Booking an active holiday is the perfect way to chase away those winter blues, so set your sights firmly set on some sea, snow and sports action! You don’t have to travel to ends of the world to gets your kicks – here are eight of the best short-haul adventure holidays for 2019.
8/8 French Med sports holiday
This summer adventure is perfect for social butterflies. The welcome barbecue is a great opportunity to meet other like-minded guests and group activities throughout the week include kayaking, white water rafting, snorkelling and more. All the sports are supervised by instructors and there are gentler options such as volleyball for those who prefer a more chilled-out experience.
Accommodation is a mobile home with welcome hamper on a 4* campsite with swimming pool.
What: Three bedroom mobile home sleeping up to six on a 4* campsite with private beach. Also included is two barbecues, three picnic lunches and all activities, equipment and tuition.
Where: Argelès sur Mer near Perpignan, France.
When: Throughout summer.
Price: From £599 per child and £699 per adult.
Book now at Family Adventure Holidays
7/8 Sea-kayaking in Croatia
If island life has always appealed to you, this kayaking holiday will be brilliant for your tribe. Staying in traditional apartments on the small island of Lopud, you will be based in the perfect location to experience sea-kayaking and to admire the famous natural beauty of Croatia’s coastline.
Your family will enjoy daily guided expeditions to see the best places to spot local wildlife and scenery. Two rest days are built into the itinerary which are the perfect opportunity to take a tour of Dubrovnik, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site.
What: Seven nights’ accommodation on Lopud with all breakfasts plus three other meals in local restaurants. Equipment hire, activities and transfers are also included.
Where: The Elaphite islands, a ferry ride away from Dubrovnik.
When: Throughout summer.
Price: From £788 per person per week.
Book now at Tour dust
6/8 Sporty week in Andalusia
This holiday is perfect for families with teens, as you can create a personalised itinerary from the selection of activities on offer. Your week could involve anything from mountain biking to guided coastal walks, gorge tours and even an off-road buggy safari!
Accommodation options include a local B&B or a traditional casa, with flexible board options.
What: Your choice of accommodation, transfers, welcome dinner, breakfasts, equipment hire and all activities included.
Where: Almuñécar, Andalusia, Spain.
When: Best during Easter and Summer holidays.
Price: From £535 per person per week for accommodation.
Book now at Totally Sorted Sports
5/8 Island tour of Iceland
Take a whistlestop tour of otherworldly Iceland. This holiday caters especially for families. Gasp in awe at Iceland’s natural wonders – volcanoes, geysers and waterfalls, then get more involved in your natural surroundings by riding an Icelandic pony, taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon, kayaking on Thingvallavatn Lake, going on a glacial hike and visiting a puffin colony.
There’s plenty of time built in for relaxing and soaking up your experiences from your luxury accommodation too.
What: Luxury hotels, most food, flights, activities, tour guides and transport included.
Where: Island tour.
When: During the Summer holidays.
Price: From £7,520 per person per week.
Book now at Abercombie and Kent
4/8 Mountain adventure in Picos de Europa, Spain
If you’re looking for a slightly shorter break, this family adventure holiday is right up your street. The Picos de Europa mountains are the perfect location for immersing yourself in nature.
Your days will be spent doing some serious canoeing down the River Cares-Deva, canyoning through the Picos de Europa and picnicking in the beautiful scenery. The best is saved until last, when the whole family has a chance to try Via Ferrata; a unique rock climbing method ensuring that novice climbers can enjoy the experience like the pros!
What: Four nights B&B, equipment hire and English-speaking instruction and insurance.
Where: Picos de Europa, Spain.
When: Best during Easter and Summer holidays.
Price: From £178 per person for four days.
Book now at Picos Adventures
3/8 Finnish Northern Lights adventure
Activities in Finland begin with learning survival skills to use in the frozen wilderness, before meeting the local Sami people and their reindeer and learning how to drive your own team of huskies on a wild safari!
Igloo building and snow-shoeing are also on the itinerary, as well as viewing Aurora Borealis. Bring your camera and join the Aurora workshop where you will learn how to photograph the natural phenomenon.
What: Flights, hotel, full board and all activities are included.
Where: The Taiga lakes (Menesjarvi), Finland.
When: From late December to end of February.
Price: From £1,739 for children and £2,049 for adults per week.
Book now at Family Worldwide
2/8 Family Caique Cruise in Greece
This idyllic Greek island cruise provides a sense of adventure balanced with a relaxing holiday. Captain Thanos enjoys showing his guests the beautiful coastline of Evia island that he has sailed along since he was a young boy.
There is a perfect blend of time spent relaxing at sea and cultural exploration, with visits to historic buildings. Optional trips include a visit to a wine estate or local cave exploration.
What: Six nights accommodation on the boat and one night in a hotel, breakfasts and lunches plus flights.
Where: Evia island, Greece.
When: Throughout summer.
Price: From £1,060 for children and £1.150 for adults per week.
Book now at Explore
1/8 Activity week in Poland
The usual hiking-and-biking activities on Poland’s border are blended with offbeat adventures like a trip to the salt mines, dry tobogganing and a ride on a funicular railway. A river rafting experience is one that adults and kids alike will enjoy, and the Polish cookery lesson will give you skills to take home with you.
What: Seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and activities with an English-speaking guide, plus transfers to and from Krakow airport.
When: Throughout summer.
Price: From £695 per adult and £645 per child for eight days.