If you enjoy hiking in your spare time then you are sure to want to find properties in an area that gives you access to some great trails without having to travel too far – although one of the best things about walking is that you can enjoy it almost anywhere.

But there are of course some locations that are better than others, so if you are searching for properties overseas that offer some fantastic hiking opportunities, take a look at some of the following suggestions.

Stay in properties in New Zealand for breathtaking trails

One of the best destinations in the world for hikers is undoubtedly New Zealand. In a country roughly the same size as the UK but with a fraction of the population, you will find it easy to discover out of the way locations for a peaceful walk.

When you are looking for properties in New Zealand, you will realise that there are a vast range of landscapes for you to explore, with everything from stunning coastal paths and dense forests to open valleys and even active volcanic areas.

If one of the reasons you love hiking is because it allows you to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life then you will find no better place to stride out into the wilderness and with a New Zealand property to return to time and again, you will be able to discover all that this fascinating country has to offer.

Staying in New Zealand properties is also ideal if you enjoy spotting wildlife while out hiking, as approximately 30 per cent of the country is a protected area that offers public access, so you should make sure you keep an eye out for native creatures such as penguins, seals and bats.

Christchurch is an excellent place to use as a base for walking, offering access to mountains, lakes and the coastline, as well as several national parks. Arthur’s Pass National Park is one of the closest, offering trails that run through beech forests, past vast shingle river beds and between mountains.

If you want to head to the coast from your Christchurch property, you could travel north up the coast to Kaikoura – where you can also take whale watching trips if you fancy a break from hiking – or you could make the trip to the harbour town of Akaroa where you will find stunning hills and beautiful coastline to explore on a walk.

Properties in Spain offer access to well-trodden routes

Spain is home to a wide range of landscapes for you to enjoy as a walker, with everything from mountains and forests to a striking coastline and large areas of open space.

But if you are looking for properties in Spain that will allow you to enjoy some of the most famous walking routes in the country, then you may want to consider options in the north of the country. Here you will find the pilgrimage route that takes you to Santiago de Compostela.

The old trail followed by faithful worshipers for centuries runs through France and into northern Spain, stretching from the border by the Pyrenees to the western coastal region of Galicia, which is home to the famous cathedral.

Staying in a Spanish property at any point along this route will afford you excellent hiking opportunities and the challenge of covering the whole trail will always be open to you.

Discover nature and history when hiking in Turkey

Another European destination that is a good choice for hikers is Turkey, due to its combination of stunning natural scenery and historic sites to visit. When you begin your search for a Turkish property, you will need to consider what sort of walking you want to do in the country.

Turkey is particularly well-known for its coastal paths, with the Lycian Way a popular option for those who enjoy hiking. The path runs for 500 km between Fethiye and Antalya and walkers will find that there are mountains on one side and coastal views on the other.

Another reason to stay in properties in Turkey is to explore the country’s rich and varied history, with numerous hiking routes taking you to some fascinating historic sites, such as the battlefields at Gallipoli or the churches and monasteries in the volcanic region of Cappadocia.