Best Activity Holidays in Europe: Unforgettable Getaways

As an adventure or activity destination, Europe has a vast catalogue of locations and activities to offer, whether you’re looking for a romantic sporting getaway, a European adventure, or a full-fat adrenaline experience, they’re all on tap here. For those seeking family activity holidays, Europe provides immersive experiences tailored for families, combining natural beauty with adventurous activities.

As well as the sheer scope of adventure on offer, Europe also has an incredible variety of climates to enjoy your favourite pursuits in, from the altitude of the high Alps to the beaches of Biarritz, the sophistication of city life in Paris or Vienna to the canals of Venice and Amsterdam, there’s more than a few lifetimes of activity and adventure for the holidaymaker.

Where are the best activity holidays in Europe?

-- Explore the stunning coastlines and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea in Greece, Croatia, and Italy.

-- Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the French Alps, Sierra Nevada, and Italian Dolomites for thrilling mountain biking, hiking and trekking experiences.

-- Visit the Lofoten Islands in Norway for a unique adventure holiday amidst breath-taking fjords and mountains.

-- Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of European cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Amsterdam - all of which offer a more family-friendly city break-style activity holiday, with cycle tours and exploration high on the itinerary.

Top Destinations for Adventure Holidays

Europe offers a treasure trove of destinations perfect for adventure holidays, each boasting unique landscapes, cultures, and activities. The French Alps, with their stunning mountain scenery, are a haven for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attract hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers with their dramatic peaks and challenging trails. For those seeking a more remote adventure, the Lofoten Islands in Norway offer picturesque fjords, towering mountains, and cascading waterfalls, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. 

The Mediterranean Sea is a playground for water sports lovers, offering sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters. Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada in Spain provides a diverse range of activities, from hiking and skiing to snowboarding, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. 

Best Activity Holidays in Europe: France

France comprises 18 regions, but we’ve picked out five of the biggest and best for this taster guide:

Savoie Mont Blanc: High Alpine Passes

When considering walking holidays in France, the Alps are an obvious starting point. Towering peaks, dramatic glaciers and flower-filled meadows combine with good food and hospitable mountain huts (refuges) into a seriously impressive proposition. The region boasts stunning long-distance walks, with the Écrins National Park a particular standout, but the Savoie Mont Blanc area is hard to beat.

Savoie encompasses Chamonix, Europe’s mountaineering capital, and Mont Blanc, the continent’s highest peak. Elsewhere in the region, there are more than 8,000km of well-marked trails, providing several lifetimes of happy trekking. In particular, walking a section of the GR5, a colossal 620km trail stretching from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast or tackling the well-trodden but fantastic Tour du Mont Blanc itself, a 215km loop starting and ending in Chamonix, traversing Switzerland and Italy over 12 breath-taking days. The proximity to national parks makes Savoie Mont Blanc an ideal destination for eco-friendly tourism and adventure activities, offering opportunities for running, swimming, and exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Brittany: The Atlantic Ocean

Jutting into the Atlantic Ocean on France’s northwest corner, Brittany boasts over a third of the country’s coastline (2,800km), which is unsurprisingly dotted with beaches, incredible surf spots and enough SUP-space to start a separate industry. In addition, winding around this peninsula is one of France’s finest walking routes, the GR34, also known as the “Sentier des Douaniers” (Customs Officers’ Path).

French Pyrenees: Altitude and unique culture

While the French Alps may be more famous, the Pyrenees, bordering Spain, shouldn’t be underestimated. With multiple peaks exceeding 3,000m, the mountainous landscape rivals the Alps in beauty. The range is home to unique cultures and cuisines influenced by Spain, Andorra, and the ancient Occitan and Basque peoples.

Since 1858, Lourdes, in the French Pyrenean foothills, has been a major pilgrimage site due to a vision of the Virgin Mary. Even for non-religious visitors, the infrastructure surrounding this industry makes the area ideal for activity holidays, with extensive trekking and via ferrata opportunities in these fantastic and scenic mountains.

Provence-Alpes-Côtes d’Azur: Beauty and serenity

Provence embodies the idyllic image of France for many, and fortunately the reality lives up to the hype, with rolling hills covered in wheat fields, lavender, and vines, and the French Riviera’s undeniable beauty.

