Four of the best European regions to explore on foot

Don’t fancy an official walking holiday but do want to be somewhere lovely that offers easy access for days out on foot? These four places have spectacular scenery and a range of trails, and plenty more to distract you, too

Alta Badia, Italy

The towering Dolomites are especially bellissimo when blushing in the setting sun. In the Alta Badia area, the range is easily accessible via 250 miles of signposted trails and handy cablecars, which will convey you to a network of idyllic huts that serve exquisite food, including dishes created by Michelin-starred chefs Where to stay In the central village of La Villa, the family-run La Majun (00 39 04718 47030; lamajun.it) is a two-minute walk to the cablecars. Its summer

“It’s a Day Dream” package includes five-course dinners, daily guided excursions, spa treatments and use of the pool. Three nights in a double room cost from £760 for two Information Alta Badia is a two-hour drive from Innsbruck, three hours from Venice; altabadia.org

Madeira, Portugal

On a level with Morocco, subtropical Madeira offers wonderful walking year-round. The volcanic island is precipitous in the extreme, but thanks to an extensive network of trails along its historic levadas (water channels), there’s lots of softer walking here, too. Alternatively, explore by bike, car, 4x4, or simply kick back in the sun with a poncha rum cocktail or two Where to stay Quinta Alegre (00 351 2918 20480; quinta-alegre.de), in the island’s south-west, was built by – and for – hikers. Staff can help with everything from route advice, guiding and picnics to boot-cleaning; there’s also a pool. Doubles from £75 including breakfast Information The hotel is a 40-minute drive from Funchal; visitmadeira.com

Bregenzerwald, Austria Over in Austria’s lower-lying west, the Bregenzerwald is brilliant for “easier” Alps. There are 950 miles of hiking paths for all levels, and visitors who spend at least three nights get a Guest Card, which covers buses, cablecars and pools. Be sure to pay a visit to the farmers and cheesemakers offering tastings along KäseStrasse. Or visit during the Bregenz Festival (July 20-August 21; bregenzerfest spiele.com), which this year sees Madame Butterfly take over the floating stage

Where to stay The arty 18th-century Hotel Gasthof Hirschen (00 43 5512 2944; hotel-hirschen-bregenzer wald.at) is in the old town of Schwarzenberg. Double rooms cost from £174 including breakfast Information Direct trains run from Zürich airport to Bregenz; bregenzerwald.at

Northern Costa Brava, Spain

Catalonia’s northernmost stretch of coast flies a little below the radar – it’s quieter here, with secret sandy coves and little tavernas. It’s also easy to explore on foot via the Camins de Ronda, 19thcentury coastguard trails that are now signposted walking routes; it’s possible to hire guides or rent a GPS. Alternatively, browse the lively market at Palafrugell, visit the splendid Cap Roig botanical gardens, explore the castle at medieval Begur or chill out on the beach Where to stay The clifftop Hotel Sant Roc (00 34 9726 14068; santroc.com) overlooks the Mediterranean and the resort of Calella de Palafrugell. Double rooms cost from £105 including breakfast

Information The closest airports are Girona and Barcelona; catalunya.com; camideronda.com

Change of heart? Let the train take the strain in Switzerland; or take a boat, left

Head for heights: you could cheat your way to the top in a cablecar…