2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Self guided Guided Budget Top 10 easy walks Top 10 tough walks Top 10 classic walks Families Tips Responsible tourism

Family walking vacations in Europe

Walking vacations aren't something that would immediately spring to mind when wondering where to take the children. But family walking vacations in Europe are becoming more and more popular as a way for families to share experiences and spend time together. Children will love walking alongside a donkey in the Alps, or mixing up canoeing and walking in Greece or Montenegro. And wildlife is enjoyable whatever age you are.

Home\Hiking\Walking vacations in Europe

Family walking vacations in Europe

We went hiking in the Alps with a donkey when our sons were 6 and 8. Then back again when they were 16 and 18. Same donkey. Same big love.

Unless you are dedicated weekend walkers as a family, selling a walking vacation to your children may feel a bit like offering them carob instead of chocolate at Christmas. It might be better for you, but really? For a treat? So, sometimes you need to sugarcoat it just a little. Which you can easily do with family walking vacations in Europe, hiking the Alps with a donkey to carry your bags, for example. Or sailing the Cyclades in Greece, hopping and hiking islands as you go. Opt for a guided walking vacation, with a guide who knows exactly how to keep young people interested, and where the best secret beach is; or a self-guided walking vacation, so you don’t have to get your teens up too early and where you have hotels with pools at every stop. Whatever you choose, walking vacations are wonderful for pure family time, slowing down the life pace, but also catching up with each other.

See all our Europe walking Vacations

Give us a call

Our Europe walking family Vacations

Activities for families on
a walking vacation

Walk with a donkey

Popular in France's Mercantour National Park, walk along ancient mule trails through the Alpes-Maritimes, from auberge to auberge, with a donkey to carry your bags.

A real family adventure, pack up your donkey every day, with packed lunches all done for you and dinner waiting at the inn, all you have to do is walk. And look after your donkey. An adventure to remember forever, perfect for 8+.

Walking ‘n water

Earth doesn’t have to be the only element of a walking vacation. Water can play its part too. Sail around the Cyclades in Greece, hiking the islands with a guide as you go. In Montengro, activity vacations on Lake Skadar mean that you have canoes and wild swimming at your disposal, as well as myriad waterfalls as you hike. On the Amalfi coast, there is a beach at the end of every walk, and Croatia’s archipelago is heavenly.

Animal magic

You don’t have to be on a safari to go wildlife watching. On European walking vacations there is a lot to spot. Especially if you swot.

Do a bit of research before you go, pack binoculars or, even better, walk with a local guide who will point out the chamois or ibex in the Alps, wolf tracks in the Carpathians and bears in Finland.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Europe walking or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

1-866-821-6866

Call toll free

Calling from outside the USA

rosy@responsibletravel.com

1-866-821-6866

Call toll free

Calling from outside the USA

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Walking vacation advice for families

Melanie McAnaw, walking vacation expert from our supplier, Headwater:
“We recommend our single center vacations for families. These are great because you’re based in one hotel and can enjoy lots of other activities as well as the great walking routes. Or go for a combination activity vacation, such as our Dordogne or Austrian vacations, that combine walking with cycling and canoeing.”

Christine Kieffer, from our Mercantour National Park in France and walking vacations expert, Itinerance Trekking: “Go with a donkey. These affectionate animals have been part of our family for as long as we can remember. They love the company of humans, especially that of children, who they will encourage to keep on walking without sulking. For people who want to hike from place to place, but don’t want a donkey, we can also organise luggage transport by car of course!”

More about Europe walking

Walking in Europe guide

As our walking vacations in Europe guide reveals, walking the trails that wind their way around Europe is to follow in the trails of shepherds, storytellers, conquerors and pilgrims.

Best time to go walking in Europe

Our guide reveals how the best time to go walking in Europe isn't necessarily the summer. Spring and autumn often offer more pleasant conditions, especially in the Mediterranean.

Ten best walking vacations in Europe

Use our map to explore our 10 best walking vacations in Europe. There are classic trails, including the Amalfi Coast and Turkey's Lycian Way - but also some less obvious contenders.

Self guided walking vacations in Europe

Read our guide to find out why – no matter how free-spirited you are – you never really walk alone on a self guided walking vacation in Europe, whether you're in Croatia, Spain or France.

Guided walking vacations in Europe

Guided walking vacations in Europe go undercover, matching you with guides who show you how to slip away to where life is lived away from the crowds. Read more in our guide.

Top 10 challenging walks in Europe

Europe is home to a host of demanding and long-distance walks. Our top 10 challenging walks in Europe includes a range of hikes, from Montenegro to Mont Blanc.

Top 10 easy walking vacations in Europe

There are plenty of hikes in Europe that are suitable for novice walkers: some in small groups with an expert guide; others independent. Check out our top 10 easy walks in Europe.

Top 10 Classic Walks in Europe

Has your favourite footpath made it into our top 10 classic walks in Europe? We’ve whittled down our recommended trails to include a variety of routes, from Greece to Mont Blanc.

Budget walking vacations in Europe

Our budget walking vacations in Europe are about passion, not profit. You’ll spend less and go further. Read our guide to find out how our partners help you hike Europe on a bootstring.

Solo walking vacations in Europe

From the Pyrenees to Georgia, our solo walking vacations in Europe help you venture forth independently or as part of a small group – and there’s often no single occupancy supplement.

Winter walking vacations in Europe

Winter walking vacations in Europe ditch damaging ski resorts and explore Alpine towns and Mediterranean islands that welcome off-season visitors with open arms (and saunas).

Cycling & walking vacations in Europe

There’s a real sense of freedom on a walking and cycling vacation in Europe. Freewheel down mountain roads before stretching your legs among vineyards, ruins and walled cities.

Tips on walking in Europe

We chatted with our hiking experts and mountaineering guides to get their best tips on walking in Europe. They've shared their advice on refuge trekking, what to pack, when to go and layering up.

Responsible walking in Europe

Responsible walking in Europe encompasses many things, from leaving no trace to taking proper safety precautions. Read our tricks and tips to make sure your vacation makes a positive impact.

More relevant guides

Written by Catherine Mack

Family walking vacations in Europe