Planning a trip with friends or family can be tricky as everyone has different interests and energy levels. Some enjoy long walks and outdoor adventures, while others prefer shorter outings with time to relax. Choosing the right destination makes it easier to enjoy the main attractions without everyone having to follow the same pace.
These five destinations have beautiful coastlines, historic towns, and scenic landscapes to explore, with activities to suit different ages and abilities. There’s also room for longer adventures, relaxed sightseeing, and shared meals, so the group can enjoy the trip without feeling rushed.
Walking Between Fishing Villages and Hidden Coves in Cornwall, England
Cornwall’s coastline is dotted with fishing harbours, sandy coves and villages surrounded by green hills. While the South West Coast Path has some challenging clifftop sections, there are gentler routes for enjoying the coastal scenery at a more relaxed pace. Near Padstow, the Camel Trail follows a former railway line beside the Camel Estuary, with views across the water towards the surrounding countryside.
The trail is mostly level and well surfaced, so friends and family can enjoy a short walk or continue further towards Wadebridge. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop and admire the estuary, where small boats and wading birds can often be seen. Back in Padstow, the working harbour is lined with cafés, independent shops, and restaurants where everyone can gather for a meal after exploring.
For groups staying in large holiday homes, having a shared base makes it easier to arrange shorter outings, longer walks and shared meals. St Ives is another option for a day trip, with galleries, sandy beaches and a picturesque harbour to explore. Keen walkers can venture onto nearby coastal paths, while others spend more time browsing the town’s shops or relaxing by the waterfront.
Photo by Stephan Leuzinger
Hiking Between Mountain Huts in the Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are known for their towering limestone peaks, green alpine meadows and mountain villages. On the Alpe di Siusi plateau in South Tyrol, cable cars provide access to walking trails with views of the Sassolungo and Sciliar mountains. The open meadows are dotted with traditional mountain huts, surrounded by grassy slopes and impressive mountain scenery.
From the upper cable car station, groups can choose a shorter walk across the plateau or a longer route with more challenging terrain. Many trails pass traditional mountain huts, where everyone can gather for lunch and sample local dishes such as dumplings and polenta. The outdoor terraces are also pleasant places to relax and admire the surrounding peaks.
The nearby Val Gardena valley is another good place to explore, with villages such as Ortisei known for their woodcarving traditions, shops and cafés. Cable cars generally operate during the warmer hiking season, although schedules vary by route. For groups with different walking abilities, it’s sensible to choose a trail that suits everyone and check the terrain and lift operating times before setting out.
Photo by Cosmin Patrolea
Cycling the Turia Gardens Through Valencia, Spain
Valencia’s Turia Gardens stretch for around nine kilometres through the former riverbed of the Turia River, which was diverted following devastating floods in 1957. Today, the park is filled with palm trees, orange trees, fountains and landscaped gardens, with historic bridges crossing overhead. Its mostly level paths make it a pleasant place for groups to explore on foot or by bicycle.
The gardens have separate walking and cycling routes, allowing visitors to enjoy the surroundings at a comfortable pace. Along the way, there are shaded spots to rest, cafés and open spaces where the group can stop and admire the scenery. Towards the eastern end of the park, the City of Arts and Sciences features striking white buildings surrounded by pools of water, providing an interesting contrast to the greenery.
Valencia’s generally flat terrain makes it easier for riders choosing e-bike tours in Spain to explore the gardens and nearby city landmarks. The park is open throughout the day, and there’s no need to cover its entire length. Groups can choose a shorter section near the City of Arts and Sciences or spend longer exploring the paths and gardens.
Driving Past Geysers and Waterfalls on the Golden Circle, Iceland
Iceland’s Golden Circle is a scenic driving route through a landscape of volcanic valleys, geothermal springs and glacial rivers. At Þingvellir National Park, visitors can see the Almannagjá rift, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly moving apart. A viewpoint near the visitor centre overlooks the surrounding landscape, while marked trails lead through the rift valley for those interested in walking further.
