![\"Benagil](\"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Benagil-Caves-Algarve.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSurfing:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To witness the world\u2019s biggest waves, go to Nazare on Portugal\u2019s west coast in winter \u2013 a mighty 100ft wave was ridden here recently. But for something a little calmer, head to the Algarve on the country\u2019s picture-perfect south coast \u2013 you\u2019ll find a handful of spots ideal for newbies and seasoned pros. We recommend Sagres<\/a>, a laid-back beach town with plenty of surf schools. Check out Mareta Beach for beginners, and Bordeira for experienced wave riders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those who prefer things horizontal, the Algarve<\/a> offers tons of opportunities for bodyboarders of all levels. At Praia de Gale you\u2019ll find plenty of bodyboarding schools and consistent waves that aren\u2019t too daunting; trip over to Beliche, 3km from Sages, and you\u2019ll discover a beautiful protected cove with endless barrels \u2013 the most fun you can have on a bodyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With jutting rock formations and hidden sea caves, the Algarve was made to be explored by kayak. At Ponta de Piedade in Lagos<\/a>, you\u2019ll discover towering rocks and untouched coves, while the caves and grottoes at Praia de Igrina are perfect for beginner paddlers. The jewel in the crown is the cave at Benagil, a mesmerising formation that can only be reached from the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stay in Lagos for easy access to the Algarve\u2019s best beaches. We recommend Vila Gale Lagos<\/a>, with its vast, lagoon-style pools and outstanding ocean views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An hour from upmarket Marbella<\/a>, you\u2019ll discover one of Europe\u2019s best hiking trails \u2013 Caminito del Ray. Not for the feint hearted, this lofty hike takes you through a gorge on a 100m-high suspended walkway. At 8km long, the trail is not too challenging, and the views are breathtaking. If you have a fear of heights, then Torcal de Antequera in Malaga makes a great alternative, a Unesco-designated park with stunning natural formations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are few things more fun than zipping across the Spanish terrain on a quad bike. Start your adventure in Mijas<\/a>, 5 minutes from Fuengirola. Go offroad through mountains and traditional villages on a thrilling tour with spectacular mountain views. If you\u2019re nearer to Malaga town, this exciting safari<\/a> takes you through crop fields, along dirt roads, and across rivers \u2013 be prepared to get wet and muddy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beginner canyoners get to slip and slide through the rocks and rivers of Guadalmina, Marbella, on this adrenaline-pumping adventure<\/a>. If you\u2019re no stranger to the sport, you can take on a level 2 excursion full of thrilling rappels, canyon swims, and jumps into wild water \u2013 and even tackle the mighty Cathedral Canyon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hotel Las Rampas<\/a> in Fuengirola puts you where you need to be, a stylish and well-equipped hotel, 2 minutes from the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are plenty of ways to begin your underwater adventures in Madeira<\/a>, with more than a dozen dive schools on the southeast coast alone. Porto Santo is one of the island\u2019s most sought-after dive spots, with gin-clear waters, and reef wrecks home to grouper, barracuda and kingfish. Garajau Nature Reserve is another can\u2019t-miss, where you\u2019ll discover salema shoals, amberjacks, and \u2013 if you\u2019re lucky \u2013 a rare monk seal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Going on an open-top 4×4 safari<\/a> means you get to see the best of Madeira, off the beaten track. You\u2019ll see a whole new side to this fascinating island, as you traverse the rugged coastline, rocky mountains, and forested tracks. Stop off at the natural pools in Porto Maniz for a refreshing dip, and take in the exceptional natural beauty of Seixal on this one-of-a-kind tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regularly topping lists of the world\u2019s best hikes, clambering to the top of Pico do Areeiro mountain at sunrise is one for the bucket list. From the summit, take the challenging trail north to Pico Ruivo, Madeira\u2019s highest peak. You\u2019ll face steep climbs, narrow pathways, and dark tunnels, along with views you\u2019ll remember for a lifetime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Base yourself in capital Funchal for easy access to all the top attractions. The Vine Hotel<\/a> is our choice, a chic design hotel with panoramic views of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve got an urge to try out the heart-pumping sport of kitesurfing, there\u2019s nowhere better to learn than Fuerteventura<\/a>. With scores of professional schools dotted throughout the island\u2019s north and south, take your pick, and you\u2019ll be up and flying in no time. The best spots for beginners are the beaches in Corralejo, and La Playa del Burro in the northeast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Home to the Windsurfing World Championships, Fuerteventura is heaven for sailboarders, offering excellent conditions year-round. If you\u2019re just starting out, you\u2019re best bet is to take a lesson at one of the many schools on the island \u2013 check out Caleta de Fuste<\/a> for shallow waters protected from the prevailing winds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The summer months are best if you\u2019re new to the sport, while Autumn through to Spring sees the pros take on the big waves. El Cotillo Beach on the west coast is a mecca for beginner surfers, with plenty of expert tuition on hand. For an alternative, Playa del Morro in the northeast offers reliable waves that rarely get too big in the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A stay at the highly-rated Barcelo Corralejo Bay<\/a> puts you within walking distance of the island\u2019s big-name surf schools, including Quicksilver, Rip Curl, and O\u2019Neil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often looked over for bigger cousin Majorca, Menorca<\/a> offers some of Europe\u2019s best beaches, with amazingly clear water for snorkelling. One of the most popular places to spot Menorca\u2019s marine life is Cala Marcella, a stunning cove hemmed in by limestone cliffs. Look out for scorpionfish, starfish, octopus, and sea turtles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Slip on a wetsuit and explore Menorca\u2019s hidden depths on a thrilling cave expedition<\/a>. You\u2019ll swim through the mesmerising Costa de Coloms, an ancient cave system home to underground lakes, and glistening stalagmites. Or why not try your hand at coasteering<\/a>, an adrenaline-pumping sport combining cliff jumping, rock climbing, and rappelling? \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mountain biking in Menorca is spectacular, with trails through forests, hills, and along the coast. Start off with the Cami de Cavalls, a trail that follows the wonderful Menorcan coastline, complete with steep drops, short, rocky climbs, and sandy coves. If you fancy leaving the trail, you\u2019ll find lots of car-free tracks for exploring the countryside and gently rolling hills.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBodyboarding:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sea kayaking:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hotel pick:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Costa del Sol, Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Torcal](\"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Torquel-de-Antequera-Costa-del-Sol.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHiking:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Quad biking:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Canyoning:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hotel pick: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Madeira, Portugal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Pico](\"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Pico-path-Madeira.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nScuba diving:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Off-roading:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hiking:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hotel pick:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Windsurfer](\"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/windsurf-fuerteventura.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKite surfing:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Windsurfing:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Surfing:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hotel pick:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Menorca, Balearic Islands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sandy](\"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Turqueta-Beach-Menorca.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSnorkelling:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Caving and coasteering:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mountain biking:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hotel pick:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n