Give me adventure
Josh Martin prefers experience over luxury
Given its population density, historic buildings, and focus on food and culture, it’s easy to come to Europe and think the only sweat you’ll break is from carrying your shopping bags. Despite their impressive beauty and accessibility, the continent’s mountains, lakes, oceans, and national parks can make for an active itinerary, with no mention of Michelangelo or Montmartre.
Ice climbing in the Alps
Yes, in the resorts in the Swiss Alps there is skiing, snowshoeing, paragliding, and sledding (although I’m yet to see any kids using real estate signs like we used to on Ruapehu). If you really want the adrenaline pumping, you’ll need a frozen waterfall and an ice pick (a guide, harness and ropes wouldn’t hurt either).
The alpine village of Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn is one of the many places you can spend a day in crampons with mild vertigo. A full day of arduous ascents costs from CHF150 (NZ$237) with most gear included.
Cycling by the sea in Mallorca
When you think of bikes in Europe, you think of the cycle lanes of the Netherlands and Denmark. But, across the continent, cycle tourism is huge. However, the mix of terrain, shoulder-season climate (and post-cycle sangria) make the Balearic island of Mallorca a top destination to cycle.
If you’re a Tour de France wannabe, there are abundant cycle tour operators that can supply almost everything but the Lycra, but if you’re after something more social and leisurely, certain operators offer self-guided tours. These let you go out in your own time and ride at your own pace, stop whenever you see a secluded beach, wander around cutesy rural villages, and be reunited with your luggage each night. Tour operator Mills and Honey has itineraries from €150 (NZ$261) a person, a night, including bike hire and hotels.
Frozen lake diving in France
When the French Alps’ black ski runs aren’t doing it for you, a day of submersion under a frozen-over lake might be the shock you’re after. Luckily, France’s Haute Savoie region caters to both.
I recently opted for the former, while my sister opted for the later, stumbling Yeti-like in thick drysuits to the white of Montriond Lake, bound for the fishing holes cut into it. I heard the rave reviews all the way back to the ski chalet, but I was certain, even with the guide, gear and escape holes in the ice, you’d need nerves of steel.
The experience is available at Tignes and Val Thorens as well, and starts at €100 (NZ$174) a diver, equipment included.
Surfing the Atlantic coast of Portugal
If you think a seaside holiday means pebble beaches (or rocks with platforms), and only the gentle lapping of the Mediterranean, you’re woefully misinformed. You’ve just yet to see the 21-metre waves rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean at Nazare, north of Lisbon.
The country’s coast has played host to surfing championships for years, but is also a great place to learn to surf, given the professional base and the country’s reputation as western Europe’s cheapest. One night at Peniche Surf Camp with two lessons is just €70 (NZ$122) a person in the shoulder season (May, June, September and October).
Highland hiking
It’s not all whisky drams, Braveheart and Loch Ness tours. There is far more to the Scottish Highlands and parts are best explored on foot.
The Isle of Skye is a well-trodden, tourist-heavy part, with its famous Cuillin mountains and its jagged outcrops a hiking favourite.
More than a few heather-clad valleys over, nearer to Glencoe and Loch Lomond, is the classic ridges of Aonach Eagach, a stunning mountain peak for the more experienced (although guides aren’t necessary).
Who says Great Britain can’t do scenery?