Travel doesn’t have to slow down after 50…it just gets better. Active holidays over 50 are an ideal option if you want to explore, stay fit, and enjoy meaningful experiences without sacrificing comfort.
Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, cycling through wine country, or trying yoga by the sea, these adventures offer the perfect mix of movement, culture, and relaxation.
Find out more, below.
CONTENTS — In this article, you’ll discover 5 active holidays to consider if you’re over 50, including:
5 Types of Active Holidays Over 50
Active holidays are a fantastic way to combine travel with fitness, adventure, and memorable experiences.
Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, challenge yourself physically, or try something new with friends and family, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your tastes and ability levels.
From winter sports to water-based adventures, these holidays offer a balance of activity and relaxation. For example, ski holidays in France remain a firm favorite for thrill-seekers and snow lovers alike.
Here are some of the most popular active holiday types worth considering.
1. Skiing and Snowboarding Holidays
Need to get your heart pumping? There’s no better way to do it than by hitting the slopes.
Resorts across Europe offer world-class experiences, whether that means skiing or snowboarding.
And if you’ve never attempted it before, you’ll almost always find multiple experts willing to teach you the basics and help you enjoy the unique thrill of skiing.
If you’re looking for something fun and active, you can’t go wrong with booking a ski holiday in France, Italy, or elsewhere in Europe.
The challenge of new terrain and the rush of mountain air make every run exhilarating, especially if you’re planning active holidays over 50 and want to stay fit while embracing adventure.
After a day on the slopes, unwind with classic après-ski traditions. Warm up by the fire with a hot drink, soak tired muscles in a spa, or enjoy a gourmet meal with mountain views.
Many resorts feature cozy lodges, lively bars, and wellness centers, so you can relax, socialize, and recover before another day of adventure.
2. Cycling and Mountain Biking Breaks
If you want to mix and match between high-octane thrills and leisurely rides, then cycling is the best choice for you.
Whether you prefer mountain biking or road cycling, both can offer a combination of experiences that range from scenic to thrilling and back again.
For instance, taking a trip through the Alps is an exquisite experience that offers gorgeous scenery, combined with some exciting descents.
Of course, you don’t even have to go abroad to experience some incredible routes, with plenty of options scattered across the US and UK.
You can also choose electric bikes to take in the scenery with less effort, making longer rides easier and more enjoyable for active holidays over 50
3. Hiking and Walking Retreats
A holiday doesn’t need to be high-octane to be active. In fact, walking and hiking retreats offer some of the best ways to explore a new locale, while providing adequate exercise and keeping you fit.
Where you choose to go depends entirely on your ability and preferences.
For instance, Scotland has some breathtaking moorland views, suitable for beginners and experienced hikers alike.
Alternatively, if you want a real adventure, you could head for the mountainous Tour du Mont Blanc, which passes through Switzerland, Italy, and France.
For a less taxing option, consider gentle coastal walks or countryside trails where you can set your own pace and stop often to enjoy the view. You’d be surprised how many steps you’ll get in on these relaxed routes, making them perfect for active holidays over 50 without feeling overexerted.
4. Water Sports Adventures
Nothing quite beats a water sport adventure with the summer sun shining down.
Whether you’re kayaking between reefs, paddleboarding along plunging cliffs, or scuba diving among sunken shipwrecks, the sea is the perfect place for an adventure.
And if you prefer something faster paced, you can always take a jet ski for a spin.
For a gentler option, consider calm-water kayaking, paddleboarding on quiet lakes, or snorkeling in shallow coves.
These activities still keep you moving and engaged while letting you enjoy the ocean at your own pace — ideal for active holidays over 50 that balance fun with relaxation.
Any coastal location across Europe is sure to offer a range of exceptional activities, but our favorites include Croatia, Italy, and Spain. These countries have truly outstanding coastlines, which make the perfect backdrop for a range of thrilling activities.
5. Yoga and Wellness Retreats
If you’re seeking a more balanced approach to an active holiday, yoga and wellness retreats offer the perfect blend of movement and mindfulness.
But don’t underestimate them, because you can choose dynamic styles like Vinyasa or Power Yoga where you’ll work up a sweat while improving strength, balance, and flexibility.lness.
These escapes combine daily yoga sessions, nature walks, and healthy cuisine with plenty of time to relax and recharge.
Whether you’re practicing sunrise yoga by the sea in Portugal or joining a wellness retreat in the Tuscan countryside, this kind of getaway leaves you refreshed in both body and mind.
It’s a good reminder that activity doesn’t always have to mean intensity.
Final Thoughts on Active Holidays Over 50
Active holidays over 50 are about embracing new adventures while keeping wellness and joy at the heart of travel. You might carve down snowy slopes, cycle through quiet countryside, or unwind at a yoga retreat by the sea.
These experiences prove that staying active has no age limit. You can challenge yourself, connect with nature, and still take time to relax.
The best journeys keep your body moving and your spirit inspired long after you return home.
About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF
I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years. With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality. Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! Follow my social channels for more inspiration.
Next Steps
For more tips on active holidays over 50, read these articles from Enjoy Travel Life next:
- Healthy Travel: 5 Exciting Ways to Stay Active and Energized
- 7 Ways to Stay Fit While Traveling: Easy Wellness, To-Go
- Travel and Fitness: An Easy Guide to Healthy Practices When You Travel
- Active Living for Seniors: Why You Should Start Now (If You Haven’t Already)
- Yoga By The Beach: 8 Easy Tips for The Best Experience
- 10 Popular All Season Sports You Can Master Anytime, Anywhere!
- Exciting, Ageless Adventures: Your Passport to Timeless Thrills