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Tag: Outdoors

Sports travel bucket list: Picos de Europa walking holiday in Spain
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: Picos de Europa walking holiday in Spain

The spectacular skyline of the Picos de Europa region of northern Spain has held a special draw for centuries, signalling to sailors that they were nearly home, and now beckoning hikers from around the world. A new route offered by walking trip specialists On Foot Holidays maintains this sense of anticipation, starting in the green foothills to the east and journeying westwards to the higher wilderness. First you'll become acquainted with the quiet farm tracks scattered across the Polaciones and Liébana valleys. Stop at tiny villages to stay in wayside inns and small hotels where you can enjoy a glass of orujo (the local firewater) with your hosts and sample the hearty Lebaniego stew. After the bustling little town of Potes, follow the final section of the Camino Lebaniego pilgrimage...
Intrepid Travel unveils new premium walking and trekking trips
Holidays & Trips

Intrepid Travel unveils new premium walking and trekking trips

Adventure travel company Intrepid Travel has unveiled its range of new premium walking and trekking trips to some of the world's best hiking trails. Departing from January 2026 and led by Intrepid's most experienced local leaders, Intrepid's premium range is the company's most comfortable travel offering, where travellers can expect handpicked accommodation, premium service and exceptional included experiences. Spanning five continents and ranging from three to nine days, the 10 new premium trips feature hikes through Italy, Madeira, Vietnam, Nepal, Morocco, Peru, Jordan and the United States. Since its 2022 launch, premium has become Intrepid's fastest growing travel style, while sales of its well-established walking and trekking range have also grown. Intrepid has seen an 89% incre...
Demand grows for active travel in Spain’s lesser-known regions
Holidays & Trips, Trends

Demand grows for active travel in Spain’s lesser-known regions

Spain is seeing a surge in demand for active travel experiences, as three UK independent tour operators – Headwater, Pura Aventura and Naturetrek – report a marked shift in booking trends toward more immersive, activity-based holidays. Travellers are increasingly drawn to Spain’s lesser-known regions, seeking out walking, cycling and nature-focused adventures that go beyond the traditional sun-and-city breaks. In response, the operators have expanded their offerings to include immersive nature-based, cultural, and active adventures – from scenic cycling routes through Extremadura to wildlife-focused treks in Andalucia and multigenerational activity family escapes in the Pyrenees. Sharon Zanni, product manager for mainland Spain and the Balearics at Headwater, said: “We have seen a go...
Adventure travel trends 2025: fuelling a new wave of sports tourism 
Editor's Pick, Trends

Adventure travel trends 2025: fuelling a new wave of sports tourism 

The global adventure travel industry has entered a new era – stable, focused, and increasingly connected to the fast-rising world of sports tourism. That’s one of the big takeaways from the 2025 Adventure Travel Trends & Insights Report, the annual benchmark study released by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). Now in its 18th year, the report reveals how active, immersive travel experiences are not just bouncing back from the pandemic, but helping define a more meaningful future for global tourism. Drawing from multilingual survey responses between February and April 2025, the report reflects the real-world data and insights of hundreds of tour operators worldwide, based on their business activity during 2024. It’s a clear snapshot of what today’s adventure traveller wan...
Active ‘coolcations’: Heidi launches summer mountain holidays
Holidays & Trips, Sports Business

Active ‘coolcations’: Heidi launches summer mountain holidays

The “coolcation” trend of choosing milder holiday destinations looks set to continue in 2025, after first gaining momentum last year following record-breaking high temperatures across popular Mediterranean hot spots. According to the Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel 2025 Report published by the European Travel Commission 15% of travellers are now actively seeking out milder climates, and 14% are avoiding destinations with extreme heat. In response to the growing “coolcation” trend, ski holiday operator Heidi has expanded its portfolio of travel itineraries to now include summer mountain holidays. In a survey of 900 UK skiers conducted on behalf of Heidi, 50% chose “summer mountain holidays” when asked: “What type of holiday are you planning to book - or have booked - in th...
Headwater Active Holidays launches new self-guided cycling tours  
Holidays & Trips