However, popular spots can get overcrowded, especially in summer. The area around Avignon is perfect for wine enthusiasts, and the Verdon Gorge is a natural wonder that attracts whitewater rafting and kayak enthusiasts from all over the world.

Best Activity Holidays in Europe: Italy

There are some amazing sights, sounds and flavours to be experienced in Italy as a whole, and activity holidays too, spanning a range stretching from the glories of the Italian Dolomites to the peace and tranquility of Tuscany. For those seeking a European adventure holiday, Italy offers an exciting opportunity to engage in outdoor activities while exploring less-traveled regions of Europe.

While the short answer is “almost everywhere,” here are a few favourite areas for activity holidays in Italy (and walking holidays in Italy), combining some of the classics with lesser-known gems:

The Italian Dolomites: Via Ferrata

The Dolomites are among the world’s most beautiful mountains, and have a formal UNESCO World Heritage site rating to prove it. Unsurprisingly, the hills are crisscrossed with paths and routes of all levels, from challenging multi-day “Alta Via” routes to accessible paths designed for wheelchairs and handcycles. There’s also an excellent range of adventurous “via ferrata” routes – bolted climbs and ladders up rock faces - that’ll get you all the exposure you could want, while still being safely attached to the mountain.

Umbria: Ultimate leisure cycling

A popular holiday destination in it’s own right, thanks to the heady combination of vineyards, olive groves and sun-drenched vistas, mediaeval wine villages and stunning Assisi with it’s Unesco-listed Basilica di San Francesco, there’s plenty to see and do in Umbria. An increasingly popular tactic is to cycle between some of the major hotspots, in an epic and thoroughly enjoyable cycle tour. 

Rustic local cuisine known as 'cucina povera', excellent regional wines and a backdrop of undulating hills - with the occasional steep ascent to earn your lunch - it’s an idyllic opportunity. 

Spain has long been a favourite destination for UK tourists, but there’s more to Spain than beaches, booze and cheap package holidays. Spain’s diverse landscape offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from the majestic peaks and kayaking gorges of the Picos de Europa to the surreal coastline of Cap de Creus and the surf hotspots of San Sebastian and Galicia, and that’s before even considering the Canary Isles, also known as the Hawaii of Europe.

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities, each with its own distinct landscapes and cultures. Here are a few of our favourites for activity holidays:

The Pyrenees: Rugged beauty

The Pyrenees, forming a natural border between Spain and France, offer some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring mountain scenery. Rugged peaks, deep valleys, and ancient forests characterize this region. Long-distance trails like the GR11 traverse the entire Spanish Pyrenees, while the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a shorter but equally spectacular hike with its dramatic cliffs and abundant wildlife.

The Canary Islands: Subtropical splendour

The Canary Islands, located off Africa’s northwest coast, offer unique volcanic landscapes and a subtropical climate, perfect for year-round walking. Tenerife’s Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, is a hiker’s highlight. La Palma, known as “La Isla Bonita,” features the spectacular Caldera de Taburiente National Park with its lush forests and dramatic scenery. Gran Canaria also offers endless hiking options. 

Galicia: Rolling hills

Galicia, in northwestern Spain, is synonymous with the Camino de Santiago, one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage routes. The most popular route, the Camino Francés, stretches 800km from the French border to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. While it can get crowded in peak season, variants and alternative trails offer escape from the throngs. Galicia’s lush green landscapes, with rolling hills, a jagged coastline, and historic villages, provide a stunning backdrop for this spiritual journey.

The Picos de Europa: Limestone drama

The Picos de Europa, a mountain range in Asturias, northern Spain, offers some of the country’s most dramatic and challenging hiking. Characterised by towering limestone peaks, deep gorges, and lush valleys, this region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Ruta del Cares, a spectacular trail carved into the cliffs of the Cares Gorge, is a must-do. The Covadonga Lakes and the Fuente Dé cable car, providing access to high-altitude trails, are also worth visiting.

Planning Your Multi Activity Holiday

• Research your destination and choose the best time to visit, with consideration for weather, crowds, and local events.

• Plan your itinerary, with a mix of activities, sightseeing, and relaxation.

• Book your accommodation, with options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

• Pack accordingly, with the right gear and clothing for your activities and destination.