At Black Opal Holidays, we believe the best trips do more than take you somewhere; they give you something to bring home. A new skill. A special memory. Renewed energy.
This month, we've curated our top recommendations for a European holiday for active travellers: the Olympic slopes of northern Italy, the sun-soaked beach clubs of the Mediterranean, and the dramatic high-altitude trails of the French Alps.
Which one will inspire your 2026 adventure?
Cortina d'Ampezzo & Milan, Italy: The Olympic Legacy Experience
The Winter Games may be over, but the Olympic legacy is just beginning. Now is the perfect moment to ski the legendary Tofane slopes or take to the ice at the new Milano Santa Giulia Arena — while the infrastructure is at its absolute peak and the crowds have gone home.
This is the gold medal experience on your own terms: upgraded lifts, pristine trails and revamped resorts. For skiers and winter sports enthusiasts, it simply doesn't get better than this.
Perfect for:
✔ Skiers & winter sports enthusiasts
✔ World-class venues in their prime
✔ A post-Games experience without the event crowds
Neilson Beach Clubs: Action-packed, Mediterranean luxury
If your idea of a perfect holiday involves trying something new every day, Neilson Beach Clubs are the gold standard for 2026. With destinations across Greece, Croatia, and Italy, their all-inclusive price covers flights, transfers, and expert coaching across more than 20 sports—from wingfoiling and eFoiling to tennis and road cycling.
Families with teens thrive here, swept up by the high-energy club atmosphere, while solo travellers find a natural social scene built around shared activities. This is active travel with no fuss and no hidden costs.
Our 2026 tip: Alana Beach Club in Croatia, perfectly positioned between a national park for hiking and the Adriatic for water sports this hotel’s location is a rare combination that truly delivers on every front.
Perfect for:
✔ Families with teens & solo active travellers
✔ Flights, transfers and 20+ sport coaching included
✔ 2026 top pick: Alana Beach Club, Croatia
Mark Warner Beach Resort: Greece
For a holiday that balances active living with genuine relaxation, Mark Warner's Paleros Beach Resort is a standout choice. Sailing and windsurfing take centre stage, with free RYA-certified tuition included as standard. Or if racket sports are more your thing, look our for the resort’s intensive tennis weeks with professional coaching.
From 2026, wingfoiling — the fastest-growing water sport in the world — joins the standard equipment-inclusive package at many Mark Warner clubs. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a complete beginner looking for something new, this is a resort that meets you where you are.
Perfect for:
✔ Sailing, windsurfing & tennis
✔ Free RYA-certified tuition included
✔ Wingfoiling added to inclusive packages from 2026
Chamonix, French Alps: Inghams Walking Holidays
For those who want a genuine physical test set against some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe, Chamonix is in a class of its own. Inghams' Challenging grade walks - including the Grand Balcon Sud and the Eiger Trail - offer high-altitude thrills that reward every step with views that stay with you long after you've returned home.
Packages typically include the Chamonix Guest Card, giving free local rail and bus travel to various trailheads. No logistics, no fuss - just lace up and go. And at the end of every demanding day, a comfortable hotel and three-course dinner await as your reward.
But it’s not just for the summit-seekers. For a gentler pace, easy lakeside strolls around Lac des Gaillands or a ride on the iconic Montenvers rack railway offer the same Alpine magic without the steep climbs.
Perfect for:
✔ Walkers of all levels
✔ Chamonix Guest Card — free local rail & bus travel included
✔ Comfortable hotels & three-course dinners
Feeling inspired?
Our Personal Travel Designers are ready to create the perfect active itinerary for you, from all-inclusive beach club packages to bespoke Alpine adventures. Call us on 0330 041 4888 or contact us today to start planning.
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