Our Top 12 Coastal Walks

Duration: 7 to 8 days

This iconic walk traces clifftop paths connecting the pastel-hued villages of the Amalfi Coast. The route offers breathtaking vertical views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, passing through fragrant lemon groves, ancient terraced vineyards, and charming hamlets high above the water. You can walk it in four hours or spread your time over as many as eight days, staying in luxurious boutique hotels in places like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. If you choose the latter, your evenings will be spent enjoying Michelin-starred dinners, private boat transfers to avoid crowds, and sunset cocktails overlooking the sea.

What to Expect

Anticipate a daily journey of vertical beauty, culinary delights, and Mediterranean glamour.

• Challenging Climbs: Be prepared for ancient stone stairways and mule tracks that are demanding, but deeply rewarding.
• Sensory Walks: Immerse your senses in the fragrance of lemon groves and wild rosemary that accompanies your walk.
• Gourmet Picnics: Enjoy bespoke lunches arranged by your guide in scenic spots overlooking the brilliant blue sea.
• Seamless Logistics: Your luggage will be seamlessly transferred between hotels each day, leaving you free to walk with a light daypack.
• Chic Evenings: Spend your time after the walk exploring chic village boutiques and dining at world-class restaurants.

Let us guide you along Italy's most divine coastline after you take a look at our Italy travel guide.

Duration: 11 to 13 days

This trail follows the wild, undeveloped coastline of the Alentejo region, arguably one of Europe's most stunning and pristine coastal landscapes. The path, once used by local fishers to access beaches and cliffs, takes you over massive sand dunes, alongside dramatic sea stacks, and to secluded coves where storks nest on cliff edges. A curated trip involves staying in chic, design-forward guesthouses or restored traditional homes. After a day of invigorating walking through a protected nature park, you'll indulge in epicurean experiences focused on incredibly fresh local seafood and celebrated Alentejo wines.

What to Expect

Prepare for an immersive journey through a wild and protected coastal landscape, far from the crowds.

• Varied Terrain: The route alternates between soft sand and rugged clifftop paths, requiring sturdy footwear.
• Ocean Soundtrack: Fall asleep and wake up to the constant, powerful sound of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Unique Wildlife: Look for storks nesting on sea cliffs, a sight unique to this coastline.
• Authentic Cuisine: Expect hearty, authentic meals in family-run restaurants featuring the freshest catch of the day.
• Profound Solitude: Experience a true sense of escape and connection with raw, untamed nature.

Answer the call of Portugal's wild coast in unparalleled style. See our Portugal travel guide for more information.

Duration: 7 to 9 days

The Cornwall section of the UK's longest national trail offers some of its most dramatic scenery. You'll walk along rugged granite cliffs, discover hidden coves once used by smugglers, and pass through impossibly charming fishing villages like Port Isaac and St Ives, with a rich history of mining and seafaring. Your journey will be curated with stays in elegant country house hotels and high-end boutique inns. A private driver-guide can provide context to the area's history and you'll end your days with gourmet meals at renowned seafood restaurants, including those run by celebrity chefs.

What to Expect

Your days will be filled with dramatic scenery, maritime history, and the charm of English village life.

• Challenging Terrain: Be prepared for consistently strenuous walking with steep ascents and descents in and out of coves.
• Changeable Weather: The maritime climate can bring mist and moodiness one moment, brilliant sunshine the next.
• Charming Villages: Look forward to rewarding stops for traditional Cornish pasties or a cream tea in a quaint harbor village.
• Historic Landscapes: Explore the evocative ruins of historic tin mines perched precariously on the cliff edges.
• Cozy Evenings: Relax in elegant, cozy inns with roaring fires and a wealth of local character.

Walk through the pages of history on the dramatic coast of Cornwall after having a look at our England travel guide.

Duration: 7 to 9 days

This circular route takes you around the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, a landscape of soaring mountains, dramatic sea cliffs, and ancient archaeological sites. It's a journey through Ireland's Gaelic-speaking Gaeltacht region, offering a deep cultural immersion alongside its breathtaking coastal views. A seamless, guided walk involves staying in the best small luxury hotels and charming guesthouses Dingle has to offer. Luggage is transferred daily, allowing you to walk with just a daypack. Evenings are for enjoying live traditional music in cozy pubs and dining on fantastic local lamb and seafood.

What to Expect

Prepare for a journey through a landscape steeped in myth, music, and profound Irish green.

