Here’s a sneak peak of our favourite destinations. From the watersports in Cape Verde to Croatian hikes, take your pick of our handpicked locations all chosen with adventure in mind. To make it even easier, we’ve included why you should go, things to do while you’re there and even most popular places to stay.
Cape Verde
Why – With ten unique islands that are still relatively untouched, Cape Verde is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, tropical birds, colourful marine life and incredible surf. The islands have every type of water sport available. These little islands have guaranteed year round sunshine and are a real mixture of Portuguese, African and Brazilian influences that can be seen in the islands food, fashion and music.
Things to do – Sal and Boa Vista are two of the islands that attract the most tourists. Sal is extremely popular with its biggest draw being the long stretches of beach that are backed by chilled out beach bars. The island has become synonymous with wind and kite surfers due to its winning combination of wind and waves. Ponta Preta has emerged as a world class wind, kite and surfing spot especially in the winter months when the winds are stronger with the pros coming here for kitesurfing competitions.
Boa Vista is all about the beach, water sports and wildlife spotting. There is over 35 miles of stunning shoreline. Catch a glimpse of the loggerhead sea turtles laying their eggs or head to the islet of Sal Rei where you can spend the day whale spotting. The island has amazing opportunities for divers with a number of shipwrecks and coral reefs to explore.
Where to stay – At the beachfront Royal Decameron Boa Vista you’ll find tennis courts, a football pitch and a fitness centre. The platinum Club Hotel Riu Karamboa is not only a luxury beachfront hotel it also has a fantastic selection of sports and activities.
Portugal
Why – Portugal basks in 300 days of sunshine every year. Add in over 100 mile of long sandy beaches, vibrant towns, energetic nightlife, lush countryside and spectacular cliff tops and you’ve got the perfect getaway. Portugal is one of the top holiday destinations for golfing holidays due to its large concentration of courses in a small area. The combination of year round weather, the quality and variety of courses and luxury hotels makes Portugal the perfect destination for a golfing holiday.
Things to do – Portugal is well known for its world class golf courses and has over 70 of them with different layout and levels of dificulty. Vilamoura has seven championship courses with some of the more challenging golf courses in the Algarve sitting on the cliff tops with spectacular views over the sea.
Along the Lisbon coast big name designers have created some awe inspiring courses and first class golf resorts, such as Praia D’El Rey and Quinta da Marinha. Penha Longa and Quinta da Marinha are both very picturesque courses while Oitavos Dunes and Praia d’El Rey are rugged and feature in Europe’s Top 100 courses.
Where to stay – Located in the heart of the Vilamoura’s Golden Triangle the Hilton Vilanoura with its Moorish architecture has two top class golf courses on its doorstep. The stylish Hotel Falesia in Acotias is located next door to the Pinecliffs Golf Course and offers discounts at other courses as well as Pinecliffs. Overlooking the Bay of Funchal the Hotel Pestana Carlton Madeira offer reduced green fees at two golf courses at Palheiro and Santo da Serra golf course with free transport to Palheiro Golf Course.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Why – Situated on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic it sees temperatures reach the high twenties all year round. The 30 mile coastline is awash with stunning beaches and fringed by coconut trees. Away from the beach you’ll find golf courses, colonial cities, charming countryside and is a real mix of ancient and modern times.
Things to do – On dry land you will find an abundance of activities such as the jungle zip wire in northern Punta Cana. You’ll skim across the treetops and through open mountain valleys keep your eyes open for monkeys and tropical birds. You can reach speeds of up to 30 mph as you whizz by on the eight cable line onto the 15 platforms. Soak up the stunning views of the Oriental Mountain Range as you fly through the air. This is one day you won’t forget.
For the equestrian lovers head to Playa Cabezo de Toro where you can go horseback riding through the trails, forest tracks and palm tree lined beaches. Choose to drive yourself or have someone drive you in the Cap Cana adventure buggies. You’ll go through tropical forests, across beautiful beaches and along deserted back roads don’t forget to take your camera as the views are stunning.
Where to stay – Memories Splash Punta Cana is an all signing all dancing hotel with a top class waterpark on site. There is also a plethora of sports and activities available. The Riu Palace Bavaro with its beachfront location has an impressive pool scene, gym and sports bar. When it comes to activities the contemporary Riu Naiboa pulls out all the stops with its extensive range of water sports including windsurfing, body boarding, kayaking and sailing. Along with a fully equipped gym, tennis and volleyball you will be spoilt for choice.
Majorca
Why – The largest island in the Balearics, Majorca is more than just beach resorts and is well known as a training ground for athletes. What better way to revel in its coastline or countryside than to train on it. Majorca is an ideal destination to explore all year round. The main beach season begin May to October, while during the autumn and winter months you won’t be able to lie on the beach it will be ideal weather for those wanting an active holiday such as cycling, running and hiking.
Things to do – In the west of the island the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range sees an influx of professional cyclist coming to train during the early part of the year. If you’re looking for something less challenging then the flat Es Pla is for you, or lace up your hiking boots and explore the limestone coloured mountain range on foot.
October sees the TUI Marathon Palma de Mallorca taking place. If you’re not up to marathon distance just yet there is an option to run the half marathon or 10k route. The day before sees the kids race take place so the whole family can get involved. In May the Ironman 70.3 series come to the island. The courses see athletes cycling and running their way through many unique villages that offer up some stunning views.
Where to stay – The stylish and contemporary OD Port Portals is superbly located next door to Puerto Portal marina and only opened its doors in May this year. The Grupotel Valparaiso Palace and Spa sits in a quiet area in Palma with views across the bay. This luxury hotel has a wealth of facilities and amenities. Located in the heart of Alcudia the Hotel Astoria Playa is a delightful hotel with a great range of sporting activities on offer.
Croatia
Why – Holidays to Croatia are becoming increasingly popular with picturesque villages, sheltered beaches and stunning views. Croatia is such a diverse country with seaside towns, mountain ranges, ancient forests and historic cities that are crammed full of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Things to do – Croatia is becoming an extremely popular destination for walking and hiking holidays due to its natural beauty, eight Nature Parks, pine forests, mountains, rural countryside and long rocky coastline. Paklenica and Plitvice are two of the most popular areas and the mild climate ensures the season starts in early spring and ends in late autumn. If you’re looking for something that will take your breath away why not give white water rafting a go? The coastal rivers are flanked by lush forests and stunning mountains ranges. There is a difficulty grading up to 3 for most rivers in Croatia.
Where to stay – The historical Hotel Lapad is located on the harbour front in Dubrovnik and is an impressive place to stay. On the outskirts of Rovinj is the Hotel Eden set in the heart of an ancient woodland which has a wealth of activites. The newly refurbished contemporary Hotel Park Plaza Medulin is only a stone’s throw from the beach and only a five minute walk to the resort centre.
Don’t forget to watch our video
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