May 17, 2016 Few things can beat the thrill of the wind in your hair and the invigorating scent of salt lingering on your skin. The Best Coastal Walking Holidays Gozo: Malta’s best-kept secret Gozo coastline Gozo is still a secret, of sorts. Malta’s little sister is an island of lush terraced fields and flowering valleys, crumbling churches and wandering lanes, salt pans formed in vast honeycombs and burnt-orange beaches. Its mysterious megalithic temples are older than even Stonehenge, and legend has it that it was here that the Greek goddess Calypso trapped Odysseus for years in Homer’s epic tale. Take me there: Malta trips Greece: glimpses of the past Santorini When they weren’t fending off sea-weathered pirates or tending to sun-bleached sheep, sailor and shepherds once plied the stone paving slabs of the Byzantine Way. Wildflowers and purple-berried myrtles have since edged their way through the old stone walls, but you can still trace the well-worn path across the east coast of Paros and gaze out to the shimmering Aegean sea. Take me there: Greek Islands Spain: pretty as a picture Beach of Begur, Catalunya Discover blue-shuttered Cadaqués and the landscape that captured the hearts of the 1930s modernists and surrealists. Miró and Magritte paddled in the shallow turquoise bays, while Salvador Dali built a summer house by an isolated cove. Take me there: Catalunya trips France: coastal walks on Côte d’Azur Spectacular views over Menton Doctor James Henry Bennett’s great discovery was the French Riviera, and his 1861 book inspired English and Russian aristocrats to flock to the “sunny, picturesque shore, overshadowed by bold mountains, and inhabited by fishermen”. Glamorous hotels and villas sprung up faster than palm trees and lemon groves. Explore Menton, as dapper and sun-kissed as ever, as well as the rocky coastal paths and surrounding hillside villages. Take me there: France trips Italy: Walk of the Gods Sorrentino Peninsula After 20 years working on boats and travelling the world, Exodus guide Eduardo Palermo remains convinced that the Walk of the Gods is "the most beautiful walk in the world". Weaving through lemon groves and wild flowers, above multi-coloured matchbox houses, with coastal cliffs rolling out in front and the path plunging sideways down to the sea below, it's breathtaking. Take me there: Amalfi Coast trips See our top 5 coastal walks in more detail below.
Self-Guided Walking on Gozo - Calypso's Isle New Premium Discover the island gem of Gozo with coastal and inland walks. Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 12+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 5 Days from £619 Self-Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Self-guided Walking on the Island of Gozo - Calypso's Isle 8 reviews Premium Discover the island gem of Gozo with coastal and inland walks. Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 12+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 8 Days from £909 Self-Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Walking on the Greek Islands 53 reviews Discover three idyllic Greek islands Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely 8 Days from £1,199 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Walking the Amalfi Coast 367 reviews Discover the highlights of Italy's Amalfi coast on foot Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 8 Days from £1,049 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Paths of the Amalfi Coast 1 review Independent walks on Italy's magnificent Amalfi Coast Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 12+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 8 Days from £955 Self-Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details