If you fancy escaping the traditional Christmas Eve gatherings by the fireside, between turkey dinners and the grey skies of winter, here are some ideas to make the most of this period by walking under different skies. With these Christmas holiday trek ideas, you're sure to find sunshine, new horizons and an original way to celebrate Christmas differently!
Beyond the magnificent city of Petra, this trek takes you deep into the southern reaches of Wadi Rum, far from the bustling tourist activity. With bivvy spots in the heart of the desert, and the discovery of Siq Al Barrah at the desert's gateway, a world of ochre dunes and layered sandstone massifs opens up before you — the ideal travel experience at Christmas time.
Discover the most beautiful valleys of Cape Verde
On the islands of Santo Antão and São Vicente, you can set out to explore completely hidden trails winding between desert heel cups and basalt needles. Nestled between these peaks are magnificent valleys dominated by lush vegetation and charming small villages. With the gentle warmth of the Atlantic Ocean never far away and a consistently generous sun, the setting is idyllic for walking in complete tranquillity over the festive season.Desert and Drâa palm grove in southern Morocco
The Drâa river winds through a superb valley, linking numerous villages where hikers are always warmly welcomed. On this exceptional and accessible trek in southern Morocco, you will discover a magnificent traditional casbah in the Timidarte oasis, and can look forward to nights under the stars — not to mention a warm jacket for the evenings, and a few camels to carry the luggage. Nights in the desert and discovering local traditions will be as powerful as the beauty of the landscapes crossed — a wonderful way to close out the year!
Red desert and rose-pink city in Jordan
Beyond the magnificent city of Petra, this trek takes you deep into the southern reaches of Wadi Rum, far from the bustling tourist activity. With bivvy spots in the heart of the desert, and the discovery of Siq Al Barrah at the desert's gateway, a world of ochre dunes and layered sandstone massifs opens up before you — the ideal travel experience at Christmas time.
Mai Chau valley and Pu Luong nature park in Vietnam
From Hanoi, it is easy to reach the beautiful mountainous region surrounding the Mai Chau valley. With magnificent landscapes of tropical forest and rice paddies, every bend in the path reveals something extraordinary. Local homestays are often of excellent quality in the region, offering a chance to discover rich traditions. Heading back down towards the plains, you can hike to Pu Luong park — the inland Ha Long Bay — where hundreds of karst peaks create a unique landscape. With reliably fine weather at this time of year, a trek in Vietnam is always a great idea!
Tenerife and its volcanoes
At the heart of the Atlantic, Tenerife has preserved its original beauty, and its landscape of striking contrasts is a fantastic playground for nature lovers. Between the lushness of the north and the aridity of the south, the trails take you across dramatic volcanic massifs with tropical terraced crops, then up to ridges with breathtaking panoramas. The Teide massif will undoubtedly be the highlight of such a trek, and its unique, desert-like slopes will certainly be an unforgettable memory long after returning home!
