Best European Islands for Outdoor Adventures
Discover 14 of the fantastic Spots for Hiking, Diving, Climbing and More
Looking for the best spots on European islands for some great outdoor adventures? Youโre in the right place!
As an avid hiker who likes to enjoy a little (but not too big) adventure from time to time, Iโve spent countless hours researching and experiencing some of the best activities the beautiful European islands have to offer.
Many of the adventures listed here are on my personal to-do list, a few Iโve already done firsthand, and some sound awesome but I would never dare trying.
From hiking the highest peaks to diving into the a crystal clear underwater world, these islands provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Find here some thrilling European island destinations offering outstanding outdoor challenges and adventure for your next holidays.
1. Mallorca – Hiking the Torrent de Pareis
In Mallorca, the largest of Spainโs Balearic Islands, you will find one of my favourite outdoor adventures: Hiking through the Torrent de Pareis.
This spectacular canyon hike is suitable for experienced hikers and those comfortable with scrambling and climbing over rocks.
The trail can be challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Expect dramatic canyon walls, some very narrow passages, and a breathtaking finish at the beautiful Sa Calobra Beach.
If you feel safer experiencing this outdoor adventure with a group, I recommend joining this hiking tour with a local guide.
The only possible time for passing through the canyon is between approximately May and October when it is dried out.
2. Svalbard – Snowmobiling in the Arctic Wilderness
Svalbard is an Arctic archipelago situated between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Snowmobiling in the Arctic wilderness is an adrenaline-pumping experience and an integral part of the locals everyday life.
This adventure allows you to explore vast, icy landscapes, suitable for everyone with a sense of adventure. As the harsh Arctic conditions can be very dangerous, you should not head out alone but only with a local guide or guided tour.
As you traverse glaciers and frozen fjords, you might spot polar bears and other wildlife, adding an unforgettable element to your snowmobile trip.
The best time to go is from February to May, during the long days of the Arctic spring. You can reach Svalbard by flying into Longyearbyen, and tours typically depart from there.
Itโs essential to book in advance and follow all safety guidelines provided by the tour operators. โจ More info on Snowmobiling in Svalbard
3. Corsica – Hiking the GR20 Trail
Corsica is a mountainous island in the Mediterranean Sea, southeast of mainland France. The GR20 is known as one of Europeโs toughest long-distance hiking trails. It spans over 180 kilometres and is suitable for experienced hikers with high endurance.
Youโll encounter diverse landscapes from coastal scenery to rugged mountains, steep climbs and rocky paths. The best time to hike the GR20 is from June to September when the weather is most favourable and snow has melted.
If you are an experienced hiker, you can easily do the trek on your own. However, conditions can be challenging, so if you are unsure, a group or a mountain guide should be part of the plan, to ensure a safe outdoor adventure. โจ Find all trail infos in this trekking guide
4. Madeira – Canyoning Through Lush Levadas
Madeira, an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Portugal, offers some fantastic canyoning in the Levadas.
It is absolute fun to climb and slide through narrow gorges and jump from waterfalls in Madeiraโs lush landscapes. This adventure is perfect for you, if you are comfortable with heights and water activities.
Guided canyoning tours, such as this small group Adventure Tour, provide safety equipment and are essential for this outdoor activity.
Expect exhilarating jumps, swims, and rappels through stunning natural scenery, making for an unforgettable experience.
The best time for canyoning is from April to October.
5. Kalymnos – Climbing the Cliffs
Kalymnos, a beautiful Greek island in the South Aegean Sea, is famous for its world-class climbing opportunities. The island’s limestone cliffs offer a variety of routes suitable for climbers of all levels, from beginners to experts.
Youโll find over 2000 routes, characterized by stunning sea views and perfect climbing conditions. The best time to climb in Kalymnos is from April to June and September to November when the weather is cooler and more stable.
Fly into Kos and take a ferry to Kalymnos, where local climbing schools and guides provide equipment rental, guided tours, and safety instruction. โจ More about climbing in Kalymnos
6. El Hierro – Paragliding Over Volcanic Terrain
El Hierro is the smallest and most remote of Spain’s Canary Islands. Paragliding over the impressive volcanic landscapes allows you to soar above the island’s rugged terrain and coastline.
This outdoor adventure is ideal for thrill-seekers of all experience levels with no fear of heights. Youโll experience breathtaking aerial views and an unparalleled sense of freedom as you glide through the sky.
El Hierro is perfect for paragliding 365 days a year thanks to its geographical location and the gentle trade winds, whose currents help pilots stay up in the air for the longest hours possible. โจ Find out more here
7. Sicily – Hiking an active Vulcano
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is home to Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Hiking to the summit of Mount Etna is one of the islands best day trips and offers an extraordinary adventure through lunar-like landscapes and ancient lava flows.
Since you will be hiking on an active volcano, you must join a group tour or book a local guide, to experience this bucket list adventure.
The hike itself is a bit challenging but youโll be rewarded with views of steaming craters and, on clear days, panoramic vistas of the island and the sea.
