If you love hiking, why not plan your next holiday around your passion? From awe-inspiring mountain trails to serene coastal paths, Europe offers incredible hiking destinations for all skill levels. Gentle strolls through lush valleys and challenging treks up rugged peaks await, ensuring there’s a perfect hiking holiday for everyone.
Even better, British Airways (BA) can take you to many of these breathtaking locations, and with Avios, you can make your journey more affordable. Let’s explore some of the best hiking destinations in Europe and how to get there with BA.
Why Choose a Hiking Holiday?
Hiking holidays are not just about physical activity—they’re an opportunity to disconnect, recharge, and immerse yourself in nature. Here’s why you should consider making your next trip a hiking holiday:
- Mental and Physical Health: Hiking is a great way to stay active while reducing stress and boosting your mood.
- Cultural Immersion: Many hiking trails pass through quaint villages, giving you a glimpse into local traditions and lifestyles.
- Unparalleled Scenery: From snow-capped peaks to turquoise lakes, hiking holidays offer some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.
Italy: A Hiker’s Dream
Italy is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, offering something for every hiking enthusiast. From glacial lakes to rugged cliffs, here are some top hiking spots:
- Lake Garda and Lake Como: Famous for their crystal-clear waters and charming villages, these areas also offer scenic hikes with panoramic views of the lakes.
- The Dolomites: This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and well-marked trails. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
- Liguria: Home to the famed Cinque Terre, Liguria offers picturesque coastal trails with jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean.
- Neapolitan Riviera: Explore trails that wind along the Amalfi Coast, offering breathtaking vistas of the turquoise sea and cliffside villages.
Getting There with Avios:
BA flies to numerous Italian airports from London Heathrow Airport, including Rome, Milan, Venice, and Naples. Off-peak Economy return reward seats start at 23,500 Avios plus £1
British Airways
Iceland: Nature at Its Wildest
For a unique hiking holiday, Iceland is unbeatable. Its otherworldly landscapes, geothermal hot springs, and volcanic terrains make it a hiker’s paradise.
- Landmannalaugar: Known for its colourful rhyolite mountains and steaming hot springs, this area offers both easy and challenging routes.
- Reykjadalur: Perfect for a day hike, this trail leads you through lush valleys and geothermal fields, ending at a naturally heated river.
- The Laugavegur Trail: This multi-day trek is one of the most famous in Iceland, taking you through a variety of terrains, including lava fields, glaciers, and black sand deserts.
- Seven Peaks of North East Iceland: For those seeking a challenge, this route offers incredible views of the Arctic Circle.
Getting There with Avios:
BA flies directly to Reykjavik from London Heathrow Airport. Off-peak Economy return reward seats start at 27,500 Avios plus £1.
British Airways
Switzerland: Alpine Majesty
Switzerland is synonymous with hiking, thanks to its stunning alpine scenery and well-maintained trails. Here are some must-visit hiking destinations:
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- Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen: These picturesque villages are surrounded by trails offering views of iconic peaks like the Eiger and Jungfrau.
- Zermatt: Home to the Matterhorn, Zermatt offers some of the most breathtaking hikes in the world.
- Engadin and Interlaken: Both regions feature serene lakes, alpine meadows, and panoramic mountain views, ideal for hikers of all levels.
Getting There with Avios:
BA offers flights to Basel, Geneva, and Zurich from London Heathrow and London City Airports, giving you easy access to the Swiss Alps. Off-peak Economy return reward seats cost 18,500 Avios plus £1.
British Airways
The Canary Islands: Volcanic Wonders
The Canary Islands, with their diverse landscapes, are a fantastic destination for hiking enthusiasts.
- Mount Teide, Tenerife: This iconic volcano offers trails with stunning views and an astronomical observatory at its summit.
- Garajonay National Park, La Gomera: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this park features lush forests and unique flora.
- Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria: A dramatic volcanic rock formation surrounded by trails with sweeping island views.
- Timanfaya, Lanzarote: Explore the volcanoes and otherworldly landscapes of this national park.
Getting There with Avios:
BA flies from London Gatwick and London Heathrow Airports to Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife. Off-peak Economy return reward seats cost 27,500 Avios plus £1.
British Airways
Austria: Alpine Trails and Tranquility
Austria’s picturesque villages and stunning alpine scenery make it a top choice for hikers.
- Soll and Mayrhofen: These regions are known for their lush valleys and serene trails, ideal for a peaceful getaway.
- Lech and St Johann: Perfect for moderate hikes, offering gorgeous views of the Austrian Alps.
- Saalbach and Pertisau: These areas offer diverse trails, from gentle walks to more challenging ascents.
Getting There with Avios:
BA flies to Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Vienna from London Gatwick and London Heathrow Airports, making it easy to reach Austria’s hiking hubs. Off-peak Economy return reward seats are available from 18,500 Avios plus £1.
British Airways
How Reward Flight Finder (RFF) Can Help
Booking your flights with Avios can make your dream hiking holiday more affordable. With RFF, you can:
- Easily Search for reward seat availability up to 11 months ahead and set alerts if seats are not available.
- Maximise the value of your Avios by finding the best routes and travel dates.
- Save on flights, leaving more budget for gear, guides, and other holiday essentials.
Final Thoughts
The colourful landscapes of Iceland, the serene trails of Switzerland, and the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites in Italy offer unforgettable hiking holidays that combine travel and adventure. With British Airways and your Avios points, reaching these stunning destinations is simple.
Start planning your picture-perfect hiking holiday today with RFF, and let your passion for hiking take you to new heights.
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Ready to hit the trails?
Visit RFF to book your flights and turn your hiking dreams into reality.
