Diving and Watersports Holidays
Reliable wind, clear water and warm seas decide where to base a watersports holiday, and these four bases are strong choices.
- Fuerteventura: Fuerteventura has steady trade winds and long beaches, so windsurfing and kitesurfing schools operate for much of the year. Sotavento lagoon suits beginners, while the north coast offers waves for experienced riders.
- Hurghada: Reefs close to shore make Hurghada a popular base for diving and snorkelling. Dive centres at most resorts offer courses and boat trips, and visibility is generally good. Boat trips to offshore reefs are a good addition to shore dives.
- Sharm el-Sheikh: Marine parks near Sharm el-Sheikh are known for coral walls and colourful fish. We recommend a hotel with its own jetty or reef access if diving is the main aim. Check dive centre accreditation before you book.
- The Maldives: Atolls in the Maldives offer manta rays, reef sharks and drift dives. Choose a resort with a house reef and an on-site dive school to maximise time in the water.
Trekking and Hiking Holidays
Mountain trails, volcanic landscapes and desert canyons give walkers a range of challenges, from gentle levadas to multi-day routes.
- Madeira: Irrigation channels called levadas form a network of paths across Madeira, from easy strolls to dramatic cliff walks. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable walking weather.
- Iceland: Glaciers, waterfalls and geothermal fields make Iceland a draw for hikers. Summer is the main trekking season, and we recommend a guided route for remote highland trails. Weather changes quickly, so pack waterproofs and layers.
- Morocco: Day walks from Marrakech reach the foothills of the Atlas, and longer routes climb toward Toubkal. Morocco is best in spring and autumn, when the days are warm and the nights cool. Hire a local guide for higher routes.
- Jordan: Canyons, desert valleys and ancient trails reward walkers in Jordan. Petra and Wadi Rum can be combined in one trip, with local guides recommended for longer routes. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking.
