Looking for some land-based activities during your superyacht charter? Some of the world’s finest walks are accessible by yacht, and thoroughly worth a go, even if you’re not a devoted rambler. So, if you’re after a challenge or simply a stroll up to the best viewpoint, then here’s the definitive list of the best coastal walks to do from a superyacht.
Queen Charlotte Track | New Zealand
Running along the verdant peaks of Queen Charlotte Sound, the easternmost of the main sounds of the Marlborough Sounds at New Zealand’s South Island, the 45-mile Queen Charlotte Track is one for the bucket list. Originating from a network of bridle paths, the hike is steeped in Maori and European history and has gained worldwide recognition thanks to its breathtaking views over the Queen Charlotte Sound. While the entire trail would take an experienced hiker around five days to complete the entire route, you can take up a leg of the route and gain a taster of this iconic trail, such as Ship Cove to the Endeavour Inlet.
Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast | Italy
While this trail on the Amalfi Coast, is on the shorter side at just five miles, the route is no less spectacular, catching some of the most spectacular spots along this iconic yachting haven. The Path of the Gods – Il Sentiero degli Dei in Italian – begins up in the mountains in the alpine-like village of Bomerano. From here, you’ll descend around 500 metres towards the Amalfi Coast, working your way down winding stairs and rocky pathways. Upon reaching the coast, you’ll be in view of Amalfi’s famous pastel-coloured houses, which tumble down the cliffs. The pathway takes you along the clifftops and finishes in Positano – the perfect place for a well-deserved bowl of pasta in one of the most picturesque towns in Italy. The Amalfi Coast remains one of the top superyacht anchorages in Europe and its coastal walks are both unbeatable and kind to the less experienced walker, with the Path of the Gods taking just a few hours.
The Lycian Way | Turkey
Taking its name from the Lycia, the historical name of the Tekke Peninsula, which juts into the Mediterranean on Turkey’s south coast, The Lycian Way is another of the world’s most epic walks. At over 330 miles, the Lycian Way isn’t one for the faint-hearted as it would take around 30 days to complete the entire route. However, those looking for more casual coastal strolls can take the Lycian Way in short legs that still have outstanding ocean views.
Starting from Ölüdeniz, a small beach resort in the Fethiye district of Muğla Province – a great superyacht anchorage - the Lycian Way leads along the coast and eventually a few miles inland to Geyikbayırı. At the beginning of this mesmerising hike, marked routes lead along the water - with ample opportunity for swimming – which you can follow until you feel the urge to return to the yacht.
Camino de Santiago, Camino del Norte | Spain
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is perhaps one of the world’s most famous and celebrated walks on the planet. With a medieval origin, the Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimages that span across France, Spain and Portugal leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwest Spain. Its popularity and historic importance is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing through some of Europe’s most beautiful spots. Today, the Camino isn’t exclusively a religious pilgrimage, but a cultural exchange, and the pure joy of walking such an iconic trail.
Camino del Norte, or simply the Northern Way, begins at San Sebastian and leads right the way along the coast to Santiago. To do the entire leg along the Bay of Biscay would take over five weeks, but for those looking for a more casual leg can join the pilgrimage at San Sebastian and follow the bright yellow shell symbol along the coastal Camino Norte towards Bilbao. The trail will lead you along long stretches of sandy beaches such as Antilla and Zarautz, while the start of the pilgrimage will plant you right in the centre of one of Europe’s top food destinations, San Sebastian, one of the most densely populated Michelin starred regions in the world.
Løstad, Geirangerfjord | Norway
If you drop anchor anywhere in the Norwegian fjords, the chances are you’re going to stumble across some sensational coastal hikes. But perhaps the most famous – and breathtaking – are those around Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of gargantuan, green-velveted peaks that could spring from the pages of Tolkien.
Løstad is one of the trails along Geirangerfjord and on the shorter side at just over three miles long, which can be completed in around three hours. Starting close to Geiranger, a small town that sits at the base of the fjord, the walk will lead you between the vast peaks, where you’ll spy tumbling waterfalls, immaculate greenery and even the odd llama. At the end of the short trail, you’ll discover one of the best viewpoints in Geirangerfjord where you can sit and catch your breath.
Tunnel Bluffs, Vancouver | Canada
Widely known for its splendid hikes, Vancouver is surrounded by incredible lakes and a fjord system that has formed an expanse of fantastic hikes. If you’re looking for a hiking-based superyacht charter, then Vancouver should be high up on your hit list.
Tunnel Bluffs is a firm favourite here, for its panoramic coastal views, sweeping valleys and relatively short route at approximately four to five miles. But don’t let that lull you into a full sense of security, as Tunnel Bluffs is a difficult trail, with some harsh terrain at the beginning of the route, which sees a fair bit of elevation. Starting at Lions Bay, the hike is clearly marked and will lead you past Bowen Island and the Howe Sound all the way to Horseshoe Bay and Vancouver Island, presenting unbeatable vistas along the way.
Sentier du Littoral, Cote d'Azur | France
The Sentier du Littoral path snakes along a 14-kilometre stretch of the Côte d'Azur, officially beginning around Nice and tailing off after Roquebrune Cap-Martin. It can be combined with a number of famous walks, like the dizzying hike up the Nietzsche Footpath to medieval Èze or the panoramic lookout over Monaco from the Tête de Chien. But for a more moderate meander, step ashore in Port Hercule and take the walk from Monaco to Cap d'Ail.
Carved into the cliff face, the path winds along the ocean and is littered with slender steps, rocky pools and frothy turquoise bays. Plage Mala sits at the end of this walk, where you can bag a table at Eden beach club and enjoy a lazy lunch followed by a relaxing spa treatment. Once you're suitably satiated with chilled rosé and fresh prawns, your yacht can come and whisk you away from the sheltered anchorage opposite the beach.