One of the fastest growing travel segments worldwide is with activities and locations for the sport-minded. Increasingly we are understanding just how important an active lifestyle is. Here’s a look a five great holidays for sporty couples with a focus on Europe.
Cycling Your Own Tour through France
There’s nothing for a cycling fan like riding part of the Tour de France. The 2013 edition includes legs from Corsica to to, of course, Paris. The Corsica legs highlighted the striking beauty of the island and the challenges of its topography. A biking holiday that takes in the history and culture of the island is a perfect way to relax whilst challenging your fitness. Follow the Tour route as it jumps to the mainland if you desire more riding.
Sea Kayaking and Surfing in Cornwall
Cornwall has much more to offer than just playing in the sand. Try your hand at surfing on Watergate Bay just north of Newquay or try the waves at Portreath. Once you have your feel for hanging 10, it’s time to go out to sea. Explore the Cornish coast from a kayak on a two-day or five-day adventure with overnight camping. Discover hidden coves among the spectacular cliffs and spend the evenings in a wild campsite with the sounds of crashing waves to sleep by.
Chris Allen [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Hike, Kayak, and Bike Croatia
Discover 16 travertine lakes and 90 waterfalls in the UNESCO World Heritage site encmpassing Plitvice Lakes National Park before moving south to paddle through the beautiful canyons of the Krupa or Zrmanja rivers. Try sea kayaking off of Vrgada Island or hiking the pristine forests of Krka National Park. Bike the countryside or the magnificent coastal scenery of this incredibly beautiful region.
Cycling Iceland
See volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, lava flows, waterfalls, and rugged coast on a cycling tour of Iceland. Biking through desolate lava fields then emerging next to a geyser or crystal clear pool on a long summer evening refreshes and invigorates. Visit the golden waterfall of Gulfloss or cycle at the tongue of a glacier. The combination of welcoming locals and intimidating nature is tough to beat.
Kitesurfing Tarifa
Kitesurfing and windsurfing require wind and water. Find both in glorious excess near the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea in Tarifa, Spain. Schools to learn the craft abound if you are a beginner and conditions exist that can challenge every level. Enjoy the Andalucian atmosphere by day at a Tapas bar. Then party the night away until long after midnight by virtue of the famous nightlife. Rock climbing and hiking in the nearby mountains offer diversions away from the water.
Eric Guinther at the English language Wikipedia [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Sporty couples know there is nothing more than relaxing than a holiday spent taking part in a favourite sporting pastime or discovering a new one. Whether you choose one of these adventures or something entirely different, take time to research your best options. That will help you ensure that your holiday is a resounding success.
Abi writes for Highcliffe the Polzeath accommodation specialists HighCliffe Holidays. Highcliffe have a handful of dog & pet friendly cottages in North Cornwall so you can bring your four legged friend too.