The Best Countries for Thrill-seekers

As the demand for adrenaline-fueled experiences continues to grow, we sought to find out which countries are the best for thrill-seekers.

To do this, we assessed and analysed seven factors across over 60 countries worldwide, including:

To ensure precision in evaluating each country’s abundance (or scarcity) of thrill factors, we calculated a final Adrenaline Index score out of 10, taking into account each country’s population size to increase the accuracy of our data. Let’s dive into the results.

The best countries for adrenaline junkies

1. France (8.86/10)

France is the ultimate thrill-seeker’s paradise, scoring a remarkable 8.86 out of 10 on our adrenaline scale. Iconic mountain ranges, such as the Pyrenees and Alps, offer over 720,000 hiking trails, and the formidable Mont Blanc, towering at 4,810 metres, is a highlight.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Cliff jumping in the Calanques, rock climbing in Provence, and glacier cycling are just a few activities for adrenaline junky daredevils awaiting in France, resulting in the top spot on our list.

2. Mexico (8.56/10)

Mexico comes in second place, with a score of 8.56 out of 10. Beyond its renowned fiestas and refreshing margaritas, Mexico beckons with action-packed activities for thrill seekers. Scale the iconic snow-capped cone of Pico de Orizaba, towering at 5,636 metres above sea level, or conquer one of the world’s largest sport climbing areas at El Potrero Chico.

For a different kind of thrill, indulge in the excitement of gambling at any of Mexico’s 364 casinos.

3. Spain (8.41/10)

Spain closely trails behind Mexico with a score of 8.41 out of 10. Despite having fewer than a quarter of the number of casinos that Mexico has, Spain boasts a secret weapon when it comes to experiences for adrenaline junkies—its outdoor attractions.

With over 10,000 rock climbing trails and more than 6.4 million mountain bike tracks, Spain leads the pack in these key factors. Climbers flock to challenging sites like the limestone cliffs of Montserrat in Catalonia, while Zona Zero in Ainsa shines as a top mountain biking destination, offering an extensive network of trails against the stunning backdrop of the Pyrenees.

4. Argentina (8.34/10)

Argentina is the first South American country in the top 10, clinching fourth place with a score of 8.34 out of 10. With 172 casinos, 308 rock climbing trails, and over 300,000 hiking trails, Argentina’s allure as an adventure destination is undeniable.

A standout feature is Aconcagua, towering nearly 7,000 metres, the highest peak in the Americas and outside Asia. Despite its majestic stature, Aconcagua bears a grim reputation, earning the nickname “Mountain of Death” due to its high mortality rate, claiming an average of three lives per year.

5. United States (8.16/10)

According to our study, the United States ranks as the fifth-best country for adrenaline junkies. With a staggering 2,937 casinos, the US surpasses Italy by 197% for this factor, a fact hardly surprising given the prominence of casino hotspots such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Additionally, the US boasts over 900 rollercoasters and is home to Denali in Alaska, the highest summit in the United States and North America by 702m—the next tallest being Mount Saint Elias on the Yukon and Alaska border.

6. Italy (8.04/10)

Italy is the last in the top 10 to score over eight (8.04/10) on our Adrenaline Index. The country boasts over 1.6 million hiking trails, surpassing the United States in fifth with 753,700 more mountain bike trails and 1,209 more rock climbing trails by comparison.

Via Ferrata, combining scrambling and rock climbing, is among the most popular experiences for adrenaline junkies in Italy. The Dolomites, especially around Cortina d’Ampezzo, offer numerous Via Ferrata routes suitable for various skill levels.

7. Brazil (7.84/10)

Another South American powerhouse for adrenaline enthusiasts is Brazil, ranking seventh in our top 10 with a score of 7.84 out of 10. Brazil’s abundance of outdoor activities makes it an unmissable adventure destination. It boasts over 1.2 million hiking trails and an impressive number of off-road trails (195,000). This surpasses Spain by 80,000, which ranks second for the highest number of off-road trails.

Two of Brazil’s top adrenaline-fueled activities include hang gliding and paragliding in Rio de Janeiro and surfing in Florianopolis, both situated in southern Brazil.

8. Colombia (7.79/10)

Colombia secures eighth position in our ranking of the best countries for thrill-seekers, scoring 7.79 out of 10. Colombia boasts over 230,000 mountain bike trails and over 210,000 hiking trails. The Gateway to South America is also home to an impressive peak, Pico Cristóbal Colón, standing at 5,700 metres and adorned with a permanent snowcap.

Similar to the United States, Colombia is a popular adventure destination for whitewater rafting, especially in San Gil, known as the adventure capital of Colombia. The Suarez and Chicamocha Rivers provide thrilling rapids suitable for beginners and experienced rafters, making it a top destination for adrenaline enthusiasts worldwide.

