While most walkers may well have suspected this, new research has proven that a walk at the coast is good for you. The National Trust found that people who take a seaside stroll sleep an extra 47 minutes and will feel happy and calm after getting away from it all. Coastal walkers also have longer and better-quality sleep than inland walkers and wake up more alert. The research leader, environmental psychologist Eleanor Ratcliffe, explains: "The research revealed that coastal walkers get more sleep and are more likely to show increased sleep quality and morning alertness. “In addition, coastal walkers associated their walks with family, childhood memories and the anticipation of holidays. "It’s clear that there is something special about the coast, particularly as a place to escape to that can allow people to boost their mood, relax and sleep in.’’ The charity’s research found: 63% of people say coastal walks offer a distraction from the stresses of everyday life. 55% say coastal strolls make them feel positive about their lives in general. 83% find coastal walks calming. 82% state coastal walks make them happy. 62% enjoy the sense of escapism from walking at the shore. 69% have better and deeper sleep after a walk on the coast. If all this is true imagine how much better you will feel after a walking holiday based at one of Europe's fantastic coasts?

12 great coast walking holidays

Amalfi Coastal Trails, Italy Portofino, The Cinque Terre & Portovenere, Italy Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales Brittany: The Granite Coast, France Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland South West Coast Walking holidays, England The Jurassic Coast, England Turkey’s Turquoise Coast Treasures of the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia Jersey Coastal Path Tell us your favourite place to walk at the coast...