Planning a vacation with your teens is not the easiest thing to do. They are still young enough for adult fun and too old for the numerous activities geared toward little kids. But the opportunity to spend quality time with your teens in some of the world’s most incredible places makes the planning well worth it.
So, if you want to take your teenagers for a much-needed family break, an outdoor adventure in Europe is the way to go. The vast continent is home to stunning destinations that are very friendly to families, including those with adventurous teenagers. To help you plan your trip, here are our recommendations for the best outdoor adventures in Europe perfect for teenagers.
1. Skiing in Austria
Home to varied ski areas boasting unique mountain scenery, Austria is an incredible destination to consider for a fun getaway with your teens. It offers numerous things on and off slopes, allowing for a more enjoyable winter holiday experience for the entire family.
Another reason you’ll love to visit Austria for a skiing holiday is it has modern ski resorts. Many of the lifts are state-of-the-art and are replaced by gondolas and chair lifts, transporting winter sports fanatics into the mountains faster and much more comfortably. Marvel at the fantastic views of the Austrian Alps as you take the panoramic gondola ride. You will also find heated benches and snow domes to keep you warm during icy temperatures and extreme snowfall.
Austria’s ski resorts have a family-friendly atmosphere, another reason to take your teens here. It boasts versatile ski areas offering varied pistes for skiers of different levels. Therefore, the entire family will have a great time on the slopes. If you have little kids, they can learn their first moves and practice on the blue slopes, while your adventurous teens can switch to the red or black slopes.
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2. Alpine Adventures in Switzerland
The Swiss Alps have long been an adventure hotspot in Europe, offering a perfect place for adventurous teens to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. For an even more enjoyable experience, consider sending your kids to a Switz international summer camp, which will offer an incredible opportunity to meet new people while getting out and exploring the scenic Alps.
One of the activities your teens can enjoy on a summer camp in the Alps is white water rafting in Chamonix. For this activity, they will explore the glacier-fed Arve River on a raft, following the raging waters as they carve into the stunning Alpine canyons and pass through charming bridges. Aside from the thrill of exploring the beautiful river, it’s also a fun way to marvel at the scenic panoramas of Chamonix.
If your teens love to hike, they can take on the challenge of conquering one of Europe’s most famous trails, the Tour du Mont Blanc. Circling the Mont Blanc massif, covering three countries, Italy, France, and Switzerland, hiking the trail is an experience your teens will remember for the rest of their lives!
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3. Wandering the Lakes in Italy
Aside from being incredibly scenic, the Lakes Region of Italy lends itself to some incredible outdoor adventures that your teens will love, from hiking to cruising and taking on numerous water sports. The lakes pass through some of Italy’s most picturesque cities, including Milan and Verona.
If you only have time to explore one region, consider wandering around Lake Como. Fringed by towering mountains, including the majestic Grigna, Resegone, and Legnone, it offers many scenic trails for hikers of all levels.
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The Greenway del Lago di Como is one of the most popular trails in the region, perfect for those who want to wander around Lake Como. It winds along the lake’s western shores, boasting stunning views of the lake and its surrounding mountains. The section from Colonno to Lenno is impressive, taking you through charming villages home to historic villas with lush gardens.
If you prefer to explore Lake Garda, consider a hike along the Sentiero del Ponale, also called the Ponale Path. It’s a wonderfully scenic trail that used to be the only link between Ledro Valley and Riva del Garda. Nowadays, the trail lures avid walkers keen on conquering the ten-kilometre path.
4. Glamping Cabins in Scotland
Scotland boasts some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, from the rocky peaks of the Highlands to the lush hills of the Scottish Borders. One of the best ways to soak up the country’s stunning scenery is on a glamping trip.
Enjoying a glamping trip and sleeping in a cabin in Scotland with your teens is an excellent way to experience some of Europe’s best outdoor adventures. And with more and more people choosing glamping over camping, there’s now an ever-growing list of fantastic glamping sites in some of Scotland’s most serene locations.
Glamping can come in many forms. While it’s associated with sleeping in a fully furnished luxury tent, it can also refer to unique accommodations, such as treehouses, pods, and cabins. Many of the glamping cabins in Scotland are in stunning locations, with some perched in the mountains, offering incredible views. Sleeping in these cabins is an experience you and your teens will remember forever.
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5. Island Hopping in Croatia
Island hopping in Croatia is one of the most enjoyable activities you can do with your teens. The glistening Adriatic Sea surrounding Croatia is home to over 1,200 islands, making Croatia a perfect destination for an island-hopping adventure. Sailing through the shimmering waters of the Adriatic is a dream for many, best shared with the people you love.
With so many picturesque islands to visit, planning your island-hopping itinerary can be daunting. For a short itinerary designed for a weekend island hopping around the coast of Croatia, consider a trip to Krk, Cres, and LoĊĦinj. All three islands are rich in history, once ruled by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, which means you’ll uncover fascinating historical sites on your visit.
Your island-hopping adventure also offers opportunities to enjoy activities like hiking through picturesque villages, kayaking on crystal-clear waters, snorkelling, and more. With so many to enjoy, your teens will love an island-hopping trip to Croatia.
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To conclude…
When planning a vacation with teenagers, the challenge lies in finding activities that cater to their budding sense of adventure and curiosity. The allure of exploring Europe’s breathtaking destinations with your teens makes the planning process truly rewarding. An outdoor adventure across the continent offers an ideal way to bond while indulging in exhilarating experiences. From skiing in Austria’s picturesque slopes to traversing the stunning Swiss Alps, embarking on an island-hopping escapade in Croatia, or enjoying glamping in Scotland’s serene landscapes, each destination offers a unique and captivating experience perfect for teenagers. The memories created during these escapades will undoubtedly form lasting bonds and treasured moments for your family.
