Do you prefer to be out exploring rather than relaxing by the pool on holiday?
These European destinations are amazing alternatives to traditional fly-and-flop trips at all-inclusive hotels, with opportunities for walking, cycling and exhilarating sea-based water sports surrounding by mesmerising scenery.
They offer a wealth of heritage, culture and culinary delights to discover too!
Find destination inspiration for where to go next summer for an unforgettable active adventure that will leave you breathless.
1. The Fjords, Norway
Shimmering waterways carve around rocky outcrops, fronted by colourful fishing communities and crowned by ice-covered peaks.
This is the beauty of the Norwegian fjords in summer, when weather conditions allow you to hike to the top of the mountains and take in the sensational panoramas.
Iconic spots include Trolltunga, where you’ll find a piece of mountain that appears to float in midair, and Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), a pilgrimage for many.
The UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord boasts rushing waterfalls and offers the chance for glacier hiking, even in summer. Away from the lush hills, you can enjoy kayaking and zip lining, or head north to view the midnight sun.
At the start or end of your trip, you can discover local history in the gateway city of Bergen.
2. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Who said active holidays can’t be luxurious?
Italy is an idyllic location for self-guided walking holidays in beautiful scenery, from strolls through the rolling hills in Tuscany to challenging treks in the northern Dolomites mountains, and the Amalfi Coast is the place to go if you want to holiday in style.
Climb along this breathtaking section of Mediterranean coastline starting from Sorrento, taking in glorious sea views and visiting the villages and towns of colourful buildings clambering the cliffside along the way.
On rest days, sail out to nearby islands and magical grottos, and explore local artistic heritage like the legacy of surrealist Salvador Dalí.
In the evenings, delight in delicious Catalan cuisine, like seafood paella paired with local wines.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
If you’ve never been before, Iceland is like nothing you can imagine.
In summer, you have near-constant sunshine and exposed shoreline crowned by thundering waterfalls and captivating rock formations.
A winter visit means stunning snowscapes, ice caves and the chance to see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.
When you’re there it seems strangely unreal, and you don’t have to stray far from the capital to feel a world away from civilisation.
The best thing to do if Reykjavik is your holiday base is touring the Golden Circle. Yes, it’s relatively touristy, but it’s popular for good reason.
The 140-mile loop is spectacular and has plenty of geyser and waterfall walks en route, so you can enjoy the unmatched beauty of your surroundings up close.
4. Cornwall, England
Prefer warm weather breaks in summer?
England has Goldilocks temperatures for outdoor adventures between June and August – not too hot and not too cold – and Cornwall is the place to go if you want lots of options on the doorstep.
Surfing at the county’s enchanting beaches is the main draw in summer in Cornwall.
It’s one of the world’s best destinations for the sea-based sport, boasting quiet coves with gentle swells for beginners and points with challenging breaks for experts.
In August, you can enjoy the Boardmasters festival, which celebrates surfing, skateboarding and the best local artists.
Other water sports include SUP and sailing. Beaches are backed by undulating sandy dunes that give you maximum beauty at minimal effort.
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