7 HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS IDEAL FOR FITNESS BUFFS

With spring just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about holidays. All the fitness buffs out there might be beginning to consider ways to meet their exercise goals (or perhaps renew some failed New Year’s resolutions!) whilst also enjoying a pleasant break abroad.

Thankfully, there are hundreds of great destinations for fitness gurus of all persuasions and levels to enjoy a well-deserved break whilst not lagging behind on their exercise goals. Below we outline seven of the best. 

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Where To Go for the Ultimate Fitness Holiday

If cycling’s your thing, Ireland offers some of the most stunning scenery throughout the whole of Europe where you can bike and hike and is conveniently just a stone’s throw from the UK. There are dozens of jaw-dropping trails dotted around its picturesque landscapes that will suit both novice and experienced cyclists. Drink in incredible panoramic views of glistening lochs, immense cliffs and fairytale islands as you improve your fitness along trails that are often marvellously unspoilt by traffic. Some are even gentle enough to be suitable for all the family.

Sicily is a fantastic destination for a cycling fitness holiday that’s a bit warmer and a bit more challenging, and it was recently home to some memorable sections from Italy’s Grand Tour bike race, the Giro d’Italia. Feel like a pro as you saddle up and take on some tough sections from the tour whilst enjoying beautiful olive-tree laden vistas and soaking up the historic, rustic culture and excellent healthy cuisine.

For those who prefer their exercise on two legs, why not try a Nordic walking break? You’ll burn up to 46% more calories than you do walking normally; Nordic walking (with poles) has fast become a popular option among British ramblers and hikers, and is quickly gaining fanatics across the globe.

For a very different (and very un-Nordic) Nordic walking experience, we recommend packing your poles and taking them to Greece’s Halkidiki Peninsula, where over 30 routes have been established by quiet bays and through cinematic olive groves. Fitness fanatics may also want to visit the gorgeous Miraggio Thermal Spa for strength training sessions and guided walks, as well as a bit of pampering.

Those seeking to break a serious sweat and holiday with a competitive edge should head to the gorgeous island of Mauritius for one of their celebrated annual races, the most famous of which is Beachcomber’s Ultra Trail Raidlight (28-29 July); it comprises of four tough fitness events across the stunning island. Beginners may want to try the event’s six-mile race, whilst seasoned fitness buffs should attempt the event’s ultimate fitness challenge: a 62-mile course that encompasses clifftops, peaks, waterfalls and areas that are normally off-limits.

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Or if it’s a holiday crammed with water activities that you need, why not try a surfing getaway? With its first appearance as an Olympic sport due in Tokyo in 2020, there’s never been a better time to get into surfing. It’s a fantastic way to improve your fitness whilst also soaking in the rays, and there are plenty of excellent surfing spots across Europe and beyond for an excellent fitness experience that’s also heaps of fun. 

Within Europe, you can’t do better than the Iberian Peninsula in Portugal. With excellent surf set against a backdrop of cute whitewashed villages, mouth-watering food and loads of surf camps and gentler spots where you can train, it’s the perfect place to start your surfing journey. Outside of Europe, we recommend Morocco’s east coast for something a little more exotic. With a well-established surf culture and plenty of well-regarded surf spots for both beginners and experts, Morocco’s the place to head for a surfing fitness holiday that doubles as a fascinating cultural getaway teeming with gorgeous Islamic architecture and incredible food. 

If you prefer to be submerged in the water rather than coasting on top of it, then a swimming holiday is the ideal fitness break for you. In our opinion you can’t do better than a trip to one of Greece’s many islands for the perfect swim. With gentle, warm waters and sparkling clear blue seas, almost all of the country’s 227 inhabited islands offer fantastic swimming experiences around their shores.

We recommend the town of Oia on the island of Santorini, which also holds guided boat tours around its two surrounding volcanic islets. Another great option for swimmers is Crete, which offers swim trails like the Minoan Trail round the gorgeous rugged coastline of the Sfakia region and also hosts ‘Big Swim Weeks’ at various times throughout the year. 

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Whether it’s cycling, hiking, swimming or surfing that you feel will scratch your fitness holiday itch, you can’t go wrong with any of these seven destinations; you’ll make sure you return from your holiday feeling trim and focussed rather than flabby and over-indulged. And of course, fantastic all-inclusive resorts that cater to fitness fanatics of every stripe and with elegant gyms, spas and pools can be found of each of these locations, often at excellent prices. 

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