December is a good month to get away, since many of us are off work over the holidays. Why not grab the opportunity to avoid the Christmas rush and go away on a walking holiday somewhere nice, and dare I say even warm? We have done the research for you and looked up some exciting December walking destinations.

1. Madeira

A Portuguese island off the coast of Africa, Madeira is known for its colourful flora and fauna is a bit of a botanical paradise. Visitors can enjoy exploring the rugged coasts, charming towns and villages and the lush green interior. Having explored the different corners of this island during the day, evenings are best spent enjoying the local cuisine, including roast suckling pig and espetada, chunks of beef marinated in Madeira wine. Temperatures in December can reach up to 20 degrees and the weather is generally drier that in the months before. The annual New Years Celebrations feature the largest fireworks display in the world; bear in mind that this draws big numbers and it can be hard to book during this period. Madeira: The Flower Island can be visited all year round.

2. Catalonia

Winter in Catalonia is generally mild and during the day it stays around 14 degrees. While the autumn can be wet, December is drier. The Alt Emporda region is less visited than other parts of Catalonia, giving you the chance to discover some real hidden treasures. Enjoy walking on smugglers’ paths taking you along beach coves and cliff tops and indulge in stunning views of the Pyrenees. Discover Greek and Roman ruins at Empuries and marvel at the wildlife in the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve. At the end of the day you can indulge in Catalan cuisine and local wine, another highlight of this trip. Try the Walking in Catalonia tour for a relaxing holiday with stunning scenery.

3. Northern India

December is post-monsoon season in India and is therefore a good time to visit the country. Temperatures have fallen and typically stay around 20-30 degrees depending on the region. If you are wanting to spot tigers, you are also more likely to see them at this time of the year! Northern India offers a wealth of culture, including Taj Mahal and Jaipur, the pink city. India is a country of contrasts, and you go here the experience the vibrant colours, the wonderful food, the rich culture and the fascinating history. See Ganges, one of the largest rivers in the world, flowing from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, going across both India and Bangladesh. While you’re here, you must make sure to visit one of the many historic temples that were built to impress. Try an Indian discovery tour and start exploring this fascinating country!

4. El Hierro

Literally the edge of Europe (the westernmost outpost in the Atlantic), this island is perhaps less famous than the neighbouring Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and is also the smallest of the Canary Islands. December sees a pleasant daily average of 22 degrees, making it an ideal time to visit. It is also a lot less busy than other islands in the area. El Hierro has fantastic walking trails and a sleepy charm that makes it a relaxing destination for those seeking an escape from winter weather. Enjoy spectacular views, charming hotels, fascinating geology and gorgeous food in this hidden gem of a destination. Explore some of the best walking trails at the edge of Europe on our El Hierro Tour.

Get more walking holiday inspiration here.