In 2024, more than 10,000 Brits walked the ancient trails to Santiago the Compostela, which means an increase of 24% from previous years, and this number is expected to go up this year since more and more people are changing the traditional crowded holidays for ones that are more relaxed, ones that offer a physical challenge as well as a deeper cultural connection. Those and many other reasons make this year the ideal time to venture on a European walking holiday, as the whole continent prepares for a huge cultural and spiritual event, the Jubilee Year.
An event that easily combines ancient paths with cultural immersion and amazing energies that create a special atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else, offering a chance to be part of something much larger than a typical holiday. For anyone who has ever considered a walking holiday in Europe, the planning starts now, and the opportunity is too significant to ignore.
The main driver for the 2025 appeal is the Jubilee Year, which is also known as the Holy Year, a big event that has its roots in the Catholic Church and occurs only once every 25 years. This year, more than 24 million pilgrims have visited Rome already, and it’s expected to welcome more than 31 million pilgrims. This creates a sense of experience across Europe’s historic pilgrimage routes, especially the Via Francigena, which can get crowded and packed.
Beyond the Jubilee, the travel trends firmly favor the slow, sustainable, and immersive experience that a walking holiday offers. That’s why travellers are increasingly pursuing meaningful connections with landscapes and cultures, moving away from crowded tourist attractions.
Beyond the Via Francigena, another amazing approach to take advantage of this amazing event is a walking holiday in Portugal, especially the Camino Portuguese, which is an ancient trail that takes you from Lisbon or Porto to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Being part of the popular Camino de Santiago, it’s a well-marked and highly maintained trail to try.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more personal, a walking holiday in Portugal’s Algarve region represents a super alternative for British hikers. The region is popular thanks to trails like the Rota Vicentina, which include one of the most popular hikes in the world, the Fisherman’s Trail. This route takes you across the edge of the Alentejo and Vicentine Coast, and offers hikers amazing views of cliffs, coves, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
The project is supported by local communities, which means that your visit directly contributes to the local economy and trail maintenance. For a different option, try the Via Algarviana. This trail crosses the entire region inland and will take you through oak forests and traditional villages.
While each trail has something unique to offer, each of them is a long-distance trail, and this will require solid planning. Booking well in advance everything, from accommodations, luggage transfers, to transportation on top of the route itself and its different attractions.
All of this makes organising a multi-day walking holiday in a foreign country overwhelming, but fortunately, this is where a specialist agency like Orbis Ways becomes invaluable. It has built a strong reputation for its self-guided walking adventures and services. They handle all of the logistics mentioned before, so you can focus entirely on the experience of the walk.
Conclusion
The unique energy of the Jubilee Year, the growing demand for sustainable travel, and the stunning beauty of the continent’s trails create a MUST-DO experience. Whether you want to try the Via Francigena, the Camino de Santiago, or a walking holiday in Europe, this is sure to be an adventure you need to try at least once in your life, and by partnering with an agency like Orbis Ways, you can ensure that the hike is smooth from start to finish.
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