Do you prefer mountains or the sea? You may have been asked this question before. I always hesitate and try to explain how I love both. There is a good chance that if you are reading this article that you cannot choose either, and that is fine, since there are places on this wonderful Earth where you can enjoy both. We often connect nature to activities and sports we enjoy doing. There are some spots around the world that offer both mountain and water activities.

Europe is blessed with beautiful coasts, either in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, or up in the North Sea. The same goes for mountain ranges. There are plenty of both, but which one has it all? The following small countries show how sea, mountains, and culture can all be combined in one trip, without having to miss out on anything. The only thing that requires deciding is in what order you want to explore, and from there on, you can simply let nature and history guide you.

Cyprus

Starting off in a hot climate, Cyprus delivers a beautiful Mediterranean mountainous terrain and some of the cleanest waters in Europe. Troodos is the country's largest mountain range, covering one-third of the country’s area and featuring the highest peak, Mount Olympus, reaching 1,952 meters. Troodos delivers beautiful scenery, with great hiking and mountain bike paths, for all sports fans, regardless of experience. Caledonia Waterfalls and Prodromos loops are two of the most stunning mountain bike trails located in the mountain range. Surprisingly to some, it might be the fact that, despite Cyprus’s hot climate, ski lovers will still find resorts in the wintertime to follow their passion.

One thing that Cyprus does not lack is beaches and plenty of sea to enjoy some great activities. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and kite- and windsurfing are some of the most popular ones. There is a vast blue world to discover, either under or above the surface. The good news is, with enough motivation, there is something for every level of expertise. You can stay either in the shallow waters and explore the area around the shore, or you can choose to go out in deep waters and witness some Mediterranean marine life in its habitat. The pink flabellina nudibranch, a colorful sea slug; the green turtle; and the common octopus are only some of Cyprus’ unique sea creatures to discover.

After all that movement, a stroll through Cyprus’s ancient locations will feel like a breeze but will definitely be worth it. The country is full of rich history and culture, with ancient ruins appearing almost in every corner. The Tombs of the Kings, located near Kato Paphos, are one of the most well-known and are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the tombs date back to the 4th century BC. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, located in Kouklia Village (near Paphos). Although geographically not far from the tombs, chronologically they are miles away, since the sanctuary dates back to the 12th century BC. If you find yourself on the south coast of Cyprus, near Lemesos, the Ancient Kurion (12th century BC) is worth a visit. With its numerous sites from different time periods, the ancient city is a true historic gem.

Albania

Albania could be considered one of Europe’s most underrated countries. One look at its scenery, and one should realize that this is completely unjustified. Its geographical position provides the country with great sea access, high mountains with beautiful Mediterranean terrain, and rich Balkan history. Its small size is of great advantage when exploring the country, since the sea and the mountains are never far away from each other. This closeness makes the views stunning from every part of Albania. Since it is not overrun by tourists, water activities, like scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, can be relaxing and fun. Swimming between the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, through caves and ancient rock formations, can quickly become an unforgettable experience.

One of Europe’s most beautiful mountain ranges is located in Albania, the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps), with their highest point, Maja Jezercë, at 2,694 meters. Featuring stunning glacier lakes, coastal cliffs, and magical forests, they are a dream for nature lovers. And of course, where there are mountains, there is adventure, something that can be found in the Albanian mountains as well. Beautiful hiking paths, through diverse alpine and Mediterranean terrain, leave very little to be desired. The good news is, there are mountain activities regardless of which season you visit. Just be open to exploring the natural habitat, and Albania will leave you amazed.

Being an underrated country often means the history remains unknown too, which is a pity because Albania's history is fascinating. And a fascinating history usually leaves its traces. Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring ancient ruins from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian settlements. The historic ruins date back to the 7th century BC. Located on the Balkan Peninsula, a lot of cultural exchange took place over the years. Hence, Greek cities like Apollonia, from 600 BC, can be found in Albania as well. The Greek colony was founded on an abandoned site close to the Aous (Vjosë) River. Hundreds of years later, during the Middle Ages, Krujë Castle was built and later ruled by the Albanian lord Skanderbeg. The castle is well-preserved, and it provides an illuminating window into Albanian efforts to resist the Ottoman Empire.