9. Turkey (7.49/10)

Turkey is ninth on our Adrenaline Index, with a score of 7.49 out of 10. Turkey is a great all-around destination, offering a healthy amount of indoor and outdoor activities. The country boasts 122 rock climbing trails, which is 26 more than the United States and Germany combined. With 282,000 hiking trails, Turkey also has close to twice as many hiking trails as nearby holiday destination Greece.

One of the most exhilarating activities on offer in Turkey is a skydive over the ancient city of Ephesus. In this unique skydive, you drop into the city that was once the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

10. Germany (7.17/10)

Germany secures the final spot in our top 10, scoring 7.17 thanks to its 400+ casinos and 283 roller coasters. However, it falls short in outdoor pursuits compared to other contenders. For instance, Germany has almost 236 times fewer rock climbing trails than Spain, with Germany home to just 45 compared to Spain’s 10,600.

Adrenaline enthusiasts seeking thrills should head to the Nürburgring, a renowned racing circuit in Nürburg, Germany. The Nordschleife, or “North Loop” track, provides a distinctive chance to test driving skills and savour the adrenaline rush of navigating its twists, turns, and elevation changes!

UK adrenaline junkies score 6.69/10

The United Kingdom narrowly missed the top 10 and ranked 13th out of the 61 countries analysed in our study. Scoring 6.69 out of 10, the UK stands out for its significant number of casinos (751), 211 roller coasters, and 118,000 hiking trails in our Adrenaline Index.

However, if you’re seeking high peaks, the UK might not be your top choice. Its highest peak, Ben Nevis in Scotland, stands at 1,345 metres—some 5,000 metres smaller than Argentina’s highest peak, Aconcagua.

Coasteering is a popular activity for adrenaline junkies in the UK. It entails navigating a rocky coastline through climbing, swimming, and cliff jumping, and thrill seekers can explore sea caves, leap into the ocean from elevated points, and tackle challenging coastal terrain. With its rugged coastline, the UK offers ideal coasteering conditions, with spots like Pembrokeshire in Wales and the Jurassic Coast in England being favourites.

5 countries not recommended for adrenaline junkies

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have identified some countries that may not be ideal destinations for adrenaline junkies, significantly lagging in all our Adrenaline Index categories. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Egypt (1.97/10)

With a score of 1.97 out of 10, Egypt secures the top spot among the countries we wouldn’t recommend for thrill-seeking explorers. Despite having a handful of casinos and roller coasters (28 and 23, respectively), Egypt lacks rock climbing trails (0) and offers around three-and-a-half times fewer hiking trails compared to Thailand (5,890 vs 1,610, respectively).

2. Kenya (2.27/10)

Kenya shares second place with Tanzania, both scoring 2.27 out of 10. While Kenya has 21 fewer rollercoasters and 450 fewer hiking trails than Egypt, it boasts a greater number of off-road trails (509), marking a 102% difference compared with Egypt for this criteria.

Additionally, Kenya stands out for its highest peak, Mount Kenya, reaching 5,199 metres, making it the second-highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro.

2. Tanzania (2.27/10)

In our top five countries not recommended for thrill-seekers, Tanzania is next. It boasts 1,720 more hiking trails and 14 more off-road trails compared to Kenya, with has 2,880 and 523, respectively. Additionally, Tanzania’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, surpasses Kenya’s highest peak by over 600 metres.

However, Tanzania only has eight casinos, four roller coasters, and one rock climbing trail. As a result, thrill-seekers might find it challenging to satisfy their adventurous spirit in this spot.

3. Luxembourg (2.38/10)

Luxembourg follows Kenya and Tanzania with a score of 2.38 out of 10. Despite its low scores in various factors (such as having only one casino, no roller coasters, and just one rock climbing trail), Luxembourg compensates with a significant number of mountain bike trails. It boasts over 7,700 mountain bike tracks, exceeding the number available in Thailand, Egypt, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Luxembourg also stands out for its extensive network of hiking trails. With 51,900 trails, it holds the highest number for this criteria among all the countries in the bottom five locations in our Adrenaline Index. To put that into perspective, Thailand has nearly nine times fewer hiking trails (5,890), while Kenya has nearly 45 times fewer (1,160).

4. Thailand (2.38/10)

With a score of only 2.38 out of 10, Thailand ranks as the joint fourth country we wouldn’t recommend for adrenaline junkies. This is primarily due to Thailand’s very low scores in each of the categories analysed in our study, like the number of rock climbing trails (2).

Thailand also offers just 1,160 mountain bike trails and 82 off-road trails. That’s nearly 164 fewer mountain bike trails and 223 fewer off-road trails compared to what can be found in France, the leading country for adrenaline junkies.

Methodology

*Before engaging in gambling activities, it’s important to thoroughly review the rules and regulations governing gambling in various countries.