France ranks first on the list of the best sustainable destinations for outdoor sports in Europe. It's not only about the glitz and glam of the Cannes Film Festival or the Monaco Grand Prix in this town. Nice is wonderfully located between the Mediterranean and the foot of the French Alps, making it ideal for a variety of excursions.

There are plenty of things that you can do more than just swimming and sunbathing on the beaches in Nice. Numerous water sports, such as sailing, jet skiing, water skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving are great in the warm Mediterranean Sea. What's even better? Actually, none of this is very pricey. For instance, the Villa St. Exupery Hostel offers a 5-hour diving excursion with all the necessary gear for a reasonable 45€. And no prior knowledge is required! This is a really fantastic offer to experience the underwater world of the lovely Mediterranean, especially for first-timers.

Looking for some outdoor fun on your vacation? Then head to the French Alps, which are located behind the French Riviera's city. You can even try your hand at some adventure sports while being treated to some beautiful sights. Here, skiing is very popular in the winter, and canyoning is also quite popular. Nice is a really great destination for your European outdoor sports vacations overall.

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm, is a fantastic urban location if you are looking for the best sustainable destinations for outdoor sports in Europe. Sweden is well-known for being pricey, yet it is actually possible to go there on a tight budget. In addition, Stockholm has something to offer outdoor adventure enthusiasts year-round, no matter when you decide to visit.

Let's begin with the summertime. Sweden is a nation that takes great pleasure in its beautiful water and natural surroundings and is a fairly environmentally concerned society. You may not be aware, but Stockholm is a metropolis made up of a number of tiny islands. Kayakers exploring the city from a different perspective can be seen on the water throughout the warmer months (and occasionally even during the winter). Bring your swimsuit and take a dip—some of the islands even have beachfront!

The Swedes love the cold and continue their activities throughout the winter. Even if you visit during the holiday season, you may find ice skating rinks all around the city. When you have the opportunity to enjoy ice skating outdoors, it just seems different.

Another well-liked winter sport is snowshoeing, although it can't compare to a Swedish sauna session. Swedes swarm to saunas on the Baltic Sea coast to warm up and sweat in order to escape the chilly winter temperatures. However, they go a step further. When you start to feel warm, step outside and plunge into the Baltic Sea's icy waves. Although it may sound absurd, one of Sweden's coolest winter hobbies is this. Stockholm is a real gem for European outdoor sports destinations.

The city of Lahti serves as a gateway to the largest lakeland in Europe. Finland has approximately 188,000 lakes and the cleanest water in the world. Lahti is within one hour's drive north of Helsinki's capital city, international airport, and harbors, and 2.5 hours by rail from St. Petersburg.

Lahti, which was chosen as the European Green Capital 2021 by The European Commission in 2021, is a leader in tackling climate change and a forerunner in developing sustainable and intelligent solutions. You may sustainably explore the pristine and diversified environment in the Lahti region. The waterway from Lahti connects the clean Lake Päijänne, Finland's second-largest lake and the source of drinking water for the entire Helsinki region, with the nearby lake Vesijärvi. 74% of the city's area is covered with forest, and 11% is made up of aquatic bodies. The Salpausselkä ridges, which naturally filter and purify the world's greatest tap water, are a daily luxury for Lahti residents.

The Lahti region offers exceptional conditions for sports enthusiasts and energetic outdoor-minded visitors. Lahti Sports Centre is an impressive location for major international sporting events as well as the starting point for more than 100 km of natural trails for cross-country skiing, hiking, trail running, gravel biking, and mountain biking. In the summer, you may cool yourself in the outdoor pool while taking in the breathtaking view from the observation deck atop the Lahti Ski Jump tower. This place, therefore, must be one of the best sustainable destinations for outdoor sports in Europe.

Lagos, which is located on the stunning Algarve coast of Portugal, is the next one on the list of the best sustainable destinations for outdoor sports in Europe. Lagos may be a small city, but it is bursting with amazing features and adventurous activities for every visitor. Lagos will leave a deep impression on you thanks to its crashing surf, stunning cliffs, and turquoise ocean.

Lagos is situated on the Atlantic Ocean shore, which is different from other southern European regions, hence the water there is typically a little chilly compared to the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, it's a stunning location for on- and off-the-land exploration.

