The perfect holiday doesn’t always mean getting your dose of Vitamin D and lying by the pool for a week (although we are certainly partial to this!). For self-confessed adrenalin junkies, or those who simply enjoy giving in to their adventurous side every now and again, adventure holidays are likely to be top of your bucket list! You don’t have to go all out extreme and climb Everest, or raft along the great Grand Canyon though, as there are plenty of other ways to get your fix of activity and challenge your mind and body when you next go away. From hiking the Atlas Mountains of Morocco to surfing the waves in the west of France, here are 5 cheap adventure holidays that will inspire you! 

HIKING IN MOROCCO 

Holidays to Morocco are a wonderful way to add a true sense of adventure to your trip. Boasting a mesmerising mix of maze-like souks, daring deserts and majestic mountains, the magic of Morocco is ready and waiting for holidaymakers to explore.

Just moments from Marrakech, you’ll find the breath-taking Atlas Mountains, home to the two highest peaks in North Africa including Mount Toubkal, get set to hike and experience some of the most epic views in this part of the world. Combining a diverse landscape of snowy peaks, lush valleys and red soil tracks, visit the mountains during the spring months of March and May to experience milder Moroccan temperatures - a must for trekking and taking in the spectacular scenery Morocco has to offer!

When you’re not embarking on a trek, continue your adventure and hit the water for a spot of surfing in Agadir, or take a camel ride along the sands for an action-packed holiday to remember!

SNORKELING IN CROATIA

Bordering the beautiful Adriatic Sea, Croatia is renowned for its covetable coastline, idyllic island hopping and an array of marvellous marine life, so it’s no wonder the country has made its mark as a favourite for snorkelling too!

If you spend most of your holiday in the water, then Croatia should be top of your summer wish list! No matter if you stay along the charming Dalmatian coast or choose to island hop, the postcard-perfect blue waters give tourists some of the very best snorkelling experiences in Europe - so get set to make a splash! Alongside impressive species of fish and coral, head to Brijuni National Park to spot mysterious ancient Roman ruins, or try the Pakleni Islands and snorkel in the underwater caves.

Despite being one of the most popular European holiday destinations, Croatia is surprisingly affordable with a range of accommodation types to cater for all tastes and budgets. Brimming with delicious cuisine, intriguing history and vibrant towns too, this gorgeous destination certainly won’t disappoint - browse our top beaches and islands to visit in Croatia for even more inspo.

SURFING IN FRANCE

When you think of France, iconic Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower may spring to mind, or you may find yourself dreaming of Provence and the charming French countryside – surfing, however, probably isn’t something you immediately think of, but, did you know, the waters of the west coast welcome flocks of surfers every year?

Lining the west of France, The Bay of Biscay is brimming with long sandy stretches, secret coves and a number of surf schools up and down the coast from Biarritz to Brittany. In fact, Biarritz is often hailed as the home of European surfing and making it a must-visit for surfing-enthusiasts looking to get their fix of fun on the waves!

The great thing about a surfing holiday in France is that you really do have the best of both worlds and when you’re not out riding the waves, you can venture into the beautiful coastal towns to experience French culture, cuisine and local life at its very best!

CYCLING IN SPAIN

Say Hola to a cycling holiday in sunny Spain and see the country like never before. From a city break riding through Madrid to exploring the Costa Brava coastline, there’s so much to discover and what better way than by bike so you can see the sights at your own leisure?

The spring months in particular are perfect for cyclists with a pleasant temperature gracing Spain’s varied terrain. If a city escape is on your agenda, Madrid is home to the country’s biggest bike race, meaning there are plenty of routes to ride through and soak up the atmosphere. The Costa coastlines also promise plenty of scenic routes allowing you to travel along and plan your own tour; and let’s not forget the Spanish mountains. Add Andalucía to your list and make your way through the protected national park for a more challenging cycle and some of the most beautiful views in the country.

Spain is by far one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations and adventure holidays. You can find cheap holidays to Spain with affordable hotels all over – perfect if you’re planning to cycle from one place to another and really just need somewhere to rest your head for the night!

SKIING IN SWITZERLAND

For holidaymakers who prefer a cooler climate, opting for a skiing holiday and taking to the slopes will certainly get your blood pumping! Switzerland boasts some of the most iconic mountains in Europe making it a firm favourite for seasoned skiers and beginners alike!

A country of true natural beauty, the marvellous Swiss mountains include peaks like Eiger and Matterborn, each offering enviable views, ample opportunities to enjoy the après-ski way of life and of course, striking snowy slopes to put your skiing skills to the test. If you consider yourself an advanced skier, then head to Verbier, one of the larger resorts with steeper slopes. For beginners, the areas of Villars and Grindelwald offer the ski-experience with better-suited slopes, allowing you to get acquainted with your skis, before conquering the more challenging inclines.

While Switzerland is frequently named the world’s most expensive country, don’t let that put you off for your adventure holiday. You’ll find a range of accommodation across the country, so the key is to do your research and work out what is most important to you and your travel party. With family-friendly resorts and romantic adult-only lodges, there really is something for everyone to enjoy, ensuring an adventure holiday you’ll never forget!