News
Best walking holidays for February and March: 7 places to walk into spring
Why February and March are some of the best months for a walking holiday
Walking in the Mediterranean in late winter and early spring makes a lot of sense. At home the days are short and grey. In southern Europe the temperatures are already mild, the hills are green after the winter rain and the almond trees are in blossom.
Summer heat can make walking a tiring if you don't pick the right location. In February and March you get comfortable daytime temperatures, clear light for views, wildflowers along the trail and villages that feel lived-in, not packed with tourists. If you want to start the year with fresh air and a change of scene, these are the best walking holidays to book for February and March.
Cyprus has one of the warmest winters in Europe, so it's a great choice for an early-season walking holiday. In February and March daytime temperatures often reach the high teens.
Walks range from coastal paths with views over the clear blue sea to routes through hillside villages, where life still moves at a gentle pace. With no single supplement on this holiday, it's ideal if you're travelling alone and want good company on the trail without paying extra.
Best for: solo travellers, spring flowers, reliably mild weather
If you want real warmth in February, head for the Canary Islands. Fuerteventura regularly sees temperatures in the low twenties even in midwinter. It's one of the most dependable winter-sun walking destinations close to the UK.
The island's scenery is unlike anywhere else on this list. There are volcanic cones, wide plains, huge dunes and long stretches of empty beach. Walking here feels open, with big skies and the Atlantic never far away. After a day on the trail, there's nothing better than a sunset over the ocean.
Best for: guaranteed sunshine, dramatic volcanic landscapes, beach lovers
Malta and Gozo are small islands, but there's a lot to walk through. February and March are the best months to explore them. The fields are green, the wildflowers are out and the temperatures are just right for a day on foot.
You'll follow clifftop paths with sweeping sea views, pass ancient temples older than Stonehenge and wander through tiny villages. Gozo is quieter and more rural than Malta, which makes it especially good for walking. It's a laid-back island of terraced fields, dramatic coastline and sleepy squares. Few places pack this much history and scenery into so little space.
Best for: history lovers, coastal scenery, a relaxed pace
Andalucía's eastern coast is one of the sunniest corners of Spain. That makes it a perfect place for a February or March walking break. You'll walk through a landscape of rugged hills, whitewashed villages and quiet coves, with the Mediterranean sparkling below.
Early spring is especially beautiful here. The almond blossom paints the hillsides pink and white, and the temperatures are ideal for walking. Add Andalucía's food and relaxed village life, and it's easy to see why this is one of our favourite walking holidays in Spain.
Best for: Spanish culture and food, sunshine
Most visitors to the Algarve never see its eastern side, and that's exactly why it's worth a visit. Away from the resorts, the Eastern Algarve is a gentle, unspoilt landscape. It has rolling hills, traditional villages, and quiet riverside paths.
In February and March the countryside is at its greenest and the almond trees are in flower. This is the authentic, slower side of Portugal, full of cobbled streets, local cafés and friendly locals. It's a great choice for walkers who like to discover places off the beaten track.
Best for: getting off the beaten track, authentic Portugal, peaceful trails
The Western Algarve shows Portugal's wilder side. Here the coast turns rugged and dramatic, with towering cliffs, golden sandstone stacks, hidden beaches and the powerful Atlantic below. It's some of the most spectacular coastal walking in Europe.
Early spring brings wildflowers to the clifftops and comfortable temperatures for longer days on foot. The coastline is famously beautiful, but in February and March you'll share it with very few people. The seafood in the fishing villages is a delicious bonus at the end of the day.
Best for: dramatic coastal walking, clifftop views, seafood
February is almond blossom season in Mallorca, and the island is at its most beautiful. The cooler temperatures are ideal for walking in the mountains, and the villages are calm and welcoming. With no single supplement, this is a fantastic choice for solo walkers.
Best for: mountain scenery, almond blossom, solo travellers
How to choose the best walking holiday for you
- Want the warmest weather? Fuerteventura or Cyprus.
- Travelling solo? Cyprus and Mallorca both have no single supplement.
- Love coastal scenery? The Western Algarve or Malta & Gozo.
- Want to escape the crowds? The Hidden Eastern Algarve.
- Want to see the almond blossom? Mallorca, Andalucía or the Eastern Algarve.
Start your year on the right foot
If you're looking for the best walking holidays to escape the winter, February and March are the perfect months to go. Whether you picture yourself on the clifftops of the Algarve, among the almond blossom in Mallorca or under the Canary Islands sun, there's a trail waiting for you.
What our walkers say
Next adventure already booked.