Headwater Active Holidays launches new self-guided cycling tours  

Headwater Active Holidays has unveiled a series of new cycling holidays. Designed to inspire travellers to embrace the joy of two-wheeled exploration, the self-guided cycling tours cater to a range of abilities and interests, offering flexible itineraries that combine scenic routes with cultural immersion. The new offerings include tours through the picturesque landscapes of the UK, including the Scottish Highlands and the Channel Islands. For those looking to venture further afield, Headwater's expanded portfolio features routes along the fjords of Norway, follows routes of the Tour de France and offers e-biking tours across Southern Albania. Here we take a look at some of the highlights... E-bike across Southern Albania For travellers seeking a cycling adventure off the beaten t...
Much Better Adventures expands cycling portfolio with new tour of Sicily 
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Much Better Adventures expands cycling portfolio with new tour of Sicily 

Adventure travel company Much Better Adventures has launched a new cycling tour in Sicily to meet the growing demand for immersive exploration. This small-group adventure invites travellers to pedal through Sicily’s rugged landscapes, charming villages, and coastal paths, blending physical challenges away from the typical hotspots. The Sicily tour takes riders along the coastline, where they can take a dip in the cool waters of the Vendicari Nature Reserve, and relax on the beaches of Portapalon and Avola. Cyclists will explore the Baroque towns of Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Noto, and descend the Cavagrande canyon with panoramic views, while savouring traditional Sicilian cuisine.  “More travellers are turning to self-powered adventures that tread lightly and offer deeper connectio...
Innsbruck hiking: outdoor adventures in the Capital of the Alps
Guides, Holidays & Trips

Innsbruck hiking: outdoor adventures in the Capital of the Alps

For hikers, the Innsbruck region in Austria offers breathtaking mountain landscapes just minutes from the city. From family-friendly walks and nature escapes to a hiking foodie experience, Innsbruck has hiking routes that are perfect for every type of adventurer. Colette Verra, Innsbruck Marketing Manager, said: “Innsbruck offers the perfect blend of city and nature, making it a top destination for hikers of all levels. Whether you seek a relaxing walk or a thrilling mountain adventure, our region provides unparalleled access to beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and authentic alpine experiences.” A Family Adventure – The Zirbenweg Trail: Perfect for families, the Zirbenweg (Stone Pine Trail) on Innsbruck’s home mountain, the Patscherkofel, offers an easy and scenic hike through anc...
Tignes summer mountain activities: biking, hiking and adventure
Guides, Holidays & Trips

Tignes summer mountain activities: biking, hiking and adventure

Tignes, a popular resort in the French Alps, is gearing up for summer with a range of mountain experiences and active holidays on offer. Visitors can discover newly designed bike trails, go hiking on the easy-to-follow routes, or embark on an adventure with family and friends.  Tignes Bike Park: new expanded trails Mountain bike riders will discover more than 7kms of redesigned trails in the Palafour and Tovière areas, with new options for beginners, families, endurance riders, and electric mountain bike enthusiasts. Even better, queue-free lift access means easier mountain access throughout the day. The newly revamped "Fresse Tagada" stands out as an iconic red trail, designed as a "flow trail" to help mountain bikers build confidence and progress their skills. Another highl...
Sports travel bucket list: Sail Croatia’s Dubrovnik to Split luxury hike cruise 
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: Sail Croatia’s Dubrovnik to Split luxury hike cruise 

We’ve previously featured Sail Croatia’s cruise offerings when the company launched two luxury hike cruises and a national park cruise for summer 2025. Now, the operator has announced a third luxury hike cruise itinerary for 2026, with the addition of a new Dubrovnik to Split sailing along Croatia’s beautiful Dalmatian Coast.  Blending outdoor adventure with luxury cruising, this itinerary takes guests on a variety of hiking trails across diverse terrains, showcasing spectacular coastal vistas and panoramic sea views, all while enjoying the comfort of staying on a luxury small ship. The Dubrovnik to Split itinerary cruises north from Dubrovnik, offering a scenic journey that starts with an overnight stay in Sipan, followed by a day exploring Mljet, one of Croatia's greenest islands. Oth...
High-profile speakers lined up for the 2025 Outside Summit in Denver
Sports Business

