Benidorm, on the eastern coast of Spain, is nestled in the small region of Alicante. A former fishing village, it is now a popular Mediterranean destination with tourists looking to soak up some sunshine. What’s more, its miles of uninterrupted coastline make it perfect for water sports, and here are three of the best.

Sea kayaking in Marco Polo

If you have tried your hand at kayaking before and are keen to try something a bit different, then sea kayaking could be the sport for you. Marco Polo Expediciones on the Avenue de Europa offer a 2-hour sea kayak leaving from Benidorm’s main harbour and is the perfect way to explore Benidorm Bay. Stop off at some of Benidorm’s most popular beaches like Levante and Poniente. Prices start at 28 euros for children under 12 and 35 euros for adults; this includes kayak rental and insurance.

Scuba diving in Avda La Vila Joiosa

Benidorm is a fantastic place for those who love to scuba dive, as there are a number of diving facilities which cater both for people who have never done it before, and those who want to book themselves on to specialist courses and gain further certification. Nisos Dive Centre is in the Avda La Vila Joiosa, and offers guests the chance to explore the Bay of Benidorm’s marline life in style. Head to Poniente beach, where boats leave every 5 minutes, transporting visitors to the centre.

Sea trekking in Paseo Colón

Diving Stones in Paseo Colón is located directly in the harbour, so there is no need to carry around heavy diving equipment (which is especially hard if you are visiting at peak season, as it can be very hot). The centre offers a variety of courses, both for first timers and experienced water sports enthusiasts. If you find the thought of scuba diving a little intimidating, sea trekking can be a great place to start. Visitors are given a helmet to wear (your face and head remain completely dry and you can breathe normally) and are submerged at around 15-20 feet under the water. It’s a great opportunity to give underwater diving a try whilst remaining at a reassuring depth below the surface.

Benidorm holidays are available all year round, but if you are looking for the best weather for water sports, try visiting mid to late august, when the sea is warm. Make sure you check out the weather conditions in advance, as many sports could be called off if the sea is a little choppy.

When it comes to visiting a place on holiday, there are a lot of factors that make one place more or less desirable. Perhaps you’re a gastronome and want to sample the local cuisines at their most authentic. You may be a historian and fancy the opportunity to see the very places where pivotal moments went down. You may just be someone who loves beautiful scenery, which is not lacking in this world.

Whatever it is you crave, the chances are that Europe is at an advantage in providing it. With the continent closely connected in a political and transport sense, Europe is a place where you can hop from country to country. In each stop along the way, you will find each place has its own unique character. Europe has been a hub of population and travel for many centuries and, as such, has accrued a lot of culture and history.

Due to the gifts nature has bestowed, major European cities and holiday destinations are easy to reach in a number of ways. Perhaps the most rewarding way to see these is by river. One could argue for hours over which is the best European river cruise. Everyone will have their own opinion, and plenty of reasons to back it up. One thing is for sure, at the end of the conversation you’ll be struck with wanderlust.

River cruises are such a special way to see Europe because rivers played such a pivotal part in its history. As with anywhere else, towns and cities grew up around these, and in Europe they became home to such eras as the Renaissance.

Its modern history and the further-off periods have seen war, peace and industrial development. All of this has created cities with art, architecture and culture that must be seen.

A trip along the Danube, for example, will take you through such delights as Vienna, Budapest and Munich. The former two were once major centers of European power and although this has receded, the history remains. Spectacular views, sumptuous cuisine and wines. And if you visit at the right time, the chance to sample Munich’s famous Oktoberfest. All in all, it’s a trip of a lifetime.

Perhaps, though, your wanderlust will take you further West, to the delights of the Seine and the Rhone, from which you can see France and Spain. Trips to Paris are never wasted, and there’s much to see in Provence, a region that people visit once and then decide to move there. With Barcelona a short train ride away, you can experience some of Europe’s most unforgettable cities.

With the Rhine and the Mosel available too, you can see less talked about gems. The castles and cathedrals of Luxembourg, Nuremburg and Prague are all more than worth a visit. You’ll be well advised to pack extra film for your camera or a spare memory card for your phone. You certainly won’t run out of things to photograph, eat or visit.

In short, Europe is home to many countries, languages and ways of life. In one week or fortnight, you can take in enough for several holidays and you’ll still have more to save for your next trip. What more could a voyager ask for?