As the calendar flips to 2026, the world of travel is abuzz with a renewed focus on adventure, sustainability, and the thrill of the great outdoors. Three destinations—Costa Rica’s Nosara, Portugal’s Algarve, and the wilds of Romania—are capturing the imaginations of travelers and industry insiders alike, each offering unique experiences that promise both adrenaline and tranquility.
On January 5, 2026, Forbes released its much-anticipated list of the top 10 adventure travel destinations for the year. Among the global heavyweights, Nosara in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province stood out, not just for its world-class surf but also for its steadfast commitment to sustainable tourism. According to Forbes, Nosara’s appeal lies in its “position in a quieter part of Guanacaste, where visitors find fewer crowds than in other coastal areas.” It’s a place where the rhythm of the waves at Playa Guiones draws both seasoned surfers and eager beginners, all united by a love for the ocean and the pursuit of the perfect ride.
But it’s not just the surf that sets Nosara apart. The town’s ethos is deeply rooted in conservation, with many local businesses—often family-owned—placing environmental stewardship at the heart of their operations. This approach, as Forbes notes, “helps preserve the area’s natural features while offering travelers a way to engage responsibly.” Nosara’s community has worked diligently to maintain its laid-back character, ensuring that development supports rather than overwhelms the environment. Visitors can expect more than just surfing: yoga sessions, wildlife spotting, and long walks along protected beaches round out the experience, with accommodations ranging from boutique hotels to eco-friendly lodges that often integrate surf programs and sustainable practices.
This recognition is more than a feather in Nosara’s cap. Adventure tourism is a booming sector, valued at over $400 billion globally and projected to grow by nearly 17 percent each year through the end of the decade. For Costa Rica, and especially for communities like Nosara, such accolades are a boon, supporting economic growth beyond the country’s major tourist hubs. As the world’s appetite for active, nature-based travel grows, Nosara is poised to attract international visitors who stay longer and contribute more to the local economy. Local operators are already preparing for the expected uptick in visitors by expanding sustainable initiatives, from reef protection to waste reduction programs, ensuring that the area’s natural beauty remains intact for generations to come.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Portugal’s Algarve region is launching into 2026 “full of energy,” according to André Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Association (ATA). The region’s ambitious international promotion program, announced on January 5, aims to connect directly with eight strategic markets through a whirlwind of tourism fairs and events spanning from the Netherlands to Switzerland and the United States. “Throughout January, we will be present in some of the world’s biggest tourism fairs as well as highly specialised events,” Gomes explained, highlighting the Algarve’s strategy to showcase its “diversity” and maintain a strong presence across different markets and segments.
Outdoor experiences are front and center in the Algarve’s 2026 agenda. Walking, cycling, and nature-based tourism are being promoted as core offerings, tapping into the global demand for active and sustainable travel products. The region’s year-round mild climate and unique natural landscapes make it an ideal playground for adventure seekers. The Algarve’s January schedule is packed: from the Vakantiebeurs in the Netherlands (January 7-8), to the London Adventure Travel Show (January 10-11), and on through major fairs in Austria, Finland, Germany, Spain, Ireland, and Switzerland. There’s even a dedicated press trip for the UK’s Woman & Home magazine, set to spotlight the Santa Bárbara de Nexe Walking Festival.
Each event is tailored to highlight the Algarve’s strengths—its sun-drenched beaches, world-class golf courses, nautical tourism potential, and, above all, its versatile outdoor lifestyle. Gomes emphasized that this intense promotional push “sets the tone for the year ahead,” reinforcing the Algarve’s ambition to position itself as a “versatile, authentic and competitive destination” throughout 2026. By investing in close relationships with international markets and supporting regional tourism businesses, the ATA hopes to draw travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure, while ensuring that the region’s unique character and environment are preserved.
Not to be outdone, Romania is emerging as Europe’s new darling for nature lovers and eco-tourists. Reports from January 5 and 6, 2026, highlighted Romania as a rising star on the adventure travel scene, with its rugged Carpathian Mountains, vast forests, and ancient volcanic landscapes—especially in the Harghita region—offering a raw and unspoiled alternative to more commercialized destinations like Iceland. As noted by recent travel features, “Romania’s volcanic wonders, such as the Harghita region, which boasts active volcanic mountains, offer an unspoiled escape for thrill-seekers.”
Romania’s tourism industry is undergoing a renaissance, with increasing numbers of visitors drawn by its natural beauty and commitment to sustainability. The government has invested in eco-tourism infrastructure, including eco-lodges, hiking paths, and natural reserves, all while prioritizing low-impact travel. The Carpathian Mountains, stretching across the heart of the country, are home to unique flora and fauna and offer some of Europe’s most challenging and rewarding hiking routes. The Transfăgărășan Highway, which snakes through the Făgăraș Mountains, is often hailed as one of the most beautiful driving routes in the world, attracting adventure seekers and photographers alike.
Romania’s volcanic terrain, particularly the Harghita Volcanoes, remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism. Travelers can explore these sites by foot, bike, or horseback, ensuring minimal environmental disruption. The Danube Delta, one of Europe’s largest and most biodiverse wetlands, offers further opportunities for nature exploration. According to recent reports, “Romania is investing in eco-tourism infrastructure while prioritizing sustainability and low-impact travel,” setting an example for other countries seeking to balance tourism growth with environmental preservation.
As adventure tourism surges worldwide, these three destinations are redefining what it means to connect with nature. Whether it’s catching a wave in Nosara, cycling through Algarve’s coastal trails, or hiking Romania’s volcanic craters, travelers in 2026 are spoiled for choice. Each place offers its own blend of excitement and serenity, underpinned by a shared commitment to sustainability and authentic local experiences. For those planning their next great escape, the message is clear: the world’s wild places are open for exploration—just remember to tread lightly.
