Sometimes, searching for destinations to keep teenagers excited for a holiday can be tricky. But don’t despair, for there are many great destinations in Europe guaranteed to delight them, especially if they are fond of outdoor adventures, which most likely they are!
From coastal cycling in Sweden to summer camping in Switzerland and skiing in France, check out our list of the top outdoor activities in Europe perfect for teenagers.
1. Coastal Cycling in Sweden
Your teens will surely love to cycle along Sweden’s breathtaking coastal roads. Cycling holidays in Sweden are perfect for families with adventurous kids. The country boasts a vast network of well-developed cycling paths, some of which take you to long-distance coastal roads.
You will have plenty of options for your coastal cycling adventure in Sweden. In bigger cities like Stockholm, bike rentals are widely available. If you have adventurous teens who prefer to explore on their own, this would be a great option. You can also book a guided cycling tour. It’s a fantastic way to explore Sweden’s coastal scenery while learning about its history.
You can also hire a guide to cycle with you outside the cities. If your teens are more interested in a multi-day coastal cycling holiday, you will find several tour companies that can arrange this for you. Aside from providing a bike and booking your accommodations, they can have an expert guide join you.
If you choose a self-guided coastal cycling tour, do your research well. Sweden is a big country with hundreds of cycling trails in both urban and rural areas. Feel free to approach a tourist center for maps to guide your cycling adventure. Otherwise, you can use your phone’s GPS as a guide.
2. Hiking in the Dolomites, Italy
If you want to take your teens on a hiking excursion packed with cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery, the Italian Dolomites would be perfect. Hiking is a fun way to bond with your teens. It’s good for their physical and mental state, relieving them of the stress and tension due to busy school activities.
Also known as the Pale Mountains, the Dolomites are a range of mountains in northeast Italy. Considered part of the Alps, the Dolomites have a unique geology that sets them apart from the Alps. The stunning mountain range remains one of Europe’s favorite destinations for mountain climbing.
An easy way to plan your hiking trip to the Dolomites is to book a self-guided trip. You can hire a travel company to organize the hike, lodging, and transportation. Although you can arrange the hike yourself, booking through a company can guarantee a more enjoyable experience with your teens.
The Dolomites have an extensive trail system with clear markings, so they are easy to follow. Pick up a good trail map clearly showing the trails, roads, landmarks, etc. Phone apps that use GPS will also work. Since camping is not allowed in most of the Dolomites, you will spend the night at mountain huts, locally known as rifugios.
3. Summer Camps in Switzerland
Your teens will be delighted to travel for their European summer camp adventure in Switzerland, where they will spend their days trekking through meadows, scrambling over boulders, and swimming in crystal-clear lakes. If your teenagers enjoy outdoor activities in the midst of magnificent scenery, a summer camp in Switzerland is ideal.
A Switzerland summer camp is not only about taking adventures. It’s also about learning and acquiring new skills. Professional and enthusiastic mentors will guide your teens on activities, allowing them to discover their passions and talents they may not have previously explored. Aside from inspiring adventures and physical exercise, there will be laughter, friendship, and fun!
What makes the summer camp extra special is the stunning scenery of Switzerland. These camps are set in breathtaking scenery, with mountains, meadows, and lakes all around. In addition, these facilities offer a stable and safe environment for your kids, equipped with modern infrastructure.
Another incredible thing about letting your kids join a summer camp in Switzerland is that they get to meet friends from around the world. They will bond over shared experiences and fun adventures. It will teach your teens the value of friendship and how to build connections to make them better adults.
4. Visiting the Historical Sites in Greece
If you have curious teens fascinated with world history, take them to Greece. Known as the cradle of Western civilization, Greece has a long history dating back to the Palaeolithic and Mycenaean periods. You will find traces of history across the country, especially in its beautiful capital city of Athens.
The Acropolis of Athens is the most popular of all the historic sites in Greece. It towers over the city, containing the remnants of many ancient buildings, from the Parthenon to the Old Temple of Athena and Erechtheion. No visit to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis.
Another significant historical site in Greece is the Acropolis of Rhodes, which dates back to the Hellenistic Period. The complex includes archaeological sites like the Temple of Apollo and the Nymphaia.
The Ancient City of Kamiros is another historic site in Rhodes worth visiting for teens who love history. It boasts a selection of impressive ruins dating as far back as the 8th century. The city boasts a diverse history, constructed on three different levels.
5. Skiing in France
Skiing with your teenage kids in France is a rewarding experience. France’s ski resorts boast spectacular vistas of high mountains and snowy landscapes, making them some of the most picturesque in the world. These resorts cater to skiers of all levels and have surfing schools for those who want to learn the sport.
What’s great about a skiing holiday in France is that you’ll find plenty of family-friendly accommodations with all the amenities you and your kids need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Some resorts are car-free, with everything you need close by, and they also offer doorstep skiing.
Consider your transportation when planning a ski holiday in France. If you’re heading to the ski resorts in the northern Alps, a self-drive option may be a good option since the driving times are much shorter than in the south.
