Europe has it all when it comes to outdoor activities, offering a long list of bucket-list adventures. While you might learn more about its history and culture, there are many destinations that offer unforgettable action and thrills. To inspire your next getaway, here you’ll find some of the continent’s best places for outdoor play, from the glaciers of Iceland to the stunning coasts of Spain.
Iceland
Iceland can be the ultimate destination for thrilling outdoor adventures with its dramatic volcanic landscapes, countless glaciers, thundering waterfalls and roaring rivers. And, after a day of activities, you’ll have those soothing hot springs to soak in. Some of the opportunities here include glacier walking and climbing, mountain biking, hiking, four-wheeling and even surfing. If you like diving, you can take one of the most unique dives in the world between the North American and Eurasian plates in the Silfra fissure. You’ll also find a range of guided adventure trips to choose from, available through outfitters such as Extreme Iceland who offer active day and multi-day excursions.
Dolomites, Italy
This incredible mountain range in northern Italy offers some of the best rock climbing and climbing opportunities in the world, nestled in the Alps. If you’re looking for a particularly challenging trek, the Via Ferrata cuts deep into the Brenta group and requires navigating top-level routes aided by fixed ladders. No matter which hike you take, you will experience some of the most breathtaking scenery covered in colorful wildflowers in the summer. It’s also a popular spot for hang gliding, and in the winter, a prime spot for skiing and boarding.
Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps are the destination for hikers. You may want to book an excursion with Backroads, an active travel company that will take you through meadows dotted with wildflowers, past cascading waterfalls as you make your way up high mountain passes with spectacular panoramic views of the Gornergletscher, a glacier with dazzling blue pools and deep crevasses. It’s also where you’ll lay eyes on the iconic Matterhorn.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, Cappadocia has an incredible landscape filled with fairy chimneys and other unique rock formations that make for an ideal setting for a variety of adventures. Ride native Barb or Arabian horses, riding the scenic trails that wind through ancient villages, past ancient Byzantine churches and underground cities to valleys filled with the famous chimney rock formations. Viewing it all from above is a must, with the hot air balloons rising at dawn, with the early morning light making for a particularly impressive scene.
Snowdonia, Wales
Snowdonia National Park is home to Wales’ largest mountain at 3,560 feet and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, with forest-clad mountains, sapphire lakes and lush valleys. There are nine mountain ranges that completely cover half of the park with a magnificent array of jagged peaks, windswept plateaus and gorges that are ripe for hiking. The 97-mile Snowdonia Way travels through some of its most rugged and beautiful scenery.
Ireland
Ireland also offers plenty for outdoor enthusiasts, with cycling one of the most popular sporting activities. You can join a guided cycling tour through the lush countryside of County Cork and County Kerry, traveling from Tralee to Dingle along Conor Pass, the highest mountain pass in the country. The journey encompasses some of the most incredible panoramic views including soaring lakes and mountains, golden beaches framed by the turquoise Atlantic, marshes and farmland. You can also self-drive by hiring a bike and choosing one of the many routes available on DiscoverIreland.
Croatia
You will find multiple outfitters who will take you on a kayak off the magnificent coast of Croatia where you can paddle through surreal bright blue waters. While Croatia is full of idyllic island getaways, one of the best places is the Kornati Islands National Park with its nearly 150 islands, rugged cliffs, hidden coves, caves and secluded beaches. Go Explore Croatia offers camping / sea kayaking excursions where you can explore one of the islands used by shepherds for around 2000 years, meet the locals and sample local delicacies, including freshly caught fish.
Tarifa, Spain
Along the Strait of Gibraltar at the southern tip of mainland Spain is Europe’s southernmost port city: Tarifa. It sits along one of the country’s most pristine and undeveloped coastlines, the Costa de la Luz, a kite surfing mecca that is often referred to as the ‘ Adventure Capital of Europe’ , with a virtually endless list of other leisure pursuits. With such vast beaches there is plenty of room here for the thousands of kite surfers who come to enjoy the frequent sun and winds. If you’ve never tried it, there are multiple schools that will help you get up and running quickly.
Those who prefer land-based activities may want to head to the rocky hills further inland, which are popular with walkers and climbers who can enjoy great views, including magical sunsets over the Strait.
Slovenia
You might be surprised to learn that the Mediterranean isn’t just for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. It offers exceptional snow-covered trails for skiing and boarding, with over two dozen resorts open between December and March. You will be able to avoid the typical crowds in places located closer to the capital of Ljubljana by venturing east towards the Pohorje massif. The largest ski area in the country, it boasts nearly 25 miles of slopes and 17 miles of trails along with ski and snowboard schools, equipment rentals, and other facilities.
Lapland, Finland
Heading far north in winter, Finnish Lapland offers a wealth of thrilling adventures that can often be enjoyed under the Northern Lights that usually make an appearance during the short dark days of the season. Some of the more popular activities including dog sledding, snowmobiling and reindeer sleigh rides. The latter offers the opportunity to feed reindeer and glide across pristine snow in a magical winter wonderland while basking in the magnificent glow of the Northern Lights as they light up the ice, snow and sky. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even building igloos are just a few of the other possibilities here.
