Page 612 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

610  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES &
SPECIALIST HOLIDAYS

Spain is one of Europe’s most geo graphically snow skiing in the Sierra Nevada or water-
varied countries, with mountain ranges, skiing off the coast of Mallorca. Weekend or
woodlands and river deltas suitable for week-long activity-led hol idays, featuring
scenic tours and sports holidays. The options everything from yoga to horse riding, are
are endless and include sailing on the gaining popularity in Spain. To focus on just
Mediterranean or surfing in the Atlantic, one activity, sign up for a specialist holiday.
mountain climbing in the Pyrenees or Local tourist offices can provide information
rambling through the plains of Castille, on outdoor activities.

Walking and Trekking For information on other When it comes to a real thrill,
Spain offers exciting choices trails, contact the Federación nothing surpasses skydiving.
for a challenging week-long Española de Deportes de Reputable companies offering
trek through the Pyrenees, or Montaña y Escalada. skydiving courses or tandem
a gentle walk along the coast. jumps include Skydive
Look out for the wide, well- Air Sports Empuriabrava in Catalonia
marked GR (Grandes Recorridos and Skydive Lillo near Toledo.
meaning “long-distance”) trails, The best way to take in Spain’s Expect a single tandem jump
which crisscross Spain. Though landscape is to view it from (a jump made while attached
most people usually choose above. Options for thrilling aerial to a qualified instructor) to
to walk only a small portion views include hot-air ballooning, cost between €220 and €320.
of each GR trail, long-distance skydiving, para gliding and hang-
trekkers use them to traverse gliding. One of the well-known
all the way across the country. hot-air balloon companies is Water Sports
Nearly 8 per cent of Spain’s Globus Kon­Tiki, which began Spain is virtually surrounded
total terrain is protected park- flying in rural Catalonia and by water, so it is little surprise
land, and the countless natural now covers the whole country. that sailing is popular here. The
parks and 15 large national Glovento Sur operates in country’s most celebrated yacht
parks are the most popular Southern Spain. Standard rides ports are those of up scale
and attractive hiking options. start from €165 per person, resorts including Palma and
Some of the best parks for depending on the trip’s length. Marbella, and in 2007 and 2010
walking include Aragón’s Parque For those who have forever the port of Valencia hosted the
Nacional de Ordesa (see pp236– been fascinated by the birds’ presti gious America’s Cup
7), Catalunya’s Parque Nacional ability to fly, paragliding and sailing tournament. Mooring
d’Aigüestortes (see p215), and hang-gliding are two excellent a private yacht or sailboat in a
Asturias’ Parque Nacional de options. The Real Federación top-notch marina is expensive
los Picos de Europa (see pp112– Aeronáutica Española can and often impossible. A much
13). For details about trails in provide information on schools easier alternative is to rent a
the parks, contact the Environ­ and outfitters across Spain. sailboat by the day or week, or
ment Ministry of Spain. Contact them for further details. to sign up for a half- or full-day
sailing excursion. Most other
seaside towns also have small
recreational ports offering
sailboats and yacht charters
which can be rented by
providing a sailing licence.
For details, contact the Real
Federación Española de Vela.
Scuba diving is available up
and down the coast of Spain
and on nearly all the islands.
However, the best places for
underwater exploration are
around the Canary Islands.
Just off the island of El Hierro
are the warm, calm waters of
the Mar de las Calmas, which
Paragliding above the Vall d’Aran in the eastern Pyrenees is full of colourful coral and

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