You may associate Europe with historical sights, world-class museums, and fine cuisine, but it’s also a natural playground for athletes. The landscapes and waters are perfect for hiking, kayaking, biking, and scuba diving. If you’re planning on travelling to Europe for an unforgettable adventure, here are some stunning destinations to consider:
Where to go
Romania
Romania, the land of history, traditions, and gothic castles (think Dracula), offers amazing landscapes for adventure, and plenty of fascinating culture and history too. Romania’s vast spaces are perfect for adventure sports and activities, such as hiking and climbing up the Piatra Craiului Mountains, horse-riding, and bear watching in Transylvania. In the warmer months, you can go biking and kayaking in the Caras-Severin region, or go rafting on the Nera River.
Madeira
Madeira is traditionally famous for its great wine and laidback lifestyle, but what many people don’t know is that it abounds with outdoor activities as well. These include hiking along volcanic ridges, world-class surfing, climbing on rocky peaks, and canyoning in a mountainous watercourse. You can also walk through the sun-dappled Laurissilva Forest or along the “Levadas”. The “Levadas” are extraordinary irrigation systems built in the 16th century to distribute water from the north coast to the south coast.
The Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mountain range located in northeastern Italy. The stunning Unesco-listed destination has it all: hiking, amazing running trails, and gorgeous Italian mountains and lakes. It’s a year-round adventure destination, offering activities for every season. The area is popular with hikers, runners, and hang gliders during the summer, but it’s also an internationally-recognised skiing and snowboarding destination during winter.
Majorca
Thanks to its beautiful coast and diverse landscapes, Majorca has become one of the most appealing adventure destinations in Europe. One of the Spanish island’s main draws are the exhilarating water-sports it offers, including kitesurfing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, and sailing alongside Majorca’s magical mountain coast. The UNESCO-listed site Serra de Tramuntana is a wonderland for hiking, canyoning, and rock climbing. If you crave something a little different, you could combine sea and land and try Coasteering, caving, and cliff jumping. Wherever your adventure takes you, Majorca never fails to seduce.
What to pack
It’s essential that you have a pair of good comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking and trekking, as well as a pair of flip-flops for the beach or hotel pool. If you’re travelling to Europe in summer you won’t need to pack chunky clothing, but bring a light jacket just in case – Europe’s weather can be unpredictable at times. Wear clothing in layers so you can easily remove it as the temperature rises. Since you’ll be quite active during your holiday, all your clothes should be lightweight, durable, and easily washable. Other essentials include a sunhat, beach towel, a day bag, and two pairs of multifunctional shorts that can be worn to the beach and to the gym.
Create an itinerary
If you’re planning on going to more than one destination in Europe, you should draft a day-by-day itinerary of your trip. Do some research on sites and destinations you want to explore, and then figure out which ones are within your budget. Keep in mind that adventure travel will be more expensive than a sightseeing holiday. Set your budget early on, so you won’t be disappointed by planning a spectacular trip, only to discover you can’t actually afford it.
Picking a hotel
When travelling to Europe, make sure you pick a hotel that is in a central location, and close to amenities and public transportation. If you’re planning on doing a lot of watersports, pick a hotel close to a beach that offers those activities. It’s essential that you have a room with a comfortable bed. A good night’s rest will ensure you have the energy you need for your active day ahead. Choose a hotel with a gym if you’re planning on doing some training, or you can do some lengths in the hotel pool. You’ll need to relax and unwind after your strenuous adventure, so it might help to pick a hotel with a spa.
When travelling to Europe and organising accommodation, make sure you book a hotel that can cater to all your needs. If sunny Majorca is on your list, contact us. If you’re looking for hotels in Majorca with a gym, swimming pool, comfortable rooms, and a great location – we’ve got you covered.
