Running Holidays: Europe’s Top Spots for a ‘Runcation’ as Active Travel Takes Off

It feels like the whole continent has laced up its shoes. In the past few weeks, online searches for active tourism have exploded – the numbers quoted in the press suggest a rise of several thousand percent – and trail‑running queries are up about twenty per cent compared with last year. Whether you’re a seasoned ultramarathoner or just enjoy a good jog along a forest track, the idea of a “runcation” – a holiday built around running – is finally catching on.

Max Schmidt, the outspoken CEO (and self‑styled “Chief Adventurer”) of CamperDays, summed it up nicely: “People want to move, to feel the terrain under their feet, and they don’t want to rely on buses or trains. A runcation lets you combine the freedom of the open road with the exhilaration of the trail.” His company, which rents out camper‑vans across Europe, has seen its bookings for active‑travel itineraries climb sharply, a trend that mirrors the headline numbers.

Chamonix, France – Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, the French Alps’ crown jewel, Chamonix offers a network of marked trails that suit everyone from casual joggers to elite mountain runners. After a sunrise run, you can reward yourself with a hot café au lait in the historic town centre, or, if you’re feeling ambitious, take the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi for a panoramic sprint.

The Dolomites, Italy – Those iconic limestone peaks are more than just a photographer’s dream. The high‑altitude paths wind through alpine meadows and past stone‑built “rifugios” where you can refuel on hearty pasta and a glass of local wine. The terrain is varied – flat valley runs one day, steep ascents the next – making it a perfect training ground for anyone looking to mix endurance with scenery.

The Black Forest, Germany – Famous for its dense woods and the Black Forest gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte), this region also hides hundreds of kilometres of well‑maintained forest trails. The routes are gentle enough for beginners, yet the forest’s mysterious atmosphere adds a touch of drama to any run. And if you’re lucky, you’ll stumble upon a traditional “Waldschänke” where you can sip a cool drink after a long distance.

Madeira, Portugal – Often dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe,” this Atlantic island boasts a temperate climate that feels spring‑like all year round. Its famous levada walks – narrow irrigation channels that snake along cliffs and through laurel forests – double as spectacular running routes. The coastline offers dramatic drops, while the interior rewards you with waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.

Mallorca, Spain – The island’s Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO‑listed site, is crisscrossed by stone paths that hug ridges and dip into olive groves. After logging the kilometres, a quick dip in the turquoise Mediterranean is the perfect way to cool down. The little villages along the way serve up fresh seafood and tapas, ideal for refuelling.

All these destinations share a common thread: they’re easy to reach, have a solid infrastructure for walkers and runners, and they each bring something uniquely local to the table. So whether you’re planning a weekend sprint or a month‑long trek, Europe now has a running‑centric itinerary waiting for you.