Walking Vacations: A Month By Month Guide

February is a great time to climb Kilimanjaro. Expect fine, sunny days and typically dry conditions for this once-in-a-lifetime trek. Don your walking boots and join your local guide to hike across vast savannah plains and verdant forests before taking on icy caldera trails. Feel your heart skip a beat as you ascend over the final brow of this iconic mountain and absorb the breathtaking panoramas from Africa’s highest peak. At this time of year, you may even be able to see the curvature of the Earth on the horizon!

Head to Turkey for an unforgettable moderate walking trip along the Lycian Way. From glistening turquoise waters and golden sand beaches to ancient villages and age-old relics, this spectacular trail has plenty to offer. Head here in April to see the pretty coastal paths lined with colorful wildflowers and incredible views of verdant valleys against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountain peaks. After a busy day's hiking, take a dip in the calm waters of Patara Beach and sip sundowners in the beautiful port of Kas.

For the best chance of spotting whales, head to the Azores in June. From giant sperm whale and the short-nosed pilot whale to the Atlantic spotted dolphin, over 25 species of whale and dolphin cruise these temperate waters. In between whale watching excursions, explore the magnificent landscapes of the Azores Islands on foot. Peer into the vast crater lakes of Sete Cidades, circumnavigate extinct volcanoes and follow hydrangea-lined paths to the pristine waters of Fajã dos Cubres lagoon.

Escape the stifling summer heat of Romania’s urban cities with a hiking vacation in the fresh Transylvanian Alps in August. Temperatures can reach a pleasant 21 degrees during the day, ideal for long walks through pine forests and flowered meadows. Ascend to the lofty peak of Omu, uncover the pearly white limestone ridge of Piatra Craiului and scramble up rocky paths to be rewarded with far-reaching panoramic views of the vast jagged peaks, before hunkering down in a mountain hut overnight.

Challenge yourself with a nine-day hike to the vast natural amphitheatre of Nepal’s Annapurna Sanctuary in October. Dry days and clear skies will provide spectacular views over the snow-tipped peaks of these majestic mountains, and lush green terraced fields will glow brightly on the hillsides. You may also experience the vibrant celebrations of the Dashain Festival at this time of year, when colorful kites fly from the rooftops, and the chimes of spiritual melodies drift through the valleys.

For a Christmas break with a difference, head to Madeira to explore its mossy levadas, ancient footpaths and clifftop passes by foot. Navigate your way through dark tunnels and dare to step onto the famous Balcony Walk cut into the cliff. Uncover magnificent waterfalls tumbling down the hillsides and take a refreshing dip in the plunge pools below. You can also join in with Madeira’s Christmas festivities. Browse Funchal’s all-night Christmas market and listen to carols while sipping on traditional poncha, an sweet alcoholic tipple made from sugar cane and lemons.