17 Adventurous Destinations For Spring – And What To Do When You're There

Springtime is not all about going to parks and festivals to marvel blooming flowers and admire nature's colors. The dream of enjoying the outdoors without the aid of gloves and parkas is about to come true. The season is synonymous with new beginnings, for some. For you, it's all about adventure.

This is where you go for some of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Portugal. The hills are covered in almond and olive trees. If you love wine, you picked the perfect destination. They have been producing wine in this region for over 2,000 years. Douro Valley has a variety of vineyards and incredible dining options. More active adventures include canoeing, biking, birdwatching, and going on an environmental cruise.

While you're in Morocco, consider making a trip to see the grandeur of the Sahara. Start with Fez. Sign up for a camel excursion. Mountain biking through villages with mud and stone houses is quite the challenge. Don't miss out on the opportunity to see Casablanca and Rabat, the ancient imperial cities in the country. If you have time, visit Marrakech, a major economic center and home to picturesque mosques, majestic palaces and beautiful gardens, and Chefchaouen, Morocco's stunning blue city.

Zion National Park is regal all year-round, but the weather is not. Avoid sweltering hot temperatures in the summer and enjoy your hike without having to worry about heat exhaustion. Spring is the time to see the waterfalls of Zion in their prime and the gorgeous contrast between the red rocks and the abundant green foliage. Angels Landing may have been named for its remote route, but the difficult trek is well worth the effort. The park is an increasingly popular place to pitch a tent.

With an area of about 930 square miles, rich in mountaineering possibilities, the region fascinates hikers and climbers. Ramsau, a small town situated among the highest peaks around Berchtesgaden in the Alps, offers couples the chance to enjoy the restorative mountain climate while they take in the views of the famous blue glaciers. In the valley it's possible to make a trip to St. Sebastian's church, a world-famous landscape painting motif.

Make the most of all the outdoor adventure opportunities Scottsdale and its nice weather in the spring have to offer. Go on a half-day mountain bike tour through the Sonoran Desert, home to some the Southwest's best mountain-biking trails, or on a kayak ride through the desert's Salt River, a lush oasis surrounded by red cliffs and wondrous wildlife. If you prefer safer sports, take a hike at Pinnacle Peak Park. The lively nightlife scene won't disappoint.

The bohemian town on the southernmost point in Europe is just about 10 miles from Africa where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean. Tourists enjoy spectacular views of the Rif Mountains of Africa across the water. Fans of all kinds of watersports, as well as party people, love to go there. Explore miles of sandy beaches and unspoiled countryside and work on your (wind) surfing skills at this popular location for the sport. Horse-riding, hang-gliding, kitesurfing, rock climbing and diving are also among visitors' favorite activities, according to Spain Holiday.

Most people associate the Grand Canyon with amazing hikes and whitewater rafting. But the national park has stunning beaches, too. In fact, the best way to get to them is by joining a rafting tour and camping on the sand overnight. These trips range in length from three to 21 days and are booked well in advance. Hiking, biking, overnight backpacking, and trips along the canyon rim are all available. Climb to the top of the stone Watchtower, which is 70 feet tall, for a panoramic view covering more than 100 miles. 

Arugam Bay is one of the most fun, and least expensive, Spring Break destinations. The charming beach town is surfers' favorite. This is the best place in the country to ride awesome waves. Many other water sports are also available. The beachfront guesthouses and oceanside restaurants will totally fit your budget because they are far from the popular beach resorts. The low season lasts until end of April. Get a scooter and explore the area and drive down to Kumana National Park; the roads are in good condition.

The Indonesian island east of Bali has always been overshadowed by its neighbor. But Lombok, with its beaches, cool surf spots, and lavish forests, is a thrilling place to visit. You also get to hike through tobacco and rice fields. Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia's second-highest volcano, is the island's most famous attraction. Others include Senggigi Beach for surfing, the Pusuk Monkey Forest, and waterfalls.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its 16 terraced lakes that are joined by waterfalls. The waters have flowed over the limestone and chalk for thousands of years, creating natural dams which have formed some of the most spectacular lakes, caves and waterfalls. (Just don't take any selfies in the park; it's actually quite dangerous.) You're also likely to meet bears, wolves, rare birds and butterflies that live in the vast forest that surrounds the lakes.

Hawaii's second largest island boasts a lush landscape littered with wondrous waterfalls, bamboo forests and, of course, sandy shores lined with palm trees, making it the ideal destination for nature lovers of all kinds. Surfing and scuba diving are just two exciting adventures you can embark on. Go rappelling and zip lining, explore lava fields, hike a volcano, or visit Haleakala. There you can also go paragliding, camping, biking down a volcano, and stargazing.

Mongolia is an off-the-grid destination you should definitely visit soon. It is still in its infancy with tourism but mature in scenery and natural beauty. It's only a matter of time before the world catches on. Be one of the few people who can say they lived a Nomadic life in rural Mongolia for a week. You can also go on a cycling tour around the county that includes nine nights of wild camping. Bike across wide-open grassland or go backpacking through expansive mountain scenery and through larch and pine forests.

The list of adventurous activities in this marvelous place, which you should explore while you still can, is endless. It is home to tons of unique wildlife and nature. It offers an incredible mix of tropical and polar species as well as volcanic rock landscapes. The islands are an ideal place to see penguins and sea lions. A dive into the waters of the Galapagos also offers the chance to encounter several species of sharks.

Tulum, a place known for its spectacular coastline, is the site of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city. Visit the Mayan ruins, swim in their gorgeous bright blue waters, go diving in El Gran Cenote – an underground cavern – and go snorkeling in one of their spectacular swimming holes. Playa Paraíso beach is still free, as are many of Tulum's shores, so you can save money.

Surfing during the day and then partying at night is what it's all about in this hidden gem in Nicaragua. There are over 15 easily accessible beaches, most teeming with fish and surf breaks; a few, like Playa Marsella are perfect for a quiet swim or snorkel, according to San Juan Live. Follow trails on horseback while howler monkeys shout from the trees; experience a natural high zipping through canopy lines strung through the hills; and hike to the lofty Jesus statue for an awe-inspiring view.

Santa Cruz Island is an ideal location for people looking to go on a one-day trip and short or long overnight camping trips. This is the easiest island to get to, has the best weather, and offers the most recreational activities, according to NPS. You will have quite the adventure because there are no services on the islands; there are no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived. Hiking, camping, watersports, fishing and wildlife viewing are among the most popular activities.

The Netherlands is perhaps the most bike-friendly country in the world. You can tour the entire country on two wheels and have the time of your life. The best time for a small group cycling is mid-spring. Visit the iconic Tulip Fields, one of the most colorful places on Earth. Holland's largest city, Amsterdam, is an absolute must. The beautiful century-old houses are stunning and an attraction of itself. The country's towns and villages are often pristine and have remained unchanged for many, many years.