Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Barcelona

Stroll along the water in an electric boat, drive yourself on the Bass, in the heart of Perpignan! Up to 4 people per boat. http://www.perpignantourisme.com/decouvrir/nos-visites-guidees/individuels/barques-catalanes#sthash.N1c4WA1t.dpbs

The work of Pierre-Paul Riquet carried out in the 17th century to link the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the Midi Canal has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage since 1996. http://www.tourism-carcassonne.co.uk/detail/007a1d2be4f167c8e8cdfe8407287873/462861

Over the centuries, the river Orb and the Mediterranean have shaped the history of Sérignan. As a direct result, the town now covers four distinct areas with different activities that can be all reached by bike. http://uk.beziers-mediterranee.com/beziers-uk/principal-uk/discover/the-coastal-littoral/serignan

Ranking World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO December 7, 1996 has given a soul to one of the oldest still operating channels, now dedicated to tourism. Built during the reign of Louis XIV, from 1667 to 1681, called the Royal Canal to the French Revolution, a distance of 240 km. Large 20 to 24 m, 2 m deep on average, there are 69 locks and 350 works spanning his course and facilitate its airworthiness. http://uk.beziers-mediterranee.com/discover/the-canal-du-midi

Walking on the moon, stepping aboard the Mir Space Station, gazing at the Ariane 5 rocket, dreaming with your head in the stars… You can do all of this at the Cité de l’Espace, a short hop from the centre of Toulouse. The Cité offers 2,500m² of interactive exhibitions to help you become an expert on the Earth and the Universe as you learn everything about space flight and even find out how to predict the weather. You can train like a genuine astronaut thanks to the moonwalk simulator and explore the life of astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Try on a space suit, jump into a lunar rover… Its 5 hectares of gardens, which are home to life-sized replicas of spacecraft and a giant telescope, its IMAX® cinema with giant screen, its interactive planetarium and countless activities for young and old alike make this journey into outer space even more fun. https://www.toulouse-visit.com/cite-de-l-espace/toulouse/loimid031fs00969

If you would like enjoy a journey to the Orient, treat yourself to a Zen promenade in the Japanese Garden, which is labelled a Remarkable Garden. Situated in the heart of Compans-Caffarelli Park, this garden’s exotic feel is a surprise. A veritable invitation to meditate and relax, it is a synthesis of the gardens you can find in Kyoto, Japan, constructed between the XIV and XVI Centuries. It is made up of all the characteristic elements: a showcase of the worlds of minerals and plants and the aquatic world complete with traditional decorative features. You can discover a rock garden with islands devoted to the crane and the turtle, nine rocks, a lake, a tea pavilion and a landscaped garden featuring a dry waterfall, Japanese stepping stones, a lantern, a red bridge, an Island of Paradise, a Mount Fuji and the headstones of three saints. http://www.toulouse-visit.com/offre/fiche/patrimoine-culturel/jardin-japonais/PCUMID031FS0007F

Take some time away from the heat of the day in the eerie, underground caverns of the Cueva Can Marça in Puerto de San Miguel. Spookily silent and illuminated in strange colours, the formations of stalagmites and stalactites make for a Jurassic backdrop to the tour of the cavernous galleries. Originally used by smugglers to store contraband, the marks they used to guide them in the dead of night can still be seen on the walls. At the heart is a spectacular music and light show with a 10 metre cascade of water. Visitors also get to see the magnificent views out to sea from openings hewn into the cliff side. https://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/activity/can-marca-caves

Acrobosc Ibiza is a fantastic outdoor adventure park with activities both for young and old. Set in an area of pine trees just 100m from the Cala Pada beach, there are three circuits you can follow, according to your height and age, putting your balance and skills to challenge. Thirty-nine platforms between 2 and 6m high, 49 obstacles and 20 zip lines from 4 to 65m length and trampolines will guarantee you 2 to 2 1/2 hours of fun & adrenaline. After fitting you with a safety harness, the instructors will train you and then it's up to you to find your pace as you balance tight ropes, walk over nets suspended mid-air or slide down one of the zip slides (always safely connected to a safety cable). Those under age 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. https://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/activity/acrobosc-ibiza

