Top islands for walking holidays

If you are looking for a walking holiday September is the perfect month – less busy but still warm enough. From Madeira and all the way to Cyprus, activity holiday specialist Sherpa Expeditions has a number of trips across Europe’s most popular islands, all self-guided allowing for greater flexibility.

They include: 

TENERIFE, day  temperature in September: 25C:  Due to its volcanic origins the island’s scenery is dramatic and different from anywhere in Europe. From high rocky mountains to cloud forests and banana plantations the terrain is hugely varied – so hiking is the ideal way to see the real Tenerife, whether that is walking across the massive crater or exploring the lower warm coastal routes. Mount Teide, in the centre of the island, is Spain’s highest mountain and the third tallest volcano in the world. Tenerife and Mount Teide (self-guided, 8 days) departs daily in September, from £630 per person.

http://www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/inntoinn/jtnrc.asp

MADEIRA, day temperature in September: 25C: Rising steeply from the Atlantic Ocean off the coasts of Europe and Africa, Madeira offers both an ideal subtropical climate and a network of ‘levadas’, centuries-old paths accessing cultivated terraces high above the sea. The island enjoys an impressive year-round flowering season thanks to its subtropical climate and rich volcanic soil and you can even find a dedicated Orchid Garden with more than 7,500 species. Mountains of Madeira (self-guided, 8 days) departs daily in September, from £670 per person.

http://www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/inntoinn/jimrc.asp

MAJORCA, day temperature in September: 28C: Away from the burgeoning coastal resorts there is another world in Majorca. The majestic Sierra de Tramontana is a massif of limestone peaks tumbling to the turquoise waters. Within this range, you can venture forth on a series of mountain and sea cliff hikes through shady forests, olive groves and ancient farmsteads, visit tiny sun-drenched beaches and listen to the sound of nightingales from your bedroom window in a monastery. Majorca – Sierra de Tramontana (self-guided, 8 days) departs every Friday and Saturday in September, from £730 per person.

http://www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/inntoinn/jmjrc.asp

CORSICA, day temperature in September: 24C: Only two hours by plane, the Corsican landscape boasts granite peaks, deeply wooded valleys, pine forest and cascading streams before leading to the clear blue waters of the sea – and all this with a French twist! This self-guided traverse through the heart of the island passes through deserts, forests and mountains and along stunning coastal roads, with a multitude of villages and historical sites to explore en route. Corsica Mountains and Sea (self-guided, 8 days) departs every day except Monday in September, from £750 per person.

http://www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/inntoinn/jmsrc.asp

SARDINIA, day temperature in September: 26C: Right in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is an inspirational island of natural beauty and a mix of cultures. As you leave the centuries-old, narrow streets of Santu Lussurgiu behind, enjoy gentle walks and explore secluded bays, lighthouses and ancient watchtowers, taste the clear spring water of the Montiferru Mountains, swim through rock arches and watch the sunset turn the limestone cliffs to shades of yellow and pink. A Saunter in Sardinia (self-guided, 8 days) departs daily in September except for the first week (no departures between 1-7 September), from £750 per person.

http://www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/inntoinn/jsdrc.asp

MALTA, day temperature in September: 28C: This compact trip has easy to lightly-moderate graded walks, offering walkers some of the most stunning views anywhere in the Mediterranean, blended with a dose of history and exceptional cuisine. This trip visits both Malta and its sister island, Gozo, which despite their size boast a striking variety of scenery, from great cliff lined seascapes and limestone pavements to rocky gorges and clover-strewn fields. Maltese Ramble (self-guided, 8 days) departs daily in September, from £450 per person.

http://www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/inntoinn/jmarc.asp

CRETE, day temperature in September: 27C: The biggest and most versatile of the Greek islands boasts spectacular gorges, cypress clad hillsides, wild dramatic limestone peaks and fishing villages that can only by accessed by boat or on foot. Leaving the elegant Venetian port of Chania behind and heading south, trip highlights include the secluded Loutro village, the magnificent plateau of Omalos and the Samaria Gorge, the longest in Europe with a length of 18km. Exploring Crete (self-guided, 8 days) departs daily in September, from £580 per person.

http://www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/inntoinn/jecrc.asp

CYPRUS, day temperature in September: 29C: The island of Aphrodite is a land of outstanding natural beauty and mild climate year round. If you want to experience the real Cyprus, you have to leave behind the cosmopolitan towns and the beach resorts and head towards the centre of the island. Here you can hike through pine-clad landscapes and gentle orchards and explore Byzantine monasteries and the timeless villages of Cyprus’ biggest mountain range, Troodos. Troodos Mountains (self-guided, 8 days) departs daily in September, from £720 per person.

http://www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/inntoinn/jcyrc.asp

Prices include accommodation, most meals, luggage transfers between hotels (where applicable) and clear maps with images. Flights from the UK are not included but can be booked on request.