Take your favourite hobbies to new destinations or step outside your comfort zone with an active holiday that combines fitness and adventure.
With a growing focus on health and wellness in all aspects of life, the health and fitness industry is booming – and we’re seeing this reflected everywhere. Beyond activewear, supplements and fad workouts, conventional pool or beach getaways are being brushed aside in favour of athletic-focused travel. More than just rest and sunny weather, people want holidays that energise and challenge them.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with others, there are plenty of options available. From hiking and trekking to cycling and kayaking, here’s our pick of 10 active holidays to help you choose something off the beaten track.
1. High-end reformer Pilates at an active camp resort in Portugal
Leisure and lifestyle resort Quinta do Lago’s multi-sports hub The Campus is offering active camps for 2025 in Portugal. While staying at The Magnolia Hotel in Quinta do Lago, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities, yoga classes, and cold plunge and sauna services. With the brand-new Q Reformer Studio, visitors can now access high-end reformer machines and join intimate classes for individuals or groups. Instructors provide personalised guidance in classes catering to all abilities – all set against a beautiful Algarve backdrop.
Price: Standard double room from €123 (£100) B&B. Family cottages: from €188 (£155) B&B. Pilates classes from between €30 (£25) to €270 (£223) per person for single classes or packages.
Read more: 10 unmissable water-based wellness holidays for 2025
2. Trek North Africa’s summits
For a short yet intense adventure, spend a long weekend trekking through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and conquer Mt Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 13,671ft. You’ll experience stunning landscapes, including rugged valleys, remote Berber villages and breathtaking sunrise views over the Sahara Desert. This EverTrek trip includes a night in Marrakesh enjoying well-deserved downtime in a traditional riad (courtyard garden) and exploring the labyrinthine souks of the Medina. With overnight stays in mountain refuges and traditional Moroccan cuisine, this adventure, led by experienced Berber guides, is perfect for those seeking a fast-paced, exhilarating trek.
Price: From £675 per person for four days.
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3. Run through the wilderness of Patagonia at a running festival
Take part in the Patagonia Running Festival Marathon this May in the stunning Torres del Paine National Park, one of Chile’s most iconic wilderness areas. Choose from marathon, half marathon or 10K distances, with the Patagonia Marathon Package including daily guided excursions and four nights of accommodation in Puerto Natales. During your trip, you’ll experience turquoise lakes, glaciers and granite peaks. In addition to running, you can enjoy wildlife-spotting in Torres del Paine, where you might see condors, foxes, the elusive huemul (Andean deer) and even the rare puma. After the race, celebrate your achievement along with your fellow racers at a post-race party at Hotel Rio Serrano & Spa.
Price: From £2,199 per person.
4. Get active in nature at a Welsh activity centre
Tucked away in the South Wales countryside, Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer is a peaceful retreat for those seeking adventure and tranquillity in nature. Recently named the Most Welcoming Outdoor Activity Centre at the 2024 Welsh Enterprise Awards, it also earned a spot in the top 10% of global experiences in the 2024 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from kayaking and canoeing to gorge walking and climbing, all set against stunning natural backdrops — whether it’s exploring caves or paddling across the serene lake.
Prices: From £41.50 per person for adults and £33 for children.
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5. Go all out with a high-altitude walking adventure in Nepal
If you’re up for a challenge (and one that will definitely impress your friends), Everest Base Camp Mountain Trek is a 15-day trekking holiday in Nepal that will put both your stamina and determination to the test. Sitting at 17,598ft, Everest Base Camp is the end goal of the trek, but along the way you’ll be treated to stunning views of some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. Throughout the trek, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in pockets of the culture, traditions and lifestyle of the Sherpa people, while experiencing local wellness practices like mountain yoga and organic meals. Fully supported and guided, it’s suitable for all abilities, including first-time high-altitude trekkers up to their 50s and 60s.
Price: From £2,450 per person.
6. Take a trip to Berlin to run a half marathon
Ideal for runners of all levels, the fast course and vibrant atmosphere of Berlin’s half marathon in April could be just the thing to get you active this spring. Marathon Tours’ Generali Berlin Half Marathon trip package includes two nights in a centrally located hotel and guaranteed race entry to one of Europe’s most popular half marathons. The Marathon Tours team will also be organising warm-up runs, pasta dinners and celebrations. Whether you choose to stay longer or just pop over for the main event, you’ll also have plenty of time to explore Berlin’s rich history and culture – with the hotel located in the city centre.
Price: From £369 per person.
7. Cycle Albania’s coastal paths and mountain roads
Pedal through stunning landscapes on a seven-night Cycle Albania tour, from peaceful mountain roads to the winding coast of the Albanian Riviera. Visit must-see destinations like Lake Ohrid and Berat, and experience rural life in cabins and guesthouses, enjoying local cuisine. This trip graded ‘moderate and challenging’ covers 228 miles over six days, primarily on quiet, undulating roads with some steep inclines. E-bikes are available for hire. The eight-day tour includes accommodation, meals, bike hire, transport and a cycling tour leader. A support vehicle accompanies the rides, so you can hop off the bike and catch a ride if you need a break.
Price: From £1,395 per person.
Read more: 10 unmissable water-based wellness holidays for 2025
8. Walk through Jordan’s spice trails
For a moderate activity holiday that still keeps you moving, a seven-night walking tour of Jordan’s spice trails is perfect. Over four of these days, you’ll walk between two and seven hours along desert trails, soft sands and rocky mountain paths. You’ll walk through the desert sands of Wadi Rum, followed by a reset break in the Dead Sea, with the chance to experience mud treatments. You’ll also have two days of walking through the ancient wonders of Petra. The package includes seven nights’ accommodation with most meals, all transport, excursions and an expert walking tour leader throughout.
Price: From £1,270 per person. International flights not included.
9. Explore Sri Lanka by bike, raft or kayak
Discover Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes while cycling, rafting, kayaking, trekking and paddleboarding. On this two-week trip you’ll explore the cultural triangle by bike, enjoy a sunrise yoga session, hike the Knuckles Range and whitewater raft on the Kelani River and experience Sinharaja Forest Reserve’s rich biodiversity, hiking through primary rainforest with a specialist guide. Paddleboard, kayak and raft along rivers and lagoons, spotting flora and fauna. You may even get the chance to spot wildlife like leopards, elephants and birds on a 4WD safari in Wilpattu National Park. The Active Sri Lanka package includes 13 nights’ accommodation, meals, activities, excursions and a dedicated tour leader.
Price: £2,275 per person. International flights not included.
10. Tackle a group activity course as a family
Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre’s outdoor activity courses have won it Best Outdoor Activities Courses Provider at the 2024 Welsh Enterprise Awards. The beautiful landscapes of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park make for an idyllic setting to enjoy activities like stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, mountain biking and gorge walking. The best part is you don’t have to have ever tried any of these activities before; Plas Menai caters to all levels of experience and encourages everyone of all abilities. Courses and expeditions recommended for anyone aged eight and above – it’s a memorable option for a family holiday or outing.
Price: Half-day family experiences start at £35.50.
