The Best Places For Adventure Holidays in Europe

Are you looking for an adventure holiday in Europe?

One of the most popular holiday trends for the past few years has been adventure holidays. They have recently become available to everyone, with budget adventure holidays being some of the most popular options offered by travel agencies since travel restrictions have lifted. One of the best destinations for adventure holidays is Europe. But why is Europe the world leader for holidaymakers who want to go on an adventure?

What is An Adventure Holiday? 

An adventure holiday tends to be a form of vacation where you will be doing lots of different forms of activity, usually physically challenging activity. It can include forms of exercise such as running or hiking, but it can also include thrill-seeking activities like parachuting or bungee jumping. Adventure holidays normally allow you to explore a country’s natural landscape, rather than seeing landmarks or lying by the pool. They are the perfect holiday destination choice for people who get sick of lying on a sun-lounger! You can push yourself and learn new skills while exploring the natural world - what could be better? 

Why Go To Europe? 

Europe is one of the best destinations when it comes to adventure holidays because of how varied the natural landscape is. In Europe, you can see everything from beautiful woods and natural parks, to stunning rivers and oceans as well as mountainous terrain. There is so much to see throughout Europe and many different opportunities for adventures and activities. Because Europe is a lot smaller, you can see multiple of these areas and do many activities without issue. Europe is one of the best places you can have the natural adventure of a lifetime. 

The Best Adventure Holidays in Europe 

There are so many options to suit every taste when you’re considering an adventure holiday in Europe. You can find amazing adventure holidays in every corner of the continent, in a myriad of different terrain and climates. Here are some of the best highlights of European adventure trips. 

Cycling Across The Danube

One of the best trips that will make memories for a lifetime has to be a cycling trip across the Danube River. The Danube Cycle Path, also called the Donauradweg, is one of the most beautiful routes in the world and goes through multiple countries. The Donauradweg will take you through stunning capitals like Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade. On the trail, you will see stunning natural wonders like Wachau Valley and Djerdap National Park. If you choose to do the whole path, it can take you between 40-50 days. However, you can do just a portion of it and still have an amazing time. You don’t need to bring a bike on the plane either - there is plenty of opportunity to hire a bike on this amazing cycling holiday. 

Skiing in Romania

Many people choose to stick with the common skiing destinations, such as France, Germany and Switzerland. However, there are many countries in Europe that have amazing skiing resorts that deserve to get some love! Romania is definitely an upcoming destination when it comes to skiing, and its resorts like Staja and Sinaia are rising in popularity. Offering up to 26km of amazing slopes, if you want to mix up your skiing holiday, you should definitely consider trying out Romanian slopes. If you’re not a fan of skiing, Romania offers snow-shoeing excursions across the snowy terrain. Make sure to try a shot of Romanian traditional drink Țuică for the apres-ski!

Surfing in Portugal 

Many people visit Portugal for a myriad of reasons, but the Portuguese coast is particularly good for surfing. The waters surrounding Portugal provide the perfect conditions for surfing and have attracted plenty of dedicated surfers in the past couple of years. You can take surfing lessons at the famous Portuguese surfing school Surfmilfontes, or the women’s only surfing school ‘Chicks on Waves’ in Burgau. Many surfers suggest staying on the southern Algarve or Lagos if you want an amazing surfing holiday (don’t bother packing a surf board - you can hire plenty right there in Portugal!)

Kayaking in Croatia 

The waters of Croatia are some of the finest waters in the world, and it is definitely one of the best destinations if you’re an experienced kayaker. There are many options for kayaking in Croatia, such as sea-kayaking in the crystal waters encasing Dubrovnik, or travelling through the canyons of the gorgeous Zrmanja River. There is so much to see when you kayak in Croatia, from jaw-dropping natural waterfalls to freshwater pools and historic caves. If you’re planning a kayak holiday in Croatia, make sure to go with an accredited kayak instructor for your safety. 