Portugal

On the other side of the European continent, another small and beautiful country can be found, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is famous for its beaches and excellent conditions for practicing water sports. Surfing, for example, is very beloved in Portugal, and for a good reason. Whether you are a beginner or a highly advanced wave rider, you will find something according to your needs. Some of the most famous beginner spots are Costa de Caparica, near Lisbon; Arrifana, near the Algarve; and Figueira da Foz, in the north. Advanced surfers will not be disappointed either. With world-famous spots like Ribeira d'Ilhas, near Ericeira, Praia do Norte (Nazaré), and Praia do Zavial, near the Algarve, Portugal delivers top-level waves.

However, this is not all Portugal has to offer its visitors. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and kite- and windsurfing are also great ways to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its small size, Portugal has a diverse natural environment, offering hikes with an impressive ocean view. The country’s highest mountain is Mount Pico, located on the Azores island, with its peak reaching 2,351 meters. It is followed by the mainland’s highest mountain, Mount Torre (Serra de Estrela), with an elevation of 1,993 meters. Adventurers will find happiness here as well, from easy wanders to complex hikes to highly demanding sports, like kayaking, climbing, and mountain biking.

Portugal not only has a distinctive natural environment but also a rich culture that spans many centuries. Almendres Cromlech outside Évora is a collection of nearly 100 megaliths arranged in a circle, dating back to 6,000–3,000 BC, which makes it Portugal’s oldest site. Another site that looks like it was taken out of a fantasy book is Castro de São Lourenço, located in a forest above Esposende. The almost 3,000-year-old hillfort with its stone houses and mystical paths is a must-see for every history lover. Due to its notable position in Roman history, ruins from these times can be found at many places. The Roman Temple of Évora, Conímbriga Roman Ruins, and Villa Romana do Rabaçal are just some of them. Portuguese history does not stop there, though. There is a lot more to discover.

Ireland

The last stop on this Europe tour is a small island in the northeast Atlantic: Éire. Maybe not the first one that pops to mind when thinking about mountains, but it certainly has something to offer in that category. While Ireland may not be able to compete with Alpine territory, its mountains are still beautiful and unique. At 1,038 meters, Carrauntoohil is the country’s highest point and part of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. If the weather is agreeable and the view is clear, you can watch the waves forming in the ocean. The most popular path for climbing the mountain is Devil’s Ladder, from Cronin’s Yard. Also starting from the same point is another route called MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Another path, a bit less challenging in comparison to the other two, is one called Zigzags (Bóthar na Gíge), which brings you to the top through zigzag paths.

Ireland is home to the typical northern Atlantic terrain, where blue water meets green, steep cliffs. A landscape as if it were taken straight out of a fairy tale. There are a number of guided tours one can take around the island’s sites and national parks. But you can explore Ireland from the water as well. Regardless of your experience, you can try out various sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, and swimming. The wilderness of the Atlantic Ocean and the colder climate turn this experience into a real adventure. With a little luck, you can also become a witness to the world’s second-biggest fish’s feeding process. The basking shark is an iconic part of Ireland’s waters and can usually be observed when it comes to the surface to feed. Some other marine friends you could see are humpback or fin whales, as well as orcas, depending on the season.

Once you have set foot in Ireland, exploring the culture and history is mandatory. There are countless historical sites that are completely captivating. One of them is Carrowmore (Ceathrú Mór) Megalithic Cemetery, near Sligo Town. This site contains the remains of more than 35 passage tombs built nearly 6,000 years ago. For fans of medieval history, Ireland is a true paradise, since it is home to an estimated 30,000 castles. Some of the most famous medieval sites are Carlow Castle, Hore Abbey, Dublinia, Jerpoint Park, Kilkenny Castle, and many more. Ireland’s thousands-of-years-old history can still be seen and felt in every part of the island.

Combining the sea, mountains, and history in one single trip is an excellent option for every person who cannot decide which of these to choose or focus on. Thanks to the small size of these countries, combining everything is more than doable without even having to be on the road all day. We do not have to decide between nature and culture, or mountains and sea. These places deliver all three, and even in different variations. From hot Mediterranean terrain to the wild Atlantic Ocean, you can see it all.