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Active Holidays

Active types from those learning to surf and beginners who’ve never ridden a horse before to adrenaline junkies – there’s something for everyone on our sports and activity holidays. Active breaks deliberately crafted to redefine your comfort zone, activate your mind and energise your body, all in epic scenery and great locations.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a surf holiday, a cycling experience or a walking break, here at Not In The Guidebooks we have a wide variety of unique, off the beaten track options all over the globe.

Most Popular experiences

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  • Sailing and Hiking the Dodecanese Islands

    6 Nights / 7 Days Greece

    Embark on a wonderful week's sailing, calling at beautiful unspoilt islands, travelling across the deep blue Adriatic se..

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    £3063 pp
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  • Horse Riding Holiday in Sierra Nevada Mountains

    6 nights / 7 days Spain

    Spend 6 nights in the spa town of Lanjaron near Granada and discover the Sierra Nevada Mountains on horseback with 4 ful..

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    £1507
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  • West Highland Way Adventure

    7 days/6 Nights Scotland

    Strike out on to the West Highland way, a 'bucket list' experience in the stunning Scottish Highlands, a walking holiday..

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    £1195 pp
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  • Local Trail Walking and Eco Retreat – North Vietnam

    9 nights/ 10 days Vietnam

    This once in a lifetime trip takes you to the real Vietnam, visit the North West province and meet with locals, stay in ..

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    £1342 pp
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  • Learn Spanish & Flamenco in Malaga

    5 days Spain

    Learn Spanish in the morning, and learn how to dance flamenco in the afternoon on this popular 1-week course in the vibr..

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    £429 pp
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  • Fitness and Wellbeing Camp

    8 or 11 days Spain

    Set on the Costa de la Luz near the town of Zahora overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, there is no better place to be inspir..

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    £723 pp
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    • View all

    Pick your type of Active Holidays

    Cycling Holidays image

    Cycling Holidays

    Cycling holidays are without doubt one of the very best ways of getting far off the beaten track and out into the untouched parts of a country, all in an eco-friendly way that really helps you get in touch with a landscape.

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    Watersports Holidays image

    Watersports Holidays

    Whatever you're into, we have a wide range of thrilling watersports holidays that will help you discover the world from a different perspective. Try your hand at windsurfing, kayaking, SUP, coasteering, kitesurfing and caving.

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    Horse Riding Holidays image

    Horse Riding Holidays

    Equine lovers, beginners who have never mounted a horse before, experienced riders - everyone is welcome in the farms and ranches of our horse riding holiday hosts on an unforgettable riding adventure.

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    Surfing Holidays image

    Surfing Holidays

    More than just standing on a board, surfing is about testing your limits and redefining your comfort zone, and, most importantly, sharing feedback and laughs with other surfers after a day in the waves.

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    Walking Holidays image

    Walking Holidays

    From avid hikers to casual ramblers, we offer a wide range of walking and hiking holidays to match your comfort zone and holiday itinerary. You can even combine your love of walking with another activity for a walking holiday with a difference.

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    Top Active Holidays destinations

    England Image

    England

    Wales Image

    Wales

    Spain Image

    Spain

    Portugal Image

    Portugal

    Costa Rica Image

    Costa Rica

    Montenegro Image

    Montenegro

    Kenya Image

    Kenya

    What our travellers are saying...

    Visit our blog
    03/05/2018 Local Insights

    Essential surf kit for beginners – what to buy

    Starting a new hobby or sport can be a daunting task at times. Once you have bit the bullet, tried it out and decided ‘yeah, I can do this’, you have to kit yourself out. But where do you start? Surfing doesn’t need much to get started. In fact, all... Read More »
    20/07/2017 Features

    8 unusual watersports to try this summer

    While the rush of surfing never wears off and exploring below the waves as a scuba diver still means exploring new worlds, sometimes it’s good to mix it up. These eight unusual watersports will have you soaked, smiling, and struggling to explain what you’ve done to friends and family when you... Read More »
    11/06/2020 Features

    Surf in Europe – the Top Four Places This Summer

    Looking for a fun-filled and adrenaline-packed holiday this summer? Well, a surf holiday certainly ticks those boxes and Europe is home to some fantastic beaches and surf conditions. Suitable for all levels of surfing experience – from those who want to learn how to surf to those looking to improve... Read More »
    26/05/2020 Features

    Amazing Experiences in Cornwall

    From ancient castles shrouded in mystery to the culinary delights of the Cornish Pasty, there are plenty of amazing experiences in Cornwall that you definitely won’t want to miss. It’s a county packed full stunning scenery and friendly people – but it can be easy to miss out on the... Read More »
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    Sports & activity holidays at your pace

    Where will your active holiday take you?

    Replace your office chair or sofa with a surfboard or saddle on a revitalising active holiday that lets you actively experience the local culture.

    Our hands-on activity holidays drop you in the heart of the action. Here, lifelong surfers teach you to stand (and stay) up on your board, riding school tutors lead your horse riding trek and local guides show you the hidden walking trails of the region.

    Go learn to surf in all varieties: kite, wind and regular on one of our surfing holidays in Portugal, Cornwall, Ireland, Morocco and more. If you prefer dry land, roam the trails by foot on a walking holiday or discover them from the saddle with a horse riding holiday.

    For added flair, you can even combine sports with other activities.

    Brush up your language skills before hitting the trails on a Spanish and horse riding holiday in Spain. Practice your downward dog before you ‘hang ten’ on a surf and yoga holiday in Portugal. Or, take photos from your surfboard on a photography and surfing holiday in Costa Rica.

    Whatever your passions, you can find an active holiday to indulge your need for adventure, as well as a group of like-minded people to experience it with. Never settle for ordinary.

    Who are our sports holiday guests?

    You’ll meet people of all ages and nationalities, from solo travellers to couples to friends. Some want to escape the confines of their 9-to-5 jobs, others devote their lives to active pursuits. Others still have never seen the ocean, much less surfed it, while some just want to prove that they can do whatever they set their mind to.

    All that’s required is an abundance of energy, a zest for life and a refusal to be boxed in.

    Is this you? It looks like you.

    Thousands of people have already discovered that our eclectic mix of sports and active holidays are as diverse as the people who go on them. Come and join them.

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