Horseriding Through Spain

Horseriding is a longstanding tradition in Spain, and is a huge part of Spanish culture. If you’re an animal lover, this is definitely the trip for you. The warm, dry climate is very favourable to horses, and the terrain is also perfect. If you’re a novice equestrian, you can find Spanish horseriding trips along the coast or along specialist tourist tracks. However, if you’re more experienced, you can go on trips across the Extremadura and the Gredos mountains. Providing incredible views and an amazing experience, horse riding through the Spanish mountains could be one of the best adventure holidays in all of Europe. 

Climbing Mountains in Wales

If you’re a fan of hiking and climbing, Wales may be one of the best destinations for you. The Welsh terrain is perfect as it provides so many stunning mountains with incredible views at the top. The tallest mountain in Wales is Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) at a whopping height of 1,085 m, providing amazing views surrounding Snowdonia national park. If you get tired, you can also take a trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which is one of the most impressive feats in modern engineering. If you love hikes and stunning 360 views, Wales should definitely be on your adventure holiday list. 

Kitesurfing in Italy 

Sicily

Do you love the feeling of wind in your hair? Are you a massive thrill-seeker? If you’ve answered yes, kitesurfing in Italy should be at the top of your list. Sicily, Lake Garda and Lake Como are three of the most popular destinations when it comes to kite surfing. The stunning cerulean waters and quaint Italian villages make for stunning views while you’re kitesurfing, and these areas get an optimal level of wind, to make kitesurfing much easier. There is so much to see and do in Italy as well as kitesurfing, such as eating the amazing cuisine and seeing the sights. Look for kitesurfing excursions from Italy’s best cities for a stunning adventure holiday. 

Bodyboarding in Newquay 

Newquay has got to be one of the surfing and bodyboarding capitals in the entire world, and if you love the ocean, should definitely be on your adventure holiday radar. In Newquay and Cornwall, there are plenty of amazing surfing and bodyboarding schools so you can learn an amazing skill. The stunning waters and beaches are by far the best part of surfing in Newquay - the best beaches include St Ives, Perranporth and Fistral Beach. Visit Cornwall and Newquay for the best surfing and bodyboarding experience of a lifetime. 

Bungee Jumping in Germany 

You may not have known this, but bungee jumping is one of the most popular sports in Germany! There are a few accredited bungee jumping skills dotted around Germany, including Berlin, the Rhineland and Munich. These bungee-jumping schools are based around high cranes and often offer stunning views of the German countryside. Many people like to combine bungee jumping with a hike or a bike ride through Germany and is one of the best ways you can round off an adventure holiday travelling the German landscape. 

White Water Rafting in Austria 

Unfortunately, many people are unaware of how amazing a water-based holiday in Austria can be, particularly because it’s a land-locked territory. However, river rafting and tubing throughout Austria is one of the best adventure holidays for thrillseekers in Europe. The Central Easter Alps is an amazing destination for white water rafting, with enticing but wild waters and stunning mountain views. However, if you want to combine an adventure holiday with a city break, Austria’s capital city Vienna has a state-of-the-art watersports area that provides artificial watersports. You should definitely consider a visit to Vienna if you love water holidays!

Running Through The Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is one of the most popular destinations for adventure holidays in the UK, and it’s clear why this is. Yorkshire is a large county,  with plenty of rivers and beautiful nature trails. If you want an adventure through Yorkshire, why not consider a running holiday through the beautiful, emerald-green hills? Staying in the beautiful countryside innings and enjoying the scenic views and clear air, you will have an amazing time running through the Yorkshire Dales. It’s important to note that Yorkshire can be very cold at certain times of the year, so make sure you pack warm clothing such as thermal socks and a full tracksuit, so you can enjoy your running holiday. 

 

There are plenty of amazing adventure holidays throughout Europe for you to enjoy if you’re sick of the typical relaxation beach holiday! If you fancy shaking up your vacation this year, give one of these incredible adventure holidays a try. 

Images from Canva

Article Contributed by Zoe-Louise Thomlinson