Adventure Holiday in the Algarve: Don’t miss these other activities.

Tamsin    ash     active holidays, Activities, activity holidays, Algarve, Bird watching, Centro de Observação Astronómica no Algarve, Dolphin Watching, Europe, Kayaking, Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, Quad Biking, Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António, Rock Climbing, Sailing, Surfing, Wakeboarding

When you think of activity holidays in the Algarve, you probably imagine surfing, sailing or maybe even skydiving. But think again, with over 5,500 km2 of rugged countryside on offer, the Algarve has more than a few surprises when it comes to active holidays.

It's not only surfing in the Algarve. Image: Flickr/ Kyle Taylor, Dream It. Do It.

For example, have you ever considered visiting for a spot of astronomical observation? Perched on the very edge of Europe, the Algarve suffers less from light pollution than other areas, making it perfect for a little star-gazing.

There are observatories scattered throughout the region but some will require prior notice if you intend to visit. If you want to make astronomy the focus of your holiday, the Centro de Observação Astronómica no Algarve in Portimão offers on-site accommodation so you can spend every night looking through your telescope.

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Adventure Sports Activities in the Algarve

Tamsin    ash     Adventure Sports, Adventure Sports Activities, Algarve, Costa Vincentina Natural Park, kite surfing, Monchique mountain range, Portugal, Rota Vicentina, Sailing, Surfing, Walking, Windsurfing

Occupying the extreme south-western point of the European mainland, the Algarve is a rugged outcrop of Portugal that offers almost unlimited opportunities when it comes to adventure sports activities.

Beautiful coastline in the Algarve. Image: Flickr/ Sue Elias

With a varied landscape, beautiful coastline and enviable climate, the region attracts mountain bikers, surfers, walkers and sailors all year round.

As with most holiday destinations, the Algarve has its share of resorts and developments. But there is still plenty of unspoilt coastline and countryside, just waiting to be discovered.

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Multi-Activity Holidays in Croatia: Rivers, Islands and Beaches

Tom Sykes    ash     Croatia, Croatia Holidays, cycling, Dol, Dubrovnik, Kalaberra Cave, Lokrum, Mlijet, Monarch, Mreznica River, Multi-Activity Holidays in Croatia, multi-activity-holidays, Peljesac Peninsular, Pit-caving, Podac, Rafting, Rock Climbing, Sailing, Sipan, Suicide Cliff, trekking, Viganj

When you travel abroad why confine yourself to just one experience or activity? Life’s short and you may as well try and squeeze in as much excitement as you possibly can. For this reason, multi-activity holidays are the way forward.

Croatian rivers offer plenty of adventure. Image: Flickr/ _Leon10_

One favourite destination for such breaks is Croatia, a rousing land of contrasting environments, terrains and sights.

In the past you had to be content with cycling or rafting or sailing or trekking or rock climbing or pit-caving.

Now you can enjoy all these activities at once and often in the same location. Only the intrepid and the fearless should read on!

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Living on a sailboat for a year

Mark Moore    New Sailing Holiday Ideas, sailingbreaks     California, Sailboat, Sailing, Sailing Holidays, Sailing in the Caribbean, Sailing Tours, the Caribbean

Almost everyone has occasionally imagined what it would be like to be living on a sailboat: The allure of the easy-going lifestyle, the freedom and the adventure; what’s not to desire?

Live your own adventure on a sailboat. Image: Flickr/spantil

It’s smooth seas, mermaids, sunsets, sailing tours and booze cruises everyday, right? The boat is cheaper than rent, there is no traffic and the entire ocean is at your disposal. After living on a sailboat for the better part of a year, not all of the above are accurate.

All in all, it is pretty sweet, though…

I ended up in California after I broke up with a girl. She left me – figures. I’m not meant for relationships because when the wind is blowing or the surf is running, I have a hard time holding down a normal commitment.

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Five reasons to get excited about autumn

Lucy Grewcock    ash     Biking, Board Sports, Brecon Beacons, cornwall, Devon, Hiking, kitesurfing, Lake District, mountain biking, National Windsurf Festival, Peak District, Sailing, UK, Water Sports Holidays, Watergate Bay, Weymouth Speed Week, Windsurfing

As autumn starts to set in and most of the population bemoan the shorter days and cooler weather, outdoor enthusiasts are rejoicing as the adventure sports world comes into its own.

The best chance of warm waters and weather. Image: Flickr/ david.nikonvscanon

In many sports hot weather is far from the ideal weather. While it’s great to have clear skies and dry days, often the heat on your back and the buckets of sweat just get in the way.

Here are five reasons why we’re excited about autumn – and will be out there making the most of every day. See you there!

Better waves

Autumn in the UK is prime-time for board sports and especially for surfers. Swells are bigger and more regular, beaches are less crowded and, with air temperatures still fairly mild, autumn welcomes the best surf conditions of the year.

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Sailing Samoa: Before the Tsunami

Mark Moore    sailingbreaks     Lalomanu, New Zealand, Pacific ocean, Sailing, Sailing Breaks, Sailing Destinations, sailing holiday, Sailing Samoa, Sailing Trips, Samoa

A tiny speck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Samoa is not an easy place to access from North America. My friend and I ended up there during our year abroad in New Zealand. It was a magical place.

Samoa, the tropical paradise of the Pacific Ocean. Image: Flickr/ NeilsPhotography

In late September of 2009, a powerful earthquake measuring over 8.0 struck the deepwater trench roughly 150 miles south of the small Pacific Island of Samoa.

The local time was shortly after 6:00 AM when the resulting tsunami made landfall on the southern coast of the vulnerable island nation.

While most of the island slept, those fortunate enough to have been awake had a measly fifteen-minute warning to seek higher ground…

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Sailing Florida: Key to the Keys

Tom Sykes    sailingbreaks     Destin Vacation Rentals, Fernandina Harbour, Florida Keys, Fort George Island, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers Beach Vacation Rentals, Hawk Channel, keys, Lake Worth, Sailing, Sailing Florida, Sailing Holidays, sailing trip, US, Vacation Rentals

There are few more attractive places to go sailing than Florida. The waves gleam almost as brightly as the fair shores of the Florida Keys, America’s most exotic archipelago.

Florida Keys, America’s most exotic archipelago. Image: Flickr/ Fifth World Art

Beneath invitingly clear and calm water sits a beautiful live coral reef, truly a sight to see even from the surface.

For those who have chosen Fort Myers Beach Vacation Rentals, a spot of cruising will only add to an already amazing experience. Here are some top voyages and sailing tips to make your journey complete.

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