The South West Coast Path, a 630-mile route along England’s southwest peninsula, offers dramatic coastal scenery. Pictured: Cape Cornwall. (iStock)
While New Year’s resolutions come in all shapes and sizes, getting fit and seeing new things tend to figure highly on many people’s lists of aspirations. Sporting challenges set against stunning backdrops could deliver on both counts, so why not hike, run, bike or raft your way through some of Europe’s most iconic routes in 2026?
Hiking
Europe’s best-loved long-distance hiking trails offer heights, history and views beyond compare. The Camino de Santiago, not one but an entire network of routes leading to the magnificent cathedral that serves as the final resting place of the apostle St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, is perfect for those in search of a spiritual connection with pilgrims who traversed the same terrain a thousand years prior. The Alta Via 1, a 10-day trek through the jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites range in Italy, offers ever-changing vistas, World War I history lessons and rifugios serving top-notch cuisine at the end of a long day.
The South West Coast Path, a 630-mile route along England’s southwest peninsula, acquaints walkers with the dramatic coastal scenery that’s wowed fans of popular TV series such as “Poldark” and “Doc Martin,” and more recently the film “The Salt Path.”
A stunning trail that’s suitable for those with an overall good level of fitness is the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), a 105-mile circuit that wraps itself around the Mont Blanc massif, the Alps’ highest peak. The trail passing through France, Italy and Switzerland takes most hikers a week to 10 days to complete, but numerous starting or jumping-off points make doing just a portion of it an option too. Hikers with just four to five days to spare will often opt to take on the leg between Chamonix or Les Houches, both in France, and finish in Courmayeur in Italy. A TMB hike can be experienced in many ways, from camping with all one’s gear in tow to a guided hut-to-hut tour in which all meals and accommodations are arranged by a travel agency. Those feeling up to taking on the TMB in the form of a trail run can lighten their loads by organizing a baggage transfer service from one night’s lodging to the next. Due to the route’s extreme popularity, particularly in July and August, it’s essential for those booking their own lodging to put arrangements in place months in advance. The website autourdumontblanc.com/en helps hikers get on their way.
Cycling
With its countless miles of dedicated cycling paths and bike-friendly cities, much of Europe is a cyclist’s paradise, and hopping on a bike to make one’s commute to work or school is a part of daily life for millions. The EuroVelo network, made up of 17 long-distance cycle routes that cross and connect 39 countries within Europe, already offers riders some 35,000 miles of marked routes and continues to grow. The presence of campgrounds, hostels and other forms of accommodation makes cycling holidays an attractive option for all kinds of travelers, from families on a budget to solo adventurers undaunted by even the highest of peaks. Many of Europe’s most popular cycling routes follow the course of its famous waterways, including the Rhine, Danube, Elbe and Loire rivers.
Those intrigued at the thought of crossing the Alps by bike but fearful they might not be up to the task might wish to give the Alpe-Adria Cycling Route their consideration. This 260-mile path starts in Salzburg, Austria, and finishes in the town of Grado, a town on Italy’s Adriatic coast between Venice and Trieste. The inclusion of disused railway lines and tunnels, along with an 11-minute train journey through the Tauern tunnel, takes away much of the gain in elevation one would otherwise expect from such a route. Typically taking from seven to 10 days to complete, highlights of the Alpe-Adria Cycling Route include Austria’s spa town of Bad Gastein, the Hohe Tauern National Park and Lake Faak. Once in Italy, cyclists can look forward to exploring medieval Udine, visiting the star-shaped fortress town of Palmanova and sampling the zesty white wines of the Collio wine-growing region. Cyclists can opt for a do-it-yourself itinerary, booking their own accommodations and side trips, or leave all the planning to any one of several providers. The Epic Road Rides website makes a great resource for planning this or other cycling adventures. Online: tinyurl.com/8be9zvrv
Whitewater rafting
Paddling a rubber raft down rushing rapids under the leadership of a licensed guide promises unspoiled natural beauty, the chance to bond with one’s fellow rafters and plenty of adrenaline when the waters really start to churn. Europe’s whitewater rafting hotspots include the Sjoa River in central Norway; the Inn River in Austria’s Tyrol region; the Noce River in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of northern Italy; the Verdon Gorge in southeast France and the Cetina River in southern Croatia.
For multi-day adventure, consider a guided rafting tour through Montenegro’s Tara Gorge, billed as the deepest canyon in all Europe. The longer tours along this pristinely clean river cutting its way through the Durmitor National Park generally start in Splaviste and finish near Scepan Polje, and are rated as suitable for beginners. While rafting season runs from April to October, early spring snowmelt makes April and May the most exhilarating time of year to take on the rapids. Various outfitters offer two-day paddling tours inclusive of two overnight stays, meals and all essential gear at prices approximating 300 euros per person. Online: tinyurl.com/5ktmcexn
