Adventure operator Exodus Travels is claiming a 14% rise in hiking and trekking holidays with a record number of hiking clients in 2017.
This year has seen a 22% rise in bookings to Italy and 20% to Spain.
Senior product and commercial manager Chloe Knott said: “Current lifestyle trends mean our hiking holiday bookings have soared as more and more travellers opt for active trips.
“The increase in people booking short trips away mean our European cities are becoming more and more popular, but with customers looking for a slightly different experience to the norm.
“Our hiking trips cater for every experience – from first-timers to professionals – so we really can offer the best trip possible for everyone.”