• Diverse Routes: Walk along vast, windswept beaches, over rugged mountain passes, and along quiet country lanes.
• Ancient History: Encounter a landscape dotted with ancient "clochán" beehive huts and Iron Age forts.
• Warm Hospitality: Experience the famous warmth of Irish hospitality in family-run establishments along the route.
• Living Culture: Walk through a vibrant landscape where the Gaelic language is still spoken and traditional music thrives.
• All Weathers: Be prepared for "four seasons in one day," as the changing weather only adds to the dramatic beauty.

Zicasso’s Ireland travel guide will let you in on everything the Emerald Isle has to captivate your spirit.

Duration: 12 to 14 days

While many associate the Camino de Santiago with its inland route, the coastal variations are arguably more beautiful. The Camino Portugués Coastal Route and Spain's Camino del Norte hug the Atlantic shoreline, passing through vibrant seaside towns, over Roman bridges, and along eucalyptus-lined coastal paths. This is a pilgrimage in style. Your walk is punctuated by stays in historic luxury hotels in converted castles, monasteries, and fortresses, and elegant Galician manor houses. A support vehicle is available and the culinary journey through the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Galicia is a highlight.

What to Expect

This is a spiritual and epicurean journey, combining contemplative walking with cultural discovery.

• Well-Marked Paths: Follow the iconic yellow shell markers along a blend of coastal boardwalks, quiet lanes, and town paths.
• Cultural Immersion: Discover the unique regional identities, from Basque Country pintxos bars to Galician seafood restaurants.
• Historic Lodging: Sleep within the ancient stone walls of magnificent, repurposed historic buildings.
• Daily Indulgence: Enjoy a culinary pilgrimage alongside your walking one, with daily opportunities to sample regional wines and specialties.
• A Sense of Accomplishment: Feel the satisfaction of arriving at magnificent cathedrals and town squares at the end of each section.

Embark on a pilgrimage of comfort, culture, and cuisine along the Atlantic coast. Take a look at our Spain travel guide for more information on that country.

Duration: 7 to 8 days

This trail follows over 310 miles of the stunning Turquoise Coast of southern Turkey. A curated week-long section focuses on the most beautiful parts, taking you along ancient Roman roads between cliff-top ruins, down to deserted beaches with crystal-clear water for swimming, and through small, friendly villages. This is often done via a blend of walking and boating. You can walk a section of the trail during the day and then rendezvous with a private, fully-crewed gulet. You'll sleep in a comfortable cabin on the boat, enjoy delicious meals prepared by an onboard chef, and wake up in a new, idyllic bay each morning.

What to Expect

This unique "hike and sail" adventure combines ancient history with the blissful freedom of the sea.

• Rugged Hiking: The trail consists of rocky, ancient paths with loose stones, requiring good balance and sturdy hiking shoes.
• Living History: Explore Greco-Roman ruins and ancient tombs carved into cliffs, often with no one else around.
• The Daily Swim: Look forward to the ultimate reward: diving into the warm, turquoise Mediterranean from your private gulet after a hot walk.
• Onboard Cuisine: Enjoy delicious and fresh Turkish mezes and grilled specialties prepared for you on the deck of your boat.
• Secluded Anchorages: Fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the boat, anchored in a silent, star-lit bay.

Sail and walk through history along Turkey's magnificent Turquoise Coast. For more inspiration see our Turkey travel guide.

Duration: 3 to 5 days

As one of New Zealand's "Great Walks," this trail winds through lush native forests and along a coastline of idyllic golden-sand beaches. The protected waters are calm and clear, perfect for swimming and spotting wildlife like seals and dolphins. While many backpack this trail, luxury travelers experience it through guided trips that utilize private boat charters. This allows you to walk the best sections of the trail each day before being whisked away to a secluded luxury lodge just outside the national park for superb food, comfort, and hospitality.

What to Expect

A typical day blends beach walking, lush forest exploration, and scenic cruising.

• Well-Maintained Trails: The track is well-formed and undulating, passing through native bush with frequent openings to stunning beaches.
• Flexible Itineraries: Daily water taxi support allows you to walk as much or as little as you choose each day.
• Abundant Wildlife: Enjoy close encounters with fur seals basking on granite boulders and listen for the song of the tui bird.
• Lodge Comfort: Arrive at your secluded lodge each afternoon to find your luggage waiting for you.
• Effortless Immersion: Feel deep within a remote national park while enjoying all the comforts of a luxury retreat.