Ibiza is a little island where fiesta, glamorous beaches and the latest musical trends fuse with tranquility, the outdoors and a cultural and natural heritage linked to many centuries of tradition. Ibiza is authentic and natural, but so much more, too. It is cosmopolitan and trendsetting, with universal appeal. It is home to the world’s best DJs and the biggest, most innovative clubs. Every year travellers come in droves searching for one thing: world-famous Ibizan nightlife. Efforts to turn out party goers can take the form of creative street theatre at the Ibiza port. It is all part of an irresistible phenomenon in which even celebrities join in on the fun in street-side terraces and the island’s discotheques. On a big-name night in the latter, sightings of world-famous personalities are a common occurrence. Ibiza’s nightlife is known for constant innovation, with a steady stream of the latest trends flowing in and turning heads. http://ibiza.travel/en/enjoy-ibiza/when-night-falls/

Enjoy one of Ibiza's most unique and fun packed locations, Surf Lounge Ibiza, situated in the lively San Antonio Bay area, with the only Flowrider, an artificial wave machine, on the island. An activity for all to enjoy as no experience is necessary, beginners welcome. The beach sports club, which sits directly on the sea front, has a host of activities, services and events that mean you can learn to paddle surf or play volleyball, then relax by the pool with a delicious cocktail and tasty snack. Of course the big attraction is Flowrider, an artificial, static wave machine, designed in California that can accommodate up to 20 riders at a time. Totally unique to Ibiza, Flowrider offers the opportunity for surfers of all experience levels to enjoy the thrill of riding the waves with monitors and surf teachers in assistance at all times (beginners welcome). Better still is the excellent value you get with all the different ticket options to suit individuals, families and groups. Instructed fun, with all necessary equipment included. Away from the sports, you can relax on the Bali style beds, treat yourself to a massage and sample the ample food and beverage menu. Soak up Ibiza's famous sunset from one of the best spots on the island whilst listening to one of the DJs sunset sessions. https://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/activity/surf-house-ibiza

For many, Cala Conta needs no introduction. For those who've not yet experienced her crystal shores, you're in for a very special treat. Cala Conta has fabulous views of the little islands dotted near Ibiza's coastline, beautiful turquoise waters and several different areas to explore, making it one of the best beaches on the island. There are two stretches of sand, one backed by a rocky coastline, the other by sand dunes. The shallow water is safe for children and as clear as a swimming pool. Be careful when swimming into the open sea; there are very strong currents here - so even more experienced swimmers should avoid aiming for the island offshore. In the high season the beach is very popular, so come either in the early morning or later in the afternoon. The area of sand is only small, but the waters so inviting you'll spend most of your time there anyway. The many rocky outcrops also make Cala Conta an interesting place for snorkelling. Cala Conta is also one of the best beaches to catch the sunset from, with crowds gathering on land and boats dropping anchor further out to see the soothing spectacle. https://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/beach/cala_conta_i.htm

Conveniently located in Marina Botafoc, in Ibiza Town's yacht harbour, Scuba Ibiza Diving Centre is the only diving centre on Ibiza to be qualified to level PADI 5 Star CDC (Career Development Centre) the highest qualification to be given by the PADI organisation. With friendly and highly qualified instructors who are able to teach in seven languages, Scuba Ibiza Diving Centre offers every type of diving activity for holiday makers and Ibiza residents alike, from absolute beginners all the way through to instructor level. Private lessons and dives are available, as are IAHD courses for handicapped divers. Scuba Ibiza Diving Centre takes advantage of Ibiza's ideal climate by remaining open all year round, and the modern facilities and complete dive shop will satisfy even the most demanding of divers. https://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/activity/scuba-ibiza-diving-center

The best way to discover the island is with a boat trip around the coast line. Sparkling crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches is everything you need for a perfect day out. https://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/guide/boat-trips

