Heading to Europe… Try an Olympic Sport before London 2012

The 2012 Olympics are fast approaching, and as the world’s biggest celebration of sports hits London in 2012 you may be inspired to try one of the exciting sports yourselves. While London will be the place to be this Summer, Europe and further afield has some fantastic bases for sampling Olympic Sports. You will probably miss the notorious London weather as well…

Cycling in Majorca

Majorca sits to the east of Spain, and the Balearic Island has sporting heritage running throughout the Island. Majorca is the birth place of tennis sensation Rafael Nadal, and also has its own professional soccer team. However it’s the north of the Island that attracts visitors. The Tramuntana Mountains are visually stunning, full of rural culture and provide excellent views of the surrounding Mediterranean. The mountain range is also used as a training base for professional cyclists, with the hilly terrain and warm temperatures perfect for competing athletes.

On holidays to Majorca, spend time cycling the beautiful mountains and enjoy your very own Olympics preparation.

Sailing in the Algarve

Sailing remains one of the Olympics’ most popular sports, and Europe provides some of the best conditions to try the sport. The thrilling Algarve coastline provides a fantastic setting for sailing, with the Atlantic Ocean offering wild waters to explore. The coastline in the Algarve is renowned throughout Europe, with 78 blue flag beaches and rocky coves throughout the 160km stretch of beach.

Holidays to the Algarve offer the chance to explore some of Europe’s most beautiful coastline, try sailing in the resort of Vilamoura and spot dolphins close to the coast.

Canoeing in Marrakech

Canoeing is one of the Olympics’ most thrilling sports, with adrenalin pumping action guaranteed for those taking part and those watching. Sitting in the north of Africa, Marrakech is Morocco’s capital of culture and is host to the Atlas Mountains. With a short transfer from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, visitors can experience these natural wonders and explore the African outback on their own. The snow-capped mountains are full of natural fast waterways and perfect for trying canoeing. Spend exciting sunny days meandering through the water ways of Atlas Mountains and get the adrenalin pumping.

Beach Volleyball in Tenerife

Tenerife sits off the west coast of Africa, but the Island is actually owned by the Spanish. The exotic region guarantees hot weather and beautiful coastlines, perfect for those that want a mix of relaxation and play. Tenerife is also famous for its exotic black sand beaches, but it’s the Canary Island’s golden sands that are where the pre-Olympic action is. The island has a strong association with beach volleyball, with professional teams and nations visiting Arona in preparation for 2012. Head to Los Cristianos beach where there are volleyball courts ready to host the action.

Soccer in Barcelona

Barcelona has an abundance of Olympic history, and as host city of the 1992 Olympics it is ideal for those that want to sample the Olympic spirit. The city is also famous for its soccer team, FC Barcelona, whose saying is ‘Mes qu en club’ which translates as ‘more than a club’. Visit the impressive Olympic stadium and FC Barcelona’s 100,000 seat stadium. The club also host training ground days, where visitors can witness training and sample the beautiful game.