The 12 most popular extreme sports in the world
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Dive into the world of extreme sports, where thrilling adventures await across land, water, and air. Embrace your adventurous side and stay active while exploring the globe.
Extreme sports on land
1. Climbing
Climbing is one of the most exhilarating extreme sports, requiring concentration and overall physical strength. Whether you're scaling vertical rock faces without ropes or opting for safer climbs with gear, there's a climbing style to suit every skill level and sense of adventure. It's a fantastic way to stay fit while traveling and discover breathtaking landscapes.
Kálimnos in Greece, known as "the climbing island," features dramatic limestone cliffs that rise majestically over the Aegean Sea. You can easily reach it by ferry from Kos or Crete. Begin your Greek Islands adventure at Iberostar Selection Creta Marine, a five-star beachfront resort. After an invigorating climb, unwind and recharge in their newly renovated sports facilities, perfectly blending relaxation with your active pursuits.
2. Mountain biking
Extreme sports often have a deep connection to nature, and enjoying them in an eco-friendly manner allows you to appreciate and protect this bond. Take mountain biking, for example. This sport takes cycling—the least polluting mode of transportation—and elevates it to new heights (literally) as you navigate trails that offer endless possibilities for exploration.
In Mallorca, you'll discover bike routes suitable for the whole family, with some higher-altitude trails designed to challenge experienced mountain bikers. At Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village, you’ll enjoy access to a cycling station within the resort, including bike storage and a repair shop. For another adventure, consider biking through Portugal to experience why it's known as “the garden by the ocean.”
3. Trekking
Trekking takes hiking to the next level with multi-day routes that challenge you with diverse and rugged terrains. The rewards are significant: improved endurance and the mental tranquility that comes from steadily moving through serene and remote landscapes. Don't forget your zero-waste travel kit, and use your trek as an opportunity to ethically observe wildlife and identify endangered plant species.
Montenegro’s stunning beaches are just the beginning. The country’s mountains and forests offer some of the best trekking experiences, making it a top destination for adventure enthusiasts. After tackling your daring trails, treat yourself to a stay at a unique beachfront hotel like Iberostar Waves Slavija, inspired by the grandeur of the Venetian Empire, where you can relax and rejuvenate in style.
4. Parkour
Parkour is a dynamic and exhilarating activity requiring just a few essentials: proper footwear, a helmet, and joint protection. This exercise combines fluid body movements—such as slides and jumps—across diverse urban or natural landscapes. Ready to take on the challenge?
In Tunisia, extreme parkour takes on a new dimension with its vast dune ecosystems and rugged rock formations, providing an exciting challenge for seasoned practitioners. After pushing your limits, unwind at the Iberostar Selection Eolia Djerba, a luxurious retreat nestled near the desert. Relax among palm groves and enjoy pure indulgence as you recover from your high-energy adventures.
Extreme water sports
5. Surfing
Extreme sports like surfing are all about connecting with the natural elements—wind, waves, and terrain—and the best part is that they’re accessible to everyone! Whether you’re a complete beginner signing up for a course or looking to refine your technique during a beach getaway, surfing lets you fully embrace the surfer lifestyle and live in the moment.
Looking for the perfect surf spot? Ideal destinations for water sports often feature moderate to strong winds and distinctive coastal areas. Morocco, in particular, is a favorite among surf enthusiasts for its top-notch wave-catching locations. Agadir, for instance, is home to the all-inclusive Iberostar Waves Founty Beach resort, where you can enjoy surfing while soaking up the local culture and riding the waves.
6. Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving is one of the most comprehensive workouts you can get, as it requires significant effort to move through and overcome the resistance of water. But its benefits go beyond fitness—it also enhances lung capacity and resilience, challenging you to push your limits while exploring the vibrant marine life.