You're better off on foot, in sensible shoes, exploring the narrow, winding, steep cobbled streets and magnificent views from the breaks in the high ramparts and the vast terraces at each level. There are three official routes around Dalt Vila, though you can just wander around, get lost and surprise yourself at what you find. The tourist office in Vara de Rey gives out free guides to navigate the warren of streets and there are information plaques sprouting up from the ground all over; these give you, in multiple languages, a chance to learn and do your own guided tour at your leisure, amidst the residents hanging out their washing from their balconies. A fantastic way to discover the hidden treasures of the old town are the guided tours by Ibiza City Tour - the experienced guides will stimulate your imagination with many anecdotes and interesting facts. https://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/ibiza/daltvila_i.htm

The highest point of Ibiza, Sa Talaia, is easily accessible and offers stunning views across the island! https://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/magazine/2013/10/winter-ibiza-days-out-sa-talaia

This thousand-year-old city neighbourhood grew between two walls, the Muslim and the Christian. A walk through its labyrinthine cobbled streets flanked by imposing medieval buildings takes us to back to other times in history. http://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-visit-valencia/must-sees

First maritime park in Europe, Port-Cros National Park covers 690 acres on land and almost the double on sea. Its missions are multifold, from devising protective measures to leading campaigns to raise awareness about the park’s natural habitat. http://www.hyeres-tourism.co.uk/land-nature-culture/nature/port-cros-national-park

The Concha Bay is the image par excellence of San Sebastián: it is the most classic, the most photographed, the most visited of them all... The Concha Beach stands right in the centre of the city and stretches from the City Hall to the Pico del Loro (Parrot’s Beak). Its 1,500 metres of white sand are elegant and cosmopolitan (it will come as no surprise that the Concha is considered to be one of the best city beaches in Europe). The The Concha promenade is punctuated with several elements famous in their own right and well known beyond the city: the Concha railing (one of the most universal icons of the city, unmistakable for its design), the lamp posts (replicated in the Film Festival awards, “los relojes” (“the clocks”, main access to the beach), the area around La Perla (with its variety of spa options, bars & restaurants, sports clubs, etc.). All of these elements make a stroll round the Concha (whether by the beach or the promenade) an essential activity for locals and tourists alike. You can continue your walk round the bay by taking the Paseo Nuevo promenade round the bottom of Monte Urgull and heading along the Zurriola Beach until coming to Sagüés in a spectacular city stroll covering around 6 kilometres. https://www.sansebastianturismo.com/en/to-do/what-not-to-miss/the-concha-bay

Monte Igeldo is located at the end of La Concha Bay, marking the limit between the city and the sea. This is a place where the past meets the present, where you can relive your childhood years by visiting a picturesque fairground from yesteryear. Here, you can travel back to the past in a 1912 funicular railway, , while enjoying the most iconic views of the city. At the summit, you will be able to make out all of the city as well as part of the Gipuzkoan coastline and the immense Cantabrian Sea. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Bay, as well as the impressive power of the waves breaking against the cliffs. This place guards a special secret: a fairground that captures the essence of the “Belle Epoque". https://www.sansebastianturismo.com/en/to-do/what-not-to-miss/mount-igeldo

Enjoy this guided canoe trip in Bordeaux. Garonne river let us appreciate the preserved nature, the water mirror, the stone bridge and the beautiful dockside. https://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/offre/fiche/bordeaux-canoe/ASCAQU033V501QU4

Just 20 minutes from Cannes (External link) by boat, the Lérins islands feel a whole world away from the buzz of the mainland. Visitors are seduced by their idyllic natural beauty with quiet sandy paths, rocky coves to explore and swim in, and a fascinating history combining the mystery of the Man in the Iron Mask and the spirituality of Cistercian monks. The archipelago separates the Gulf of Napoule to the west from Golfe Juan to the east, and is composed of two main islands: Sainte-Marguerite and Saint Honorat, just a kilometre from each other. They are not accessible to cars, bicycles or scooters and make wonderful, peaceful getaways for walks, swimming, games of pétanque and long lazy lunches. Oaks and creaking pines cover both islands, as well as a fragrant scrubland of myrtle, cistus, honeysuckle and wild clematis – and there’s plenty of wildlife here too. https://uk.france.fr/en/cote-dazur/article/lerins-islands