High-profile speakers lined up for the 2025 Outside Summit in Denver

The second edition of the Outside Summit, part of the larger Outside Festival, will feature a line-up of high-profile speakers for the event taking place in Denver, Colorado, from Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June 2025.   Bringing together key stakeholders, career veterans, and emerging talents, the multi-day Outside Summit includes some of biggest names in the outdoor industry with speaker sessions from the likes of Reed Hastings (co-founder of Netflix and CEO of Powder Mountain), Caroline Brown (global brand president of The North Face), Albert Lin (National Geographic explorer and TV host), and Alyssa Ravasio (founder of Hipcamp). Robin Thurston, founder and CEO of event organisers Outside Interactive Inc, said: “The summit is an embodiment of our mission at Outside, and ...
Walkers’ Britain launches new ‘taste of’ UK walking trip collection  
Holidays & Trips

Walkers’ Britain launches new ‘taste of’ UK walking trip collection  

European active holiday specialist Walkers' Britain, which is part of the World Expeditions Travel Group, has launched a new range of “taste of” trips for 2025. The trips are a curated collection of walking holidays with shorter distances that offer a perfect blend of active exploration, relaxation and cultural discovery. Designed by an expert team for walkers seeking bucket-list experiences without the time commitment, these trips are no more than six days' long, showcasing some of the UK's most iconic locations. From gentle walks through classic landscapes to exploring cultural treasures, the new itineraries feature carefully crafted routes with shorter distances and abundant opportunities to savour the journey. The new taste of trips focus on comfort and character, with handpicked...
Inntravel unveils 2025 walking holidays in the Pyrenees and Madeira
Holidays & Trips

Inntravel unveils 2025 walking holidays in the Pyrenees and Madeira

Tour operator Inntravel has added a selection of new adventures within its 2025 programme of 285 self-guided holidays. Among the new walking holidays for the year ahead are those in the Pyrenees, in Spain’s Aracena Sierra, and on the island of Madeira. Inntravel has also added a new hotel-to-hotel cycling holiday in Tuscany, Italy. A stroll in the Pyrenees – single centre-based walking  The Pyrenees are the ultimate walking destination, with thrilling routes that reveal high peaks, traditional stone villages, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Yet this new single-centre holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees offers a different take on this unspoiled region – foregoing taxing hikes in favour of gentle but wonderfully rewarding strolls on mountain paths, drovers’ roads and meadows. It is ...
Hiking in Mallorca and Ibiza: new routes to open 
Holidays & Trips

Hiking in Mallorca and Ibiza: new routes to open 

The long-awaited East Mallorca GR-226 hiking route, which stands for Gran Recorrido (Great Tour), is set to open in 2025 on the island of Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic archipelago.  The route, also known as the Gran Recorrido del Llevant, will cover a distance of over 104 kilometres, with a main route spanning 93.81 kilometres, plus two additional access points from Son Macià and the Costa dels Pins.  The GR-226's main itinerary will be divided into four different stages:  Cales de Mallorca-Manacor (24,99km) Manacor – Son Carrio (22.99km) Son Carrio – Arta (23.19km) Arta – Cala Mesquida (22.63km).  Hikers will be able to enjoy the East of the island like never before through various points of interest and areas of natural beauty along the way. See mo...
Epic Road Rides: five of the best UK cycling destinations
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Epic Road Rides: five of the best UK cycling destinations

Dig your bike out of the shed and head for the open road on a British cycling adventure. From demanding climbs to sedate converted railway line routes, the team from Epic Road Rides pick out five of the best destinations for cycling in the United Kingdom. Outer Hebrides, Scotland  The magical Western Isles of Scotland are home to the 185-mile Hebridean Cycle Route, an iconic cycling journey taking in 10 islands, including Barra, North Uist, Harris and Lewis. The manageable gradients and fact you can break the route up into whatever chunks you like, makes it ideally suited for a range of cyclists. Abundant wildlife, fun ferry crossings, ancient stone circles, countless white beaches and turquoise waters await those willing to brave the (sometimes ferocious) Scottish wind. This is UK c...
Cycling in Argyll, Scotland, with Markus Stitz and The Pierhouse Hotel
Holidays & Trips

