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Do you love to go on thrilling adventures but feel unsure or hesitant about travelling alone as a woman? Thankfully, more and more destinations worldwide cater to solo female adventurers, including those keen to try adventurous sports. So, if you want to push your limits on your next vacation, you will find a destination to suit you. From trail running in Italy to rock climbing in France and wild swimming in the UK, here are the top holiday destinations for a sporty woman.

• Trail Running in Italy 

Trail running is a fun outdoor activity, especially in the summer season. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be in the mountains for trail running. You can do it everywhere, for as long as you are not on paved or surfaced roads. For avid trail runners, Italy is one of the best destinations to enjoy this sport. As one of the world’s most stunning destinations, Italy boasts stunning landscape sceneries you can best admire during a run.

Italy’s Selva Val Gardena is a top destination for outdoor activities, including trail running. It’s among the highest towns in the Gardena Valley in the Dolomites, with the Puez-Odles Natural Park beginning at the edge of it, making it an ideal base for daily excursions towards the alpine trails. If you want a more thrilling adventure, challenge yourself at the Puez trail, a 15 km-long circuit around the Mont de Seura, where you’ll run along rugged and rocky surfaces surrounded by picturesque views.

You can sign up for the Saslong Half Marathon, one of Europe’s most exciting marathon events. The trail takes you through a lush woodland before ascending to about 2,300 meters above sea level and circling the Sassolungo range.

• Hiking in Scotland 

Scotland is one of the top holiday destinations for sporty women, including those who plan to take their furry friends. That’s because Scotland has some great dog-friendly rentals, perfect for those who want to take adventures with their canine companion. 

Scotland’s landscapes are incredibly stunning. Its mountain scenery is breathtaking, reeling adventurous travellers to visit and explore. While many visitors would admire the gorgeous landscapes from their car, the best experience is to hike. Hiking in Scotland will take you through the wild and rugged countryside, past charming villages and gorgeous lakes surrounded by majestic mountains.

The Great Glen Way is one of the most popular trails for long-distance walkers. It’s a scenic walk presenting you with the opportunity to bask in the glory of three gorgeous lakes. The trail is over a hundred kilometres long, taking you from one coast to the other. It starts at Ben Nevis and ends in Inverness. If you intend to take your dog on this hike, keep it on a tight leash for safety.

• Rock Climbing in France 

Those into rock climbing should visit France, a highly sought-after destination for rock climbing enthusiasts and with good reasons. It has something to offer for all types of rock-climbers, from the classic sport crags best suited for beginners to multi-pitch adventures at over 4,000 metres. 

The Boulderer’s Paradise in Fontainebleau is the birthplace of modern bouldering and where most rock climbers would go. Nestled in a lush forest, bouldering at Fontainebleau offers the perfect playground for rock climbing in summer. Since it hides under the shade of trees, it is an ideal spot to escape the sweltering heat. Fontainebleau is renowned for short approaches and soft and sandy landings, having a high concentration of climbs within a small area. In addition, the forest offers relative privacy and seclusion, allowing for a more relaxed climbing experience.

The Verdon Gorge in south-eastern France is another popular place to consider for rock climbing, well-suited for climbers of all levers. Boasting stunning limestone cliffs towering over clear turquoise waters, climbing the Verdon Gorge is an incredible experience.

• Cycling in Spain 

Spain is on the bucket list of many avid cyclists, making it one of the top destinations for women who love sports. The country’s vast inland boasts stunning stretches of nature and impressive cities. Those who want to cycle along scenic coastal trails can also visit some of the most beautiful islands in Spain. 

You can book some great cycling holidays in Mallorca, an island off the Spanish mainland that has long been a favourite of cyclists. For those with a passion for cycling, you may also plan to tackle the Mallorca 312 challenge, one of the best ways to get out and see more of the island by bike. 

Cycling in Mallorca is a fun adventure. The island enjoys an excellent climate all year round, offering a variety of fantastic cycling trails, from the scenic rolling wine regions to the flat coastal paths and into the Tramuntana mountain range.

Mallorca has also become a popular destination for professional cyclists to prepare for their race season in Spain. It’s a famous tourist destination offering numerous accommodation options, from all-inclusive resorts to holiday rentals and boutique hotels. Of course, there are stunning beaches, offering the perfect place to relax after your cycling adventure.

• Wild Swimming in the UK  

Wild swimming is a thrilling activity for avid swimmers, taking you to lakes, rivers, and the sea for a refreshing outdoor dip. Women into wild swimming should consider visiting the UK, specifically the Lake District. The stunning region offers great wild-swimming spots, making it a top destination for sporty and adventurous women. Whether you are new to wild swimming or one who has been an expert at exploring open waters, you will find an ideal place for wild swimming in the Lake District.

Tucked in the lush woodland next to Rydal Hall are numerous plunge pools and waterfalls perfect for taking a plunge. You can find places that are easy to access. Those who prefer to enjoy some seclusion and want more challenges can go further into the woodland. 

As the largest body of water in the Lake District, the Windermere is a paradise for wild swimmers. Although regular boat traffic can make swimming difficult, you will find quieter areas at the southern end that offer a safer place to swim. Aside from wild swimming, Windermere is also an ideal place for enjoying water sports like kayaking.