Europe is unique. A melting pot of different cultures, languages and even climates all packed into a relatively small place. Europe There's almost every type of holiday available, from luxury city breaks to snowy mountain retreats, from lazy spa getaways to adventurous water sports getaways. Millions of people travel to European destinations for vacation every year. Cheap flights across the continent mean people from countries like Germany and the UK tend to hop on a plane and head to countries further south in Europe for a swim.
While you might associate water sports with the tropical climate of Thailand or the hot California beaches; Europe has a thriving community offering plenty of thrilling water activities. We explore some of the best water sports destinations in Europe for water sports enthusiasts.
Spain
Spanish culture has spread far and wide around the world, and it remains a popular holiday destination. It has a vast coastline and many thriving resorts, with plenty of space for water sports. Windsurfing is one of the most common sports here on the Spanish-owned island Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura (a little further south than mainland Spain) stunning due to the breezy conditions. People also love to take part in scuba diving around the Spanish coast, and the Balearic Islands of Menorca and Mallorca offer snorkeling enthusiasts some amazing marine life.
Portugal
Spain's neighbor Portugal, and Madiera in particular, is an amazing destination for those who enjoy surfing and other surfing sports. The area is home to many stunning beaches and crystal clear waters, as well as a thriving community of people involved in a variety of sports from mainstream surfing to other board sports such as wakeboarding and bodyboarding.
Greece
Greece is a country rich in history, and the vast coastline and large number of islands mean water sports are part of the culture there. If you're looking for a luxury vacation that includes diving, Santorini is a picturesque island and an iconic location for vacationers. In other words, you’ll find that there are plenty of beaches to go to and try your hand at scuba diving. Other islands such as Kos and Crete have stunning beaches and impressive waves, making them popular choices for surfers. Summers in Greece are very hot, making the beaches even more popular. Best of all, now is the time when water sports enthusiasts from all over the world flock to some amazing resorts.
Scotland
When you think of water sports, this is probably not the place that comes to mind. However, kayaking around Scotland and the Scottish Islands has become extremely popular due to the stunning scenery and beautiful beaches. Scotland has over 10,000 kilometers of beaches, so water sports tours and holiday packages have become increasingly popular in recent years. Scottish Water Sports' sailing and paragliding options, as well as kayaking, have become real favorites. You'll discover all this and more as you explore Scotland's lochs, rivers and even the frigid Scottish coast.
Recreational water sports come in all different shapes and sizes. Additionally, Europe's weather, culture, and landscape vary greatly, so there are hundreds of special options. Our list should give you enough inspiration to start exploring this beautiful continent.