The park of the Campa de los Ingleses occupies the green space between Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Deusto Bridge as well as the new buildings like the Library of the University of Deusto, the Auditorium of the UPV-EHU and the Iberdrola Tower, among others. This area, which in its time has been a British cemetery, the Athletic football ground and also a runway, is 25,000 m2 and was landscaped by Diana Balmori, who also designed the Plaza de Euskadi. The trees planted there (oak, holm oak and jacaranda) are also the most representative in Doña Casilda Park . http://www.bilbaoturismo.net/BilbaoTurismo/en/parques/campa-de-los-ingleses-park

Protected natural beach with sand dunes and salt lakes. It is located in the regional park Parque Regional de las Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar, between the beaches Playa de Las Salinas and Punta de Algas. This is the first one of the beaches that can be found in La Llana, as well as the only place where some shaded areas can be found, in the shelter of a group of palm trees. https://www.murciaturistica.es/en/beach/playa-de-la-llana-(playa-de-la-barraca-quemada)-545/

The underground cavity has the longest horizontal run of the Region of Murcia and its more than 700 meters long. It has different astonishing rooms and spectacular rock formations with three fantastic audiovisual shows. Locution and synchronized lighting with LED technology and exciting walkways all provided. Also specialized guides for excursions. The Cueva del Puerto Reception Centre of Calasparra has a cafeteria, a multipurpose hall also used for conferences, interpretative room, terraces for activities, parking lots, cave tourism centre, etc. https://www.murciaturistica.es/en/monument/cueva-del-puerto-5270/

Anyone who loves nature and places untouched by the human hand will find the Almadenes Canyon a landscape of singular beauty. On the other hand, there is a rich biodiversity of flora including poplars, ashes and willows and wildlife such as the eagle owl, the short-toed Eagle and the otter. In this attractive touristic enclave, you can pursue adventure sports such as trekking, canyoning, and of course, the river descent by inflatable boat or kayak which offers every visitor the opportunity to travel down the river irrespective of their age or physical fitness. https://www.murciaturistica.es/en/natural_area/ca%c3%b1on-de-almadenes-4508/

It offers many activities and exhibitions on Nature all year long, with - some twenty theme gardens display 2,500 plant species. A lake, where a hundred birds - ducks, pelicans, black swans - live together in peace and in which are reflected the white marble façades of the Asian Arts Museum designed by the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Also one of the largest greenhouses in Europe: the ‘Green Diamond’, that takes visitors through 6 different tropical climates to discover several thousand rare plant species, including tree ferns, an orchid collection... and many more plants. And you can see crocodiles, iguanas and exotic birds. A family of Varis lemurs are currently delighting visitors. http://en.nicetourisme.com/nice/1256-parc-phoenix%20-

The tourist reputation of Promenade des Anglais has gone beyond the French or European borders. At present, the famed promenade is a landmark of Nice, from both an infrastructural and a tourist point of view. In fact, its importance for the commercial and tourist platform of the city is reflected by its structure and use. By following the promenade, visitors have the opportunity to stumble on some of the top attractions and architectural marvels of Nice. First of all, it’s the beaches. Most of the beaches in Nice (either private or otherwise) nestle between Baie des Anges and Promenade des Anglais being accessible from the promenade side. Secondly, sights like the Phoenix Park with its imposing Museum of Asian Arts, Palais de la Mediterranee and Hotel Negresco, all are accessible from the proud promenade. On top of that, the street is lined with bars and restaurants where tourists can relax and have a refreshment. Plenty of the bike stands managed by Velo Bleu are also located on Promenade des Anglais. The promenade obviously has something to offer to everyone: it is ideal for sightseeing tours, it provides access to the beach and it is practicable for roller-skaters and cyclists. http://www.nice-tourism.com/en/nice-attractions/promenades-and-pedestrian-areas-in-nice/promenade-des-anglais.html

The Old Town of Nice is made up of tall tenement houses lined up along narrow and dark streets. The ground floors are occupied by restaurants, shops and galleries of local artists. You can buy everything here, from Provence spices to hand-made jewelry and cosmetics. Just go in and let yourself be carried away by the past, which is still present in this place. The Old Town of Nice (Vieille Ville), also called Old Nice (Vieux Nice), lies just below the Castle Hill. In the south, it borders with the Promenade des Anglais, and in the north with the Paillon River, or rather the Promenade of Paillon, because the river has been flowing through the city in the underground channel since 1972. The names of streets in the Old Town are written in two versions: in French and in the local Nissart dialect (niçart). The Old Town of Nice is full of historic tenements, churches and squares. A walk through the narrow and shaded streets allows you to almost move in time and feel the spirit of Old Nice. You just need to know where to look for it. https://frenchriviera.travel/old-town-nice/