Diving in Cozumel offers a chance to immerse yourself in a magical underwater world, discovering the Caribbean Sea’s colorful fish and coral reefs. Depending on the dive's difficulty, it can be one of the most extreme sports you’ll experience. Stay at Iberostar Waves Cozumel, a vibrant resort located right by one of the largest coral ecosystems on the planet, to fully embrace this adventure.
7. Canyoning
For canyoning enthusiasts, exploring rugged terrain with steep drops, natural pools, and cliffs is pure bliss. These routes, often set in breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, offer not just an adventure but a deep connection with nature. Slide into your next adventure and put your skills to the test!
Did you know that a photograph taken in Lanzarote inspired Pedro Almodóvar’s film “Broken Embraces”? This cinematic destination is rich with stories amid its volcanic landscapes. From the Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park, an adults-only resort with the signature touch of the renowned artist César Manrique, you can seamlessly transition from the thrill of extreme sports like canyoning to the serene relaxation of stunning, movie-like views.
8. Rafting
If you thrive on aquatic adventures, you'll love the thrill of beachfront locations and high-adrenaline river and waterfall sports. Rafting, for example, involves navigating powerful river currents, where the rapids and whirlpools will challenge your arm, abdominal, and back muscles.
The Amazon River, teeming with fascinating wildlife and unpredictable forces, adds an extra layer of excitement to your adventure. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, consider exploring the river aboard the Grand Amazon Expedition, a luxury floating hotel. Departing from Manaus, this unique experience offers three routes and includes land excursions that immerse you in the rich cultures of the indigenous peoples.
Extreme air sports
9. Bungee jumping
People often fall into two camps: those who would jump off a bridge without a second thought and those who wouldn't even consider it. If you’re in the first group, you’re probably drawn to intense thrills on your travels. Fortunately, there are options for every type of adventurer. Combining your vacation with extreme sports can even lead to a sense of calm and satisfaction, with many saying they experience a profound sense of peace after the jump.
Cádiz offers a blend of coastal charm and natural beauty, including the stunning parks of Andalusia. For an unforgettable experience, head to the Sierra de Grazalema, where you’ll find one of Spain’s top bungee jumping spots: the Nava Bridge, perched 30 meters above the Guadalete River. After your adrenaline rush, unwind at the Iberostar Selection Andalucía Playa, where you can enjoy a round of golf and savor fine dining at La Barrosa Beach.
10. Skydiving
Would you take the plunge from over 2,500 meters? Skydiving is a timeless thrill-seeker's favorite, offering more than just an adrenaline rush—it can boost your mood, enhance stress resilience, and improve sleep, all while delivering breathtaking views.
Málaga, with its ideal atmospheric conditions, is perfect for skydiving and other high-risk sports. You’ll find numerous centers and schools across the region offering skydiving, tandem jumps, and paragliding. After your exhilarating descent, you might work up an appetite. Satisfy your cravings at some of Málaga’s famous restaurants or enjoy the gourmet offerings at the Iberostar Selection Coral Beach resort, which features its own upscale beach club.
11. Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing, despite its water element, is one of the most exciting extreme air sports. Using a surfboard with an attached kite to your body, you not only ride the waves but also get to experiment with balance and soar through the air.
Fuerteventura’s beaches are renowned for their ideal kitesurfing conditions, offering both powerful waves and serene, wind-sheltered spots. During your stay at the Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace in Jandía, you’ll have the chance to explore this stunning coast, where golden sands and crystal-clear waters meet volcanic mountains.
12. Paragliding
Paragliding, which originated with mountaineers in the early 20th century who used it to descend swiftly from their conquered peaks, is now a thrilling sport enjoyed both in mountainous regions and near the coast. All you need is a wing and a healthy dose of bravery.
If you're heading to the Dominican Republic and are eager to try paragliding, Punta Cana is your go-to destination. Enjoy breathtaking aerial rides over the turquoise sea during boat excursions. At JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar, an art-filled haven on Bávaro Beach, you'll find that every room is a suite. Their commitment to sustainability seamlessly blends with luxury, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure.
