the seriously steep steps behind the Amalfi Coast’s beautiful shoreline towns are definitely a job for walking poles, not casual strolls. Our trips include plenty of rest days and transport to the start of the walk. Once you’ve got a bit of elevation, you can get some truly incredible views: see the famous Path of the Gods.

When to go: February to December
Our top trip: Amalfi Coast walking vacation
See all our trips: Amalfi Coast vacations
Read more: Amalfi Coast walking guide

3. Islands & coastline walking in Croatia

The walking trails between Croatia’s coastline and its islands are punctuated only by the odd ferry crossing. Amble freely on paths under stone pines and through olive groves, along pebbly beaches and past sun-blasted vineyards. From Dubrovnik, you can transfer to the nearby city of Ston and are in easy reach of the Elaphiti Islands. Family-run bed and breakfasts set you up for your next day’s adventure.

When to go: April to November
Our top trip: Croatia coast walking tour
See all our trips: Croatia vacations
Read more: Croatia walking guide

4. The Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago

If you always meant to walk the Camino de Santiago, this is a great way to start, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Spain’s beautiful, green northern coast. The first section of The Northern Way has arguably some of the prettiest stretches of the whole route network as it dips and dives on hills beside the sea between San Sebastian and Bilbao. The whole route is 800km long; this section is 125km, with plenty of time for swim stops and lovely evening meals at local restaurants.

When to go: April to October
Our top trip: The Northern Way vacation – San Sebastian to Bilbao
See all our trips: Camino de Santiago walking vacations
Read more: Camino de Santiago travel guide

5. Learn Spanish whilst walking in Spain

Whether you’ve been keeping up a language since school, or you’re learning new one, it’s time to turn that hobby into a vacation. By learning Spanish in the mornings and walking in the afternoons, you can accelerate your language acquisition, and pick up some hyper-specific vocabulary on your hike. Now, how do you say, ‘another bottle of sidra, please’?

When to go: April to October
Our top trip: Spanish course and walking vacation in the Picos de Europa
See all our trips: Unusual combinations vacations
Read more: Learn Spanish and walking in Spain

6. On the coast of Catalonia, Spain

On Catalan rambles, be prepared to make the most of the coast. That might mean enjoying sea views and sea air as you pick your way between fishing villages, spotting flamingos in protected wetlands, or spending evenings at seafood restaurants. With so many pretty coves along the way, keep your swimming costume ready at the top of your day pack (the rest of your luggage is whisked ahead to the next hotel each day).

When to go: April to June; September to November
Our top trip: Catalonia self guided walking vacation
See all our trips: Catalonia vacations
Read more: Catalonia walking guide

7. Walking in rural Andalucia, Spain

The mysteries of Andalucia reveal themselves slowly. By walking in its back country, you’ll uncover them one by one – the tales of Moorish occupation, and of farming traditions, old orange plantations and olive groves. Stay in accommodation which harnesses the power of the Spanish sun for renewable energy. If you’re no longer in thrall of the school summer vacations, you can enjoy the cooler temperatures of June and September.

When to go: All year round
Our top trip: Andalusia center-based walking vacation
See all our trips: Andalucia vacations
Read more: Walking in Andalucia travel guide

8. Meeting Indigenous communities & walking the Inca Trail

Tales of the Peruvian Andes tend to be dominated by one place – Machu Picchu, and the famous trails that lead to it. There’s plenty more going on in the Sacred Valley and the area around Cusco. As you acclimatise to the altitude, take your time getting to know the communities in the area, visiting markets, villages and archaeological sites before your four amazing days on the Inca Trail.

When to go: Any month except February (Inca Trail closed)
Our top trip: Peru walking and cultural vacation
See all our trips: Inca Trail trekking vacations
Read more: Inca Trail travel guide

9. Mountain villages in the Caucasus

Georgia alone is hiking heaven in summer after the snowmelt, and you get fantastic far-reaching views from the steep Caucasus mountains. But add in Armenia and Azerbaijan too and you get a Caucasus walking vacation with even more scale and reach. Enjoy three hiking areas in one trip and walk sections of the Silk Road that once connected them. Use a guide local to the region to unveil the Caucasus customs.

When to go: May to September
Our top trip: Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan hiking vacation
See all our trips: Armenia and Georgia vacations
Read more: Caucasus walking guide

10. Wild north-west France: Brittany

Forget Breakfast at Tiffanys: it’s all about breakfast in Brittany. A hearty walking vacation in Northern France gives you an excuse to eat kouign-amann, the best pastry to come out of the region, every breakfast time. Walking can be flat, with lots of beach breaks, seafaring history, and the beauty of your proximity to the wild Atlantic. Our trips also focus on local produce – when it’s this good, why wouldn’t you?

When to go: June to September
Our top trip: Brittany coastal walking vacation in France
See all our trips: France walking vacations
Read more: France walking vacations guide