At the Geysir geothermal area, the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, sending hot water high into the air. Groups can gather along designated paths to watch the eruptions before continuing to Gullfoss, where the Hvítá River cascades into a deep canyon. The upper viewpoints involve shorter walks from the car park, while lower paths provide a closer look at the falls for those comfortable with steeper and potentially slippery terrain.
The village of Laugarvatn is another stop along the route, with geothermal baths where visitors can relax after sightseeing. Travelling by car allows groups to spend more time at their preferred attractions without committing to lengthy walks at every stop. Road and path conditions can change with the weather, particularly in winter, so it’s sensible to check access before setting out.
Photo by Susanne Jutzeler
Sailing Between Quiet Coves and Islands in Dalmatia, Croatia
Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is dotted with limestone islands, pine-covered bays and historic harbour towns. Around Hvar, the Pakleni Islands lie a short boat ride offshore, with sheltered coves and wooded shores that are particularly enjoyable to see from the water. A boat outing here is a relaxing way to admire the coastline without committing to a long day of walking.
At Palmižana or Mlini, visitors can swim or snorkel when conditions allow. Others can relax by the shore or enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant. Back in Hvar Town, the harbour and St Stephen’s Square are lined with historic buildings, with boats coming and going along the waterfront. Those comfortable with a steeper walk can climb to Fortica Fortress for views across the rooftops and nearby islands.
Local taxi boats connect Hvar Town with popular bays in the Pakleni Islands during the warmer months. Ferries and catamarans also link Hvar with other Dalmatian islands, including Korčula and Vis, although routes and schedules vary by season. For groups with different mobility needs, it’s sensible to check boarding arrangements and sea conditions before choosing a boat excursion.
Photo by Vladimir Srajber
Where Would Your Group Go First?
Perhaps a boat trip around Hvar’s islands, a cycle through Valencia’s Turia Gardens or a scenic drive along Iceland’s Golden Circle would appeal most to your group. Cornwall’s coastal towns and the mountain huts of the Dolomites offer other options, from shorter outings to more challenging walking routes.
Whichever destination you choose, consider the activities everyone would enjoy and leave room for different interests along the way. A flexible itinerary, with time for sightseeing, relaxed meals and a few unplanned stops, can make the experience more enjoyable for the whole group.
Planning a trip with friends or family can be tricky as everyone has different interests and energy levels. Some enjoy long walks and outdoor adventures, while others prefer shorter outings with time to relax. Choosing the right destination makes it easier to enjoy the main attractions without everyone having to follow the same pace.
These five destinations have beautiful coastlines, historic towns, and scenic landscapes to explore, with activities to suit different ages and abilities. There’s also room for longer adventures, relaxed sightseeing, and shared meals, so the group can enjoy the trip without feeling rushed.
Walking Between Fishing Villages and Hidden Coves in Cornwall, England
Cornwall’s coastline is dotted with fishing harbours, sandy coves and villages surrounded by green hills. While the South West Coast Path has some challenging clifftop sections, there are gentler routes for enjoying the coastal scenery at a more relaxed pace. Near Padstow, the Camel Trail follows a former railway line beside the Camel Estuary, with views across the water towards the surrounding countryside.
The trail is mostly level and well surfaced, so friends and family can enjoy a short walk or continue further towards Wadebridge. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop and admire the estuary, where small boats and wading birds can often be seen. Back in Padstow, the working harbour is lined with cafés, independent shops, and restaurants where everyone can gather for a meal after exploring.
For groups staying in large holiday homes, having a shared base makes it easier to arrange shorter outings, longer walks and shared meals. St Ives is another option for a day trip, with galleries, sandy beaches and a picturesque harbour to explore. Keen walkers can venture onto nearby coastal paths, while others spend more time browsing the town’s shops or relaxing by the waterfront.
Hiking Between Mountain Huts in the Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are known for their towering limestone peaks, green alpine meadows and mountain villages. On the Alpe di Siusi plateau in South Tyrol, cable cars provide access to walking trails with views of the Sassolungo and Sciliar mountains. The open meadows are dotted with traditional mountain huts, surrounded by grassy slopes and impressive mountain scenery.