Start your day at the beach and enjoy the ocean's refreshing waves. It is advised that you should bring your snorkeling equipment so that you can explore the underwater environment, which will no doubt amaze you. Renting a kayak, a paddle board, a boat, or even a surfboard is another option if you want to get out on the ocean. The Algarve region has a wide range of unique beaches, several of which are fantastic sites for surfing.

There are several fantastic hiking and bike paths in the Algarve region if you're seeking land-based adventures. Hiking in Lagos is extremely moderately challenging, making it easier than paths in other parts of the Alps. Imagine taking in some of Portugal's best scenery while soaking up the sun and watching the waves crash onto the shore. Lagos is just so romantic to any traveller!

Another location that must be listed as one of the best sustainable destinations for outdoor sports in Europe is Salzburg. Salzburg is known for being Mozart's birthplace and the location of The Sound of Music, but it has much more to offer. There are a ton of outdoor adventure activities available here, whether you come in the midst of summer or around Christmas to check out the markets.

You'll have plenty of chances to hit the slopes or see the ice caves if you decide to travel to Salzburg in the winter. A free daily snow shuttle runs from the city to a number of Salzburg's mountain resorts between Christmas and March. There are runs for you to learn on and practice on even if you are a newcomer before you tackle the bigger ones. Remember to use sunscreen, though!

However, this place is about more than just winter sports. All year long, Salzburg is a fantastic location for your outdoor adventure vacation in Europe. Choose from a wide variety of challenging hiking trails. There are buses that will take you there if you don't have a car. You could even bring your mountain bike and still enjoy them!

You can also try rock climbing, canyoning, white water rafting, and paragliding if you want to get your heart racing. But if you just want to relax, Salzburg has plenty of options for you. Around Salzburg, there are many glacial lakes where you may go swimming, kayaking, SUPing, or boating. But remember that the water is so cold here.

Croatia is the ideal destination for those who love the outdoors, adventure holidays, and high-octane experiences. You will thoroughly appreciate visiting a variety of unique locations, whether you decide to join in open-air activities in the rivers, lakes, or deepest parts of the ocean. Parachuting and paragliding, climbing Biokovo, Uka, or Vidova Gora, or experiencing sheer adrenaline when rafting or kayaking in gorges surrounded by karst landscapes are all great ways to expend extra energy. Along the Croatian shore, broaden your horizons before diving to find hidden gems.

Rafting is a unique feature of the Croatian tourist experience during the hot summer months. It is a beloved outdoor pastime and unquestionably the most lovely method to view the rivers and valleys of Croatia. Rafting down the Cetina river, which is surrounded by lush greenery, islets, and waterfalls, is a fun way to experience adventure, sports, and entertainment. The Cetina River in Croatia is the most popular river for rafting, but other rivers also provide a memorable, tempting thrill. You can also use the Korana, Kupa, and Mrenica rivers, as well as the Velebit Nature Park and the Zrmanja River, which are all a part of Croatia's largest protected area. These stunning locations are dotted with travertine walls and waterfalls with crystal-clear blue water.

Kayaking has become one of the most popular adventure sports in recent years. In Croatia, you may find areas with more than a thousand islands and islets, whose beauty will take your breath away if you choose to enjoy the sport and discover nature in this way. Enjoying the views of Ozalj and Dubovac while paddling the Kupa River or visiting the islet of Visovac and its monastery, located on the lake created by the Krka River, are two of the most fascinating and unique experiences. Visit natural and cultural-historical sites, go on river excursions, and discover underground tunnels.

The list of the best sustainable destinations for outdoor sports in Europe continues with Switzerland. One of the most stunning places in Switzerland is Interlaken, which is located in the Alps between Lake Birenz and Lake Thun and offers views of the majestic Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks. This place can get your heart pounding with its beautiful mountain peaks, swift rivers, and blue glacier lakes.

Interlaken has many fantastic hiking trails if you prefer to "take it easy" and stay on the ground. The six-hour hike from Schynnige-Platte to First and then to Grindelwald is the most common activity here. Throughout the hike, which ends at peaks of 2672 meters, you'll be treated to stunning vistas at various points. Make sure to bring food, a water bottle, and suitable clothing!