Experience New Zealand's most idyllic coastal walk, perfectly tailored to you. For further information on the country, see our New Zealand travel guide.

Duration: 6 to 8 days

Trace the edge of the continent on one of Australia’s most celebrated long-distance trails. Stretching between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, this spectacular walk showcases the exceptional coastline of the Margaret River region. The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean meet dramatic limestone cliffs, squeaky-clean white-sand beaches, and majestic karri forests. Your trek through this diverse landscape is paired with the culinary delights of a world-renowned food and wine destination. Your journey will be curated with stays in secluded luxury lodges and exclusive vineyard estates. A private guide will reveal the area’s unique flora and fauna and rich indigenous history. Your evenings will be dedicated to private wine tastings and exceptional meals prepared by celebrated local chefs.

What to Expect

Your days will mix invigorating coastal hiking and sophisticated relaxation.

• Diverse Terrains: Experience an incredible variety of landscapes. Expect gentle beach strolls, sheltered forest paths, and challenging sections over rugged, rocky headlands.
• Culinary Rewards: Your physical efforts are rewarded with access to Margaret River’s famed wineries, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants.
• Seasonal Spectacles: Witness migrating humpback whales from the cliffs from June to December or walk through a landscape blanketed in a breathtaking display of native wildflowers from August to November in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Wild Encounters: Look for pods of dolphins surfing the waves, western grey kangaroos lounging in the coastal heath, and myriad bird species, including the rare Carnaby's black cockatoo.
• Spectacular Sunsets: End your days watching the sun dip into the Indian Ocean from your luxury accommodation, a glass of the region’s finest cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay in hand.

Discover the perfect marriage of raw nature and refined indulgence on the Western Australian coast after having a look at our Australia travel guide.

Duration: 10 to 14 days

While the Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage trails, the Iseji Route specifically connects the sacred Ise Grand Shrine with the Kumano Sanzan, following the beautiful coastline of the Kii Peninsula. The trail passes through bamboo forests, terraced rice fields, and coastal villages. This is a journey of spiritual and physical wellness. Each day's walk concludes with a stay in a luxury ryokan, where you can soak in a private onsen before enjoying a multi-course kaiseki dinner, dinner. This is an exquisite culinary experience in which each dish is meticulously crafted to balance the delicate flavors, textures, and colors of the finest local and seasonal ingredients, among them freshly caught seafood, tender bamboo shoots, and rice.

What to Expect

Expect a deeply serene and cultural walk that nourishes both body and soul.

• Ancient Pavements: Walk on beautifully preserved, moss-covered stone paths that have been used by pilgrims for over 1,000 years.
• A Quiet Atmosphere: Experience the respectful, contemplative atmosphere of a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route.
• The Onsen Ritual: Look forward to the sublime, restorative experience of soaking in a natural mineral hot spring after your day's walk.
• Culinary Artistry: Delight in exquisite multi-course kaiseki dinners, where each dish is a work of art.
• Impeccable Service: Enjoy the thoughtful and meticulous Japanese hospitality known as omotenashi.

Our Japan travel guide will take you on a journey into the heart of the country, one beautiful step at a time.

Duration: 5 to 6 days

The Wild Coast Amble is one of South Africa's most iconic journeys. It traces the rugged, untamed shoreline of the Eastern Cape's Wild Coast, a region renowned for its dramatic cliffs, rolling green hills that plunge into the sea, and pristine, empty beaches. The walk is also a deep cultural immersion into the homeland of the Xhosa people. You walk each day with only a light daypack, as your main luggage is transferred between coastal hotels. The true luxury lies in being led by knowledgeable local guides who share generations of stories and facilitate authentic cultural interactions. All logistics, including timing the tides and arranging small ferry crossings over rivers, are seamlessly handled for you.

What to Expect

Prepare for a journey that is as much about the people and culture as it is about the spectacular scenery.

• Unique Terrain: Your route will consist of long, glorious walks on hard-packed, deserted beaches, interspersed with grassy headlands and coastal cattle paths.
• River Crossings: Experience the adventure of crossing river mouths, sometimes by wading at low tide and other times on rustic, local-run pontoons or small "ferries."
• Cultural Immersion: Expect deeply meaningful interactions with the friendly Xhosa people, from your local guide to the villagers you meet along the way.
• Coastal Wildlife: Look for pods of dolphins surfing the waves, humpback whales breaching during migration season from June to November, and the unique sight of Nguni cows relaxing on the beach.
• Hotel Comfort: Arrive each afternoon at a charming and welcoming coastal hotel, where a hot meal and a comfortable bed are waiting for you.

