Living by the pool doesn’t sound like your idea of a holiday?  We’ve got everything from multi-activity beach breaks to horse riding to help get those endorphins going on your next activity holiday!

If you’re currently looking to plan your 2019 summer holiday, you should definitely check out our top activity holiday picks in some of Europe’s most popular summer destinations, including Turkey, Italy, France, Spain, Greece and Portugal. 

 

Swimming in Formentera, Spain

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If your family loves nothing more than making waves in the water, then a swimming holiday in Spain may be the perfect holiday option.  This swimming holiday has been designed for swimmers of all abilities who are looking to improve their technique in open water.  Each day of the swimming holiday will include a morning skills session, as well as an afternoon sea swim.  With four-star accommodation right on the beach-front, this sounds like a dream destination.

 

Skiing in France 

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Popular London-based travel company Our Retreat typically offers fitness and yoga breaks in Ibiza and Sardinia.  This year it’s launching a brand-new activity holiday.  If you’re a ski fan, then this luxury six-night winter retreat could be exactly what you have been looking for.  Each day of the retreat will include morning meditation, yoga class, a strength and conditioning class, a much-needed après ski stretch and a pre-bed yoga session.  This is a fully-catered holiday, so expect wonderfully warming breakfasts, healthy lunches and superb three-course meals with delicious wine pairings.

 

Sailing holidays in Turkey

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Regardless of whether you’re a sailing aficionado or a complete beginner, Mark Warner’s sailing holidays offer free tuition for anyone looking to take their sailing game to the next level.  The activities on offer on any Mark Warner holiday are the main draw for families, as there are so many different activities to pick and choose from for the summer holidays.  Plus, these spectacular activities are all included in the price and there are plenty of qualified instructors to provide additional help if you need it. 

 

Surfing and yoga in Portugal

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This month, Soul & Surf is launching its first permanent European base in the picturesque hills of the Algarve.  This company already runs successful yoga and surfing breaks in southern India, so expect these activity breaks to fill up fast!  This company skilfully combines vinyasa flow yoga classes and introductory surf sessions, along with meditation and breathing sessions.

 

Enjoy a tennis tournament in Greece

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The exclusive Rafa Nadal Academy opened back in 2016 and offers full-time courses for fitness enthusiasts and rising Tennis talent.  The first tennis centre is opening at the Sani Resort in Greece just in time for the summer season.  The new resort will also be running guided jogs, mountain bike tours, daily fitness classes and forest walks.  With five hotels to pick and choose from, you’re bound to find accommodation to suit your personal needs.

 

Horse riding in Spain

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Get ready to follow well-worn bridle paths through the famous Andalusian mountain range.  Offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean as well as the vast, soaring peaks on the other.  In the Saddle offer unforgettable horse-riding holidays with up to six hours of riding every single day.

 

Snowshoeing in Romania

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If you’re looking for a new active holiday challenge, Much Better Adventures offer a host of trips across Europe including kayaking, hiking, climbing, rafting and snowshoeing.  This is a recent addition to their activity holiday repertoire and has already become one of their most popular activity holiday packages.  This trip to the Apuseni Mountains includes cave exploration and a full two days of snowshoeing. 

 

Trail running in the Yorkshire Dales

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If you’re new to off-road running, then a Jelley Legs activity holiday will easily help you improve your confidence.  This company offer bespoke guided trails for friends, couples or individuals.  Runners are bound to love the scenic park runs on offer in Fountains Abbey.  You’ll be staying in B&B accommodation in Studley Roger and your holiday package will include two personalised park runs, training and advice, along with help on pacing and navigation. 

 

Ice-climbing in France

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If you’re looking for something a little different, look no further than Undiscovered Mountains.  This company specialise in active holidays in the French Alps.  One of their most intensive trips is a weekend of ice-climbing.  Over the course of three days, even complete beginners will be able to learn to scale the impressive Frozen waterfalls of the French Alps.  If you’re not prepared to tackle ice cliffs just yet, the company also offers a selection of multi-activity holiday options that include a taster session of ice-climbing.   These spectacular holidays also include sledding and skiing.


Triathlon Training in Spain

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We can all agree that training for a triathlon can be daunting.  This activity holiday option is an eight-day event and helps first-timers prepare for the rigors of a triathlon.  This group break offers important one-to-one training in all three triathlon disciplines, as well as advice on bike maintenance and cycling skills. 


Enjoy long distance treks in the Balkans

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The Via Dinarica is a walking and cycling trail and runs from Slovenia’s Dinaric Alps all the way to Macedonia, via Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Servia and Albania.  This is the perfect activity holiday for anyone looking for a real challenge this summer!

 

We hope our top activity holiday picks give you some much-needed inspiration when planning your perfect getaway for this Summer!

 

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