From the upper cable car station, groups can choose a shorter walk across the plateau or a longer route with more challenging terrain. Many trails pass traditional mountain huts, where everyone can gather for lunch and sample local dishes such as dumplings and polenta. The outdoor terraces are also pleasant places to relax and admire the surrounding peaks.
The nearby Val Gardena valley is another good place to explore, with villages such as Ortisei known for their woodcarving traditions, shops and cafés. Cable cars generally operate during the warmer hiking season, although schedules vary by route. For groups with different walking abilities, it’s sensible to choose a trail that suits everyone and check the terrain and lift operating times before setting out.
Cycling the Turia Gardens Through Valencia, Spain
Valencia’s Turia Gardens stretch for around nine kilometres through the former riverbed of the Turia River, which was diverted following devastating floods in 1957. Today, the park is filled with palm trees, orange trees, fountains and landscaped gardens, with historic bridges crossing overhead. Its mostly level paths make it a pleasant place for groups to explore on foot or by bicycle.
The gardens have separate walking and cycling routes, allowing visitors to enjoy the surroundings at a comfortable pace. Along the way, there are shaded spots to rest, cafés and open spaces where the group can stop and admire the scenery. Towards the eastern end of the park, the City of Arts and Sciences features striking white buildings surrounded by pools of water, providing an interesting contrast to the greenery.
Valencia’s generally flat terrain makes it easier for riders choosing e-bike tours in Spain to explore the gardens and nearby city landmarks. The park is open throughout the day, and there’s no need to cover its entire length. Groups can choose a shorter section near the City of Arts and Sciences or spend longer exploring the paths and gardens.
Driving Past Geysers and Waterfalls on the Golden Circle, Iceland
Iceland’s Golden Circle is a scenic driving route through a landscape of volcanic valleys, geothermal springs and glacial rivers. At Þingvellir National Park, visitors can see the Almannagjá rift, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly moving apart. A viewpoint near the visitor centre overlooks the surrounding landscape, while marked trails lead through the rift valley for those interested in walking further.
At the Geysir geothermal area, the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, sending hot water high into the air. Groups can gather along designated paths to watch the eruptions before continuing to Gullfoss, where the Hvítá River cascades into a deep canyon. The upper viewpoints involve shorter walks from the car park, while lower paths provide a closer look at the falls for those comfortable with steeper and potentially slippery terrain.
The village of Laugarvatn is another stop along the route, with geothermal baths where visitors can relax after sightseeing. Travelling by car allows groups to spend more time at their preferred attractions without committing to lengthy walks at every stop. Road and path conditions can change with the weather, particularly in winter, so it’s sensible to check access before setting out.
Sailing Between Quiet Coves and Islands in Dalmatia, Croatia
Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is dotted with limestone islands, pine-covered bays and historic harbour towns. Around Hvar, the Pakleni Islands lie a short boat ride offshore, with sheltered coves and wooded shores that are particularly enjoyable to see from the water. A boat outing here is a relaxing way to admire the coastline without committing to a long day of walking.
At Palmižana or Mlini, visitors can swim or snorkel when conditions allow. Others can relax by the shore or enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant. Back in Hvar Town, the harbour and St Stephen’s Square are lined with historic buildings, with boats coming and going along the waterfront. Those comfortable with a steeper walk can climb to Fortica Fortress for views across the rooftops and nearby islands.
Local taxi boats connect Hvar Town with popular bays in the Pakleni Islands during the warmer months. Ferries and catamarans also link Hvar with other Dalmatian islands, including Korčula and Vis, although routes and schedules vary by season. For groups with different mobility needs, it’s sensible to check boarding arrangements and sea conditions before choosing a boat excursion.
Where Would Your Group Go First?
Perhaps a boat trip around Hvar’s islands, a cycle through Valencia’s Turia Gardens or a scenic drive along Iceland’s Golden Circle would appeal most to your group. Cornwall’s coastal towns and the mountain huts of the Dolomites offer other options, from shorter outings to more challenging walking routes.
Whichever destination you choose, consider the activities everyone would enjoy and leave room for different interests along the way. A flexible itinerary, with time for sightseeing, relaxed meals and a few unplanned stops, can make the experience more enjoyable for the whole group.
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