The best time to hike Mount Etna is from late spring to early autumn when the weather conditions are more stable. I highly recommend this Guided Volcano Summit Hiking Tour for this amazing outdoor adventure in Sicily. โจ More information on Mt. Etna hikes
8. Sardinia – Diving into the Grotta del Nereo
Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and known for its sandy beaches.
But this beautiful island is also home to one of the largest and most spectacular underwater caves in the Mediterranean: The Grotta del Nereo.
With 10 entrances, arches, and tunnels, the cave allows different dives through 500 meters of large and long tunnels and air chambers.
The cave features stunning marine life and rock formations. Diving here promises an unforgettable underwater adventure in crystal clear waters. The cave’s depth makes it perfect for those experiencing their first cave dive.
The best diving conditions are from May to October. โจ More information on that diving adventure
9. Crete – Hiking the Samaria Gorge
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, located in the eastern Mediterranean. This outdoor adventure is no hidden gem anmore but still a fantastic hiking experience: Exploring Europeโs longest gorge.
The hike through the Samaria Gorge has a length of 16-kilometers and is suitable for fit hikers, as the trail can be strenuous with rocky paths.
Youโll be rewarded with spectacular cliffs, diverse flora and fauna, and beautiful natural scenery, making it a truly rewarding outdoor adventure.
The best and only time to hike is from May to October when the National Parc is open. During high season, you should start early, like at 7:00 AM, to avoid the crowds, as this hike is quite popular.
10. Lofoten Islands – Surfing in the Arctic Circle
The Lofoten are an archipelago in northern Norway. The islands are known for their dramatic scenery.
Surfing in the Arctic Circle is a unique outdoor adventure suitable for surfers looking for a (chilly) challenge in a beautiful setting.
The cold water and remote location make it demanding but rewarding. Youโll find powerful waves, stunning Arctic landscapes, and the chance to surf under the midnight sun, a truly unique surfing adventure.
The peak season for surfing in Lofoten stretches from autumn to spring, with the arrival of the autumn storms marking the start of the bigger waves. โจ More info on surfing on the Lofoten Islands.
My Tip: If, like me, cold water is not yours, but water sports is, you will love Midnight Sun Kayaking as an alternative outdoor adventure.
11. Tenerife – Hiking to Spain’s Highest Peak
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, lies off the northwest coast of Africa. The Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to Spain’s highest peak. At 3718 meters, Mount Teide is as well the third highest active island volcano in the world.
Hiking to the top is definitly one of the best outdoor activities in Tenerife.
Rather than taking the cable car to the Rambleta Plateau and walking the last meters to the top, the hike to the summit is strenuous and best suited for experienced hikers due to the altitude and rugged terrain.
Youโll hike through dramatic volcanic landscapes and encounter unique flora. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking, making every step worthwhile.
A permit is required to access the summit, so plan ahead to secure yours. The best time to hike is during the cooler months from October to May.
I recommend joining this Sunrise Teide Summit Group Hike that includes the permit and the return trip by cable car.
12. Malta – Rock Climbing in Wied il-Mielaฤง
The small island nation of Malta in the central Mediterranean Sea lies between Sicily and the North African coast. It offers some great rock climbing, like the at Wied il-Mielaฤง in Maltas sister island Gozo.
The iconic stone arch, Wied il-Mielah belongs to the best places to visit in Gozo, even if you are not climbing. I just liked admiring the climbers on that beautiful limestone cliff when we passed while hiking the Gozo Coastal Trail.
This geological formation provides some of the best routes and climbing spot, suitable for climbers of various skill levels.
The best time to climb in Malta is from October to May, outside of the hot summer months. โจ Find here more info on climbing in Malta.
13. Iceland – Glacier Hiking on Vatnajรถkull
Iceland, the Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic, is famous for its dramatic landscapes, and glacier trekking on Vatnajรถkull, Europe’s largest glacier, is undoubtedly one of the most exciting outdoor adventures in Europe’s islands.
This adventure involves trekking across expansive ice fields. You should have a good level of fitness and no fear of cold and ice.
I strongly advise against going alone but recommend this Vatnajรถkull Glacier guided hiking tour, which will provide you with safety equipment and expert guidance in this dangerous terrain.
Expect breathtaking ice formations, crevasses, and expansive glacial views, offering an adventure like no other. The best time for glacier hiking in Iceland is from June to August.
14. Azores – Whale Watching Around Pico Island
The Azores archipelago is located in the mid-Atlantic, about 1500 kilometres west of mainland Portugal. The waters around Pico, one of the nine volcanic islands, offer some fantastic whale watching opportunities.
Rich in marine biodiversity, the area is home to more than 20 different species of whales and dolphins.
This outdoor adventure is ideal for everyone interested in the magestic animals, nature and marine life.
The best time for whale watching is springtime when most species can be found. Blue Whales, the biggest animals in the world, are most likely to be seen around Pico in April or May. โจ Book a responsible whale watching trip.
Conclusion
European islands offer a wide range of outdoor adventures for every kind of explorer. Whether you’re hiking the rugged peaks of Tenerife, snowmobiling across Svalbard’s icy wilderness, or rock climbing in Malta, these islands provide diverse and thrilling experiences.
Each destination has been meticulously researched and, in many cases, personally explored, to ensure that youโll have all the information you need to plan your next adventure.
