I’m not going to lie. I do love a bit of a beach holiday. But I am simply not someone who can lie there for days on end (as much as my sun tan would probably appreciate it). For me, the best holiday destinations are those which couple sunshine and beaches with mountains or other interesting hiking trails. A couple of days of hiking followed by a beach day (then repeat it!) is the ideal way to spend a holiday. With that in mind, here’s my pick of the destinations for those who want to pair their beach bum days with some hiking as well.
Tenerife
Whether it’s cheap holidays or luxury resorts you’re looking for, you can do either in Tenerife. And while the south coast is known for its volcanic ash beaches set against the roaring Atlantic Ocean, other parts of the island are known for their incredibly mountain and volcanic scenery.
A day on the beach can easily be followed by an incredible hiking day. Want to go big? Then get yourself a permit and hike the sunning Mount Teide volcano, the highest point in Spain (though in the Canary Islands and not the Spanish mainland, of course) at a significant 3,715m in height.
If you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, hiking in and around the beautiful mountain village of Masca is an absolute must.
Madeira
It almost feels like cheating to include this one because it’s probably on the bucket list for any keen hiker.
Madeira is, for those of whose hobbies centre around mountain trails, known predominantly for its hiking. But Madeira is also home to a variety of beaches, from golden sand beaches to volcanic ones and pebble beaches too.
So those looking to couple their walking adventures with a tan topping up day by the sea can very much do so in Madeira.
Mallorca, Spain
Don’t let the “Brits abroad” reputation of Magaluf fool you; Mallorca is a different beast entirely once you head north. It’s home to the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain range that looks like it was designed specifically for people who find “lying down” an exhausting concept.
You can tackle the Dry Stone Route (GR221), which winds through ancient olive groves and limestone peaks. Then, when your quads are sufficiently screaming, you can drop down into a hidden cove like Cala Tuent for a swim in water so blue it looks like a filtered Instagram post from 2012. It’s the ultimate “earn your tapas” destination.
Crete, Greece
If you want to feel small (but in that “wow, nature is big” way), Crete is your spot. It’s home to the Samaria Gorge, one of the longest canyons in the whole of Europe. It’s a 16km trek that starts at an altitude of 1,230m and spits you out right at the Libyan Sea in the village of Agia Roumeli.
The best part? The only way out of that village is by boat, so you are legally (and physically) obligated to sit on the beach with a cold Mythos beer until the ferry arrives. That’s what I like to call “enforced relaxation.”
Cape Town, South Africa
Alright, it’s a longer flight, but if we’re talking about the holy trinity of mountains, beaches, and post-hike Pinotage, Cape Town is the undisputed heavyweight champion. Plus, summer in South Africa is in the UK winter time, so it’s great way to escape the grim British winter weather too.
You’ve got Table Mountain looming over the city like a giant granite bodyguard. You can hike up Platteklip Gorge (which is incredibly steep_ and then be on the white sands of Clifton 4th Beach within 20 minutes of reaching the bottom. Just a heads up that the Atlantic Ocean here is “refreshing,” in the least, which is a polite way of saying it’ll turn your toes blue in six seconds flat.
Which one’s for you?
So there you have it. There are plenty of options where you can couple your love of a hike with beach day or two as well. Where you off this summer?
