‘Slow Happiness’ in Italy, Finland, Sweden, or Iceland
Based in Scotland, Slow Adventure Advocates invites travelers to embrace a more mindful approach to their activity holidays. Options abound: from mountain climbing and yoga in the breathtaking Italian Alps to thrilling mountain biking in Sweden, as well as horse riding and rambles through the stunning landscapes of Iceland. The Finnish Happiness trip offers guests a unique experience in log cabins nestled by a serene lake in Lapland, where one can canoe under the enchanting Midnight Sun, hike through untouched nature, swim, forage in the swamps, and indulge in daily sauna rituals. Notably, 5% of all fees go towards local conservation initiatives, potentially aiding in the protection of the rare Saimaa ringed seal in Finland, safeguarding forests, or supporting children’s environmental charities.
From £876 for five nights, slow-adventure.com
Swim, Snorkel, and Hike in Croatia, Italy, or Sweden
Introducing a new sustainable sport: seatrekking. This innovative approach combines exploration of coastlines via land and water, ensuring minimal environmental impact through activities like swimming, snorkeling, and hiking, followed by nights spent under the stars. SeaNomads collaborates with guided tours, offering adventures in Cres, Croatia; Kullaberg, Sweden; and the stunning surroundings of Portofino and Elba in Italy. Each day typically begins with yoga and breathing exercises, flowing into swimming and hiking, culminating in a campfire dinner before resting on airbeds (with tarp protection if the heavens decide to open). For thrill-seekers, there are opportunities for free-diving and cliff-jumping. Beginners can join extra introductory days, with provisions for all necessary gear—including wetsuits, fins, snorkels, and more.
From £392 for a four-night beginners’ tour. Next trip: 12-16 June, seanomads.de
Boots or Bike — and a Raft, France
Packing a portable inflatable boat for hiking trips is the essence of the exciting adventure sport known as packrafting. Secret River Expeditions offers two-day excursions in the picturesque Verdon Gorge, in southeastern France. Guests can either explore lakes just north of the gorge or choose a more challenging canyon experience featuring rapids and abseiling. The company also provides two- or three-day bikerafting adventures around Annecy and Aix-les-Bains, where cycling replaces hiking, and you’ll paddle along scenic rivers, canals, and lakes (with bikes comfortably carried on the boats). Adventures may include bivouacs, camping, or cozy stays in lodges or hotels. For those wanting a taste of the action, one-day or half-day tasters are available (from £73/£43).
From £330 for two days or £407 for three, secretriver-expe.com
On the Ropes in Poland
Aerial movement is an innovative blend of acrobatics, fitness training, Pilates, and yoga, utilizing hammocks for support. Beginners can begin their journey at a week-long woodland retreat within Poland’s Beskid Mountains. Participants engage in daily skills practice, harnessing silks, hoops, trapezes, ropes, and bungee, alongside aerial yoga and Pilates classes. In between sessions, guests can traverse forest trails, potentially scaling the summit of Barania Gora at 1,220 meters. The retreat adopts a 16/8 intermittent fasting plan, featuring brunch at 11 a.m. and dinner at 7 p.m., with a fast following dinner. The modern retreat center offers both shared and private accommodations.
From £1,150 for seven nights, with a 10% discount for bookings made 90 days in advance. Next retreat: 2-9 April, flowmove.eu
Paddleboarding Norway’s Fjords
The popularity of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is surging, with holidays tailored to everything from mindfulness to fitness. SUP & Soul’s Norwegian retreat combines paddleboarding with an immersive connection to nature in a serene forest near Ekne, north of Trondheim. Participants will embark on SUP sessions across stunning fjords and tranquil mountain lakes. Other activities include hiking, swimming, forest yoga, qigong, alongside creative art, music, and dance workshops. The experience even features a summer solstice ceremony. Guests can choose accommodations ranging from tree tents to yurts or cabins.
From £1,450 for six nights, 17-23 June, supandsoul.co.uk
Spain’s Three Peaks Challenge
If you’ve conquered the British Three Peaks Challenge, consider taking on the Spanish equivalent. Adventurous Ewe offers a four-night journey in the Sierra Nevada, home to the three highest mountains on the Spanish mainland: Alcazaba (3,371m), Veleta (3,394m), and Mulhacén (3,482m). Groups embark on a daily ascent, trekking for seven to ten hours each day, lodging in remote mountain huts. While it’s undoubtedly a demanding endeavor that entails some scrambling, no climbing experience is necessary—the breathtaking panoramas stretching from the mountains to the Mediterranean make every exertion worthwhile.
£725 for four nights, next trip 27-31 May, adventurousewe.co.uk
Horse Riding in Albania
Equus Journeys provides thrilling horseback trail rides across Europe and beyond, catering to adventurous intermediate riders. The itineraries vary from short trips in Ireland to an immersive eight-day trek through Iceland. The Ancient Mountain Trails experience in Albania offers riders the chance to traverse picturesque hills, valleys, and forests while visiting medieval villages, ruined castles, and Byzantine monasteries. The journey commences and concludes in the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastër, with nights spent in lovely homestays, engaging with local families through shared meals.
From £1,061 for seven nights, next trip 23-30 March, equus-journeys.com
Surfing for Newbies in Portugal
For those looking to catch their first wave, a women-only surf camp in Lagos, Portugal, offers a supportive environment to learn. This week-long camp includes five full days of surf coaching, with a maximum of four students per instructor to ensure personalized attention. Participants receive one-on-one video coaching and group theory lessons, complemented by two surf skate sessions and a dedicated surf-inspired yoga class. Accommodation in a surf lodge boasts amenities such as a pool, whirlpool bath, gardens, and a variety of room types. Many meals are provided, including an introductory dinner featuring wine tasting and a celebratory barbecue at the week’s end. The camp is suitable for both beginners and intermediate surfers.
Seven nights from £844, 13-20 April, rideonretreats.com
Body Art on the Lofoten Islands
The age-old art of bodypainting is experiencing a revival, highlighted by an exciting weekend in Hvar, Croatia, on June 8-9, and the World Bodypainting festival in Klagenfurt, Austria, set for September 17-21. A newly established retreat on Norway’s Lofoten Islands combines bodypainting, nature, and movement. Participants will not only learn the basics of body art but also explore techniques such as camouflage, abstract designs, UV applications, and face painting. Activities include hula-hooping classes, moving meditations, hiking, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding, culminating in a live bodypainting showcase. Guests stay in charming beachside cabins with access to an outdoor hot tub and sauna, enjoying locally sourced vegan and vegetarian meals. Previous art experience isn’t required, though a degree of comfort with nudity is essential.
From £1,670 for seven nights, 6-12 August, vilijaart.com
Swimrun Camp, Spain
The endurance sport of swimrun, traditionally a team activity, combines trail running and open-water swimming. Originally birthed from a bet among friends in 2002, it now prominently features the Ötillö Swimrun World Championship held in the Stockholm archipelago. In April, renowned champion Sarah Hansson will lead a training camp in Calella de Palafrugell on the Costa Brava. Participants will tackle daily runs and swims, covering 12-18 km in the stunning backdrop of national parks, mountains, beaches, and charming villages. Afternoon yoga sessions will provide a much-needed recovery. Attendees will unwind at a four-star hotel with a pool, just a few minutes’ walk from the sea. This camp caters primarily to intermediate swimmers, but beginners can find workshops based in the UK at swimrun-advice.com.
£535 for four days, swimrun-adventure-camp-costa-brava-2024