Are you interested in spending time on the water? For your outdoor sports vacations, Interlaken offers an enormous variety of water sports. You may engage in all of these activities and more here, including white water rafting, kayaking, SUPing, leisurely boating, and good old-fashioned swimming. And for those who thrive on the rush, Interlaken is undoubtedly among the best sustainable destinations for outdoor sports in Europe. Try your hand at adventure sports like skydiving, bungee jumping, canyoning, paragliding, and much more. There are so many options for you in Interlaken.

If you happen to be in this area during the winter, you're in for a treat because it has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in all of Central Europe. Everyone wants to hit the slopes in Switzerland, no matter how inexperienced they are! Although Switzerland has a reputation for being costly, there are still a ton of inexpensive and free activities available that will still give you your daily dose of outdoor sports.

A popular tourist destination in Slovenia's extreme southeast is the River Kolpa. This green paradise is made up of a 113-kilometer-long strip of land that borders the Republic of Croatia. The river is one of Slovenia's warmest and cleanest rivers. It is a great site for a wide range of activities and an amazing vacation, passing along more than 50 historic dams from Osilnica, Kostel, Koevje, Rnomelj, Semi, and Metlika. Since the river's water can get up to 30°C during the summer, it is very well-liked during that time.

The river is beautiful all year long. If you decide to visit Kolpa, you will certainly not be disappointed. Numerous outdoor sports and leisure activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting, are available along the river's stream. It is not difficult for you to explore the river, even though you are a beginner. The river will also provide opportunities for those who enjoy fishing.

The greatest way to see the river is by canoe, from which the visitor can explore the natural world and see the abundant species that are protected in Regional Park Kolpa. There are demarcated paths for cycling, walking, and meditating that lead you from one story to the next.

Cyprus is a wonderful destination for outdoor sports including hiking, gorge trekking, birdwatching, cliff-rope climbing, mountain biking, swimming, or snorkeling, and scuba diving in the azure sea or other open-air activities such as camping, picnicking, exploring, researching, and photographing wildlife, etc.

Choose from a variety of more than 100 hiking routes to take you on a magnificent and endearing journey through the distant and relatively recent past of the island. It is believed that walking a place thoroughly can help you get to know it. At the intersection of three continents, Cyprus has 11,000 years of history, tradition, and culture. It also has a diversified landscape, which you might not expect on such a small island.

You will be mesmerized by the monuments of exceptional natural beauty here, such as breathtaking rock formations that appear to have been sculpted by the hands of the mythical Greek gods, lovely and magnificent waterfalls, forest areas designated as National Forest Parks, and protected areas for flora and fauna, enormous, impressive, centuries-old trees, groves with special botanical, ecological, aesthetic, or historical and cultural value, breathtaking gorges, tremendously majestic cliffs, and monuments.

Have you ever tried scuba diving before? If you are a diving lover, Cyprus is an ideal destination for your sports holiday. The sea around Cyprus is a treasure trove of underwater attractions, including extensive tunnels and canyons, well-hidden caves, old amphora in ancient Roman docks, beautiful arches, and sheer rock faces that slope steeply, all the way down to the ocean floor, as well as a plethora of underwater flora and wildlife.

The last one on the list of the best sustainable destinations for outdoor sports in Europe is Lultzhausen in Luxembourg. The view of Upper Sûre from the floating bridge in Lultzhausen is particularly wonderful. There is calm water here. Only quiet boats and various motor-free water sports are permitted on this lake, so loud engine noises don't disturb the calm.

This place is an excellent spot for a break. Enjoy the outdoors by spreading out your picnic blanket, setting out your coffee maker and camping mugs, some authentic Ardennes ham from the Éislek, and some fresh bread. These are isolated, car-inaccessible oases in the center of Luxembourg that are great for getting your mind off things. On a two-hour natural history tour in a solar-powered boat, you may explore the reservoir and the nearby plants and fauna. You can also go scuba diving in Lultzhausen if you like more strenuous activities. Courses for every level are available at a diving school here.

Especially, you can do various amazing outdoor sports here such as hiking, cycling, paddling, diving, etc. in this location. There are usually mountain bike tracks and hiking paths that lead to or around the lake. The Lee Trail and the Escapardenne Éislek Trail, which are across the border into Belgium, are the two most well-known hiking routes in Éislek. On a lesser scale, there are 18 new Éislek Paths that are based on European Hiking Federation requirements and are perfect for exploring the splendor of Luxembourg's countryside.