Feeling adventurous? We give the lowdown of five European destinations that offer adventure for all the family.
Natural arches – Camino de Santiago
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not consider an activity holiday in Europe? Whether walking, cycling or canoeing takes your fancy, here are our top five suggestions for an active break on the continent. Whatever activity you chose, remember to prepare well for your holiday and take out adventure travel insurance that covers extreme sports and travel off the beaten track.
Canoeing in the Dordogne
The pretty Dordogne region of France has long been popular with Brits, but instead of exploring vineyards and ancient villages, why not take to the water instead? This corner of France, easily accessed from Bordeaux, offers some of the most scenic canoeing routes in Europe. Imagine floating down the Dordogne, watching the wildlife and exploring the romantic villages that you pass through. Routes are available to suit everyone – you can take a short paddle, or really push yourself on one of the longer routes. Many canoe hire companies operate in this area, most of which will offer a pick-up service to take you back to your car at the end of a long day.
Hiking in Tuscany
The classic beauty of Tuscany makes this corner of Italy a haven for hikers. Stay in a pretty hilltop town, exploring the region by foot during the day and enjoy its famous cuisine in the evening – with some hard-earned wine, of course. A good base is the idyllic town of Pienza, where a range of accommodation is available. A variety of walks are available from the town, meaning that you can ditch the car and explore this picturesque region by foot, walking along one of the area’s many marked trails. In the evening, enjoy a romantic meal in the town’s medieval square, before getting up and doing it all over again the following day.
Birds eyeview from one of San Gimignano Towers over Tuscany.
Cycling in Croatia
A combination of awe-inspiring scenery and quiet roads make Croatia a haven for cyclists. Many organised cycling tours are available, including specialist gastronomy tours which allow cyclists to experience the country’s finest food and wine after a long day in the saddle. Highlights of an Istrian cycling trip include the pretty hilltop towns of Groznjan and Motovun, and the remarkable Roman Amphitheatre at Pula.
Spain’s Camino de Santiago
The French Way – Camino de Santiago
Northern Spain’s Camino is arguably the most famous walking route in Europe. Translated into English, this is the ‘The Way of St. James’ – an ancient pilgrimage route to the tomb of St. James in Santiago. There are many different versions of this route, but the most popular one remains ‘The French Way’. This is a walk from St Jean Pied de Port in France, covering almost 800km until it reaches Santiago.
This route typically takes a month, so it is only for those with stamina! The beautiful Santiago is a great incentive to keep walking, as it promises awe-inspiring architecture and wonderful Galician cuisine. Emilio Estevez recently made a film about the Camino called The Way, which is essential viewing for anyone considering taking on this ancient challenge. Paulo Coelho’s novel, The Pilgrimage, is a story based on Coelho’s own experiences, which is well worth reading.
Bird Watching in Macedonia
One for the nature lovers! Northern Greece is home to wetlands which are a haven for bird-watchers. The main attraction is Lake Kerkini, a marsh that is home to a plethora of birds including pelicans, spoonbills, herons and eagles. There are over 300 species to be seen in total. The best months for bird-watching are between April and June, with many organised tours available, including tours tailored to hikers and photographers. Don’t forget your binoculars!