Take the family on an active holiday in Spain

Family walking holidays and cycling breaks offer a great way of keeping fit while spending time with your loved ones in a scenic destination - and where better to do just that than in Spain?

The country's sunny climate and many diverse landscapes are ideal for enjoyable walks and other active pursuits, with particular highlights including the areas of Andalucia, Catalonia and Mallorca.

Andalucia is especially perfect for active self catering holidays thanks to its spectacular mountain scenery and wide array of cottage accommodation.

Whatever your level of fitness, there's sure to be a walk for you in this part of Spain. For example, if you want a gentle walk, you could follow the 8 km Llano de Ravel route that takes you to the fringes of the Pinsapo forest before heading to the bottom of the valley where you can relax at your leisure.

Alternatively, the tougher 14 km Secret Valley walk amply rewards holidaymakers by leading you from Grazalema to the Blackthorn Mountains - or the Sierra del Endrinal - and beyond to a picturesque valley setting complete with the ruins of a farmhouse.

There are many other things to do on a Spain family activity holiday in this region of the country. Why not explore the laidback pueblos blancos - whitewashed villages - dotted around the area, or perhaps visit the Hundidero and Gato caves near Montejaque for a glimpse of rock paintings believed to be tens of thousands of years old?

If you would prefer to keep active, you might want to take advantage of local activities such as archery, orienteering, rock climbing, kayaking and mountain biking.

For a walking holiday that incorporates rolling green valleys rather than mountain scenery, the Aracena Sierra part of Andalucia could be perfect. Look out for birds such as eagles, vultures and herons while taking routes that run along riverbanks, to the top of the cliffs and via groves of chestnut trees.

Other attractions here include the Gruta de las Maravillas - or Cave of Wonders - at the town of Aracena, which features some striking arrangements of stalagmites and stalactites, along with underground lakes.

If you're looking for family walking holidays in Catalonia, you will find plenty to enjoy here. Situated in north-east Spain, the region boasts some beautiful coastal scenery as well as some fascinating towns, villages and cities to spend a day in.

Inland walks take you close to vineyards and medieval farmhouses, while the coastline offers the chance to explore the beaches along a section of the Costa Brava.

You can choose to stay in self catering accommodation or book a package that involves hotel-to-hotel walks.

To really get away from it all, why not consider active self catering holidays in Mallorca? The southern part of the island is relatively unspoiled and features some picturesque villages and scenery comprising undulating plains inland and salt flats and sand dunes along the coast.

The destination is perfect getting on two wheels and going cycling - this is a wonderful way to see the highlights of the island as you make your way along the peaceful lanes of the various market towns and villages in the south, stopping to sample local produce such as wine and apricots.

Just a few of the sights you can take in while in this part of Mallorca include the town of Campos, the white sand beach at Es Trenc and the island of Cabrera, which is uninhabited and is home to some fascinating marine life.