For many tourists, a summer break is synonymous with time spent beside the sea. Among the many advantages of a beach holiday is that it affords us a chance to try out a variety of activities, both in and out of the water. But exactly which of these activities might appeal?
In many parts of the world, ball games on the beach are a fact of life. From Costa Brava to the Amalfi Coast; from Croatia to Greece to Brazil and everywhere in between; both football and volleyball provide chances for families, couples, and groups of friends to play with one another. You can do this casually, and seek out an organised tournament once you’ve picked up the required skill. Remember that Beach Volleyball is an Olympic sport!
If you travel to the right section of coastline, the wind can be reliably fierce. This is what makes certain sports, like sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, feasible. You’ll find these activities practiced in a variety of European beach holiday destinations, including Tarifa, in Spain, the Algarve, in Portugal, and all of the islands that line the Adriatic and the Aegean seas. Getting the best out of surfing often means getting the right equipment and instruction – so look for a school near to where you’re staying, and a rental shop, too.
Certain parts of the world, by contrast, are more tranquil – and that makes them better suited to more sedate forms of watersport. In Croatia, that might mean the Dalmatian Coast; in Portugal, the Azores might appeal; while the jagged coastline of the Peloponnese, on the southern tip of Greece, provides plenty of shelter against the wind. These are all great places to go sea kayaking. This form of transport will allow you to enjoy the scenery, while still providing a technical challenge.
Certain activities will appeal to beachgoers of all ages and abilities. Beach tennis and stand-up paddleboarding are both wildly populararound the Canary Islands, the Côte d’Azur, and Sardinia. Look for reputable instructors and schools, and make sure that you take safety seriously when you’re out on the water. Done properly, paddleboarding can be a hugely fulfilling pastime – and it’s something that the whole family can get into!