Protected natural beach of high landscape value. This beach is located within the regional park Parque Regional de Calblanque, one of the best preserved unspoilt natural landscapes on the coast. Its enormous natural wealth is based on its arid mountains, its long, ocher and golden-colored beaches as well as its lonely coves, the formation of its fossil dunes, its white salt lakes and its mountain massifs, which contrast with the blue sea. https://www.murciaturistica.es/en/beach/playa-de-calblanque-590/

The city’s original site, the Castle Hill (Parc De La Colline Du Chateau) once boasted a reputedly impregnable citadel that was entirely dismantled by the soldiers of the French King Louis XIV in 1706. Truly a maze of greenery that has become popular for its cool undergrowth and surprising waterfall, this wonderful place for strolling offers a wonderful viewpoint over Baie des Anges, Old Nice and the Port (orientation table). Spectacular lighting at night. http://en.nicetourisme.com/nice/92-parc-de-la-colline-du-chateau

Spread over an area of approximately 15,000 m2, the Exotic Garden is home to a thousand cacti and other succulent plants with stems or hypertrophic leaves which store water. Originally from the planet’s main semi-arid regions, these plants still produce plenty of flowers. The principal flowering seasons are winter (January–February) for South African succulents such as Aloe and Crassula, and spring and summer for cacti, a family native to the American continent. The enormous trees which line the paths of the Exotic Garden illustrate the age of the collection which served as the basis for the creation of the garden at the instigation of Prince Albert I. Opened to the public in February 1933, and supplemented in the 1960s by a botanical centre and specialist tree nursery, the garden is one of the Principalities most visited tourist attractions. At the base of the cliff on which the Exotic Garden is situated (called “the observatory” due to the long-standing presence of a small astronomical observatory), at an altitude of 100 metres, there is a subterranean chamber equipped to receive visitors. The limestone rock, carved out by water containing carbon dioxide, is studded with caverns adorned with geological formations bearing evocative names: stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, columns, soda straws... Expert guided tours of the cave are included in the entry ticket for the Exotic Garden. The tour travels from a depth of 98 metres to a depth of 40 metres (around 300 steps). The chamber plunges down almost to sea level and is regularly explored by local cavers. The presence of prehistoric humans in the region of the cave is confirmed by the bones of the animals that they ate. These remains also illustrate the climate variations that have taken place over the last 250,000 years. http://www.visitmonaco.com/en/Places-to-visit/Gardens/The-Exotic-Gardens-and-the-Observation-Cave

Boasting world-renowned expertise, the Museum presents more than 6000 specimens in their faithfully reconstructed natural habitat. Come and discover the amazing species of the Mediterranean, the incredible diversity of the inhabitants of the coral reef and the monumental Shark Lagoon, all under the same roof. From the highly colourful tropical zone to the spellbinding charm of the Mediterranean section, the Oceanographic museum invites you to observe the underwater world in all its authenticity. The one hundred or so pools, ranging in size from 100 to 450,000 litres, are home to several thousand fish specimens, more than 200 species of invertebrates and around one hundred species of hard and soft corals. https://www.oceano.mc/en/aquariums/our-aquariums

Larvotto is the principality of Monaco's most popular sandy beach and the main one with free public access. Covered in smooth imported fine gravel this man-made beach is made up of both private and public areas of beach. Despite being a beach in a city setting this is one of the gems of Monaco. Beautiful clear water for swimming, soft pebble beach for sunbathing and plenty of good eateries around to satisfy even the pickiest of foodies. In the stretches of private beach you can hire a lounger and a parasol from the beach club, plus enjoy a cocktail and some food while you top up your tan. Whilst, on the public stretches you will need to bring your own lounger, towel, parasol or whatever you might desire for your trip to the beach. https://www.seemonaco.com/beaches/plage-du-larvotto-monaco-674322