Spain’s diverse landscapes offer a unique experience for travellers wanting to go on an active holiday. As a haven for adventurers, Spain boasts a fascinating array of outdoorsy pursuits. Lush green parks, tranquil beaches, scenic hiking routes, and pristine diving spots are some of the features that lure thrill-seekers to the country. Read on to find the best places in Spain for an active holiday.
- Menorca
The gorgeous island of Menorca may be small, but it offers many fun adventures well-suited for active travellers. Famous for its relaxing beach vacations, Menorca is also home to historic towns and sleepy fishing villages that you can best explore on a hike. You can also have fun in the water with a host of water-based activities, from snorkelling to kayaking and more!
Visit the charming coastal village of Binibeca and walk through its narrow streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses. Binibeca is also home to a beautiful beach with shallow water where you can enjoy snorkelling. If you prefer a more adventurous hike, explore the Algendar Canyon. You’ll be in awe at its rugged scenery and pure unadulterated beauty. Begin your adventure at Ferreries and follow the trail leading to a dramatic limestone gorge.
If you prefer to hike along the coast and venture off the beaten path, head to Cala Pregonda, an isolated beach that’s a real hidden gem of Menorca. You need to hike for about 30 minutes to get here, but it’s all worth it. With its distinct golden-red sand, Cala Pregonda is a gorgeous, tranquil beach, an ideal spot to take a refreshing dip away from the crowds of tourists.
- Majorca
Often dubbed the “Jewel of the Balearic,” Majorca is a sunny paradise of lofty mountains, scenic coves, and idyllic beaches. It’s also home to hilltop villages lined with Moorish architecture that you can explore on foot. It’s recommended to find a holiday rental close to where your activity is taking place, so you don’t have a long journey afterwards. With plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, Majorca is the perfect destination for an active holiday in Spain.
If you want to spend your days in the waters of Majorca, head to Cala Vella, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. You can swim or snorkel in its turquoise waters and enjoy a picnic surrounded by stunning views. If you prefer land-based activities, hike up the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Your hike will take you through ancient olive groves, picturesque lakes, and sleepy villages. You can also ride the historic train if you want to explore the mountain range in style.
Another thrilling activity every adventurer should experience in Majorca is to join a quad tour, where you’ll travel into the rugged interior of the islands on board an off-road quad bike. It will take you to remote villages and lesser-known valleys while zooming along dirt tracks. There are also mountain viewpoints where you can stop to admire the island’s most panoramic views.
- Lanzarote
With its gorgeous beaches, pleasant temperatures, volcanic landscapes, and hundreds of dive sites, Lanzarote is an ideal destination for adventure holidays. Here, you can dive to explore an underwater sculpture museum, hike up volcano craters, or spend your days swimming and snorkelling in its crystal-clear waters.
For avid divers who want to explore something unique and fascinating, dive down to Museo Atlantico, an underwater sculpture museum. Your adventure starts with a boat ride before plunging deep into the underwater museum showcasing incredible sculptures illustrating Lanzarote’s culture. Another excellent diving spot on the island is Los Charcones, where you’ll find natural swimming pools of varying depths and sizes. If you’re brave enough, take the plunge and dive into one of the deep pools.
With its incredibly stunning landscapes that will remind you of Mars, Lanzarote is also a haven for hikers. Head to Timanfaya National Park, a geothermal park where you’ll find otherworldly landscapes of geysers, volcanic craters and Fire Mountains. Hiking through the rugged terrain of this incredible park is an adventure you’ll never forget.
- Costa Del Sol
With its long swathe of stunning coastline, a rich melting pot of cultures, and fascinating historical sites, Costal del Sol is another ideal destination for an active holiday in Spain. The adventures here range from scenic hikes through sleepy Andalusian villages, to exciting Spanish golf trips to adventurous treks across deep gorges.
For avid hikers, conquer El Tajo Gorge in Ronda, a dramatic gorge about 120 meters deep. Starting at Plaza del Toros bullring, hike towards the northside of Ronda and into a trail leading into the valleys surrounding El Tajo. El Chorro is another incredible place in Costa del Sol that adventure enthusiasts should visit. This mountainous village near the town of Álora is a popular spot for rock climbing.
When it comes to water-based activities, you should try a jet boat ride in Costa del Sol. Get your pulse racing in this high-adrenaline ride featuring 360-degree spins on a high-speed boat. The tour departs from Marbella, where you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains.
- Ibiza
Ibiza may be famous for being a wild party destination, but it’s also an island full of fun adventures. It has captivating remote beaches, secluded coves, whitewashed villages, and scenic hiking trails. Whether you’re here to snorkel, dive, or hike, Ibiza will not disappoint.
Snorkelling or scuba diving is the best way to discover Ibiza’s incredible marine life. For a unique diving experience, explore the Wreck of Don Pedro, a container ship that sunk near Ibiza’s harbour in 2007. Ibiza is home to many fantastic beaches, and if you want to visit several of them, join a tour that hops around the island to explore the most pristine beaches. It’s a fun way to explore the island’s top beaches like the tranquil Xarraca Bay on the north, Cala Salada, a secluded cove hidden away in San Antonio, and Cala Comte, Ibiza’s most famous beach.
Hikers will also find many challenging hikes in Ibiza, where you’ll explore the island’s rugged landscapes. Venture into Sa Talaia, the tallest mountain of Ibiza, with dozens of hiking trails ideal for climbers of all levels.