Experience the soul of the “Rainbow Nation” after exploring our South Africa travel guide.

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Colombia's Tayrona National Park is where the world’s highest coastal mountain range, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, meets the turquoise Caribbean Sea. This sacred land of the Tayrona indigenous people is a breathtaking mosaic of dense jungle, massive, ancient granite boulders, and a series of stunning golden-sand beaches. The trail winds through this pristine environment, offering a journey that feels like a step back in time, with the sounds of howler monkeys in the canopy and the gentle rhythm of the waves as your constant companions. Your private naturalist guide will lead you along the most beautiful sections of the trail. You will carry only a light daypack, as your luggage is transferred to luxurious, secluded eco-lodges just outside the park's main walking areas.

What to Expect

Prepare for a journey that awakens the senses, blending pristine nature with cultural depth and barefoot luxury.

• Unique Terrain: Your path will take you from shaded, humid jungle trails, across sun-drenched golden beaches, and through groves of coconut palms, navigating around the iconic, giant boulders that dot the coastline.
• River Crossings: Experience the refreshing thrill of wading through the cool, clear waters of jungle rivers as they flow gently into the warm Caribbean Sea.
• Cultural Immersion: Gain a deep appreciation for the region's spiritual significance as your guide shares insights into the beliefs and traditions of the local indigenous communities who act as the guardians of this sacred land.
• Jungle and Marine Wildlife: Look for troops of capuchin and howler monkeys in the trees, listen for the calls of colorful toucans, and keep an eye out for sea turtles and dolphins in the azure waters.
• Eco-Lodge Comfort: Arrive each afternoon to a luxurious eco-lodge, where you can relax in a hammock, enjoy a gourmet meal prepared with local ingredients, and fall asleep to a symphony of jungle sounds.

Discover the magic of the Colombian Caribbean after exploring our Colombia travel guide.

Duration: 6 to 8 days

The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is one of the most legendary hiking expeditions in the world. Carved out of the untamed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, it traces a dramatic coastline of rugged cliffs, expansive beaches, and lush, temperate rainforest filled with giant, moss-draped cedar and fir trees. Originally established as a lifesaving route for shipwrecked sailors, today the trail remains a journey of revival. It’s an invitation to disconnect from the world and reconnect with experiencing your footsteps on the sand as the Pacific roars around you. Conquering the trail will give you the sense of accomplishment that comes from meeting the wild on its terms. Of course, the challenge is made comfortable and seamless by the expert support of your private guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for an invigorating challenge that rewards you with profound solitude and the raw, majestic beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

• Unique Terrain: Navigate a dynamic and challenging route that includes muddy rainforest paths, wooden boardwalks, dozens of giant ladders descending to the coast, and long, meditative walks on sand and rock shelves.
• Tidal Challenges: Feel the rhythm of the ocean as your expert guide times your movements perfectly to cross river mouths and impassable headlands at low tide, adding a thrilling element of strategy to your journey.
• Coastal Wildlife: Look for black bears foraging on the shoreline, listen for the barks of sea lions on distant rocks, spot bald eagles soaring overhead, and watch for the misty spouts of migrating gray whales.
• Wilderness Comfort: Arrive at your stunning beach campsite to find comfortable tents and sleeping arrangements prepared, a warm fire crackling, and a delicious, chef-prepared meal ready to be enjoyed under the stars.
• Profound Solitude: Experience the rare and restorative feeling of being truly remote, with the powerful roar of the Pacific Ocean as the constant soundtrack to your unforgettable wilderness expedition.

Embrace the wild spirit of this beautiful country by taking a look at our Top 9 Most Beautiful Places in Canada.

Whether tracing the ancient footpaths of Japan or the dramatic sea cliffs of Ireland, each of these journeys offers more than just a walk. They represent a rare opportunity to reconnect with the world at a human pace, where every breathtaking view is earned and every evening brings a well-deserved reward of exceptional comfort and culture.

The path to inspiration is endless. Discover more curated journeys and transformative travel experiences in our complete trips of a lifetime tours and vacations or Zicasso’s trips of a lifetime travel guide.