Cycling in Argyll, Scotland, with Markus Stitz and The Pierhouse Hotel

The Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin in Argyll, Scotland, has teamed up with leading adventure cyclist Markus Stitz to host a new cycling retreat from 18-20 October 2024. Cycling enthusiasts will be offered the opportunity to join Stitz as he explores some of his favourite Argyll cycle trails on gravel tracks, quiet roads and cycle paths. He will also host a dinner and an entertaining talk for guests. The retreat is part of a wider campaign to attract more cyclists to the hotel and the wider Argyll region over the quieter autumn and winter months. In partnership with Stitz and Bikepacking Scotland, The Pierhouse has created a variety of cycling routes to suit guests with different abilities. Special packed lunches to help fuel hungry cyclists, as well as bike storage and cleaning facilitie...
HIGHLANDER Adventure returns to Ras Al Khaimah in February 2025
Events

HIGHLANDER Adventure returns to Ras Al Khaimah in February 2025

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced the return of HIGHLANDER Adventure, organised by HIGHLANDER, the world's largest international hiking association. Set to take place from 7-9 February 2025, this long-distance hiking challenge will offer hikers and adventure enthusiasts the chance to test themselves on the spectacular Jebel Jais mountain, home to the UAE's longest developed network of hiking trails at 80km. What makes this challenge even more memorable is the opportunity to hike through heritage and discover old Emirati settlements and active farms that will highlight the history and diversity of Ras Al Khaimah while showcasing how communities have lived and worked in this rocky region for centuries. Building on the success of previous years, the 202...
Cycling adventures in Sweden: the Lelångenleden trail
Holidays & Trips

Cycling adventures in Sweden: the Lelångenleden trail

The Lelångenleden is a new regional cycling route in Sweden stretching 180km from Uddevalla by the sea, through the lakes of Dalsland, and up to the forests of Årjäng in Värmland. This trail offers a diverse cycling experience suitable for all levels, featuring gravel roads, dense forests, and charming rural towns with cultural and natural attractions. Recognised by the Swedish Transport Administration, the Lelångenleden trail follows the historic Lelångenbanan railway line for much of its length, providing cyclists with a unique blend of history and nature. The route offers a diverse cycling experience, with roughly half its path consisting of hard-packed gravel roads with minimal traffic, making it both accessible and enjoyable. A collaborative effort for tourism and recreation ...
Walking holidays along Turkey’s Lycian Way with Inntravel
Holidays & Trips

Walking holidays along Turkey’s Lycian Way with Inntravel

Walking holiday specialises Inntravel has released two new hotel-to-hotel walking trips along the Lycian Way on Turkey’s southwestern coast. Intended for those who have a real sense of adventure and relish challenging hiking, each trip explores a different stretch of the 520km-long Lycian Way, Turkey's first long-distance walking route which marks its 25th anniversary year in 2025.  Inspired by bygone civilisations and the beautiful ancient pathways, the route was pioneered by British expatriate Kate Clow, with a view to preserving and protecting the small communities from the advancement of mass tourism.  To reveal the best of the country’s Mediterranean coastline, Inntravel has opted for the eastern section on The Pirate Coast of Lycia and the western section on Seven Cap...
Lisbon: active things to do in Portugal’s capital
Guides

Lisbon: active things to do in Portugal’s capital

Portugal’s capital Lisbon is famous for its historic attractions and beautiful beaches, but the city is surrounded by wild spaces that provide a range of outdoor activities for adventure travellers. Here we take a look at the best places and things to do for an active break in the Lisbon region.  Arrábida Nature Park: hiking, cycling, caving and diving Just 30 minutes south of the city centre and across the River Tagus is Arrábida Nature Park, often hailed as one of Lisbon's most beautiful destinations. The mountainous area offers a tapestry of landscapes, from tree-lined paths winding down to secret coves and idyllic beaches, to the towering Serra do Rosco, the highest point on the Portuguese coast. There are waymarked trails for hiking and cycling, with some of the remotest ro...

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