Top 8 activity centre holidays

2. Altiplano de Granada, Spain

Some of our most beloved family holidays are hosted at this off-grid farm in rural Granada – just read the reviews! Younger children can wander around safely, perhaps helping to feed the chickens, and the surrounding area has a wealth of attractions and activities that will suit everyone, from rafting to stargazing, horse riding to hiking and even flamenco classes. Do note you will need a car.

When to go: April to October
Our top selling trip: Granada activity holiday in Spain
See all our trips: Spain multi activity holidays
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6. Catalonia, Spain

We’re of the firm opinion that a summer activity centre holiday works best when it’s centred around a pool – somewhere to cool off after a day of riding, kayaking, cycling or guided hiking. In Catalonia, enjoy the perfect weather as you explore the surrounding countryside, its quiet roads, national parks with river beds where you can boulder, and woods for exploring – and end the day with a splash, too.

When to go: January to November
Our top selling trip: Catalonia family activity holiday
See all our trips: Catalonia holidays
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8. Durmitor & Kotor, Montenegro

Split your time between mountains and coast with a Montenegro activity centre holiday based firstly in Durmitor National Park, and then in the beautiful Bay of Kotor – two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Trekking, rafting, via ferrata, rock climbing, ziplining, SUP and sea kayaking – it’s all here and waiting, just pack a sense of adventure. Expect a great mix of activities and relaxation, superb local instructors, and of course some absolutely stunning views.

When to go: May - October
Our top selling trip: Monenegro multi activity holiday: surf and turf
See all our trips: Montenegro multi activity holidays
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Hand luggage only?

“We send out a packing list to guests, but you could easily travel very light and arrive with a couple of pairs of board shorts and t shirts, a pair of watershoes for the pebble beaches, and trainers. Sunglasses, hat, suncream we think are the essential items!”

Husky safaris

“Husky sledding is on many bucket lists but an overnight husky safari is a real once-in-a-lifetime experience. You take your own team of dogs and travel roughly 25km to a wilderness cabin. Here the group all pitch in with making the fire, preparing food, feeding the huskies and heating the sauna. There may not be electricity or running water in some cabins but there is a wood fired sauna - after all, this is Finland. You’ll be in the wilderness, with no light pollution to interrupt your views of the night sky, meaning it is the perfect time to look up in search of the Aurora Borealis.”

“You’ll need water shoes as well as walking boots for hiking in Montenegro. And don’t bother with smart clothes, it’s all very casual!”- Jennifer Smith

“It was incredible to experience the local food and wine in Montenegro knowing that everything on your plate was sourced within about 2km.” – Anna Brown

“Renting a car in Montenegro is not necessary but it did mean that we could make day trips on our days off. All the hikes and kayaking were very suitable and really enjoyable for both of us as parents and for our kids aged 12 and 18.” – Kyra De Coninck

“You cannot fail to be impressed at the amazing Montenegrin landscape. I've traveled quite a lot around the world and these views are right up there with the best I've ever seen. Make sure to take the correct clothing and equipment with you. In particular if the weather forecast is changeable. A decent camera is a must to try and capture the stunning views.” – Gary Caswell

“Both my husband and myself agree that if we had gone to Montenegro on our own as a family and arranged the trip independently we would have had fun and seen beautiful views but we have learnt that having the knowledge of local guides like Ben and Emma made our visit so much more worthwhile. It has given our children the travel bug which is great because we travelled so much before we had children. It is the perfect trip for previously backpacking parents to introduce their family to the wonder of visiting places off the beaten track” – Steph Bowler

“We took many clothes with us to Finland but only ended up wearing a handful. The winter gear provided by the hotel was more than adequate to keep us warm. I would suggest taking some ski goggles especially for the snow mobile tours as the helmets provided often iced up.” – Antonia Taylor-Howe

“The hotel is in a rural location so don't expect shopping or nightlife. If you like to be in a beautiful location by the river, with a variety of activities planned for you, then Croatia is a great holiday.” – Ellen Dhawan

“I feel this holiday is very much what you want to make it and there's no pressure to follow a particular itinerary. The 'relaxingly active' ethos describes our week in Austria perfectly.” – Cornelia Szecsei

“Loved that they tailor your holiday in Austria based around what you decided you want to do the night before. And there's heaps you can do! The communal dining is another plus, allowing you to socialise and get to know your hosts and other guests." – Hannah Moody

“As a professional working long hours in the city I loved how easy it was to book and then get away for some fresh air and exercise in Wales without having to worry about it.” – Alicia Crisp

“Several things made Turkey memorable. ..the people I met - a real mix of different ages and backgrounds that you wouldn't necessarily meet at home within your normal social circles. ..Experiencing new activities... and doing things you wouldn't be able to do as a tourist visiting the country on your own, like having an authentic Turkish lunch at the house of a Turkish family in the middle of the mountains.” – Susie Everest