Days dozing by the pool not your cup of tea? Looking for some fresh-air fun on your next holiday? Mother Nature’s a ready-made playground for all to enjoy, whether that’s strolling through leafy green parks on a Jet2CityBreak paddling and pedalling across spectacular landscapes on a Jet2holiday. Read on to discover the destinations that reign supreme when it comes to al fresco adventures.

Rome
Walking through Rome is like stepping back in time. Every inch of the Eternal City is filled with wows and wonder. If you’re looking to explore somewhere that’s outside, call off the search – the Roman Forum is just the place. The towering marble and stone columns that have been so well preserved will leave your jaw on the floor. Wander around the site then over to the neighbouring Colosseum. While some of the iconic building is indoors, it’s fairly open plan.

Lanzarote
Year-round sunshine, out-of-this-world landscapes and rugged beaches position Lanzarote at the top of the pack when it comes to adventure-worthy escapes. Learn to master the surf-perfect waves on Famara Beach or strap on your boots and hike alongside towering volcanoes in the Timanfaya National Park. And the good times don’t stop there! Hop on a ferry to the nearby island of La Graciosa, where you can kayak on its topaz-tinted waters or hire a bike and explore on two wheels.

Prague
When they produce pilsner as well as they do in its Czech Republic homeland, sipping ice-cold beers is certainly an activity in Prague. The best place to savour the views while you sample a local pint? Letna Beer Garden. It’s part of the wider Letna Park area and overlooks the Charles Bridge, which leads onto the vast and open Old Town Square. Wander down to the river and marvel at the capital’s incredible architecture.

Croatia
Filling your days with fun activities, is as easy as one, two, three in Croatia. Every corner of this country is brimming with natural wonders, perfect for those who like a slice of adventure with their holiday. Dubrovnik is a city best experienced by foot, uncovering layers of history down every street. Sea-kayaking is also particularly popular here, it’s a great way to sidestep the crowds, marvel at the uninterrupted views and discover some of the neighbouring islets. Beyond the cities, it’s all about reconnecting with nature. Take a day trip from Split and go rafting on the Cetina River or chase waterfalls in the national parks.

Budapest
Hungary’s smooth-as-you-like capital has a lot on offer. Among the essential attractions in Budapest is Buda Castle, a large complex with various buildings that you can walk up the hill to. It’s there that you’ll also stumble upon Fisherman’s Bastion. Cinematic views? You bet! You’ll also have space to go at your own pace and uncover the different parts of the site. There’s even a sprinkling of dinky cafés on hand for when you fancy refuelling.

Majorca
For many, Majorca’s known solely for its tempting trinity of sun, sea and sand. But delve a little deeper, and you’ll find a host of action-packed activities to try. Majorca’s a mecca for cyclists, with many professional teams choosing it as a training ground. Pedal at your own pace through time-warp towns, honey-hued villages and verdant valleys. It’s also a golfer’s paradise as most resorts are within chipping distance of a fantastic course. The UNESCO-stamped Serra de Tramuntana Mountain range is the main draw for hikers. Tranquil trails wind walkers past limestone cliffs and jagged peaks, peppered with buttermilk-brick villages and hilltop monasteries.

Malaga
What’s a city break without a dollop of street art for good measure? Malaga's a magical choice for checking out quirky sculptures and graffiti art murals on the hop. Snuggled between the river and the port, the Soho district promises vibrant displays. You’ll spy all sorts of tags and graphics down by the riverside, while El Perchel Bridge is a kaleidoscopic vision in itself. Various streets and sides of big buildings have also had a lick of paint.

Madeira
Madeira’s lush landscapes, mild temperatures and serene shores have seen it crowned the ‘island of eternal spring’. It’s no surprise then, that this green gem is top of the must-visit list for many adventure-aficionados. Escaping the tourist trail is easy with miles and miles of wide-open spaces and 2,500 km of levadas to discover. These were once irrigation channels, but now serve as walking trails, ranging from casual strolls to challenging treks. The warm waters that surround the island are also well worth an explore. Head out on a wildlife-watching tour and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, whales and monk seals.

Alicante
Ditch the high-rise haven of central Alicante for a day and head to La Ereta Park. This open expanse sits at the bottom of Santa Bárbara Castle, which is just a few minutes’ walk upwards. Postiguet Beach is also nearby, so why not tackle all three and tick those itinerary boxes? If you pack a picnic of local delights from a supermarket, you’ll be able to reward yourself with more than just epic panoramas.

Barcelona
Museums and nightlife might be Barcelona’s bread and butter, but there’s plenty of exciting experiences on offer for those in search of endorphin-peaking pursuits. For those who enjoy a ramble, the scenic hilltop neighbourhood of Montjuïc is a great place to start. Admire the beautiful gardens, roam around the towering castle or watch the Magic Fountain display. Don’t forget to take in the sensational views of the Barcelona skyline, before descending into the bohemian neighbourhood of Poble Sec, where a warren of tapas bars and galleries await.
Posted: 3rd May 2022. Updated: 20th Mar 2024.