The world is full of places renowned for their natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes, and rich flora and fauna. These destinations are brimming with adventures that captivate travellers seeking exciting adventure sports on their next holiday. But with so many destinations to choose from, you might need help deciding where to go for the best adventure sports. Here are some suggestions to help you.
1. The Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are some of the world’s best places to visit for adventure sports. It’s a destination perfect for anyone looking to explore nature and pursue outdoor activities. The archipelago is home to pristine beaches and fascinating islands that have become a shelter for some of the world’s most exotic birds and animals.
One of the best things to do for adventurous tourists visiting the Galapagos is to go snorkelling. With its crystal-clear waters, you will surely enjoy the experience. You can snorkel in the waters of Bartolome, with an opportunity to swim with the cute Galapagos penguins! Aside from the penguins, you can also stumble upon curious baby sea lions on your snorkelling adventure. If you prefer land-based activities, you can go hiking to admire the volcanoes up close. In case you’re not aware, the Galapagos consists of volcanic islands. You can witness its fascinating volcanic landscapes during your hike.
If mountain climbing is more your thing, consider climbing Sierra Negra, an active volcano having the largest basaltic caldera in the Galapagos and lies on the southern part of Isabela Island. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the top with a chance to see Darwin’s finches, which are endemic to the island.
2. Saas-Fee
With over 100 km of pistes and surrounded by numerous mountain peaks, Saas-Fee is a fantastic destination for skiing. But the picturesque village is more than just a skiing destination. It’s a year-round travel destination, offering exciting activities regardless of the season. For non-skiers, there are hiking trails and cross-country ski trails. You will also find numerous toboggan runs, offering a fun alternative to skiing.
Being a year-round travel destination, many regular visitors choose to browse properties for sale in Saas-Fee, this way they can visit whenever they want. In addition to skiing, the summer season is a popular time to hike on its numerous scenic trails. Thrill-seekers can conquer the Gorge Alpin, a stream gorge between Saas-Grund and Saas-Fee. Venture into the lush forest of Saas-Fee, where you can cross on suspension bridges or do a toboggan run into the forest landscape of Feeblitz.
Saas-Fee is also ideal for families who love to take on adventures. The ski village offers exciting family holidays with children’s facilities in the highest Swiss mountains ensuring ultimate family adventures.
3. The Azores
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, head to Portugal’s Azores region. It attracts adventurous travellers for its timeless and tranquil beauty, offering the opportunity to enjoy endless activities, such as spectacular hikes, kayaking in crater lakes, paddleboarding in Sao Miguel, whale watching, rock climbing, and more.
The picturesque coastline of Sao Miguel Island is a haven for adventure sports. It’s a fantastic place to test your balance through stand-up paddleboarding, with the opportunity to take up lessons from the experts. Canoeing and kayaking are other activities you can enjoy in Sao Miguel, where you can look forward to exploring crystalline lakes surrounded by picturesque volcanic craters. You can also launch your boat into the ocean since Sao Miguel has secluded bays where you can paddle amongst gorgeous ocean scenery.
The breathtaking landscapes of the Azores offer the perfect setting for unforgettable rounds of golf. Golfing is a year-round activity in the region, home to several golf courses surrounded by the vast ocean.
4. The Algarve
The Algarve lies in the southernmost region of Portugal, stretching to an area of more than 4,000 square kilometres, encompassing sixteen municipalities. It’s a vast region famous for being Portugal’s top surfing destination. Even if you’re not into surfing, you’ll find plenty of things to enjoy here. You will also find some of Portugal’s most excellent rental villas in the Algarve, an ideal choice if you want to indulge in ultimate relaxation after a day of adventures.
If you’re into adventure sports, cliff walking at Praia da Marinha should be on your bucket list. Marinha Beach is one of the Algarve’s most gorgeous beaches and walking along its surrounding cliffs is an activity you shouldn’t miss. Just follow the trail along the cliff sides and marvel at the jaw-dropping views! If you are into surfing, then the Algarve is your paradise. Many of the picturesque beaches of the region have hosted world-famous surfing competitions. But if you’re not into surfing, you’ll find beautiful beaches to lounge around and enjoy swimming.
Adventurous travellers should also try exploring the stunning Benagil Cave, one of the top attractions in the Algarve. The cave was formed through natural erosion, with a worn-out circle at the ceiling, offering a unique ray of light.
5. South Africa
South Africa has some of the world’s best adventure sports, from paragliding to surfing, wildlife tracking, and even shark diving, an unusual holiday but something to tick off your bucket list. Thrill-seekers fond of hair-raising stunts should try bungee jumping or sky diving. Avid hikers will have plenty of adventure trails to conquer, while climbers can scale stunning mountain peaks.
White water rafting is popular in South Africa since the country has many rivers to enjoy this adventurous sport. The rivers in Doring in the Western Cape are fast-flowing and steep, while the Orange River is calmer. You must be reasonably fit to conquer the wild rivers. If you want to discover South Africa’s rich marine life, go snorkelling or scuba diving. But if you want a more exhilarating way to dive, you should try shark diving in Hermanus, a coastal town about 76 miles from Cape Town.
A Horseback safari is another fun activity to try. Your journey will take you to diverse landscapes, from mountainous areas to spectacular coastlines, while stumbling upon wild animals. The combination of riding a horse and game-viewing makes this activity truly exciting.